Ideas!

[Josh73]

Okay, I know I don't get on here much, but I really need some help. In tech class (shop class), our assignment is to build a flat ride out of wood, pulleys, motors, etc. Anybody got any simple yet unique rides I could build?

 

[Lofty]

A pirate ship or something similar might be quite easy to make?

 

[Hixee]

^A pirate ship could actually prove more difficult that you'd imagine. You have to have the power source alternating directions, so you either need to do:
-what they do in real life and have wheels that push the ship in one direction then drop out of the way and let the other side work
-some sort of control unit on the motor that changes it's direction
-some kinda of free-wheel type mechanism that would allow the ship to only be powered in one direction.

I think your best bet will be something with just circular rotation involved (ie, no oscillations). What about something like a Scrambler (easy with pulleys etc), Enterprise, Carousel, Starflyer?

 

[Mike]

How about a Whip-style ride?

Something like this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKDZfi00jpY[/youtube]

 

[Ethan]

Drop tower? I have NO scientific knowledge...

 

[Intricks]

Sky swat or whatever those odd things are called.

 

[Josh73]

^ Ohh, that's a good one. I'll consult my **** partner and get back to you guys.

 

[furie]

Drop tower? I have NO scientific knowledge...

I made a drop tower out of Lego once for a CF competition... And a big wheel made out of paper sheep.

So anything should be pretty simple with real building materials

 

[dominoes]

I made a chairswing in my class, but I guess that is too easy. How about a ride like Midnight Express?

You would have the cars free swinging. Then the center bar runs along a runner, and is attached to a spinning center. The center bar is attached to the spinning center by a hinge.