From Toys to Thrills: Ryan Perkins' Epic Creation

Imagine building a working replica of the world’s tallest dive coaster—using nothing but toy construction blocks! That’s exactly what Ryan Perkins, a passionate 27-year-old YouTuber, accomplished in just five to six weeks, crafting the Yukon Striker from an astonishing 60,000 K’nex pieces.

A Lifelong Love for Coasters

Growing up, Perkins was enamored with roller coasters and theme parks, especially Thorpe Park in Surrey, England. His fascination with K’nex started in his childhood, inspired by elaborate builds from others. Perkins revealed, "I always wanted to challenge myself, especially after seeing a 20-foot replica of Kingda Ka. This year, I finally made a 27-foot tall K’nex roller coaster!"

Yukon Striker: A Record-Breaking Marvel

The Yukon Striker, located at Canada’s Wonderland, is not just a ride; it holds the title of the tallest dive coaster in the world at 245 feet and was recognized for being the fastest floorless coaster, reaching impressive speeds of 130 km/h. This beast of a coaster spans 3,625 feet, captivating thrill-seekers since its debut.

Building Challenges and Triumphs

Perkins tackled the challenge of construction in segments due to limited space in his bedroom, eventually managing to connect the entire track measuring about six feet long. He meticulously crafted each section, ensuring the coaster would operate correctly. "I built it backward, section by section, to test each new element's speed and smoothness as I went along," he explained.

Delving into the Build

On his YouTube channel, TheKnexMaker, which has gained significant traction, Perkins documents the entire creation process. His video has drawn over 50,000 viewers since its launch on July 31, showcasing detailed step-by-step methods including a 3D-printed replica of the coaster train. He highlights the most thrilling parts to construct, such as the zero-G roll and the Immelmann inversion, revealing that the zero-G roll posed the biggest challenge due to its complexity.

Community Cheers for Creativity

Once fully assembled, Perkins showcased his masterpiece in the communal yard of his home, delighting neighborhood kids who marveled at the miniature coaster. "They’re always excited to see it in action!" he shared.

Praise from the Pros

Canada's Wonderland recognized Perkins' impressive effort, with Grace Peacock, their public relations director, stating, "Ryan’s detailed model work is truly remarkable. He beautifully captured the essence of Yukon Striker, including its thrilling drops and loops!"

The Adventure Awaits

Though Perkins has yet to ride the actual Yukon Striker, he remains hopeful for the day he can experience the real thrill of the ride that inspired his incredible creation.