Hey all
So I set out to figure out how to build a newton ramp and came up with my own mechanism instead. With 7 newtons and very little terraforming (total cost ~1600) I can sling Jacks up to around 80 elmos (so a 10x10 map across, or an 8x8 diagonally). Pyros fly about 95 elmos, you can even launch a Funnelweb 30 elmos or so. Adding just 1 more newton increases the range considerably (as in: shooting the Jack off map).
The sling works by lifting the payload off the ground with 4 elevated newtons pulling, while 3 newtons push against that action. This results in the payload gaining more height. Once the first set of pull newtons are passed they turn off and the pushers begin winning the tug-of-war. Since they are placed right behind that first set, the pushers now actually just push the payload upwards.
The last set of pullers make sure that the payload moves to the other side of the pushers and then turn off. Now the pushers gradually begin launching the payload forwards, resulting in a pretty nice range.
Here are some more screenshotsThe distance and activation times have a huge effect on the launch behavior. You can end up launching a Jack into the stratosphere, it takes about 10 seconds before it lands again. To sling at a shorter distance, simply reduce the area at which the pushers are active after the second set of pullers or use 2 instead of 3 pushers.
So what do you think? :-D
