Top Thrill Dragster 2022 Status

I didn't mention height, I just said it was gonna be massive. That could also mean weight, which is obviously the case with large foundations.

Or it could be a relatively modest structure that bears a substantial horizontal load, as just one example. There are a number of possibilities that don't indicate the size (or weight, etc.) of whatever will sit atop it. In any case, it's a bit early for definitive "is going to be..." conjecture. I mean, a little over a week ago folks were absolutely certain that the top hat track was getting replaced.

I do like that they kept the lagoon shape relatively unchanged and have the 3rd footer in the middle of the water. They could have filled it all in, but the way it is now adds a little aesthetic interest.

djDaemon:

t's a bit early for definitive "is going to be..." conjecture

I agree. Sit tight fellas ;)

Which leads me to guess that the larger footers may be due to the location, not the structure it will support. We already know that CP soil is wet, wet sand and perhaps tests proved even more so there in the lagoon. Larger footers likely provide more resistance to sinking or shifting.
Another guess is that the large footers will hold up something the dimension of the poler coaster, lol.

Hudson:

I do like that they kept the lagoon shape relatively unchanged...

Agreed. The only issue I have is that they removed so many trees from what was, for me at least, the best part of Iron Dragon - the high speed dive through the trees into the lagoon. It looks so barren over there now. I understand that it wasn't possible to keep those trees, but it adds to my grudge against TTD (and to a lesser extent Rougarou) for the deforestation around ID.

No engineer, but when it comes to the concern of sinking/shifting, the size of the footer matters less compared to the size of the foundation. See, for example, the size/depth of the foundation poured for Windseeker compared to the size for the actual “footer”.

djDaemon:

I mean, a little over a week ago folks were absolutely certain that the top hat track was getting replaced.

Certainly not me, I'm not into the crazy rumors, nor have I ever been. But I certainly will speculate on what seems to be logical.

djDaemon:

Once again, the size of a footer does not necessarily indicate the height of what sits atop it.

Valid point, I'm sure it has a lot to do with the soil they have up there and being so close to the water I am willing to bet it is rather sandy so 100% agree with the statement above, it has to do with he weight it will support more so than the height. Exciting for sure to see this come together over the summer and fall.....

What makes me happy is hearing Tony state "if you are a coaster enthusiast you're gonna love it". Sounds like it will be something special for sure. Who cares if it is over 500 foot tall, look at Maverick it packs a great punch and is one of the best rides IMO with all of it's elements.

djDaemon:

The only issue I have is that they removed so many trees from what was, for me at least, the best part of Iron Dragon

Yeah, before Mantis and TTD, Iron Dragon at night was a must ride, lots of fun. I've thought much of the ID experience was ruined since 1996.

djDaemon:

Agreed. The only issue I have is that they removed so many trees from what was, for me at least, the best part of Iron Dragon - the high speed dive through the trees into the lagoon. It looks so barren over there now. I understand that it wasn't possible to keep those trees, but it adds to my grudge against TTD (and to a lesser extent Rougarou) for the deforestation around ID.

Based. Riding ID before Dragster was amazing. Night rides were incredible too.

I just hope ID gets repainted.

DRE420:

Certainly not me, I'm not into the crazy rumors, nor have I ever been. But I certainly will speculate on what seems to be logical.

How dare you.

=)

kylepark:

I just hope ID gets repainted.

I would love to see it go back to the traditional (would be a bad time to get this wrong, but I think it was...) red/black/gray combo? Gray supports and red track, iirc?

Yes, red track with gray supports were the original colors, see below. I'd rather see something like Go Away Green used on the supports, to help the supports blend in, but anything other than the hideous yellow would be an improvement.

I always pictured tan or brown supports with dark green track to kind of blend in with the trees, or at least what's left of the wooded area parts of the ride. There were many trees removed to build ID of course, from the start.

True, but at least it felt as though you were taking a journey somewhere into the forest, even if it was a bit barren due to the construction. Up until TTD2.0, we at least had 3 or 4 moments wherein we could suspend belief. Now we have one fewer of those moments.

It's fine. I get it, they're an amusement park, not a wildlife preserve. Maybe I'd feel differently if I wasn't so utterly "meh" on Rougarou and Dragster (apologies to Adam), but for my money I'd gladly trade those two in for some more "charm".

Oh I totally agree about a ride through the heavy vegetation, felt the same way with White Water Landing. In its later years of operation, the mature trees near the drop really added to the experience. Sometimes the natural surroundings make for the best "theming."

I haven't ridden Iron Dragon for years. The shoulder restraints dig into my shoulders, and its kind of painful. No amount of trees or paint will improve that for me, even if they did put the thing through a wildlife reserve I won't ride because of the claws digging into my shoulders.

I agree with the green/brown color scheme ideas. And about the natural vegetation looking much better. That’s something other parks can do but at CP it gets more difficult each year. Kings island has that advantage with the beast but they missed the chance with Orion.