Big Dipper Retracking

When driving by the park today (I went and filled out an application) I noticed that Big Dipper looked like it was being retracked. This should be nice.

-Sam
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Avalanche Run - My first Roller Coaster.
Magnum XL-200 - The BEST Roller Coaster!

I just got back some pictures of the new wood on the turn around. I will try to get those up when I get some time.

There's a difference between slapping some new steel on the track and retracking. "Retracking" frequently means replacing the layers of laminated wood that make up the track.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - My Blog
Blogs, photo albums - CampusFish
What time does the water show start?

Both Big Dipper and Raging Wolf Bobs are getting some TLC, or retracking, this year.

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Jeff said:
There's a difference between slapping some new steel on the track and retracking. "Retracking" frequently means replacing the layers of laminated wood that make up the track.

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Umm... With all do respect they did Retrack part of the ride and yes they did replace the layers of laminated wood that made up the track.
*** This post was edited by RollercoasterDude 3/30/2004 9:52:46 AM ***

So... what exactly is your point? Sam said it "looked like it," I mentioned there's a difference.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - My Blog
Blogs, photo albums - CampusFish
What time does the water show start?

Big Dipper became a priority over RWB this off season work has begun on RWB however with a little over a month left before opening day they might not get all that was scheduled to be retracked or it might not open with the park until its done. The state mandated the track work on both rides in order to open, they gave Big Dipper some slack last off season because of all the work done to RWB, maybe they'll do the same this off season. Or maybe CF will come in with a huge crew and finish up in time. We'll see.

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GL rides sup 2004

Okay Jeff I see what you were saying. I understand what you ment now. I just wanted to state the fact that Big Dipper was retracked.

Yes, I said it looked like it, not that it was actually being done. Since HR isn't on that side of the park, I didn't exactly get an up-close look as to what was being done.

I noticed new wood, but obviously coudn't tell if the whole track was being replace in those sections.

-Sam
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Avalanche Run - My first Roller Coaster.
Magnum XL-200 - The BEST Roller Coaster!

Why did the state mandate the track work? Were the rides unsafe because of worn/fatigued track? I'm curious because trackwork is more of a ride quality issue, unless the track is unsafe, so I'm surprised the state can mandate trackwork.

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I'd rather be in my boat with a drink on the rocks,
than in the drink with a boat on the rocks.

I was going to ask the same thing, but God forbid I question any kind of unsubstantiated statement around here.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - My Blog
Blogs, photo albums - CampusFish
What time does the water show start?

It was close to 10 years that the track hasnt had serious work done on it. Spot retrackings here and there but not the whole ride. In the process they rebanked some turns and added three layers of wood. While running the ride in 02 you can see the track give a lot when the trains went over, in 03 after the new track was put down the wood barely gave at all giving a smoother ride.

The rides were safe as they cleared the ohio insepctions, they state just said it was time for work to be done. if it was really bad im sure the state would have said the whole ride needed the retrack not giving the park 3 years to do it.

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GL rides sup 2004

All I can say is look what happened last year with the lift hill on RWB. After something like that, you would have to think they would mandate something. Coasters shouldn't just crush the tops of lifthills. I heard the new trains were heavier, but I don't want to say that and start a rumor. I'll have my pics up tonight by the way. They aren't that great, but are still something.

The new train is close to 500lbs heavier then the old PTC.

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GL rides sup 2004

Wow I guess that is a pretty substantial weight then. Here are some of the pictures. They are in this album and another on that site.

http://community.webshots.com/album/129925921BKepeW

Six Flags is synonomous with smoke and burn maintenance. "If it ain't smoking or burning, don't touch it." Hopefully cedar fair will give these rides some well deserved attention. It's sad the state has to say retrack your ride.
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Due To Budget Cuts, The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Has Been Turned Off.
MilleNNium is spelled with two n's people!

Retracking made a big difference on RWB Maybe they are getting Big Dipper ready for new trains like RWB

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I'm not an old fogey, I'm just an old coaster rider..

The phrase "preventive maintenance" is currently being introduced to many former Six Flags maintenance folks at the new Geauga Lake.

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"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dreams a reality."

Oldrider, don't even think about that. If those trains leave BD I'm going to cry.

Coasterzak: its not my wish to change the trains but "they" might. The lap bar is just a little to tight for me, very uncomfortable. I cant ride right now,so I've tryed to lose a few lbs. this winter so I fit better. Villian and RWB trains and I get along ok.Traditional trains belong on the coasters they were designed for. but time can improve the safety and ride comfort. and new trains are some times the reluctant ans..It helps if you have an extra train handy.

woodys rule

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I'm not an old fogey, I'm just an old coaster rider..