Blocks & Water

Greetings from a lurker on GTTP. At The Point today from 1:15 to 6:45 and had the extreme pleasure of four laps on TTD. A few notes and some questions:

Notes: Around 3-ish after a pleasant 1 hour wait, TTD suffered a mechanical breakdown and was down for about 45 minutes. Mine was to be the next train launching. A mechanic spent time working on the kicker at the second unload area (closest to the brake run). Test run shortly thereafter resulted in an empty train rollback. The launch block had to be reset and the train cleared the hill on second attempt.

With the sole exception of the mid-day breakdown, TTD was running in fine form today; launching a regular intervals. Second wait was ~30 mintes, 3rd wait was ~55 minutes and 4th wait was ~90 minutes.

Questions (and I apologize in advance if these have already been answered in previous threads):

#1 - While in line, I noticed two "garden" style hoses attached to the launch structure. Water is dripping from the ride structure near the queue line entrance and also near at the flywheel at the launching area. I don't recall this from earlier trips to The Point...any news? Water cooling for the launch cable? I'm thinking that this could account for the steam coming off the launch track at the engine room side and at the flywheel. Any thoughts?

#2 - While waiting in the station during breakdown the blocks had to be reset prior to launching. I've heard "reset load-1," "reset load-2," "reset brake area block,""reset launch." I assume these refer to four of the six blocks....anyone know what the other two are?

#3 - Rollback brake fin sticking - There is a rollback fin pair sticking in the up position on the second red section of the launch track (just before The Wall if you are waiting in line). It makes it down, but the train only misses it by a few seconds. Doesn't appear to be a major problem at this time. Happening all day today and wondered if anyone else has noticed this?

Sorry for the long-winded thread. Today was a blast, I'm now up to 11 laps on dragster; with the longest wait of 5.5 hours on opening day and shortest wait of 30 minutes today.

Regards!

#1 - From what I have read on this site, the water is to cool the wheel-less launch sled cool on these hot summer days. Heat from friction is never really a good thing.

#2 - I think there are 7 blocks, correct me if I'm wrong. Launch, Launch Ready, Load 1, Load 2, Unload 1, Unload 2 and Brake. ( I've had to hear them reset these all too many times.)

#3 - I have also noticed a section in the white track also. It seems the train takes off just as these sections of brakes lower. The sensors must not let the launch happen until all of the brakes are in the down position, or it's just really good timing.

There's been a pair of fins sticking for quite some time now, actually. I'm not sure if it's always the same set, but I noticed them almost a month ago. Even when they don't make it down before the train passes it's still possible for the train to make it over.

I've got to wonder, is this something that the prox switches aren't catching (which could lead to Very Bad Things (tm) if the problem spreads) or is it something the computer figures isnt' going to hurt anything?

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- John
I Snap Flyers

I'm sure that it won't launch with the fins up. The decision to launch really doesn't need to be made until that very instant.

I count a total of 8 blocks. Launch/crown, standby launch, two in load, two in unload, brake standby and crown/brakes.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - Sillynonsense.com
DELETED! What time does the water show start?

I've seen that "lazy" set of fins. From what I can tell, the computer will think everything is OK. There are a set of rocker switches that are only set when the brakes are completely up. The switch is off when the fins drop a few inches. By the time the train rolls back and engages the catchwagon, the fins have dropped enough so switches' states have changed and the PLC thinks the brakes are down, thus allowing the launch.

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Scott W. Short
mailto:scott@midwestcoastercentral.com
http://www.midwestcoastercentral.com

8 Blocks..

Going from the launch backwards...

Launch - Transfers - Load 1 - Load 2 - Unload 1 - Unload 2 - Hold 1 - Hold 2

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82

Yup, I was going to say exactly what Red Garter Bob said... but he got it out first.

After reading this thread thats about the only thing I thaught was nessecary to correct, I haven't been to the point in just under a week, and I didn't spend time by Dragster. (mainly because I forgot my freeway pass at home :( ) Although I did notice the smoke or steam or whatever it is off the cable when the cables go into the room at the end of the launch run.

I didn't notice the hose, but I'll look for it next time im there :)
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TTD: 4 (Rollbacks seen: 24)
MF: 18
WT: 8
"C'mon, get off the rails guys, listen to the guy with the Disaster Transport uniform on!"

Yeah when i was there in early august I watched them install those hoses. There is about 8 down by the station and 8 right by the entrance. You can also see a huge red hose that comes out of the hydraulic room that connects to these. Believe it or not CP resulted to Zip-ties to holding up this huge red hose to the track, funny if ya ask me! but if it keeps the ride going, its all good.

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D/\MN GINA!!!!!!!!

Zip-ties, Duct Tape.......it's all good at CP.

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"This second hill is my favorite part of the ride. It is so Cool!"
TTD Status: "Contaminates in the system" S.K. Per my conversation
EA Sports "It's in the Game"

Duct Tape is the Greatest invention of Man.

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TTD: 4 (Rollbacks seen: 24)
MF: 18
WT: 8
"C'mon, get off the rails guys, listen to the guy with the Disaster Transport uniform on!"

And zip ties are the 2nd greatest invention.

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-Chris Woodard
Who the Millennium Force ride ops made a special announcement for when he took his 100th ride on 8/12/03.

Duct tape is for amateurs. Gaffing tape... that's the stuff of legends.

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Jeff - Webmaster - GTTP - Sillynonsense.com
DELETED! What time does the water show start?

Amen.

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Ralph Wiggum is my Cedar Point hero!

I like Dippin' Dots too ;)

:) Cookies and Cream :)

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TTD: 4 (Rollbacks seen: 24)
MF: 18
WT: 8
"C'mon, get off the rails guys, listen to the guy with the Disaster Transport uniform on!"

hey, has anyone else been sprayed by the water on Dragster??? i rode front seat, and when the sled disengaged from the train, water splashed up at the train. my friend yelled at the top of the hill "weve been maced!". i was just wondering if this has occured to anyone else?

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"Ding a ding dang, my dang a long ling long" - Ministry, "Jesus Built my Hotrod"
TTD: 7

unfortunately have not been sprayed. =( I believe the brake fins stick, and it is not a hydraulic problem, but a lubrication problem. The brake fins are designed to be "fail safe", which means their primary position is in the "up" position. When the fins drop, it is their "secondary" position, where pressure is added to push down the fins. So, it may have a tendency to stay up, or to eventually fall as it does often. I believe that is the most accurate conclusion. Thank you.

Yes, I got sprayed at the end of the launch while riding in the first seat. It was a couple of weeks ago right after they installed the hoses. I didn't notice it the last two times that I rode it but I wasn't in the front seat.

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Stop Still Dragster 3...2...1... No !! ;)
No ! They do not have Freeway for Dragster.

So now we have the world's tallest and fastest hydracoaster.

And I never would have thought this possible from Cedar Point.

</sarcasm>
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Race for the Sky. :::::::::::::9

Is it like a mist or a painful blast going at 120 mph?
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Ralph Wiggum is my Cedar Point hero!

a little stronger then a mist, its enough for you to be able to tell that some water just hit you. i just barely noticed it because i was enjoying the speed from front soooo much!

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"The time is near, the day has dawned, be prepared, for whats to come!" - Judas Priest, "Metal Messiah"
TTD: 7