Could TTD be upgraded?

I know it sounds like the typical response from someone who has no clue about engineering one of these, but... could it?

If the hydraulic motor is actually damaged and will need to be replaced, could they install a more powerful one to launch higher?

Can the base/foundation of the structure support an additional 60 feet?

I'll be plenty happy with TTD as is--I haven't been able to ride it yet due to mechanical problems anyway. *** Edited 9/30/2004 4:33:58 PM UTC by Sec. Rumsfeld***

I think upgrading TTD would be way too costly. However, I don't know if TTD can be added on to. Why would they want to anyway?

What the hell for? What's the return on investment?

Well, I hear people calling for CP to build something taller. If CP could fix the problems with TTD and make it taller, I'd prefer it to wasting space on an entirely new tallest, fastest ride.

Save the space for the return of the Pirate ride :)

I recall hearing that the TTD motor is damaged and would eventually need replacing anyway.

Then again, the cost of putting together one of those cranes is probably pretty high by itself.

People who are calling for Cedar Point to build something taller are people who don't understand the business. Building tall for the sake of being tall doesn't happen. It has to mean something to the bottom line.

I got it! They could flatten the top hat and put in a LIM loop.

I know - never gonna happen. But it does sound fun.

Get over it!!! CP will lose it's record. You people sound like a bunch of complainers. Who cares. If you like TTD ride it. You are worried about a record at a park that you own no part of. CP will still be one if if not the best amusement park in the world regardless of some record. CP shocked people with TTD and if you havent noticed SF hasn't. CP is famous for setting new standards for others to try and beat. So I'd imagine if you waited a few years CP will be top again.

And anyway, TTD wouldn't need a larger motor, if by some very unlikely chance it was made taller. TTD's motor is 10,000 hp and Kingda Ka's motor is only 7,400 hp, as stated in the Six Flags fact sheet.

So, for all those who are mad that Kingda Ka is taller, you have another record to consider:

TTD - The world's most powerful coaster.

Following up from what Walt said, CP builds rides to make money. I know you want to think they build coasters and rides to hold the records and make the Cedar Point enthusiasts happy. They build a ride that will attract guest. (guest = $$$$$) I think CP will go towards the mid-size rides since they got the kiddie areas, (Camp Snoopy & Kiddy Kingdom) mild rides, (Mine Ride, Iron Dragon, WildCat, DT) large rides, (Mean Streak, Raptor, Mantis, Wicked Twister, Power Tower, Demon Drop) and of course the giant rides (MF and TTD). Mid-size rides at the park are (Gemini, Blue Streak, ummm... not to many are there).

I know that was off topic but upgrading TTD would their last thing they'd do.

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Gomez said:

I know that was off topic but

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Maybe, but I like to hear this part of the discussion, too (except when it's just whimpering and crying).

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upgrading TTD would their last thing they'd do.

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Well, while I can see that the return on investment could take a while to accumulate to anything that would cover the cost, would it really be the LAST thing they would do? They "upgraded" Avalanche Run in the past (ok, well, if they learned from their mistakes, maybe it WOULD be the last thing :).

What made me think about it in the first place was seeing the new "power tower" seats from S&S... the ones that are held at an angle so you face down a bit. It seems like a subtle change, but it would drastically change the experience. I'm sure new seats are a hell of a lot cheaper than bringing in a crane to add 60' to TTD; but that wasn't really the point of my initial post. I was simply curious if it were feasible.

I would like to see rides altered over the course of their lives; just as I like watching the entire park change over the years. I enjoy the "remember when" conversations.

Remember when admission was $6 and you could buy a no-ride pass?

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Chris Paruch said:
Get over it!!! CP will lose it's record. You people sound like a bunch of complainers. Who cares. If you like TTD ride it. You are worried about a record at a park that you own no part of. CP will still be one if if not the best amusement park in the world regardless of some record. CP shocked people with TTD and if you havent noticed SF hasn't. CP is famous for setting new standards for others to try and beat. So I'd imagine if you waited a few years CP will be top again.

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Actually i do own a small portion of cedar point. Stocks. Anyways back on track yeah im dissapointed that t.t.d got beat but look at it this way. Records are made to be broken. Yeah its good to say you have the tallest but come on its not like the people who decide whats going to be built next at cp are crying right now. In fact this may even be better for cedar point. Now cp is being pushed into building bigger for us. Patientice (spelling) is a virtue. Dont worry well have the record it only takes time. It could be worse what if it would have gone 500ft? Then cedar points streak of 100ft intervals would be gone but dont worry bigger is coming its just a matter of time. *** Edited 10/1/2004 11:45:43 PM UTC by FunkyJive***

I was wondering. If Kingda Ka runs more reliably than TTD because of a design change. Which is a big if. Can Cedar Point upgrade TTD so that it has less down time, technical issues, maintenence, etc.

You guys that think they're going to build something bigger just for the sake of getting the record back need to get a grip on reality. Not only has Dragster been a pain, but Dorney demonstrated with Talon, and the resulting huge spike in attendance, that a good, solid, fun ride, puts butts in the seats. Attendance growth at CP will never be huge again unless they get all theme park on us. The set range I suspect will be 2.8 to 3.4 million a year for a long, long time. You don't need $25 million rides every other year to maintain that.

I agree with you! I think not only a flat ride would be nice, but something like a mini raptor ride. You know a family style coaster that is thrilling. I have seen the family style coaster on line somewhere..It looked like a smaller version of raptor/ flyer trains. I dont know if it had inversions, but the seat style would be a hoot for the kids!

If CP were to put in a 500 ftr, not in the near future. I would rather it be more like MF with a lift and drop, though I don't know how great TTD is. When I was at CP this summer it was closed.(surprise) However, I've ridden MF 6 times, and its hard to beat! Something like that would be more relible, be longer, and have more airtime than a taller TTD.

A lift would be the best, but they'd have to come up with some different kind of lifting stuff. Even with Millennium Forces modern lift, it'd still be a pain to have the same lift just 200 ft taller.

-Eagle

I can't believe this idea was even brought up.

imadj, the ride you are thinking of, I believe, is the ArrowBatic. It's basically an inverted wild mouse. Frankly, I think that'd be pretty cool.

If they were to upgrade dragster it would be more than just track. Wouldent you need more launching track or a new launching engine. If TTD was 25million then im guessing 20% of that was for the launching systems. Where talking like a 5 million dollar investment in a ride that has had its glory now its over. But I do thing over the winter they need to put new whatever they need on that ride because I went there July 13th through the 15th and it was closed the whole time.

I say take the top hat off and add another 100 feet. The only reason SFGAD built that coaster is to take the tallest and fastest away from CP,.

As i said before i really dont think its worth it. Also think about you would need a new breaking system and well that 270 deggre twist would do at like 50 MPH down that 100foot extension. *** Edited 10/4/2004 9:32:42 PM UTC by CP4eva'04***