Don't know if you've thought of this...

I haven't been following this forum much, but I was on site yesterday, and there is something that bothers me...

Right there behind the WWL station there is a row of stubby columns. Those subby columns are flanked by two rows of tall columns. Also on site are cap pieces that are clearly intended to sit on the double columns, to act as a bridge with a track flange on top.

The thing that bothers me is that the space between the tall columns is REALLY narrow. There is really VERY LITTLE clearance between them, and yet it looks like there is an intent to put track through there.

Well, F-2291-06a:6.6.1 says quite clearly that, "Amusement rides and devices shall be designed to provide a patron clearance envelope adequate to minimize the opportunity for contact between the patron and other objects where said contact is likely to cause injury." And yet there is clearly not nearly enough space between those columns to yield the kinds of clearance envelopes we see on, say, Millennium Force.

That could suggest in-line seating, and perhaps a more-enclosed car, as we see on Aquatrax, which seems to be a popular point of speculation. But something else occurred to me. Intamin has another ride system, not presently used on a coaster to the best of my knowledge, which minimizes the necessary clearance envelope. Might the train have seating that looks like this?

I hope not. If it does, I'll never fit...

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Or it could be a result of having OTSR which would limit lateral movement.

I don't know what they're building. I'm not going to pretend to know. It is my opinion though, that with all the flack CP has taken in the last 2 plus years over belts/restraints on MF and TTD, that they wouldn't want to build another coaster that is going to be an issue for guest of exceptional size. Obviously, it's an Intamin coaster, so the trains are likely to be similar to that of MF, but surely they won't be any smaller. I don't think CP enjoys the fact that some larger people can't ride, or enjoys the complaints they receive because of it. But then again, who am I and what the hell do I know?

Dave, how much space do you estimate is between the posts?

The couple of pictures of Aquatrax cars I've seen would seem to require lots of lateral room, as they're nearly as wide as the regular Intamin trains, maybe even more so.

Also, in-line seating would be very interesting, but wouldn't that kill capacity?

Now you've got me really confused!

Dave, I agree with you. I was there back on Sunday and was thinking that myself. No way a train with passengers, arms stretched, would clear through the supports. Now, in your opinion, would the clearance be permissable if, say, 2-rail flat track were to be attached to the center supports?

What's it matter what type of track is attached to the stubby supports? Flat, triangular or box is all going to be the same width.

I think that space is PLENTY wide enough for a train. (Obviously it is, or it wouldn't be going up.) Do you really think that width is smaller than the space Mean Streak runs through inside the structure? Looks wider to me.

The type of track would make a difference of maybe 5 feet in how high off the supports the track is, which could move the passangers hands a little further away from the supports.

But I think Dave was talking lateral width. Not vertical. I'm guessing the tall verticals are not as tall as they will go at this point. I still think they're going to be a lot taller and have lift track on top of them.

Dave - that train car you posted seems to be wider than a typical "2-across" arrangement. So, I'm not sure how that would make the situation any better. Seems to me like it would make it worse.

Yes, that is what I was getting at. They maybe perhaps wide enough, but as you can see, the track will bank towards the end of the tall supports. If it were flat track, you may clear it. I do know, though, that flat track usually attaches itself to square support connections, seen here:

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=5123

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=1217

Also, it looks to me that the flat pieces will transition into the tri-track here:

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=5087

Possibly it will be a Load/Unload station between those supports where the train will be moving at a very slow speed. The supports could fall where the couples in the train are so they would not interfere with queue lines into the trains. I think the clearance will be enough that noone can touch it anyways, but the slower the train is moving the less clearance a designer may be comfortable with.

Could it just be transfer track? Iron Dragon stores it trains underneath the station, as seen here (you can see the transfer track head down toward the right edge of the station). Could the same be done on this coaster?

Edited for descriptive clarity.
*** Edited 8/22/2006 10:37:57 AM UTC by djDaemon***

I started to think that same thing late last night. I'm just choosing not to believe that becuase I want to fly through those vertical supports. :)

Well, I want to keep my arms. ;)

It will be very interesting when Walt gets some new ariel photos.

Maybe he can get some of her friends too. Mermaids are cool.

I do believe there is plenty of room/clearance in those supports. If you really think about it, if there's a OTSR, or even a LBR, the rider shouldn't be able to stretch out to far from their position. Even with a taller rider with longer arms, the clearance only needs to be 4' at minimum.

Looking at various photos, one should know that photos do not do justice for size. Things always look smaller in photos then in real life. What I'm saying is, there should be plenty of clearance inbetween those columns!

Haha very funny, you can relate huh Jugga

I found this interesting. on the CP home page watch the little slide show that you see when you get on. On the page that says Millie#1 steel coaster etc. what is that coaster in the far backround? you might have to watch it a few times. cedarpoint.com

Oh, wait thats MS or is it yeah uhhh no maybe no Im very confused.
*** Edited 8/22/2006 1:04:44 PM UTC by DragonFire***

I'm holding out for the Flounder photos.

Anyway, Dave, I don't think we'll see anything unique about the seating but I don't believe that we'll see lapbars on this ride. It will have airtime (have you seen the hill that's currently going up? Wow.) and we all know that Intamin and airtime don't mix well.

I see over the shoulder restraints on this ride. That will be the key to limiting rider movement and making clearances.

OMG you're right. There's totally the ghost of a coaster in there. WTF!!!!

um...yea... what are u talking about Dragon Fire? lol