Eye concern

I was talking to my uncle the other day about this new ride and he mentioned that zero to high speed launches have been known to have serious effects on the eyes. Drag racers in particular, he said, are having problems with split retinas due to the sudden speed. This makes me think, launching from 0-110+ with the wind in our face could present a problem. I am sure everything will be tested and I know the ride would not be able to operate if it presented any sort of danger, but it makes me wonder if "repeat riders" will be experiencing any sort of physical problem due to the quick launch. I mean, we all know how people love marathoning certain coasters, and this one will without doubt be no exception.

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Brent Haley
Gemini Crew '02

I thought of the feeling in my eyes on this as well. On MF my eyes get bothered till the end of the ride. I have thought in the past " Wonder if the launch will be in a tunnel like the one in japan. or wherever it is. the S&S record holder. it launches in a tunnel. ? time will tell.

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Just the track, the wind, and the speed.

You shouldn't worry about the "separated retina" on this ride. The separation happens when they stop, not accelerate. When drag racers stop, it’s like hitting a “brick wall” so to speak, and the repeated strain on the eyes causes the retina to separate.

Not to mention drag racers accelerate from 0-300+ mph in the about the same time #16 will accelerate to around 100mph

YOU WILL BE GIVEN GOGALS TO WEAR LIKE AT 3D FILMS

What are gogals?

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead

Aren't those cheerleaders? I've never worn them during a 3d film, don't know where you are going to see these things.

In the voice of Rainer Wolfcastle...

"The goggles....they do nothing!"

Jimminey jillakers Radio-Active man! ;)
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I wonder when they will put 2 trains on the Boomerang...
-Andy

MillenniumForce, could you make note that your sig. was not a quote stated by me. :)

FUN_PKS said:
You shouldn't worry about the "separated retina" on this ride. The separation happens when they stop, not accelerate. When drag racers stop, it’s like hitting a “brick wall” so to speak, and the repeated strain on the eyes causes the retina to separate.

Soooooo ... There IS SOME possible danger associated with coming off of a 90 degree drop with the coaster doing close to (or exceeding) 100 MPH and then hitting the brake run. Maybe one season of split retinas will convince CP to add some other elements to this ride.

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First CP Visit: 1970

Heck I'm just worried about hitting one of those huge bugs at 100+

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OMG! The Space Spiral is leaning!!" Must be the weight of that new air conditioning system everyone keeps hypothesizing about...
*** This post was edited by Cp_Rider 12/18/2002 7:02:34 AM ***

Well, lets see I am a fan of the "goggles" of Erie Islands/ Commodore Perry. One, They are a good way to keep a pair of glasses on if one has them. Two, they protect ones eyes for the wind so not as much eye watering process. Third, they just look kinda kool (cool). Lastly, they are a pair of sunglasses.

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Dippin Dots: aren't they Great!!!

CoasterBob said:

FUN_PKS said:
You shouldn't worry about the "separated retina" on this ride. The separation happens when they stop, not accelerate. When drag racers stop, it’s like hitting a “brick wall” so to speak, and the repeated strain on the eyes causes the retina to separate.
Soooooo ... There IS SOME possible danger associated with coming off of a 90 degree drop with the coaster doing close to (or exceeding) 100 MPH and then hitting the brake run. Maybe one season of split retinas will convince CP to add some other elements to this ride.
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First CP Visit: 1970

Why do you think the brake run is so long? It is for a more prolonged stop, versus an all out "hit a brick wall" stop. Think about Spaceballs, "We can't stop, we have to slow down first." Drag racers don't slow down enough first, therefore, their eyes are moving at about 300MPH, hit the massive stop, and if not positioned properly, their retina could separate. At an amusement park, they slow you down over distance, and from (for the most part) under 100MPH.

There is no danger of eye problems on rides in amusement parks. Besides, if there was, don't you think Ed Markey would have already brought this to our attention?

FUN_PKS, thank you for clearing that up, I was under the impression that it was caused by the launch and not the stop.

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Brent Haley
Gemini Crew '02

You guys are joking right? Doesn't anyone ever watch the Discovery Channel. They've showed that it takes something over 20 g's of horizontal deceleration to detach a retina. They even have video of the poor guy they did it too when they attached him to some kind of rocket sled. Now getting hit in the head with a bird, that's a different story.

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****Chris****Chris****Chris****Chris****

No, I am sorry I'm not an expert at physics and optometry.

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Brent Haley
Gemini Crew '02

Intamin Engineers: "slaps head" WHAT HAVE WE DONE!!... i find it unlikley that they are just playing this by ear. no real concerns are nessesary.

BTW, What's this im hearing about Drag Racers going 300. I have never heard of anyone running the quartermile in 4 seconds clocking in at 300 mph. Trust me i race the strips myself, mopar style.

FUN_PKS said:
CoasterBob said:

FUN_PKS said:
Think about Spaceballs, "We can't stop, we have to slow down first."
if that isn't one of the greatest comedies of all time... "we can't stop, it's too dangerous! we have to slow down first!"
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Got One?? Yeah, it's a metallica thing.
Love ya tiffers, always will.
TMG -- 5.29.82-02.02.02

Fluidcoasters said:

BTW, What's this im hearing about Drag Racers going 300. I have never heard of anyone running the quartermile in 4 seconds clocking in at 300 mph. Trust me i race the strips myself, mopar style.

Kinda funny to think that a "drag racer" is clueless about top fuel..... Kenny Bernstein in June of this year went 4.47 seconds, and in october went 332.18 mph! http://nhra.com/stats/natrecord.html

Kudos to whoever mentioned it wasnt the launch that kills ya... its the suddon stop at the end! Top Fuel cars use parachutes to slow down. Problem is the Cars are still pulling 4 positive g's when they get to the end of the track, then when they pull the chutes, they typically experience in the area of 13 negative g's. although the 13 g's are for only a millisecond, there is a 17 g swing there. Most guys do not have the detached retina problem. As a matter of fact only one guy to speak of has had such a problem with it that he had to retire. (Joe Amato for the "statistics buffs" on this site) He had weak retinas to begin with. I wouldnt worry too much about a 120mph to 0mph stop. I do it every weekend and its not as taxing as it sounds.
*** This post was edited by SuperProWX59 12/25/2002 5:00:26 AM ***