Hill Question/Theory

I think the idea is great conceptually, but the capacity issues would be a nightmare, as would be the switch track. To me, switch track + launch = downtime galore.

But if only one set of launches breaks on this one they still have the other side thus the ride not having to close completely.

As far as i've seen, Stormrunner doesn't have much downtime at all.

It has both of those things you mentioned. Actually it would be just like Stormrunner's station only having launches on both sides rather than just one.

...and actually, if one side broke, they could run the other side like a normal circuit coaster and capacity wouldn't really be hurt bad.

If money weren't an issue they could actually make it so that if/when one launch section was down they could roll that side's trains out of the station, underneath to a rotating platform and bring them back up to run all trains in teh same direction. Obviously this would still be slower than being able to launch both ways but it would be better than only running 2 trains.

MrInk, that is an amazing diagram you put together! Nice idea. I also like the idea of being able to run the train from both sides however I'm not sure the rides capacity would be adequate for CP. The moving launch track reminds me of Mr. Freeze at SFOT and that line moved quite slowly... The park was empty the day I visited but that line was over an hour. That is a great idea however and hopefully it will be utilized at one park or another.

What exactly are you hoping will be used at one park or another?

The dual station with switchtrack on both sides or a coaster that launches both ways?

As far as capacity is concerned. (I keep referring back to SR) Storm Runner only runs 2 trains located in a fairly large park and is able to move 1200 riders per hour. With htis new design you'd actually be able to move more than that. Probably in the area of MF at around 1600 per hour.

*** Edited 8/23/2006 5:12:09 PM UTC by Loopy***

Thanks TT182,

The launch sections actually wouldn't need to move at all. Think of TTD. If you roll through the launch section the wrong way, the fins act as brakes - same idea here. It's kinda like Sandusky's other up and coming attraction, the retractable barriers for reversable roadways ;)

I realize SR doesn't have much downtime, but you have to look at it from the POV of CP. They've had a lot of trouble with TTD, and wouldn't be brave enough to install a complex ride like this so soon.

At least one would hope they're smarter than that.
*** Edited 8/23/2006 5:13:06 PM UTC by djDaemon***

Honestly there's not much complexity to the ride at all. The design is essentially two different coasters put together. It's just a LIM/LSM launch with switch track at the station.

If you're referring to the launch, well we all believe it's going to be a launch anyhow, right? ;)

The main thing you'd have to work out would be the alternating of the launches.

DJ,

I totally disagree. I don't think CP would get scared because of TDD. It's in a lot of people's opinion, the best ride ever despite it's technical challenges. I doubt that anyone at CP or CF says, "I wish we never built TTD".

It just doesn't seem like CP is afraid of their own shadow, 'ya know?

Monty has said more than once that they won't touch the hydraulic launch until its proven to be more reliable. They have been disappointed that TTD isn't as reliable as they would like, but this year has shown that it can get better. Unfortunately, thats a little late for a hydraulic launch in P2007.

Surely there have been disappointments, but I don't think their experience with the hydraulic launch would scare them away from trying new things (switch track, etc). I was just disagreeing with someone who said that they don't think CP will try anything complex like the switch tracks idea.

Exactly Jugga. When P2007 was being finalized in terms of design, CP was knee deep in TTD's problems.

And Loopy - P2007 will be LIM launched, not hydraulically launched.

MrInk - I kinda agree with that. Switch track is not a new concept, BTMRR at Disney World uses a switch track. I just don't think Cedar Point will install a first of its kind, technology wise, anytime soon. Yes Xcellerator was built first, but it was also only a fraction of the size and speed of TTD. I think Intamin made the jump too quickly without working up the technology.

Where did I claim it to be a hydraulic launch?

Right on, Jugga.

But is my concept really so crazy?

LIM/LSM launches: Wicked Twister
Switch tracks taken at slow speeds: Storm Runner
An "ambidextrous" layout: No reason that should be too hard

There's nothing really absurd about, it's just the combination and juxtaposition of the ideas that make it so unique.

Yes it is crazy. But its also realm-of-possibility crazy, not retarded-get-a-helmet crazy.

My only problems with it are logistical issues. You'd have one train per side which would hurt capacity/throughput. I guess you could run multiple trains per direction, I just see it as being a waste to have to wait for one train to finish before the next can even start.
Your example of Millennium - once a train has cleared the hill, you can put the next one on the lift (of course you have to reset the lift) but you can send one up before the one before it has completed the course.

I'm with you. Really, I see your points and they're valid. BTW, lol @ "retarted-get-a-helmet crazy" :)

I agree with you about throughput and though it's not likely to be showing at a pennisula near you, it's real-of-possibility crazy ;)

On a completely relavent sidenote...

I'm really excited that we just had 4 pages of on-topic discussion and carried out an intelligent conversation/debate without calling each other names :) Is this a new page for the Project 2007 forum?

EDIT: typo
*** Edited 8/23/2006 5:50:51 PM UTC by MrInkspot@aol.com***