incredible head chopper on down spiral

the height of the ride and angle of descent have nothing to do with it. It's all about friction. Friction in the wheelbearings, wheels on track and the train's friction with air. Since i really don't have a clue what those variables would be, i can't calculate the eventual velocity. No one can, unless you work for Intamin and have acces to all the information about the train's properties.

Uh, no... the angle of descent doesn't really matter but it's not "all about" friction. If anything, it's "all about" gravity. Friction is just an "extra" force that does have an effect, but not a major one - you can use free fall equations with gravity and figure out the final speed within a couple mph or so, which would be accounted for by friction.

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L-TH-TW-B... "Meh"
Wicked twists: 11

Well do *me* a favor Majin, and *never* design anything without accounting for friction. It can cause more of a problem than your cavilier post seems to suggest.

Oh I understand that, I was just looking at calculating the final speed of the train, and pointing out that the force of gravity has much more of an effect on the deceleration than friction does - therefore the height is really the most important thing to consider.

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L-TH-TW-B... "Meh"
Wicked twists: 11

Heres a question about this picture:

http://www.virtualmidway.com/mystery/attraction517_big.jpg

What are those things that look like they are attached to the track at the very very top of the tower? Are these trim breaks.. or just those stairs we saw on the ground a few months back?

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Panic Attack
FIGHT BACK
http://listen.to/panicattack

That's a mini catwalk with stairs.

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Launch: Tophat: Twistage: Brakes...

...Denial is an ugly thing.