Interesting Stats.

Here are some interesting stats about TTD that I just recieved from Cedar Point...

· Architects and engineers prepared approximately 1,300 comprehensive blueprints to guide the project, which was on the “drawing board” for three years, from conception to completion.

· Challenging and often brutal weather conditions made it extra taxing for construction crews on Top Thrill Dragster with hurricane force winds (up to 75 mph); significant snowfall (a total of 60 inches); and frigid temperatures (a wind chill of –30 degrees) on the shores of Lake Erie.

· One hundred fifty-one bright yellow steel support columns were carefully positioned and make up Top Thrill Dragster’s looming structure.

· Ninety-four individual pieces of red and white steel track were pieced together to create the portion of the coaster where its trains will race at speeds reaching 120 mph.

· Top Thrill Dragster’s enormous structure is anchored by 149 footers, which required more than 9,000 cubic yards of concrete.

· A construction crew of roughly 200 workers has been assigned to varied tasks on Top Thrill Dragster such as pouring foundations and erecting steel to electrical engineering and building the coaster’s station.

· Six sleek “dragster-style” trains – weighing 5 tons each – will be assembled and installed on Top Thrill Dragster’s 1,150-ton structure.

· One hundred five miles of electrical cable – or enough to travel from Cedar Point to Detroit – is being installed for the complex electrical engineering of Top Thrill Dragster.

· The construction process of Top Thrill Dragster required 5,400 bolts.

· Five cranes, including two that stretched an incredible 480 feet in the air, helped position Top Thrill Dragster’s track and structure into place. The 480-foot-tall cranes were two of only four in the United States that could accommodate a project of the towering 420-foot height of Top Thrill Dragster.

· Approximately 90 truckloads of steel were shipped by boats – and eventually trains and trucks – from Europe to Cedar Point, where the coaster parts were stored in a massive parking lot and later assembled at the job site.

there's some stuff in there that we knew already, but I thought it was interesting and people might want to see it. 1300 blueprints? WOW!
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:) "if aquarium gravel is so bad for you... how come it tastes so good?" :)
*** This post was edited by Millenniumbouya 3/3/2003 4:09:30 PM ***

I think it's interesting that the trains weigh 5 tons each.

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MANTIS ROCKS 2002 & 2003

Didn't we hear they were 15 tons?

It seems that MF's trains are substantially heavier at 28 tons (3 tons per normal car, 4 for the lead car). I guess the fiberglass will make up much on the trains. It seems to be much less stressful on the launch system, but at the same time it will have less intertia...so for all of those people who want a rollback...:)

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What is most anticipated event of 2003? the debut of Dragster, the release of Metallica's new album, the release of Terminator 3, or the release of Matrix:Reloaded...tough call.

Where did you get this info?

Here is a copy of the press release:

http://www.virtualmidway.com/rides/topthrilldragster_pr.asp

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Virtual Midway
http://www.virtualmidway.com

"The first opportunity for guests to "Race for the Sky" on Top Thrill Dragster is on Cedar Point's Opening Day, Sunday, May 4."

I'm Wondering, will they hold those auctions for the first ride on it. If the first time people can ride it is may 4th, i'm guessing they won't have any auctions.

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- Dennis
WTC plan Approved. A structure that will stand 1,776 feet in the NYC skyline. It will be the tallest tower in the WORLD!!!

Good thing you don't work the Guessing Game.. ;)

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82
Technical Services 2002
Fright Zone Screamster 2002

There will be a VIP Ride Auction. Look for details soon.

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Virtual Midway
http://www.virtualmidway.com

Yeah, why wouldn't they try to get money for charity with an auction? It's just more good publicity.

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What is most anticipated event of 2003? the debut of Dragster, the release of Metallica's new album, the release of Terminator 3, or the release of Matrix:Reloaded...tough call.

Imo the auction is kind of stupid for "first ride" because the gp will not get the first ride no matter what they're not gonna just build a ride and test it then turn it loose with the gp i imagine the people who built it will get first ride than gp gets it.. so whats the point?

The point is to help out charity. You know, being generous and a good person and stuff. Didn't the money go to the Red Cross last time, or was it some other charity?

--James

They may not get the actual first ride. But they do get the first public ride and they get to be the first guests to ride.

As long as you don't count the Longabergites.

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TPFKAV
WT Crew 2003

Is there something special going on for Longaberger employees? Sales crew?

May 3 is longaberger day this year. Not sure if the sales crew is included. I have a friend checking on that. She said that is she can get tickets she'll give them to me!!!

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Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here. - Jack Nicholson