Mantis ( Return to 3 train operation?? )

Is there any hope if this happening or are we stuck with the 2 train 2 hour wait again this season?
------------------
I was super before Superstew was cool!

I hope that the Mantis gets its 3 train back also but i think they did that because it takes them to long to get everyone secure so it made it easier with two trains but they should have had it at least on the transfer track for the crowds on the saturdays and sundays in the summer god they are so crowded then i really hope that they put it back on!

I really hope someone learns how to use periods and commas. ;)
------------------
"I bet it pulls 5 G's going into that loop."
"Far Out."

This topic was discussed to great ends last summer, the search function isn't working so I'll give you the Cliff Notes version, even by adding a third train you are not adding any more people to your capacity. By adding another train your just adding time to the amount of time people sit on the brakes.

The major solution: STAND-UP! If people would just figure out your supposed to stand-up on this ride you would be able to run 3 trains.

------------------
Formerly the imbecile known as ddogg
----
2003 Raptor Crew
*** This post was edited by Drew 2/19/2003 9:39:48 PM ***

I agree with Drew, because there's always that handful of people on every train who decide to ignore the "locking in 3,2,1" and they have to unlock it so they can adjust their seat. But since so many of the people who go to Cedar Point have never heard of a stand up roller coaster, they seem to have a problem understanding the concept. It's too bad.

------------------
Enjoy your ride on the Big Bad Bug

It seems to me that in 1999 and 2000 that the crew got people through just fine with minimal stacking. I was evident, but not nearly as bad as in 2001. What happened that year? What changed to make it take so much longer to get trains out.

Last year was even worse when they started stacking with two train operation! That's unacceptable by Cedar Point's standards. Since they didn't have an extra train to force them to move quickly, they went even slower. They should be ready to, or have already sent the train when the other train leaves the midcourse brakes.

------------------
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.

Why can't they order a test seat from B&M to put at the entrance, similar to the seats on Raptor, WT, and MilF?

Wouldn't that help to show people how to ride the ride? The thing I hate most about Mantis is the wait. My first time riding it in 1996, I already didn't like it. I think the major reason was that after standing in line for 2-3 hours, you want to sit down. On Mantis, you aren't supposed to.

I do like the ride though, as I like B&M coasters in general (all 3 I have been on). It would just be nice to somehow get the capacity up, to make it more enjoyable.

My $0.02,
Sam
------------------
Avalanche Run - My first Roller Coaster.
Magnum XL-200 - The BEST Roller Coaster!

I guess they did look into getting a test seat in the past. I was told by Peggy, head of training for CP, that they didn't have one there because it would be too hard and expensive for them to build. If I remember right, it was something about the mechanism that lets the seat move up and down.
------------------
Brad Wagner
The Ohio State University
Mine Ride/Mean Streak Crew 2002
Mean Streak Crew 2003

Hehe we get rides like TTD, but it's too hard to build a test seat? :)

------------------
Ross: Rachel's pregnant.
Joey: Oh my God!!! I can't believe that!!
Phoebe: Holy mother of God!!!
Ross: With my child.
Phoebe: That is brand new information!!

Recently, with two train operation, the wait for Mantis is often as long as the wait for Millennium Force. Personally, assuming the same wait, I'd rather ride Millennium Force one additional time than ride Mantis at all.

CP_Bound, I agree that the rate they move people through Mantis' lines is unacceptable.

------------------
"Millennium Force, the Future is riding on it."
Now, Cedar Point is "Bulding for the future."
Coincidence?

It was also mentioned during the Coastermania Q&A last year that they will continue to run 2 train operation in the future because of numbers.

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

Working in that line in late July was awful it seemed like the line never moves. There was nothing more enjoying then hearing Love Shack every 30 minutes. I think the 3 train operation might come back only if they build an unload station.
------------------
"Working at CP is better then what most people think" Millennium Force Camp 2003 TBA

I think the major reason people want to sit is that there is a huge bicycle seat staring at them just inviting people to flop their rear-ends down on it. If it's a stand-up coaster, then why is there a seat? There has to be a better design that would eliminate that problem and also maintain superior safety.
------------------
I was super before Superstew was cool!

The seat is there for safety. Otherwise it's not safe to ride (from CP's eyes). Also, I'd rather have that bicycle seat there supporting my jewels then just a seat belt.

------------------
Formerly the imbecile known as ddogg
----
2003 Raptor Crew
*** This post was edited by Drew 2/20/2003 8:15:18 PM ***

Not having the "seat" on the bottom would allow people to crouch out from under the over-the-head restraint. Not a good thing.

The "seat" is 100% necessary in their design plan.

Reason for the quotes around "seat"? It's not a seat. You don't sit in it.

------------------
17 straight years of real thrills and counting...

LOL Drew!

I too would rather have the seat there instead a belt. Imagine if it were a retractable belt! Ow!

------------------
I own you!

3 train operation I could care less about. It wouldn't help the line that much.

What I want to see is that trim brake on the drop removed. Although I don't know if that would make the ride rougher.

A bit of a suggestion, don't ride Mantis with a headache. In october I was there, and I happened to get a splitting headache after a full day and a half in the park. My friend's decided for us to go on Mantis. I figured it wouldn't be too bad.

It happened that the restraint didn't lock in enough, giving me alot of room to move. Everytime the train would fly through one of those quick terms my head would just rebound back and forth. Before that I never really found the ride as rough as everyone said.

I personally would like to run a 3 train operation on Mantis. But, it hasn't been done in a while and I don't belive that CP will bring it back.

But rest assured Mantis fans....I will be on the crew about interval alot this summer, so the line this summer should move much faster ;)
Just be aware that it is a difficult ride to operate and that most ride hosts do their best to move the line. It's mainly up to the guests that need to "Stand Up!"
------------------
TL Mantis- 2003
ATL Power Tower- 2002
Millennium Force- 2001

Thank you Amanda. That's what I really wanted to hear. It should help having a very happy and motivated crew with alot of returners.

------------------
MANTIS ROCKS 2002 & 2003

Hey Amanda and Brian - just a little suggestion about Mantis that MIGHT help. Do with it what you wish! :)

After you've dispatched the train and while you're waiting for the next one to roll in, have the load hosts go up and down telling each group that is about to board something like, "make sure you stand up straight with your feet all the way against the back of the car." You could figure out what working works best, but I think something simple like this, although a pain in the ass, would go a long way to helping the problem of people sitting down or bouncing. With three load hosts, this means that everyone would tell two or three groups which should be possible - especially if you're only running two trains.

Let's face it - many people tune out the spiels, but if someone comes and "gives them a tip" face to face, they're much more likely to listen.

I don't think the problem should be with the seatbelts because hosts should be able to buckle six seatbelts all by themselves and still hit interval. The problem is having to release and redo so many seats because of people not standing.

Also, some better signs in the queue or on the way up the stairs might help, but this isn't the crew's responsibility.

-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew
2003 Magnum Crew