Mantis

Big fan of mantis, but there is one thing i dont understan about it...why does it always take so long to load, i understand about the seating, but this has been arround since 97', you would think that the train opps for that ride would be trained better than any other just becasue of that problem, or delay if you will. That seems to be a very big pain to opperate that ride. And that being such a big ride in the first place, im also curious as to why the third train has been wrapped up under the "off track" for quite sum time... *** Edited 8/18/2004 4:15:44 AM UTC by airtime25***

I can only imagine how much of a pain it is to work Mantis. I do know that 90% of the people that arrive at the station on Mantis, don't know it is a stand-up coaster. They proceded to sit down once they step into the train and once they are told to stand up, they have a difficult time grasping the idea that you do, in fact, HAVE to stand up. That answers your question about the 3rd train. They don't use it because they can hardly get 2 trains moving well without stacking. A 3rd train would only make matters worse on Mantis...

It's the same problem on SFMM's Riddler's Revenge (only worse). Like S2Kster said, riders don't know what to do once they approach the train. And RR's station is a huge mess, very dark with green lights flashing all over the place and extremely loud music blasting. *** Edited 8/18/2004 4:27:06 PM UTC by DemonDroppin'***

I've actually seen RR @ SFMM dispatched with people in a sitting position... Kinda amazed me that that would be allowed, its not how the ride was designed.

The same ride ops haven't been there since '97 so it really doesn't matter how old the ride is.

Yeah, on Riddlers Revenge, they really didn't care how people sat. I don't honestly remember having anything checked, but I think they at least checked my harness.

I rode front row with my friend who had previously never been on any kind of roller coasters until that day. I told him the correct way to stand on it, and the 2 girls who were behind us in line did the same thing. When I got off the ride, they thanked me and said it was the best ride they ever had on the thing.

I am a big fan of the Mantis too. But, I usually only ride it once because of the slow loading and huge lines for it.

I didnt mean the ride opp's since 97' just the ride, therefore what i was getting at was you would think they would have better trained people for it, thats all. But i guess i see your aspects on the third train.

Not that it matters, but Mantis debuted in the 1996 season.

What has changed (not sure what season) was that seat belts were added to the trains. The belts are a major part of the slow load/dispatch times, although I have seen fully checked trains wait until the next train hits the final brakes to be dispatched. *** Edited 8/18/2004 8:59:28 PM UTC by mantis_man***

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mantis_man said:
What has changed (not sure what season) was that seat belts were added to the trains.

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Are you sure about this? I can always remember seat belts on Mantis and Raptor. I can't imagine B&M's restraints without seat belts.

I'm sure. Check this photo from its opening season. If you look closely, you'll find no belts on the restraints.

Edit: \/ I figured that out after posting, but was hoping nobody would care. Thanks for messing it up jerk. *** Edited 8/19/2004 7:50:03 PM UTC by mantis_man***

why not show this photo?

http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery7.htm?Picture=5

it's clearly a closer view. :)

edit: http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery7.htm?Picture=2

that one, too.

-Josh

*** Edited 8/19/2004 7:49:19 PM UTC by e x i t english***

I "stand" corrected. Thanks guys.

I know everytime i get in line waiting in the station. People think it fun to undo there belt as leaving the station. Then the first chance they get to stop it is when the full train is on the chain. Then the rido opps got to go onto the hill and check EVERY seat again. By the time they get done the whole ride is in a stand still. Gots to take atleast 5 mins to recheck them. People jsut got to leave there dam belt on.

Isn't it amazing how quickly people decide to jeopardize their safety?

Wouldn't it be obvious? I mean, if your about to get on Mantis, wouldn't you see the people standing up and not sitting? People are really dumb.