Millennium Force, Trims?

Just one question, standing in line for Millennium I noticed these four support beams sticking out of the track after the bunny hill and station bank turn. Were they originally debating trim or block brakes here? (See Picture)

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=1125

No trims.

Yep, a trim brake was going to be placed there, but after testing was done, they discovered there was no need for them.

There was also supposed to be a set of trims right before the second tunnel.

Trims weren't part of the design. If trims ended up being necessary for one of several reasons, the two of the most likely spots were choosen and brackets were installed at minimal cost during fabrication. If needed, all that would need to be done is extra brackets would be fabricated then shipped to Cedar Point. The biggest factor contribuiting to the potential of needing trims were the wheels. The lining themselves are a large contribituer to the friction. The wheel lining used today gives a good balance between average wheel life and a good speed range for most conditions. It took quite a bit of trial and error with a number of lining compounds to find a good balance of life, friction, and cost without requiring trim brakes.

Thanks all. I figured something like that, but wasn't sure.

It wasn't until I watched the special on Tatsu that I learned that they will use either polyeurithane wheels or nylon wheels or a combination of both to get the timing of the trains right.

Jason Hammond said:
It wasn't until I watched the special on Tatsu that I learned that they will use either polyeurithane wheels or nylon wheels or a combination of both to get the timing of the trains right.

Took the words right out of my mouth. I also thought that it was interesting that they greased the wheels to make it through course on its first run.

Do you think MF ran the "fastest" back in 2000-2001? I seem to remember the mention of finding a good wheel composition happening in 2002. I can't say I've ever had rides on MF which have felt really really fast. On hot days you tend to get more air on the hills, but still not "out of control" fast like Magnum can be.

What your saying doesn't make sense. Only Dragster runs faster, so what exactly are you getting at?

There was a lot of experimentation in the first year with wheels, including those squeaky nylon wheels that seemed to disintegrate pretty quickly. It's my understanding that wheel composition has been pretty consistent since then.

Magnum feels "out of control" because it was designed with a slide rule. It still tops out at 72 mph, and Millennium Force still tops out at 93 mph. The ride time from crest to brakes on MF with a warm loaded train probably doesn't vary much beyond two or three seconds.

I can't say I've ever had rides on MF which have felt really fast.

WHAAT? Every time I take someone on MF for their first ride, the first thing they say is how it flies through the whole course. That's why I love it so much.. It just hauls a%# the entire time. And the lack of trims make it fantastic.

All speed and no trims makes Dvo a happy boy.
All speed and no trims ...

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...

Mille is boring ;)

Millie doesn't need silly old trims........

She actually already has some. LOL! The brakes near the queue are actually trim brakes. It's not a block as the train can't stop there. So, that makes them trims.