Morning Maintenance

I was just thinking about the maintenance on TTD in the morning before the park opens. On all of the other coasters they walk the track inch by inch to check for cracks or any kind of problems, right?

But on TTD that doesn't seem as easy because of the tower part. I'm assuming that they go up to each catwalk and do their thing, but do they climb up through the track at all on each sides to check for problems or what? Just came to my mind and thought it was interesting, what are your thoughts or answers to this? Thanks.

Other then the woodies, none of the coasters are walked inch by inch.

The only inspections are done to the mechanicals, (lifthill, brakes, etc) and the visual inspections performed when the coasters send out a train with an employee in the front seat.

as MaggieRider said.. only the wooden coasters are walked inch by inch.

a mechanic does go up the "train" on the side of millennium every morning and inspects the lift hill.. because then he has to hit a button or switch or something to restart the whole system. [otherwise mf wouldn't run].

I remember seeing a video(I think it was a show on travel channel) and it showed a maintenance man climbing the 270° twist, checking for problems. Is it done every morning, I dont know.

On the Discovery Channel they showed a man climbing up Xcelerator for an inspection. I don't believe they check TTD's entire track length, they do check the bolts that hold it together though.

I'm sure they climb the track occasionally. Everyday seems pointless to me. I wouldn't like being the guy climbing a 420 foot structure with nothing but a few hooks and ropes keeping me from falling to my splattered death.

rathofdoom said:
I'm sure they climb the track occasionally. Everyday seems pointless to me.

Ignore the fact that this quote was taken out of context. ;-) Yes, everyday seems pointless to check the track, because it never ever cracks or anything.

Actually I think climbing the track might be fun. If I had the chance I would do it.

I remember a couple years back there was a thread about how it would be cool to have a Fear Factor episode at CP, where people would have to climb up TTD, and other stuff like that.

I know for a fact that many new rides have used a pressurized structure. This works by filling the structure with a pressurized gas, in the case of TTD massive structure volume I would guess plain old air, and recording what is considered a reasonable amount of loss in pressure in x-hours and if more than that amount is lost then the structure is inspected. Wether this is in use on TTD I dont know.

~the clean up crew~

^What?

Anyway, Complete inspections and maintenance of the steel coasters are annual. They are done in march or april where they climb the tower and check every bolt and track connection.

During the operating season, there are a number of inspections that are completed on amusement rides prior to operation. Maintenance and operations do specific inspections and tests. It usually starts in the early morning hours or at midnight. These are dictated by industry standards and manufacturers instructions. The vehicles are the first to get a through run through. All undercarriage is checked and lubed. Topside is inspected - lap bars and locks checked - seat condition - everything visual is checked and logged. If its a roller coaster the braking system is looked at and inspected - a trained eye can spot problems right away. Brake wear is checked and replaced if needed. ALL tracks are checked daily - either from a catwalk or from the ground visually. Each week high stress areas are addressed more throughly. Annually all tracks get a full inspection 100% from a crane if needed. Some tracks are pressurized but that is usually up to the owner to promote that option. Some new tracks especially B&M rides cannot be pressurized because at each track joint there is a "plug" welded in the end of the tubular track for reinforcement - thus blockage for air pressure. (same with Intamin) The only tracks that can be pressurized are the older Arrow rides. After the ride is signed off the next phase takes over and starts the ride. Cycles are completed and block tests are done. Visuals are done to the area - Q lines and such. the ride is then opened. In each case the ride should have a through inspection - if the specific owner writes proper procedures - again using industry standards and manufacturese instructions. PS - there is a lot more to it than this - this is a condensed version.