New for 2006 - Skyhawk

Actually, it would be a nightmare if both arms swung at the exact same time. The torque produced by both arms swinging would basically warp the structure out of itself. A little "delay" if you want is needed between each side so the whole structure doesn't come down on itself. It's also not uncommon to see that you can run 1 side at a time (as alot of speculation stated you would have to run both simultaneously).

mantisbrian, all the simulations show both arms running simultaneously. And the valley fair construction photos clearly show only one arm swinging.

Both sides do run at the same time. *** Edited 12/5/2005 12:37:47 AM UTC by CPFan420***

Maybe he means running at the same time in the same direction.

What I actually meant is if both arms are extended to their maximum on opposite sides at the same time. It seems mechanically sound that side "A" starts and then x-amount of time later (5-10 seconds later) side "B" starts.

And how many times have simulations proven us wrong or mislead us in some way?

well... they better be right, or they just wasted millions of dollars on something that can only run one arm at a time.
*** Edited 12/5/2005 3:52:42 AM UTC by Jason Hammond***

Despite all the snow that just fell recently, there is still work going on at Skyhawks site! I"m Shocked! Anyway from the video both arms move at once, but there is a delay like once the arm gets fully extended.

If they stopped working when it snows, they'd never get anything done.

As for the Wonka comment.....its a compressor room, not a compression room. Man it just loses its joke factor when you have to explain it.

I see what you mean about both arms runing simultaneously in the opposite direction. That you think the structre might torque. But I think that the structre would have been designed for simultaneous movement.

I think that not having them run at the same time would be detrimental. At least if they run simultaneously, the forces on the structure are always balanced. (with exception of the weight of the riders) If you started one arm a few secoonds later then as the arms came down to the low point of the swing, there would be a point at which both arms would be on the same side of the structure. And I think having all the forces pulling on the same side (even for that brief time) would be worse than the Torque issue your bringing up.

Well, looks like they started one of the control booths,
and it looks like it will be a 6'x6' "deer blind". ;)

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/inside_park/webcam/camera3.cfm

*** Edited 12/5/2005 8:49:37 PM UTC by cp&le rr guy***

All that's needed is some deer and we're all set.

I agree with Jason (prev. page). A quick FBD of the structure shows that with simultaneous swinging, there would be some localized torque located at the legs, and zero torque in the middle of the upper support. The torque placed on each leg would be equally opposing as compared to the other, and as said above, there would also be equalized "horizontal" forces on the structure. With the x-sectional size of the legs, I believe they can take quite a lot of torque without any noticable elastic deformation, also known as bending or flexing - which is a bad thing. ;)

With a staggered starting time, the torque could only be minimally reduced, unless the opposing horizontal forces were no longer equalized. I'm sure the structure could handle both sides swinging in the same direction, but the cyclic fatigue that would cause would probably shorten the length of the ride by a considerable amount over the long run.

- - Just my $0.02. - -

.
*** Edited 12/6/2005 1:58:33 PM UTC by djDaemon***

Thanks dj, I was beging to feel I was alone on this.

Interesting Facts there Djdaemon. Now my question is does MaXair go through the same kind of torque?

Also I wanted to bring up todays blog entry. They gave us a reason why Skyhawks colors were chosen. They chose the colors red white and blue to date back to the glory days of Frontiertown during early times of America. Although in both the video and the picture that the artists did, the middle part isn't white, it's grey.

Maxair is slightly different in terms of forces & torque, etc.

Because the apex of the supports is smaller, there is much less torque placed on the legs as compared to Skyhawk. The predominant element on Maxair would be the forces exerted when its in the fully-extended position. Though these forces are significantly higher than those on Skyhawk (due to Maxair's weight/size), there are four legs that can support these forces. In the fully-extended swing position, the two legs opposite the pendulum react by pulling back on the apex, while the two legs on the side nearest the pendulum push agains the apex.

Skyhawk is unique and interesting because it only uses two vertical (relative to the swinging motion) legs.

Today we have a new set of pictures from Skyhawks website, along with a new blog entry. If Only our own pointbuzz could bring in an update. Hopefully another update of what the area White Water Landing once sat in will have another update. Anyway, can someone tell me where the Air Supports are going? I know they're for Skyhawk, but where do they go?

The air tanks will be placed on the ouside of Skyhawks supports

http://www.valleyfair.com/news/the_scoop/construction_gallery.cfm
The 3 November 15th pics show it the best.

Thank you DjDaemon for asking my question and thank you adam for bringing that link to me. I was lost for a while as to where the air tanks would go. Anyway looking at the webcam today, the ride operators control booth is taking shape. The Compressor room looks finished, the roof has shingles on it now and has wood enclosing it. All it needs is a couple doors....lol.

And siding. lol :)