Operators,
I've always wanted to know what operators *do*
Do they just push a big go button that's timed like at the carnivals, or does it take a lot of skill and training ? Can anyone fill me in ?
Do they just push a big go button that's timed like at the carnivals, or does it take a lot of skill and training ? Can anyone fill me in ?
Operators do everything! :) Measure heights at entrance, push the buttons to make the coaster go (most of it is computer controlled, so it isn't as difficult as it might look), do the safety inspections, etc. If you want a lot of details on working coasters or being an employee, I have all that sort of thing on my website (below) - including the different positions for working coasters and such. Each ride is different, but they're all great fun to work!
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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/
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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/
I've been meaning to ask the ops this...
Do your thumbs hurt bad from pressing buttons on the coasters, or do you get over it because you are used to it? I remember when Raptor Jo was yalking about it hurt her thumbs.
If so, if I become an op one day I may just havve to bring a pair of work gloves. :)
Do your thumbs hurt bad from pressing buttons on the coasters, or do you get over it because you are used to it? I remember when Raptor Jo was yalking about it hurt her thumbs.
If so, if I become an op one day I may just havve to bring a pair of work gloves. :)
CP_Bound-controls hurt my thumbs until someone told me to use my middle and pointer fingers instead-that helped yes but I swear I didnt 100% feeling back in those fingers until the winter!
For the dispatch position because you can "wrap" your pointer and middle finger knuckles around the dispatch button it doesnt hurt, it's not just your thumb pushing the button.
As far as "what we do" on Raptor the positions are load or unload, (unload 1 does spiels too) entrance, controls (my fav) dispatch (which is technically also load 3) or crowd control (the position from Hell, I would rather do entrance, especially on Raptor) There was training on every position and obviousely the "control" position took the most detailed (written too!) training.
I cant wait to be part of the Raptor crew again!
I am SIKED!!
Jo
2000 Raptor Crew
2001 Raptor Crew
Gemini 100 "Survivor"
Po!nter Girl-FOREVER! :)
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If I cant ride it, rope it, pull a trailer behind it, then I dont want it!! Cowgirl up!!
For the dispatch position because you can "wrap" your pointer and middle finger knuckles around the dispatch button it doesnt hurt, it's not just your thumb pushing the button.
As far as "what we do" on Raptor the positions are load or unload, (unload 1 does spiels too) entrance, controls (my fav) dispatch (which is technically also load 3) or crowd control (the position from Hell, I would rather do entrance, especially on Raptor) There was training on every position and obviousely the "control" position took the most detailed (written too!) training.
I cant wait to be part of the Raptor crew again!
I am SIKED!!
Jo
2000 Raptor Crew
2001 Raptor Crew
Gemini 100 "Survivor"
Po!nter Girl-FOREVER! :)
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If I cant ride it, rope it, pull a trailer behind it, then I dont want it!! Cowgirl up!!
Yeah, my fingers hurt too at first, but after awhile (during the regular season) you try to get used to it! Disaster Transport had the toughest controls, because they all have the silver casing so you can't wrap your hand around it like Jo said. The worst though is if you have nails - cut them off! That will make it a bit easier.
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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/
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PO!NT OF VIEW - A Different Look at Roller Coasters
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/
When i worked at Adventuredome I used to use my knuckles.
On topic though. Cedar Fair gives a little more responsiblity to the operators than most parks. In some locations allowing them to add and subtract trains, solve block set-ups, etc. Some parks don't allow ops to do this due to the sheer lack off responsiblity an individual has. At CP though they don't just pick anyone which means better ops, better operations.
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Future CP Ride op?
On topic though. Cedar Fair gives a little more responsiblity to the operators than most parks. In some locations allowing them to add and subtract trains, solve block set-ups, etc. Some parks don't allow ops to do this due to the sheer lack off responsiblity an individual has. At CP though they don't just pick anyone which means better ops, better operations.
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Future CP Ride op?
All I have to say is that Gemini is the only coaster left with Manual controls so if you guys complain about a thumb hurting...try bring in six trains and making a 24 second interval on a hot day when the trais are going REALLY fast. No, what really hurts is the thumbs up for clearing a train for hours. It's a chronic disease that has you giving people thumbs up even in your free time. Talk about looking like a looser.
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Gemini Crew 2001. I loved the Gem100!!
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Gemini Crew 2001. I loved the Gem100!!
You have no idea what you're talking about.. go back to work...
;)
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
;)
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
Yeah.. but I'm not the one who overshoots all the time... so HA! Take that....
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100 *** This post was edited by Red Garter Rob on 7/24/2001. ***
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100 *** This post was edited by Red Garter Rob on 7/24/2001. ***
I only over shot the train once...just because it was the one that you were suppose to be on is insignificant. Well...it's significant now, but you met me didn't you.
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Gemini Crew 2001. I loved the Gem100!!
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Gemini Crew 2001. I loved the Gem100!!
Cute.. I'll give ya that.. hehehehe
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
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- Big Pimp -
MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 103 laps as of (7/19/01)
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
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