Question about Raptor

I have ridden Raptor so many times and it's my favorite ride, but there is something I can't figure out. When you're about half-way through the ride, there is a part where you go through something that looks like a station, but it will sometimes slow you down and other times you'll go flying right through it without slowing down. Why is it that sometimes you slow down and other times you go right through? Is that a part of the ride containing the trim brakes? If so, is there is a certain part of the day when they're turned off because I seem to enjoy the ride more when we go through without being slowed down or we get slowed down just a little to where you can't even really tell. Thanks

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and remember, if you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter

I believe it's part of the block brake system on that ride. It's just to make sure that 2 trains are not on the same section of the ride at the same time.

Raptor Rider, that's the mid-course brake run (MCBR) and Blazer99 is right on how it works. If there is a problem with the ride on the 2nd half of the ride and you have already been released from the lift, you will be stopped at the MCBR. (I was so close to a walkdown... *sniff*)

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I own you!

The block brakes are never "turned off"-they are run totally by computer and are based on the speed of the train as it is going thru the block brake. I know during the a.m. test rides rarely would the block work since it was only me or 2 other ops on the train. And joe was right, if the sensors sense one of the trains aren't where they should be, the block brake will stop the train. Been there-done that! :)

Of course it's not like I'm a Raptor expert or anything ;)

Jo
2000/2002 Raptor Crew
Lifetime Raptor flights: 708 :)
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It's all about getting around the barrels, or over the fences, right leads, no faults, fastest time and looking pretty when done. What's so hard about that? :)

Thank you everyone for answering. It makes perfect sense and I'm glad you responded Jo. I knew that if anyone knew the exact answer it would be you. I figured anyone who was a Raptor ride op and had over 700 Raptor flights under their belt would be the perfect one to ask. That would answer why the stairs are present on that part of the ride. I appreciate everyone's response.

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and remember, if you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter

The stairs are also there for maintnance access also.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82
Technical Services 2002
Fright Zone Screamster 2002

I swear there were times at night when the trains were flying and the mid course barely slowed it down. I could never figure out if it was because of the braking pressure applied, the momentum of the trains, or something I never considered. I'd time them, (I'm a geek, what can I say) and it'd be 2-3 seconds faster on those nights.

Going up to the block for a stopped train was pretty fun, I was usually the first to volunteer. Walkdowns from the block weren't as fun. Don't forget that quite a few people take off their shoes, so a 'show borrowing' system is usually used since that metal grating isn't the most comfortable surface. Then you put 6 or so people on those stairs, and they start to wiggle a bit. Heck, take a look at the stairs and the block itself when a train passes by.

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VertiGo rides: 32
2002 Raptor Crew
"Hey, Cool. My voice is on the lift"