Raptor troubles?

My brother was at the park today and said Raptor had some issues today, one of which involved a walkdown from the lift hill around 12:45, a second of which involved a walkdown from a point towards the end of the ride about a half hour later (both of which he saw himself). He also heard secondhand that someone was being pulled off the ride itself on a stretcher (not sure about that one, just passing along everything I've got). Every time he walked by the ride for the rest of the day it was closed and nobody he talked to saw it running for the rest of the day (not even dry runs).

Anyone know anything about what went on and whether this is going to cause any downtime?
*** Edited 5/23/2006 2:09:04 AM UTC by JeffV***

Here we go again.... 2 down, 14 to go... ;)

I remember when I used to go back in the 90s, they would have walkdowns from that brakerun in the middle often. Seemed to have fixed in recent years, but who knows, maybe that problem returned.

Great. Maybe I'll get lucky and a couple more will break down before I leave for CP on Friday :(

Well, atleast they didn't have two trains on the lift.... [rolls eyes]

Not only was raptor down today, but millennium force was as well.

Just out of curiousty how do you get out of raptor for a walk down anyways.... I have always wondered that and to me it seems like it would be my least favorite coaster to get stuck on...

Actually, Raptor reopened tonight right before closing time (7:45ish) and they left the line open for quite awhile afterwards.

DBCP said:
Well, atleast they didn't have two trains on the lift.... [rolls eyes]

Was that photo Photoshopped?

It was quite annoying that MF and Raptor were down today. At least Dragster ran considerably well, or else it would have been Hell in the park!

No, the picture of two trains on the lift was indeed real.

As for a walkdown, there is a gas powered cart that rides under the train that serves as a sort of platform. Look for it under the base of the lifthill.

It was mentioned a few years back that a few of the older B&M inverts don't properly stop the train in the station and go onto the lift. Or something like that. I know there are a few Raptor fans that would know on here.

I'm not really sure how that cart works. Seems kind of low and at an awkward angle to get out.

It would be convenient if they just added something under the lift hill like the newer ones including Patriot at WOF. I dont think it would cost too much to do.

I have always wondered this and I hope that someone can explain to me the procedure of a walkdown on Raptor? Seems to me that you would have to jump from the train into that car that comes out under the track right? I donno I really dont understand it.

The evacuation cart is moved to a position under your feet. The restraint bars are released and you get out of the seat onto the floor of the cart, just like you do in the station. Then, you walk across the cart to the steps and walk the rest of the way down the lift hill.

Seems kinda scary...lol

And being gas powered? I know 94 was 12 years ago but come on. They need either a floor under the seats or an electric cart like MF has.

That actually sounds easier than trying to get out of Magnum.

And an electric cart would be great, until the power goes out and you have to fire up the gas powered generator anyway.

I hope and pray that I never have a walk down. I must be bi polar...I am afraid of heights, but love coasters. I say a little prayer to myself on every lift hill that goes like this: "Dear God, just let this thing go over the hill".

MrScott

I'm terribly afraid of heights, but just fine on a coaster. In fact, the only time I think I've had a problem going up the hill was A - riding in the very back seat of Magnum for the first time. It was weird without a train behind me. and B - the first time I was on Millennium ("Who in their right mind would build a coaster this tall?")