Running a Third Train on Villain

I have noticed while riding Villain that there is a location where an extra block could go, possibly enabling three train operation, if the ride is timed right. Although it looks like CF likes to do rides with just 2 trains at its other properties (except Cedar Point), I was wondering if GL would continue two train operation, or would make the investment off adding a mid-course brake section, and a third train.

Obviously, I do not know if the ridership is enough to justify the expenditure, but I think it would be nice to see that ride be higher capacity, especially if is as good as many enthusiasts say it is!

-Sam (who doesn't think Villain is as great as everyone says, but who is willing to ride more to get a better idea).

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It's allways been talked about among employees... but in reality, the best way to increase capacity is get more operators on the platform, simple as that. If they could get that ride to not stack with 2 trains (which sounds pathetic, I know) I'd bet the line would go much faster. Then, if there still is a need to do so, add that brake segment and another train.

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Jes
JesLive.Com
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There's a reason for having that long flat spot on top of that one turn around, and a reason for having 3 trains in the first place. The orginal plans for Villain was to run 3 trains. From what I've heard, the park aready has the braking systems for the mid-course sitting around the park. SF never install those brakes.

Speaking of Villain trains, did one of the Villain trains move to Raging Wolf Bobs? If so, does Villain now only have one train? Or, did the ride come with three so it has two now?

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I'd rather be in my boat with a drink on the rocks,
than in the drink with a boat on the rocks.

Running a third train on Villian would increase hourly capacity now that it is a CF owned coaster but this would come with consequences. CF is always concerned with capacity and cost of operation. If mid-course brakes were installed odds are the second half of the ride would never be the same again. Every year they would crank them up a little more and before you know it we would have another Mean Streak on or hands. Or the brakes could minimally affect the ride and increase capacity, who knows. Either way with CF in charge you will not see two trian operation resulting in stacking anymore.

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C.P. Visits in 2003: 20
Dragster Rides: 18 (2 Front Row)

The park had 2 Gerstlauer trains for Villain when the ride opened in 2000, however in 2001 the park had to purchase a third train because one needed extensive rehab that would take the majority of the off season and season. Not to run with one train op the whole year they bought a "back-up" train to run. In 2002 the original train came back and the 2nd of the first 2 original trains went into rehab. In 2003 RWB was overhauled and the third train was moved over to RWB leaving two trains on the Villain. The intention was to purchase a 2nd train for this season but as of now RWB will still only have one train.

Villain really doesnt need 3 train op. Adding a midcourse could seriously take away from the ride. The ride never had a line over 15 minutes the past two seasons. Like Jes said the best way to increase capacity is to add ops on the platform, and I wouldnt be surprised if you saw that this summer.

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GL rides sup 2004
"The Fun is Back!"

Villain has two trains, and Raging Wolf Bobs has its third train. If the park had brakes for Villain's mid-course that were never installed, it is reasonable to assume that those are the brakes that were installed last year on Raging Wolf Bobs' station and station approach.

Now, there is a way to get three trains on Villain and two trains on Raging Wolf Bobs: Put the Villain brakes back over on the Villain where they belong, put the third Gerstlauer train back on the Villain where it belongs, and put the two Hercules trains and brakes on Raging Wolf Bobs. The Hercules trains are mechanically the same design as the Gerstlauer trains, so the same ride improvement that RWB got in switching from PTC trailers to Gerstlauers would still apply in switching to PTC articulated cars.

Oh! But the Hercules trains would need to have the seat-backs reupholstered. IIRC they have those Blue Streak-style seat backs that would be dangerous on Raging Wolf Bobs.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I spoke with a former CCI engineer about it, and yes, the ride is engineered to run three trains. I think that's kind of neat because you don't see a lot of wood coasters built that way.

Obviously you need the third train and the brakes installed, as well as a staircase at the block. However, the ride would need to first justify the need to boost capacity. Two operators can check that ride. They do it on Blue Streak and that has belts. With real operation of the ride, if they think they could really benefit from it for a good portion of the year, then they can decide to go three. Gotta make that case for it, first.

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What time does the water show start?

What is the ride time on Villain, from station to station? Anybody know?

To those who think a mid-course brake would be bad for Villain, let me point out that because the ride HAS a mid-course brake doesn't mean that it has to slow down or stop on it. It does mean that there is a fourth block on the ride, though, and that means an additional train. To see what I mean, take a ride on Cedar Point's Wildcat, which has something like nine mid-course block brakes, all of which stay wide open unless something goes wrong.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.