Slow the Lift????

I know this may be a little selfish and may not promote thoroughput, but I think MF would be even better if they slowed the lift. I love the feeling of terror before I go over the top. The way up happens so quick there's not enough time to realize you're scraping 300 feet.

If I could've named the MF, it'd be "The Wrath of God". The first time I rode it, I was praying. :o)

If you notice, there are no block brakes on the ride. That means that after the lift, you can't stop the train. Hypothetically speaking, the only way you could keep the line moving is by having a fast lift. Plus, why waste all the money on a "first of it's kind" cable lift, only to make it as slow as Magnum's?

Actually, a slower lift (and thus a longer total ride time) would probably *increase* ride throughput because it would allow two trains on the circuit at a time, much like what we see on Magnum. With a slower lift, Millennium Force might be able to break 1,600 PPH instead of the 1,200 PPH it does now. I realize it is counter-intuitive, but it all has to do with cycle timing... --Dave Althoff, Jr.

I thought that due to the anti-rollback system, a slower speed would not be possible. I am not sure about this, but I do remember discussion.

If they would run 2 trains on the circut they would have to put in a block brake somewhere on the ride, for safty block reasons. This most people would not want to see happen, putting brakes on a coaster like that is one of the ultimate sins twards a coaster. Plus the way the lift goes up fast and then speeds up twards the top gives it a feeling like basicly no other coaster. When CP built MF they said they wanted to have a feeling all its own, which it does. I think CABEWNCP is right also, I do think I remember hearing that the anti-rollback system needs the higher speed.

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"The shade, is a tool, A device, a saviour"
My own summer (shove it)-Deftones
MF Rides-11

That's what I don't get, Dave. The way I see it they could gain as much as ten seconds per interval if they'd dispatch the train that much earlier. I noticed while watching from the platform that by the time the train crests the lift the previous train has already been in the unload for awhile. Of course, time it wrong and you've got people freaking out in stopped trains at the top of the lift, and wasn't that the problem in the first place?

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
Millennium Force laps: 34

I think the fast lift is one of the best features of the ride. The big bad coaster's not gonna give you one second to rest and relax.

Not only with dispatch intervals, the *major* thing to worry about is if the train will complete the circuit, I'm sure. After that red train incident about a month ago, Cedar Point wants to make sure the train has enough momentum over the hill to make that 182 foot hill on a windy day. And, of course, if you slow down the lift, that is less speed the train is going to gain, even if it is only a mph or two. Speaking of lift hills, is it just me, or is the Son of Beast a naughtly little thing? His old man should really start laying down the law with him if he's not gonna do his job!:)

Difference in speed would be negligible by slowing the lift, as has been proved time and time again by the physics experts here.

It's also worth noting that the real factors in the rollback were the empty train, the type of wheels used and weather. All cause variances in the performance of the ride.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
Millennium Force laps: 34
*** This post was edited by Jeff on 6/25/2000. ***

Well par of me likes the fast lift. The other part likes the slow creep upwards. I must admit I like the whip over the hill. :)

I am a little disturbed about this ticket system they're incorporating. I am planning my sixth trip next week and I just missed its' debut of it on the 21st. Has anyone had any problems getting to ride as many times as they want? I planned on making my next trip devoted to MF. Will I have problems? I guess I'll find out. I am willing to wait 90 minutes for a ride, so what's the big deal about?

Yes, I realize there all kinds of physics involved, and most of the speed will still be there, and that is why I included the words "windy day" in that post. I think that the ride is fine where it is, especially with that jerk 2/3 of the way up, when the lift speed is regained up to 13 MPH.

I like the way you get a G or two on take off, and how you get thrown down the hill, but what i dont like is how fast you go between those two parts of the lift. I wish the could slow it down int the middle of the lift, but then it just would not be the same ride.

at least put up some speakers to make the clicking sounds. I missed that.

Actually I must say that I too like the slow lift better. It would be best if they slowed down the lift at the top.

Also, does anyone remember when the talk was that the lift would be silent? It doesn't seem silent at all to me! It sounds like the loudest of all!

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Live for FUN!

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I thought they couldn't slow the lift down even if they wanted to, because of the anti-rollbacks. Doesn't the train have to be going a certain speed for the anti-rollbacks to be "activated" or something?

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MF and that's my Final Answer ;)
MF count:15

One of the major characteristics of this ride is the fast lift. If they took that off it would be like putting trims on the first hill or repainting it orange and silver.

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Dispatch Master, This is Transport one! I'm losing control, I'm losing control!