The Sound of Number 16

Xcel is actually quiet. i think the riders screaming makes more noise than the ride itself. From what I remember you can hear the cable and the sled getting ripped forwards...i like the comparison to the "low-pitched kazoo"

^ is right, but if you are in the queue next to the hydraulics room you can hear a siren like sound during the launch, probably the cable being pulled so fast. You also hear what sounds like a pin drop just before the train rolls back a few inches for launch. Then in the station or on the train its all screams and the track's roar.

From as close as Supreme Scream, the launch is absolutely silent, except for a screamer occasionally, and there are lots of screamers on the drop. Thats usually when i notice the ride just dispatched, when i hear screamers on the top hat. As for the rest of the ride, its got a little roar at ground level, but the overbanks are filled with sand and have special pads to absorb the shock and possible sound. The ride is completely silent for the school and firestation literally 100 yards away, except if you get a band of screaming teen girls riding together. but why would they want dragster to be silent. i doubt they'll spend so much on stuff like the sound insulated hydraulics room, sand in supports, and other stuff. For comparison, When perilous plunge is on the turnaround or drop, you literally feel an earthquake near the ride. No kidding, and it rains too. You hear a big, deep, loud sound and notice the splash.

I never got the pleasure to stand by the room...i dont think i ever waited more than 30 minutes to get on Xcel each of the 18 times i went on it the one day. I think CP will keep "dragster" somewhat quiet because like Xcel, it is right along side the midway. I would like to hear it make some noise though, just to see the people walking next to it jump 50' in the air when the sound of it taking off scares the crap outta them :)

What's the chance of Dragster having the sounds of engines roaring just before the launch as the Christmas tree is lit, then maybe the sound continues down the track during the launch. The riders probably won't hear much of it but imagine those on the midway watching the launch. That would really add to the theming.