Top Thrill Dragster 2022 Status

I disagree. There is definitely more area cleared out in the turnaround area than was originally used by the ride. I assumed that the new trains were wider hence the station work (in addition to new electrical components, etc).

Based on what pictures? All I can see in the aerial images of the turnaround is that the load and unload platforms, and the exit stairs and ramp have been removed, in addition the landscaped area around the ramp.

Also missing from that picture is the checkered ride attendant area at the back of the load station. Note the front one where the main control booth was is still there for what it's worth. The arc at the former unload area looks wider im guessing because the unload exit ramp and stairs where previously there.

Yes, that's all I'm seeing as well - the arc looks larger because they've also removed the unload platform and ramp, etc.. Maybe there are other angles showing that the arc is indeed larger, but I haven't seen them.

New Launch - Old Science

https://youtu.be/OI_HFnNTfyU

I think this has been mentioned/thrown out already (because everything has multiple times), but I wonder if the old load area will be the start of the launch - basically starting the launch underneath the old station area. Would give them more track to get up to speed if that’s necessary. There’s more than enough room for both the load and unload area to be together on what used to be the waiting and unload. Could be an explanation for the massive deconstruction of the load and unload area.

I have wondered the same thing. It would be like Wicked Twister was.

From the image Brandon posted, it does look like the area directly above the excavator is scored and ready to be torn up.

Possibly, but would that indicate they're widening the turn? Consider the implication - the launch toward the tower has to be linear, and they stopped removing track far short of vertical track. Absent a "finish coaster" button, how do you reconcile a wider turn with a linear approach to the tower?

IMO, the area above the excavator looks like a good place for the exit ramp. I have no claim to any real knowledge, but if they are keeping the station there and not having an unload, that’s where I’d be having riders exit back to the midway.

As for the area previously containing landscaping? I’d say work on footings for an elevated bridge up and over the end of the brake run and down into the station, assuming the queue will be entering from over there, now, and not the middle of the ride. Kind of similar to how they re-routed Kingda Ka’s queue after they closed the queue in the center.

No ideas that wouldn't be shot down with arguments from all over this thread. I'm even less sure myself now, the grid pattern I thought was scoring, looks similar to the concrete pattern in the old queue and the winners circle areas. Can kinda make out the grid in the circle in google maps, so maybe these were always there.

Good point Brandon. I forgot about the unload winding ramp, and you're on the same wavelength as me. If they widened the turn, I'm not sure how you keep the station where it is and maintain the linear path to the tower.

Unless they install a switch track from a newly constructed station to the old station, I agree, it wouldn’t make sense to widen the turn.

Obviously going to Launch forward over the top hat, come to a stop, then launch backward over the top hat.

Looking at that photo, where do y'all think the bulk of the queue lines will be? Perhaps within the construction wall area where the fence is lined up with the grandstand, then a bridge over the top to load or just load from the midway side? The previous loading platform was quite vast, I know it will be re-configured as they removed the rails & such but if it is to be utilized riders need to get there somehow.

I don't think they're changing the station location. Why would they leave the canopy structure up and demo underneath if they weren't going to re-use it as a load/unload location. Like everyone else has said you may have to lower the platform elevation and maybe widen a bit to fit the new trains.

Ok, how's this sound? Wider turn into a brand new loading station and move the queue lines under the old station canopy like Maverick and Whitewater landing. Give the new one a rotating platform to really tie in the theme. Then switch track into a newly developed curved synchronous motor launch.

But why do all that? The queue can be located in any number of places that wouldn't require all that work and complexity.

One spicy possibility is one I brought up months ago.

What if they reverse the launch to go up the spiral side and come down the straight side?

I feel like that fits a space concept really well.

A 420' straight drop would be AWESOME.