Top Thrill Dragster 2022 Status

Dvo said:

"Hear me out. The infield will be a new layout for not only one, but two dueling launched coasters. And the tophat is no longer a tophat, but each side of the tower is the reverse spike for each of the dueling launched coasters."

What SHOULD'VE been done originally in 2003.... I said something similar (my wishful thinking) to this a few weeks back. Not in the old infield, but on the current set of 2 tracks, I can picture 2 dueling formula one cars race against each other toward the current top hat. You could place a stop block (or something similar) in the top middle part of the highest point of the top hat. The cars could face each other when they meet at the top (not go over the current hill), and then you could have a true rollback for each car on every ride back into each station. You place your new Christmas tree in the middle infield (after the launch), build a NEW clone loading station to the left of the current one, facing the opposite direction (like a T shape) and bam you have your new ride. Oh and the old turnaround track area that used to go back into the station? There's your spot for your new queue line my friends, out of the way from any possible flying debris.

Waiting for EltoroRyan in 3, 2, 1..... have some original ideas bro. ;)

vwhoward:
I wonder if plans changed or they found out new info about how things will go back together after the sent the track to wherever they sent the track

If the tower track removal rumor is true, I wonder if it’s only limited to modifying the 270* twist so that the speculated Zamperla trains, which appear taller than the old trains, have proper clearance. But then again what’s cheaper, modifying a train design to accommodate clearance on an existing track course or modifying track 300-400 feet up?

djDaemon:

those suggestions were based purely on hopes and dreams rather than any actual, observable evidence.

No, they weren't. A little over a month ago I made those predictions based on my professional experience. Pretty sad that you're still clinging to making subtle jabs at me because you were wrong. And now you're moving your goal posts.

The only recent example of an LSM launched ride that approaches the same speeds as Dragster is Red Force. Red Force, however, has shorter three car trains as opposed to Dragster's 5 car trains, which would require significantly less power to launch. In rough numbers, I estimate to match Dragster's launch with a 5 car train, a peak power of 10MW would be required, which is a LOT of power. A hypothetical "swing launch" would reduce this number given that the ride would now have 3 (5?) passes to get over the tower. This also gives the added benefit of providing all riders with the coveted rollback. I certainly don't know what they are going to do, but Cedar Point could hypothetically build the back tower 457 feet tall and reclaim the world's tallest roller coaster title no one cares about.

Well, if the spire and shuttle launch turns out to be true, that would fall in line with their thinking that Wicked Twister was expendable.

I did think it was interesting to see that the track supports on the brake side remain but are gone on the launch side. Made me think they might add an airtime hill there or something, perhaps even launching up the other side of the tower and coming down into an airtime hill on the former launch side.

MichaelB:

djDaemon:

those suggestions were based purely on hopes and dreams rather than any actual, observable evidence.

No, they weren't. A little over a month ago I made those predictions based on my professional experience. Pretty sad that you're still clinging to making subtle jabs at me because you were wrong.

No, he's right about the hopes and dreams thing. Frankly that's still correct, as there is little change in observable evidence. And far from clinging to anything, he's openly changing his opinion based on changing context. Not speaking for him, but I think you grossly overestimate where you rank in his daily intent.

MichaelB:
A little over a month ago I made those predictions based on my professional experience.

Forgive me as I have been away from these forums for a while. But what exactly IS your professional experience?

Pretty sad that you're still clinging to making subtle jabs at me because you were wrong.

Nobody is right or wrong as it stands. No need to do a victory lap just yet.

And now you're moving your goal posts.

I'll basically echo what Jeff said above. Changing your opinion on a subject based on new information is not "moving the goal posts". Personally, I'm still skeptical that certain aspects of the reverse spike rumor are true but that's because I have yet to see the evidence to fully support it. Right now, it just seems a bit more plausible.

I don't see any compelling evidence. I'm open minded to seeing it when and if it emerges, but a new hole where (some of) the infield used to be just looks like a hole where (some of) the infield used to be. Filled with water.

And as far as Zamperla being identified from a "source"; none of that emerged until after the industry show down in Florida, and Zamperla was saying (and showing off) some things that could certainly be inferred as to being related to Dragster. I would guess that anyone actually paying attention to the industry would have Zamperla as the best bet after that.

Is there something I'm missing that is making it more plausible?

Lots and lots of time between now any May of 2024. Lots of things could change. As far as it stands now, it just looks like a new company is reimagining the same ride. They're just making room for their new toys.

That's interesting, Kevin. I guess I haven't been paying enough attention to the details to realize ETR's Zamperla comment came after IAAPA. That makes the prediction less prescient considering the size of the industry, and the very safe assumption Intamin wasn't going to be invited to the party, eliminating them as a possibility.

MichaelB, I was referring to no one in particular when referring to the "layout change faithful". To me, anyone who was foretelling of grand layout changes based on rumors, or on simple marketing word choices, or tarot readings are one and the same. As Jeff said, you don't rank that high for me to call you out specifically. Nothing personal.

I'm in agreement with what Adam said above - a reverse spike only seems slightly more plausible at this point, and that's not me "moving the goalposts". It's me changing my view based on new developments - AKA evidence - at the work site.

It'll be interesting to see what happens this week given the FB post above.

I’m loving all of this speculation and how much is unknown. A lot of investigative work from enthusiasts throughout this project without layout leaks, ride name patent leaks, etc. This really is one of CP’s greatest teases and best kept secrets in a long time now that we have the power of the internet. It just adds to the excitement for me.

Is this REIMAGINED going to be a gamechanger tho!

Only time will tell. We won’t know until opening day 2024 (assuming and hoping it’ll be ready for opening day).

TwistedWicker77:

I’m loving all of this speculation and how much is unknown.

Exactly. It's a fun time to be a Cedar Point fan.

Tony and Tyler teasing Skyhawk's eventual announcement was what led me to finding Pointbuzz (and soon after Coasterbuzz) in the first place way back in 2005. If I remember right, they "found" mysterious blueprints in a trash can next to the Town Hall Museum (R.I.P.).

It's been a while since I've posted, hello everybody! Getting caught up with the thread, and looking back at my previous prediction of the entire structure being sold off, which I couldn't have been more incorrect about. I'm sticking with my revised prediction, of the launch being reversed, and the trains being launched up the spiraled side, then down the straight side (New Formula), possibly into an extended finish following the new drop? Certainly could explain why the brake-run supports remain, while it's track was shipped off? Same goes for the launch-side track, and why it has been further dismantled??

Near immediately after the announcement this summer, I ran into this thread and layed our reasonings there will be a changed or extended layout.

I think I made a 10 point post about it.

I also made a 3D model for some possibilities as examples.

I was laughed out of the thread by all but like 2-3 people.

So many people said the marketing statement had 0 bearing and significance on whatvwas being done. I even went as far as to pull almost word for word similar statements from Cedar Fair at Knotts.

The hubris of others tastes so sweet.

NextGen89:

I ran into this thread...

...I made a 10 point post about it.

I also made a 3D model...

I even went as far as to pull almost word for word similar statements...

And I'm still laughing, FWIW.

NextGen89:
Near immediately after rhe announcement this summer, I ran into this thread

Should watch where you're going then......

SpeedDemon:

Interesting FB post from someone local who works construction….

I guess they meant next Monday...