Tricky Ride-ops

Has anyone else put confidence in the fact that you will launch out of the station when the ride-op finishes his/her countdown, only to launch early or late? I have be on Wicked Twister several times and experienced three different launches. My first time the ride-op finished counting, but then we didn't launch. After what seemed like eternity, actually 2 secs., he let out a laugh and then launched us. Another time the train was launched at 2 on the countdown. The other times we launched when the countdown finished. I like the suspense of knowing you can't trust when you will launch. Anyone else experience this?
*** This post was edited by Junior 7/21/2002 9:18:13 PM ***

Yes - we discussed this 'humor' in the Employee Lounge.

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Virtual Midway
http://www.virtualmidway.com

One time, back when it wasn't toned down, they had to recheck harnesses like twice after they counted down...and then they caught us all off gaurd and launched the train! It was much better than a warning because we weren't expecting it.

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June 28th: LocoBazooka Tour (Sevendust headlining)
July 11th: Korn, Puddle of Mudd, and Deadsy

I had a fine launch count down but I think it would be better if they didn't tell ya. (Same with PT)
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Drink Milk. Goto Cedar point. Love Life.
"I listen to station music on my walkman"

Yeah, I would prefer just a sudden launch without any warning or attempted warning like they do on S:UE and PT (sort of). Your still expecting it but you don't know when it will come so it builds some anticipation.

Counting down then launching after the fact does have a tendency to loosen people up because they think it's broke or something went awry. On the other hand a launch without any warning the people still may be expecting it and are ready.

When I was there one time the ride op was like kiss this one good by cause your out of here. Then they launched. It was pretty funny.

BTW. do the ride ops have control on when the train launches, or do they just push the button and it goes in about 3 seconds or when its ready
*** This post was edited by thebeast 7/23/2002 10:04:45 PM ***

I'd imagine it's an instant push-button launch. I've heard on Hypersonic and air-launched rides you can hear the air "hiss" before launch, killing the surprise factor.

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Tommy Penner - Variable X
7/27 - Second Largest Ohio Luau in my room @ Breakers (Couldn't Resist...)

That has happened to me on WT once those darn ride hosts.

"You Sir Are Loco In The Cabasa."
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Pugsly,The Coaster Jester Of Cedar Point.