Wildcat 1 vs. Wildcat II

We all know that in 1979 Cedar Point shipped the old Wildcat to Valleyfair and got a new Wildcat.

Does anyone know how they differ? I rode the first one for years and I can't recall them being different at all. But then why the change?

-- Harley

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CP fan since 68.

Not sure precisely how this applies to the CP Wildcats, but here goes...

On the current Wildcat, there is a block brake at the end of the platform just past load, then a flat run around the curve to the lift. The old-type Wildcat runs downhill from load to a steep rise in the middle of the curve leading to the lift. That rise has two kicker wheels to advance the car to the base of the lift. That rise is the holding point for dispatch. There are other subtle differences as well, but that's the main one I can think of.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Does Valleyfair still have the old one?

I think Valleyfair got rid of it when they got Rails.
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DanielHaverlock
Magnum Count: 2166
www.spiritofthepoint.com

Wouldn't it have been easier if Cedar Point kept the original Wildcat and just sent the new one to ValleyFair? Why all the shuffling around?

Also, I thought the old relocated CP Wildcat was called 'Rails' at Valleyfair.

Tim would have to back me up on this, but apparently the panels along the railings at the dip at the top were added to deflect wind which apparently rolled back the car in the dip.

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Jeff
Webmaster/GTTP
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

That reminds me of all the stories I heard of it rolling back. Especially one of the last weekends, when it rolled back twice! That was an awesome sight! :)

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Force Laps: 424
Wicked Twists: ???
6/11/01: Gemini 100

I remember the rolling back, and I remember the track was red. But I didn't realize it they were actually 2 different Wildcats. That's why I like these forums. Learn something new all the time.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead

Jeff is 100% correct. At the top of the lift the panels were added after the 1985 season to avoid "rollbacks" caused by wind.

I remember the first Wildcat and the "dip" was as you left the station and then hit the kicker wheels.

Dan said:
I think Valleyfair got rid of it when they got Rails.

Actually. 'Rails' was just the name they gave it after WT (VF's Wild Thing...man, I'm gonna hate two WT's) was built. Prior to that, it was 'Wild Rails'.
But yes, it was 'retired' after the 1998 season for an Arrow Mad Mouse.
-CPlaya

I'd rather ride a Wildcat anyday over an Arrow Mad Mouse!!! I hope CP never gets rid of theirs.

I've seen wildcat 2 break down, get stuck, roll back, so many times i'm afraid to ride it now. I've ridden it like 1 time...but i was a little shrimp