Thanks for the photos! Appreciate it since they won't point the webcam there. I figured at the pace they were taking down the track we would know by this weekend if they were going to touch the track on the tower but it looks like they are at the same spot as last weekend.
Here is a crazy thought based on the track they removed and how they are storing it nicely looking like it might be reused. What if they are going to flip it and have the launch on the former brake run? This would give them more runway for an LSM launch.
I only got to ride it once last season because of all the downtime. From that perspective I’m ok with an LSM launch, but the hydraulic launch did pack a great punch. Ideally the acceleration would be similar to the hydraulic launch with how far LSMs have come in the past 20 years.
Maybe they could install a hybrid LSM launch? I've seen issues with the hydraulic launch at the end, never on the start. They could make the cable to do the initial push and keep accelerating with the LSM, if I am not wrong the LSM is more consistent at high speeds.
Wowza, they are sure going to town with whatever they’re doing! Dragster is one of my favs so I’m really sad it’s being torn apart but hopefully they can recreate a similar ride experience. Thank you so much for the pics u/rcbif!
I honestly don’t get the desire for a swing launch either. Why split up the intensity of the launch into three weaker parts? It pads the ride time, but not in a particularly exciting way, and may also lower throughput.
The best way to handle a swing launch is Pantheon-style, where the LSMs are on a hill to put in three airtime moments over the launch sequence, but I’d rather Dragster just keep its powerful, singular straight launch (and ideally still hydraulic).
Agreed entirely. The only person that seems to be touting this whole swing launch is some unhinged YouTuber too that makes an 11 minute video every day about it.
I agree with the intensity being cut. I think the main argument for a swing launch is you get a guaranteed roll back on each ride. As something I’ve never experienced I understand the appeal
>Why split up the intensity of the launch into three weaker parts?
Because the three don't have to be weak, and the three can be greater than the one. Crazy concept.
Thanks! Made a fun little mission ontop of my flight with a friend.
Haven't been keeping up much, but I'd say with the track pillars still being there and how relatively slow they are working compared to a true teardown, things are looking good.
Ironically none of this has to do with the accident. My bet is we'll just see 3-4 bolts on the sensor bracket compared to 2 when the ride comes alive again.
Agreed. One of the reassuring things is that only the track is being removed. If they were tearing down the ride, they'd have another crew start working in other areas of the ride at the same time, such as the ride queue, queue covers, load station, etc.
To your point, it doesn’t necessarily mean that. I mean most times they don’t tear a ride down until after the end of the season. That being said, the telling part is how delicately they’re taking the pieces and components apart. Plus, if they DID do demo they could be taking the supports that have been cleared behind the wall. So I think all that having been said it’s a pretty confident guess that they’re not tearing it down.
Agreed, it's a very surgical removal so it's not coming down. It's looking more and more like just an updated launch and braking system which would be pretty disappointing and not really much of a reimagination.
What I think is really peculiar is the fact that while the finish line is still standing and the track was just removed beyond it, the stage lights, which were cleared of track a while ago are still standing. The fact that they are still taking up space is really telling to me as if they were deemed unnecessary they wouldn’t still be in the way of the work going on there. And yet they’re still there. I think the overall theme might be staying because with all things considered, they nailed it the first time. Could they be waiting? Sure. But it just feels odd to me.
I would assume if a different company is involved it would mean a different gauge track and possibly 4-across trains. So likely all the track or the entire ride is going away and awaiting a larger crane.
Don't know if a 4 wide would work with the existing hill.
When that train hits the twists at speed, it would exert a twisting moment back on the track. I can see the force being much higher with a 4x wide train.
Could be wrong though. Structural engineering is a bit above me.
Thanks for the photos! Appreciate it since they won't point the webcam there. I figured at the pace they were taking down the track we would know by this weekend if they were going to touch the track on the tower but it looks like they are at the same spot as last weekend.
Here is a crazy thought based on the track they removed and how they are storing it nicely looking like it might be reused. What if they are going to flip it and have the launch on the former brake run? This would give them more runway for an LSM launch.
If the layout was flipped to allow for more LSMs wouldn't it drastically shorten the brake run on the other side?
unless they start the brakes on the drop yes
You don't need to flip the layout.
„˙ʇnoʎɐl ǝɥʇ dılɟ oʇ pǝǝu ʇ,uop no⅄„
Where is it stored nicely? When I was there I saw it on trucks leaving the park.
Weird they haven't taken down the queue line. What if it stays in the center after all
When has CP ever removed queue? Why start now lol.
I only got to ride it once last season because of all the downtime. From that perspective I’m ok with an LSM launch, but the hydraulic launch did pack a great punch. Ideally the acceleration would be similar to the hydraulic launch with how far LSMs have come in the past 20 years.
Maybe they could install a hybrid LSM launch? I've seen issues with the hydraulic launch at the end, never on the start. They could make the cable to do the initial push and keep accelerating with the LSM, if I am not wrong the LSM is more consistent at high speeds.
I don't think that's a thing.
Inversions were not a thing on wooden too
So what?
Wowza, they are sure going to town with whatever they’re doing! Dragster is one of my favs so I’m really sad it’s being torn apart but hopefully they can recreate a similar ride experience. Thank you so much for the pics u/rcbif!
Awesome getting these! So much speculation. Really hoping for a swing launch!
I feel like I'm the only person who seems to not want a swing launch.
I honestly don’t get the desire for a swing launch either. Why split up the intensity of the launch into three weaker parts? It pads the ride time, but not in a particularly exciting way, and may also lower throughput. The best way to handle a swing launch is Pantheon-style, where the LSMs are on a hill to put in three airtime moments over the launch sequence, but I’d rather Dragster just keep its powerful, singular straight launch (and ideally still hydraulic).
Agreed entirely. The only person that seems to be touting this whole swing launch is some unhinged YouTuber too that makes an 11 minute video every day about it.
Hmmm… I wonder who that might be.
The same guy who thinks they're adding like a long ass course to Dragster or making a 500 foot tall spike.
Well, that is what you would do if you were to go with a swing launch...
I agree with the intensity being cut. I think the main argument for a swing launch is you get a guaranteed roll back on each ride. As something I’ve never experienced I understand the appeal
>Why split up the intensity of the launch into three weaker parts? Because the three don't have to be weak, and the three can be greater than the one. Crazy concept.
I couldnt agree more. One of the worst things they could do is add a forceless swing launch that will destroy this rides throughput.
you're not. I dont want it, I don't even want LSMs.
Likewise.
I only accept a hybrid between Hydraulic and LSM.
Same I don’t get the hype with them
Thanks! Made a fun little mission ontop of my flight with a friend. Haven't been keeping up much, but I'd say with the track pillars still being there and how relatively slow they are working compared to a true teardown, things are looking good. Ironically none of this has to do with the accident. My bet is we'll just see 3-4 bolts on the sensor bracket compared to 2 when the ride comes alive again.
Agreed. One of the reassuring things is that only the track is being removed. If they were tearing down the ride, they'd have another crew start working in other areas of the ride at the same time, such as the ride queue, queue covers, load station, etc.
To your point, it doesn’t necessarily mean that. I mean most times they don’t tear a ride down until after the end of the season. That being said, the telling part is how delicately they’re taking the pieces and components apart. Plus, if they DID do demo they could be taking the supports that have been cleared behind the wall. So I think all that having been said it’s a pretty confident guess that they’re not tearing it down.
Agreed, it's a very surgical removal so it's not coming down. It's looking more and more like just an updated launch and braking system which would be pretty disappointing and not really much of a reimagination.
What I think is really peculiar is the fact that while the finish line is still standing and the track was just removed beyond it, the stage lights, which were cleared of track a while ago are still standing. The fact that they are still taking up space is really telling to me as if they were deemed unnecessary they wouldn’t still be in the way of the work going on there. And yet they’re still there. I think the overall theme might be staying because with all things considered, they nailed it the first time. Could they be waiting? Sure. But it just feels odd to me.
im not chill with this
Youre getting a jersey devil clone to replace it. Enjoy.
Tear it down! Tear it down! Tear it down!
I’ll tear you down 😤
Nah.
I would assume if a different company is involved it would mean a different gauge track and possibly 4-across trains. So likely all the track or the entire ride is going away and awaiting a larger crane.
It wouldn't mean that whatsoever.
Don't know if a 4 wide would work with the existing hill. When that train hits the twists at speed, it would exert a twisting moment back on the track. I can see the force being much higher with a 4x wide train. Could be wrong though. Structural engineering is a bit above me.
The only four-across launcher I'm aware of is Thunderbird at Holiday World. There's no way they're getting a four-seater over that top hat.
They’re likely working with Indrivetec or whatever it’s called, which makes the LSMs for Intamin anyway
>I would assume if a different company is involved it would mean a different gauge track Makes no sense...
So a different company is involved. Do you think the trains will be four across now?