Jon Sabo

Tonight at 10pm on Science Channel, Mega Machines program will feature the amazing Helix roller-coaster and behind the scenes technology. (Check local listings for time and channel).

Not sure if anyone is aware, but Maga Machines tv program will highlight Helix rollercoaster ride this Thursday!

Hello All! I am having a serious technical issue with my NL2-Professional and seek some tech support. I have already emailed the NL2 team and we are having a challenge finding a solution. I currently have Nl2-Professional edition. I have never had any issues with the program until I installed the latest update-2.2.3.2 *System has been scanned for any virus and ALL device drivers and graphics cards up-to-date.....no other hardware issues detected-all performing well. Processor: Intel Core i5-650 3.2 GHz > Ram: 4 GB 64Bit OS (Windows 7) > Graphics card: ATI Radeon 5450. > No Limits2-Professional Edition > **Before the download of the most current/recent NL2 software update I > have *never* had any issues with the game whatsoever. *Latest download > version: 2.2.3.2* > Since the latest update install (I uploaded and installed it 2 times in > the event something may have not loaded previous update), I can use the > game in editor mode, but it is only in the /*'PLAY" mode that the game > freeze*/s....it ranges between 6-10 seconds. I tried other saved coaster > designs as well and now all of the saved coaster files freeze in PLAY > mode (no matter what view I am using). Any tech tips/suggestions to resolve this? thank-you!!!

It is very likely that there WAS some sort of warning light or message that displayed that the block was not cleared, but that's the whole point of operating it in manual or maintenance mode. You are essentially turning off and ignoring any computer notifications or warnings. When you turn that key to disable the computer, you are taking entire responsibility of the ride in your hands. It is VERY rare that I've seen a ride operate in maintenance mode with people on it. But I have seen it happen before and the person controlling it needs to be paying EXTREME caution to make sure everything on the ride is in the proper place before you send a train around. Going back to my "I'm speculating, but I probably shouldn't mode", I'm also going to guess that part of the reason why the park has remained closed now for two days is because this was human error. Again, I don't want to speculate but to me, if it was a computer error isolated to that one ride, I think it would be "ok" to open up and operate other rides. But if this is human error, where that team of humans are working on ALL the rides in the park, it might be necessary, if not required by UK's Health and Safety to shut the park down and make sure that maintenance team is given proper training or evaluation of their job performance. *****here is just a brief follow up to what the previous post from coasterguy321 and Robb just mentioned.. Coasterguy321 really explained how the safety system works on a rollercoaster block system...well said! I've worked on many coasters at both BG parks and have maintenance experience on them as well. Overall, it is standard practice each morning during the final phase of maintenance 'green-tagging' a coaster (before turnover to operations), or any ride for that matter, that the ride be put through its paces. A process normally called "Block Check". This process is to ensure all systems, both mechanical and electrical, are operating normally-per guidelines set both by the ride manufacture and park operations. During the Block Check(s), the ride system is set into a program called 'maintenance mode'-this allows the ride to be controlled in a manner similar to operations mode, with the only exception being you don't have to have multiple personnel manning each safety switch station to allow each train to operate (such as dual-dispatching/dual-person lift starts...etc). The maintenance person is to dispatch each train and try to 'fool' the computer and see if the safety systems act according to its design.....essentially, try to crash the trains. Mind you, this also includes gate operation, E-stop scenarios and restricted access area touch pads and restricted gate access alarms-designed to shut down ride system if a person opens a gate and enters. Any Block-check violations or safety system discrepancies, a series of alarms will sound and a computer screen will time-stamp the error code(s) in the computer and provide information on a monitor for maintenance staff-to decipher the error code(s). A-Block Check- For example, when a train is on the lift/launch area of BLOCK-A, the next available train in the station would be next......when the indicator lights for station dispatch is available, and a train is still occupying Block-A, the maintenance person tries to dispatch the train in the station.....the safety system will detect another train already occupying BLOCK-A and will NOT allow train to be dispatched (until Block-A clears) and so on and so on.....the main purpose for the computer to operate in maintenance mode is when the ride safety system enters the Block Brakes. Block Brake Check- For example, when a train is occupying the first set of brake run at the end of a ride cycle, the next oncoming train would stop in the Block Brake (designated as Block-B or C-depending upon how system is designed). When the first train in final brake run clears that block area and enters the station area , the ride maintenance person will hold that next train in the Block Brake and see if the next train on Block-A (lift) will stop. Then, if that scenario passes, the maintenance person will tell the system to release the Block Brakes and the next train-still located in the Block-A/Lift will restart.This process continues until all Block scenarios are completed. Once all systems check out, both mechanically and electrically...the maintenance team then signs off on the ride that all system and maintenance checks are complete and operating normally as per the ride manufactures guidelines. The ride system will then be turned back into "Operational Mode" and the park operations staff will cycle the trains around (at least 1 empty train) through the circuit before loading any passengers for first ride of the day. *Per most standardized practices throughout the USA, Europe and other countries, the maintenance staff is to set the computer system BACK to operations mode and either shut off the computer system or hand the controls over to operations staff and they ensure the ride is back in 'operations-mode'. One final note, cameras are placed throughout each critical area to ensure a visual location of each train in each block area. Hopefully, the investigation will find- *How/why did the maintenance and/or operations staff did not visually see (monitor or visual check) the stalled train in that section of track on The Smiler and act according to guidelines per manufacturer in those irregular event(s)? Who cleared that occupied block to allow the 2nd loaded train to run its course? Was the computer still in maintenance mode? Then, operations or maintenance have control of ride? I believe in the mid-point of The Smiler's opening season they had a series of stalls in that section of track and installed an additional camera atop of the stations roof area to monitor that section...... ~my thoughts and prayers still go out to those individuals and families affected by this situation.

Hell there's no real theming for griffon either, though at least the station is nicer than AC. Doesn't mean either are a bad ride. I am referring to the theme of Tempesto, not A/C.

What irks me is the numerous complaints about the ride in general. I worked for this park many, many years and always supported what they did. Am I biased? Sure! I loved working for the park (especially under the old A-B regime), but times change. First, people are going to complain the park is due for this coaster or that coaster..etc....and now the the park has made the investment for another coaster (especially after Verbolten). Second, the park has plans in place to reduce wait times and the lines (not talking about Quick-Que-which will not be active for this coaster). Give it time...it does have a low capacity, but it also is a new ride and people want to experience it. I'm more than satisfied with the result and the locals and tourists alike will eat this thing up. Remember, the entire park chain is going through an 'identity' and financial crisis and it shows the commitment in making this type of investment. Did you want a flat ride instead for the 40th Anniversary? I'm happy for the park to get this coaster....no matter what color it is and where it is placed. It will blend it rather nice when the trees are in full bloom again and compliment the colors with its sister right next to it. The story fits the theme and the area it is located. For those who have NOT ridden any of the sister coasters....CHILL OUT and give it a chance when you ride it, then form your opinion. Everyone is in the right to have an opinion, but until you wait until the ride is actually OPEN and ride it...then give us your opinion. Also, Larry Giles (Engineering Dir.) has told me that this will be the most intense coaster in the parks line up. It will be exiting to see how the 3-cars act with the layout versus 2-cars.

Apollo's Chariot@BGW....my final season working for the park. I have another view of the control panel, but I will post it as soon as I find the photo.

I decided to design a coaster with elements from 3 awesome rides that I enjoyed. I took ideas from I-speed (Mirabilandia), Cheetah Hunt (BGT) and Maverick (CP) and mashed them all together...well, sort-of... Track: 5,407 ft. Top Speed: 74mph. Trains: 4; 4-cars/16 passengers per train. Special Features: 3-tunnels; 3-overbanked turns: 117'/119'/121'; 2-Camelback (airtime) hills; 2-Launches (74mph-Launch 1/49mph-Launch 2); 4 Inversions- Double barrel shotgun (2), Horseshoe (1) and Tipsy Outlaw (1). YouTube link: (note: the video music may be a bit loud as I am still playing with video editing. Also, the file name is different because I changed the name and theme about 1/3 of the way through). Thanks, and look forward to comments/feedback! 'Horseshoe'-inversion View of the Top Hat and first-half of the ride. Overview shot 'Tipsy Outlaw'-inversion 'Snake River S-turns

I've also heard a rumor that Mack would be the mfg. for the next coaster. I would be curious if they add an Aurthur-type ride similar to the one at (awesome) Europa Park. It would be the 'first' of its kind in the USA and BGT could incorporate a cool theme for another family-style coaster and indoors! Just a thought.

Tokyo Disney Sea!!! (and new Shanghai Disney park when it opens). More of the newer parks in Japan and China!

May as well jump on the bandwagon and add my version of a B&M Wingrider...lol This is Toruk- Themed from the movie Avatar. Toruk-B&M Wingrider

Thanks for posting pictures. That is going to be a nice 'petting zoo'. I miss working at the park.

Hey guys.... Happy Holidays (politically correct). I just starting video editing my own NL2 coaster videos and used Adobe Premier software I downloaded (the Windows Movie maker was really easy, but kept crashing). I guess my skills are really 'green', but I was able to complete a video and posted it online...my problem or question is...why is the quality so grainy and blah? I thought I saved the settings for HD format, but it does not appear very good quality. My other thought was perhaps due to the night/sunset settings in the video... Any tips? Thanks again. Video:

Some really nice videos. I knew it would be a matter of time to see a launched version of the wing rider....nice coaster! Great job to those nominated!

Does she come with the coaster package? I'll buy.