The Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) Discussion Thread

[Wes]

We all know the newspaper industry is going through some rough times, so it only makes sense The Daily Planet would be a shed.

[Mechanic]

The shed wouldn't look quite so bad if not for those industrial looking doors. I'm not sure what kind of look they were going for there. Oh well, it's not like I expected a lot from it anyway.

[JJ728]

Can anyone tell from the pictures if the cables are wired on the gondola? I can't tell on my screen.

[darklingscribe]

^ Two center ones look attached, but I'm not sure how many cables they plan to put on. It looks like they have room for two more, but that could be just the decorative design of the top of the *catch car.

 

* Is Catch car is the correct term for the apparatus that grips the top of the gondola and then drops it once it reaches the top of the tower?

[coasterfreak101]

Yeah, catch car is the right term for that mechanism. Same term as the piece that attaches to a train for a hydraulic launch. Similar purposes, just run a little differently!

[Double0Kevin]

I believe it is only going to have 2 cables. Those other 2 "connections" I think are bumpers since the catch cars usually jump a little when the cars are released. The bumpers likely pad that jump as it hits the top of the track.

 

Everything I just said is a guess, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Tmcdllr]

Don't the 'normal' drop towers have at least 4 cables and the cars hold less people? Since these hold more riders shouldn't the catch cars have at least 4 cables?

[cal1br3tto]

Not exactly wild with how the Daily Planet turned out. Oh well, not really worth complaining about.

Same. I wouldn't call myself a fan based on the picture, but I doubt I'll even think about it while at the park.

[chickenbowl]

Don't the 'normal' drop towers have at least 4 cables and the cars hold less people? Since these hold more riders shouldn't the catch cars have at least 4 cables?

 

Backseat engineering? Personally, I wouldn't pretend to know things that I didn't.

 

I'm pretty excited to see testing for this thing, and can't wait to hear reviews of people crapping their pants!

 

EDIT: And here's a picture from the Park Index of two cables successfully holding the cars on Giant Drop in Dreamworld. I think 2 cables will be fine...

[Tmcdllr]

Don't the 'normal' drop towers have at least 4 cables and the cars hold less people? Since these hold more riders shouldn't the catch cars have at least 4 cables?

 

Backseat engineering? Personally, I wouldn't pretend to know things that I didn't.

 

I'm pretty excited to see testing for this thing, and can't wait to hear reviews of people crapping their pants!

 

EDIT: And here's a picture from the Park Index of two cables successfully holding the cars on Giant Drop in Dreamworld. I think 2 cables will be fine...

 

No, not backseat engineering and I do not pretend to know these things which is why I asked a simple question based on an observation... something wrong with that?

[susie zueck]

With only 2 cables attached will the cable wear out quicker? Approximately how long does a cable last on a drop tower?

[Double0Kevin]

The Intamin Second Gen Drop Towers have 3 cables, but as we know from Kentucky, 2 can pull the car up just fine. Only problem with just 2 is you don't always get to the very top, you lose a foot or 2 (too soon)?

 

I look at Boomerangs though, they only use one cable. It really depends on the size and strength of the cable, not necessarily the number of them. I would think a second or third cable is done as a back up, rather than necessity. Again, all assumptions/guesses.

Edited June 20, 2012 by Double0Kevin

[metrock]

If the park was smart, they would get rid of cable and upgrade to DirecTV.

[DJENERGYZE]

If the park was smart, they would get rid of cable and upgrade to DirecTV.

 

 

[gisco]

The Intamin Second Gen Drop Towers have 3 cables, but as we know from Kentucky, 2 can pull the car up just fine. Only problem with just 2 is you don't always get to the very top, you loses a foot or 2 (too soon)?

 

I look at Boomerangs though, they only use one cable. It really depends on the size and strength of the cable, not necessarily the number of them. I would think a second or third cable is done as a back up, rather than necessity. Again, all assumptions/guesses.

 

Edited June 20, 2012 by gisco

[DJeXeL]

It really depends on the size and strength of the cable, not necessarily the number of them. I would think a second or third cable is done as a back up, rather than necessity. Again, all assumptions/guesses.

 

This makes sense as I've personally spoken to an S&S engineer when I was at KBF and asked why 4 cables were needed on such a light passenger cart. (S&S Drop towers)

He explained that only 2 are technically needed and the additional 2 are for redundancy.

Edited June 20, 2012 by DJeXeL

[Double0Kevin]

If the park was smart, they would get rid of cable and upgrade to DirecTV.

 

Oh wow, I was laughing hysterically at this just now. My co-workers don't get it, I tried to explain. Damn GP.

[Tmcdllr]

The Intamin Second Gen Drop Towers have 3 cables, but as we know from Kentucky, 2 can pull the car up just fine. Only problem with just 2 is you don't always get to the very top, you lose a foot or 2 (too soon)?

 

Oooh that's bad, but damn funny.

 

Alright, 2 cables then, that answers my question.

[bostonlva]

SFMM twitter

 

 

 

SFMagicMountain

Testing...1, 2, 3. Dropping 6.30.12. http://t.co/ICeq6YUr

[bostonlva]

 

Newest tweet from SFMM

[Nicholas Loya]

 

Newest tweet from SFMM

i was reading the comments about this ride on their facebook page and someone said, and i quote "Omfg iz dis a new ride ?? i never seen dat red n blu tower b4 :O"

... i can't live on this earth anymore, how do you miss a 415 foot tower?!? i just don't understand

[SuperShawn]

Crazy timing, as I saw these photos an add just aired on TV.

 

Getting excited and scared to ride this next week.

[dylanreich]

Looking really good. I'm much more interested to see it testing at the same time with S:EFK though.

[cfc]

Looks good. I enjoyed Giant Drop at Dreamworld, so I'm looking forward to checking out Magic Mountain's version.

[CoasterKings908]

Looking great. Really can't wait to ride this sometime in the near-ish future.