Cedar Point (CP) Discussion Thread

[Comeagain?]

I thought the brakes are in a natural closed position? Meaning it would take air pressure to open them and allow the train to pass.

 

Not always. Some (if not all) Arrows are backwards from what seems normal or sensible. For instance, our Corkscrew train must be chained up at night because when we shut off the compressors the brakes will open. PTC fin brakes require air to open and default closed.

[FeelTheFORCE]

Pipe Scream is still down as of today. Did a lot of testing, some full cycles, some not, but never opened.

[Yamez]

But it wasn't operator error - the train should've set up on the tunnel brakes but it didn't. The brakes at the end of the tunnel failed and caused the train to slip through hitting the train in the brake run. The operator couldn't have done anything. Arrow brakes are(were? haven't looked recently if they have switched) some of the few that are spring-open, pressure close. If there is a leak in the pressure hose, which I heard could've been the case, the pressure wasn't fully applied and the train slipped through (probably didn't help it was raining).

 

It was not operator error, you're correct. The train wasn't ever going to set up because at the time of the accident Magnum was in two train operation. The ride was slowed by the safety brakes (tunnel brakes), crusied over the midway like it usually did. The brakes either had low air pressure or it was drizzling outside (I cannot remember which) and the train slipped past - but was still slowed - the ready brakes (outside the station) and had a low speed collision with the train in the station.

 

The operator at the time actually made a smart call when he saw the train was slipping past the ready brakes and attempted to dispatch the train, which helped lessen the impact. We got to hear all about it when training on the ride from our supervisors. That and one of our supervisors was the operator in question. Good guy though.

[AndrewRnR]

 

It was not operator error, you're correct. The train wasn't ever going to set up because at the time of the accident Magnum was in two train operation. The ride was slowed by the safety brakes (tunnel brakes), crusied over the midway like it usually did. The brakes either had low air pressure or it was drizzling outside (I cannot remember which) and the train slipped past - but was still slowed - the ready brakes (outside the station) and had a low speed collision with the train in the station.

 

The operator at the time actually made a smart call when he saw the train was slipping past the ready brakes and attempted to dispatch the train, which helped lessen the impact. We got to hear all about it when training on the ride from our supervisors. That and one of our supervisors was the operator in question. Good guy though.

 

Interesting story - not saying he isn't telling the truth but I was there that day (which ironically was Maverick's opening day so several media outlets were already there). The ride was running three trains and it happened at the back of the ready brakes where a train was completely stopped - not the station. Here is a few threads on different sites with first hand reports and news clippings: http://pointbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/20997.aspx?page=1 & http://www.thepointol.com/board2/viewtopic.php?t=9017&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=db39e17261bb8d64c66c5d97ecec42e4

 

It was closed for a few days then ran only one train for a few weeks. Ever since the rain policy at CP changed to be much more strict.

[ajfelice]

Quite frankly, it was embarrassing in my stint working at Cedar Point telling guests we were down for weather when it was literally a "mist" at best coming down. My favorite example of crazy weather policy was a tiny drizzle completely putting Blue Streak down and out until the second train was removed out of fear of slipping the brakes. For one, the brake run is covered. Secondly, being trained beyond basic operations of roller coasters with the same brakes, the only fault ever recorded for a tiny overshoot of the brakes was during a hot dry day. We have run two trains on an uncovered brake run in torrential downpours with never once tripping the "emergency brake" at the end of the brake run.

 

Most rides are able to handle some pretty heavy rain as they are in fact operating outside after all. Sad how one event on one ride changes the tone for the entire park.

[coasterbill]

Last year we were waiting for Maverick to open one morning (on Labor Day weekend) because it was down due to weather. The line was all the way back to Chick Fil A and we only felt a drop of rain every few minutes. A lot of people in line had their hands out trying to see if it was even raining but they still didn't open the ride for almost an hour. When they did open the ride it was still drizzling a little just like it had been the whole time it was closed.

 

Other than Canobie, I've never seen a park with a more ridiculous rain policy.

[Wingless92]

Some pic's that I took during my weekend trip up to the point!

 

http://imgur.com/a/Z03re

[rcjp]

^Nice pics! When I first saw that TTD back seat photo it looked like you were standing on the track

[Invertalon]

I am surprised Blue Streak has not be retrofit with magnetic brakes yet... That would eliminate any/all of the risk associated with running in the rain as the performance would not be changed in rain vs. dry conditions. They already got rid of the skid brakes, so the purists have already been disappointed... So why not step up to the magnetics now? You would still maintain a final section of friction brakes, but reduce all of the speed with the magnetics prior to that holding block.

[coasterbill]

I am surprised Blue Streak has not be retrofit with magnetic brakes yet... That would eliminate any/all of the risk associated with running in the rain as the performance would not be changed in rain vs. dry conditions. They already got rid of the skid brakes, so the purists have already been disappointed... So why not step up to the magnetics now? You would still maintain a final section of friction brakes, but reduce all of the speed with the magnetics prior to that holding block.

 

Even if they did this there's no reason to believe the ride would operate in the rain. Cedar Point has plenty of coasters with magnetic brakes and they close them all in the rain anyway (though Dragster and Millennium Force would probably need to close anyway due to their speed and the fact that it would be very uncomfortable for the riders). Maverick has no excuse.

 

They even closed Snake River Falls in the rain when we were there because it was lightly drizzling. They just love closing everything in the rain.

[cal1br3tto]

Most rides are able to handle some pretty heavy rain as they are in fact operating outside after all. Sad how one event on one ride changes the tone for the entire park.

I'm glad that people with a lot of experience (unlike me) agree. Hopefully they'll eventually implement common-sense policies based on what the rides can actually handle.

[PennStater]

I can't speak for any Cedar Point rides, but I can say that Phantom's Revenge which I believe still uses the Arrow brakes has no issues running in heavy rain.

[DJeXeL]

^PR also has magnetic braking as well.

[PennStater]

^ Magnetic trims, yes... and the transfer table and station brakes are friction brakes.

[rcjp]

^The brake run is sort of half magnetic and half friction. I know the green ones are magnetic but I'm not sure about the ones before those.

[agerikson]

I've got a question for those familiar with Cedar Point and its crowds. My girlfriend and I will be making it up to Sandusky for our first trip to Cedar Point ever! While I'll be there for two days including Coastermania on June 6th, my girlfriend has to be back in Maryland that day and will be missing the event. I want her to experience everything in one day and I'm wondering if that will be possible on a Thursday in early June (5th) without a Fast Lane purchase. We will be staying off site and she doesn't have a platinum pass so early entry is out too. With the understanding that crowds can be somewhat random, about what should we expect as far as queues go?

[GigaG]

 

It was not operator error, you're correct. The train wasn't ever going to set up because at the time of the accident Magnum was in two train operation. The ride was slowed by the safety brakes (tunnel brakes), crusied over the midway like it usually did. The brakes either had low air pressure or it was drizzling outside (I cannot remember which) and the train slipped past - but was still slowed - the ready brakes (outside the station) and had a low speed collision with the train in the station.

 

The operator at the time actually made a smart call when he saw the train was slipping past the ready brakes and attempted to dispatch the train, which helped lessen the impact. We got to hear all about it when training on the ride from our supervisors. That and one of our supervisors was the operator in question. Good guy though.

 

Interesting story - not saying he isn't telling the truth but I was there that day (which ironically was Maverick's opening day so several media outlets were already there). The ride was running three trains and it happened at the back of the ready brakes where a train was completely stopped - not the station. Here is a few threads on different sites with first hand reports and news clippings: http://pointbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/20997.aspx?page=1 & http://www.thepointol.com/board2/viewtopic.php?t=9017&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=db39e17261bb8d64c66c5d97ecec42e4

 

It was closed for a few days then ran only one train for a few weeks. Ever since the rain policy at CP changed to be much more strict.

 

So the stopped train was waiting to enter the station?

 

EDIT - It appears so. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42600 - this topic has aftermath pictures

 

So they think the train slipped the post-tunnel brakes due to rain?

[Koasterking48]

Alright I've been wanting to ask this question since we are on the topic of Magnum right now (though it has nothing to do with the collision). Here's a little backstory:

 

Every year since 2003, either my family or just myself has made a trip up to the Point for a day or two. Every year we ride ALL of the coasters in the park minus Woodstock and Jr. Gemini, even the "problem children" (what I like to call the coasters that suck). Every year there is one particular problem child that I give a second chance to because it's highly regarded by many enthusiasts. Every year, I brace my self for the triangle hills at the end, and everytime I end up with the world's worst lap bar constantly beating my upper thighs. And, every year I end up disliking the ride more.

 

So... My question goes out to the people who have ridden "perfect rides" on it and are Magnum-lovers. What do you do to get a "legendary ride" on this ride??? Tightening the seatbelt as much as it can go didn't do much for me, so what is it? Is there another magic seat (I've already tried 1-3 and no such luck)?

 

If you need any background on me: I'm 6'2" and consider myself to be athletic (Distance runner) so I have fairly muscular thighs.

 

Edit: v I've experienced ejector air on other coasters, but for some reason this ride really beats me up.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Koasterking48

[Yamez]

So they think the train slipped the post-tunnel brakes due to rain?

 

That is correct, and it was also the turning point as to Cedar Points rain policy being absolutely draconian. You can see that some of the employees in the picture you linked are in rain gear (the black and blue jacket looking thing the guy on the catwalk is wearing).

 

Edit: To the guy above me, some of us really enjoy having the crap beat out of us if its for airtime. Head banging, not so much. But airtime? If my thighs are on fire after the ride I'd be satisfied so long as the airtime is fantastic.

[LogBur]

So... My question goes out to the people who have ridden "perfect rides" on it and are Magnum-lovers. What do you do to get a "legendary ride" on this ride??? Tightening the seatbelt as much as it can go didn't do much for me, so what is it? Is there another magic seat (I've already tried 1-3 and no such luck)?

 

I always have the best laps in the very front seat of any car. 1-3 is called the "ejector seat" by CP diehards, with what many consider the most pronounced airtime. Problem is, Magnum has crazy airtime in every seat so I argue that heightening the effect is to the detriment of your thighs as you described. Additionally, the third row of every car has the wheel cover panels that extend into the tub causing those of moderate to significant height to be squeezed in even tighter (=more thigh bashing).

 

The overbearing intensity of the triangle bunny hops is minimized for me in 1-1 or 2-1.

[nesdude]

I want her to experience everything in one day and I'm wondering if that will be possible on a Thursday in early June (5th) without a Fast Lane purchase. We will be staying off site and she doesn't have a platinum pass so early entry is out too. With the understanding that crowds can be somewhat random, about what should we expect as far as queues go?

 

When in doubt, Fast Lane+. Cedar Point can be a tricky park to figure out wait times. First week of June is a maybe on crowds. You won't have a problem hitting everything over two days assuming nice weather on Coastermania day, but trying to hit everything on Thursday without a FL+ will be a challenge. I recommend getting one for Thursday, do re-rides on anything you really enjoyed on Friday/Coastermania ERT, and spend the rest of Friday exploring the park.

 

If you're risking it, park in the Soak City lot. Try to get to Dragster for opening, then head back towards Maverick and Millennium Force. Lines will be shorter for Raptor and Gatekeeper towards the evening as most people rush to them from the front gate in the morning.

[coasterfreak101]

So... My question goes out to the people who have ridden "perfect rides" on it and are Magnum-lovers. What do you do to get a "legendary ride" on this ride??? Tightening the seatbelt as much as it can go didn't do much for me, so what is it? Is there another magic seat (I've already tried 1-3 and no such luck)?

 

I felt the same way about Magnum my first two visits, until I went back two years ago. The only difference that I found was that, on my third visit, I rode it to have a good time instead of bracing myself and hating the lap bars with all of my being. My friend and I just laughed off the pain, because if you can get yourself into the right mindset it's honestly a fantastic ride and experience even with all the pain (row 1-3 included). Overrated? Absolutely. But if you can suck it up and deal with the pain like I made myself do, you'll have a really fun time.

[StLCPfan]

^^^^^It just seems to me that your fun to pain ratio has been exceeded if you have this problem on Magnum. I can't ride more than five times in a row before taking a break because of the thigh pain caused by the lap bar, but then I move on to other rides and come back later. It doesn't bother some and they can marathon the coaster for hours, and for others one ride is all the pain that they are willing to accept. Unless you have pads to put between your thighs and the lap bar, you fall into one of these three categories.

[coasterbill]

My favorite seat on Magnum is actually the very front seat but it's still pretty painful. The ride is painful in every seat but it's not so painful that it ruins the ride for me. I still think it's probably the most overrated coaster in the world though (X2 is close). I consider the ride to be decent... but I think Raptor, Magnum, Maverick, Millennium Force, Gatekeeper, Top Thrill Dragster, Wicked Twister and maybe even Gemini are better rides. Still... Magnum is a very unique ride and it's cool because when you're on it you know that you're riding a piece of coaster history.

[rcjp]

^I'm guessing the front is where those last airtime hills are more painful as while the back of a train usually gets more air on the way down a hill the front is the opposite so you hit the beginning of those hills at full speed. Right?