Going Empty...

[Rocket Rodder]

What's your opinion on it, if any? Does this weird you out? For some, they hear the roar or characteristic kerchunk of certain rides, but then no screaming following...

 

I don't know why, but to me there's almost something ominous about seeing a ride going empty. Last time I was at KBF I saw Riptide going empty. It looked SO WEIRD seeing the gondola makes its flips empty, the ground still shaking violently with each gondola rotation...

 

Anyway, what's your take on this, ladies and gems?

[Sportsdude360]

I've seen this so many times over the years that I tend to think nothing of it. Sorry.

[ajfelice]

Every morning this past summer as I was collecting ride inspection paperwork from each ride at Waldameer, Ravine Flyer II was roaring through its morning test runs. Because of the small size of the park combined with zero guests, the sound could be heard from anywhere in the park. I could tell where the train was on the course without even looking. A favorite sound was on weekends when we have two trains testing: hearing one train barrel through the course as one clicks up the lift. The best sound was hearing the train disengage from the lift when the typical anti-rollback clicking speeds up and gets louder to a deeper knocking sound. Hearing the rides without the screams and other background noises makes you appreciate the engineering behind the rides.

[KDcoasterMAN]

Most people who use to (or currently) work at parks know the sound pretty well.

[3Mutts]

Doesn't really bother or excite me since I've seen so many coaster go around empty (we stay at the campground at CP so I'm used to see trains testing during Early Entry).

[paintballer]

Before the park opens? Gets me pumped. After, well, it usually means someone puked which grosses me out and I then avoid the ride.

[Angry_Gumball]

Morning: makes me ready to ride...Arriving late and only hearing the B&M roar with lack of screams? Tells me that there's light crowds (before I look to see how many riders are in the train)...Mid afternoon empty train cycling? Tells me something happened with the ride, but should be back up shortly (hopefully).

[australianalex]

Sometimes when I see a coaster run empty it amazes me at how quiet it is without riders. For example, at Thorpe Park Saw the Ride broke down and when they sent through some test cars I was amazed to find that the ride is practically silent. This surprised me as other Eurofighters (specifically Speed: No Limits) have quite a loud roar. But even Saw's lift hill seemed much quieter.

 

Usually I don't like to see a ride running empty as it often means it's broken down.

Edited September 17, 2012 by australianalex

[rcdude]

When I'm waiting for the park to open, I'm glad to see a ride run empty because it tells me it should be ready at opening. Usually, if it is five minutes to opening and I haven't seen the ride I'm planning to hit first test yet, I'll alter my plan.

 

In the middle of the day, I'm usually glad if a ride is running empty, especially if I was planning to ride it soon. Empty trains mean I don't need to walk over to the ride only to find it closed. However, if it is on my must ride list and I haven't ridden it that day, there is also a bit of worry and/or disappointment instead depending on how late in the day it is. I'll usually keep an eye on these rides, and adjust my schedule to head to them as soon as they are running with riders.

 

I actually like seeing trains run empty. What I don't like is not seeing trains run at all, as that tells me there is a significant problem with the ride and I should wait a while before checking back to see if it is open.

[Brassinthegrass]

I like the sound. as long as I am not standing in line and its broken down... its like a real life No Limits moment!

[VinTheAttendant]

Like others have said, those who work or have worked at an amusement park are all too familiar with the noise, and aren't particularly affected by it.

 

However, I have had an experience that is pretty much the opposite of the given topic: riding a ride in a completely empty amusement park. After doing some preseason training, me and a coworker were sent over to the skycoaster where the attendants needed volunteers to get certified for the position. It was my first time on a skycoaster, and it was at least half a month before the park opened to the public. On that first swing towards the park, I let out a loud "WHOOO!!!", and it was incredibly strange hearing absolutely nothing in return. No crowd ambiance, no pop songs over the midways, no roar of another coaster, and the skycoaster itself is already a quiet ride. So, yes, getting the same thrills without the typical park bustle is about as strange "Going Empty" as it gets.

[gisco]

You don't hear much when a train is full of enthusiasts either. It is usually the GP that makes the noise. But to answer the original question, no it doesn't bother me to see a train run empty.

[thrillrideseeker]

As many others have said it does not bother me at all to hear/see an empty train on a coaster. I have seen it so many times over the years that its become normal. However it is always amazing to me to get to see empty coaster trains going through the course. Like many others have said it gives you a chance to really admire the ride with no distractions from people. Some of the sounds empty coasters make are simply amazing.

~Matt

[CpBluestreakCp]

It doesn't bother me either. I love hearing the coasters without screaming riders on it, it makes you appreciate the mechanical and engineering side of it. But I do admit it can be eerie, especially when the park is empty.