Mrlittle Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 Yeah, can anyone confirm if they ever added dedicated front/back-row lines for NTAG? To me, not being able to pick your seats was the downfall of the continuous-loading system. I thought I read someone say they were not using the continuous loading system but I can't find the comment now.
boardwalkbullet91507 Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 On a side note, NTAG is not using the continuous loading. Here we go!
chadster Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 You actually wouldn't even know they ever had the continuous loading system save for the added extra dispatch pole they installed next to the panel. All of of the signage and other markings are gone.
cal1br3tto Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 My verdict on Backwards Freeze: it's at least as good as it was before, and possibly slightly better (though not enough to change my rankings). I don't think any aspect was notably worse. Still an excellent ride.
ernierocker Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 So, random that they even tried to do the continuous loading in the first place. I guess it didn't take them long to realize the obvious that it wasn't a good idea.
jray21 Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 Are there any coasters that have been successful with continuous loading? I've only seen a few, and they didn't seem to work that well. Rip Ride Rockit has been terrible at loading every time I have ridden it.
JRHcoasterki Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 ^ Really? When I was at USO in September, the continuous loading system worked really well.
chadster Posted March 6, 2013 Posted March 6, 2013 USO has always been hit and miss for me and I wouldn't call it perfect as they routinely have to stop the platform for one reason or another. Here is the thing on the continuous loading at SFOT. It really needs, IMHO, three train ops to be successful and over the past two years they have only had two trains on the rails with one in overhaul. With two trains there was a lull in the loading action if you will. The idea was to have three queue lines, one front, one back, and one everywhere else and ALWAYS be loading/unloading. It *may* still happen at some point this year but I wouldn't want to see it unless they can run it full tilt. BUT, and there is always a BUTT, continuous loading requires more staff over the three + the midcourse person they can run it with now using two trains. Payroll costs may be the driving factor here, after all, it's still Six Flags. I've heard various park employees say it actually increased dispatch frequency and I think it could increase ridership, but again, to the random coaster enthusiast I think three trains is key.
RissaBooBissa Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 I think I read a few posts back about the all day unlimited refill wristband, if I'm not mistaken... This is gonna sound EXTREMELY nerdy... but I actually suggested that idea to the managers of the park when I spoke with them on the phone over my feedback I gave the park (I had trouble with an employee there back in September). Now, I can't take ALL the credit for this since I'm sure others have brought it up... but I totally said to the managers "I love the all day refills the day of purchase of the souvenir cup - but at this point I buy one EVERY TIME I go to the park because it's a super great deal. I have a huge collection of cups! Ya'll should offer a wristband to purchase that gives you the same perks so I can just bring my cups from home". They thought it was a great idea apparently... LOL! I'm super excited!!! -End-
thrillerman1 Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 ^ What a great environmentally conscious idea. Kudos to you and the park, and I wish more parks would make efforts like this to be more green.
Zcev5454 Posted March 10, 2013 Posted March 10, 2013 I think I read a few posts back about the all day unlimited refill wristband, if I'm not mistaken... This is gonna sound EXTREMELY nerdy... but I actually suggested that idea to the managers of the park when I spoke with them on the phone over my feedback I gave the park (I had trouble with an employee there back in September). Now, I can't take ALL the credit for this since I'm sure others have brought it up... but I totally said to the managers "I love the all day refills the day of purchase of the souvenir cup - but at this point I buy one EVERY TIME I go to the park because it's a super great deal. I have a huge collection of cups! Ya'll should offer a wristband to purchase that gives you the same perks so I can just bring my cups from home". They thought it was a great idea apparently... LOL! I'm super excited!!! -End- I've heard that SFSTL is doing that too. A small drink usually was between $3-$4, so that's a way better deal.
chadster Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 A few of the parks have experimented with teh drink bands the last few years, however, continuing to hear similar requests from guests is always a positive in regards to getting something implemented or built. For example, in my trip report a few pages back(where the wristbands were brought up ) I mentioned about the arcade being open but you wouldn't know as several jewelry/facepainting/drawyourface/otherstuff carts were in the way. Today....it's been shifted down 10 feet and you can see that the arcade is open. Just goes to prove that parks read this site and take what is said into consideration. I've got a small, fun update for later tonight/tomorrow, or whenever I become unlazy.
coastercrazy216 Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 Here is the thing on the continuous loading at SFOT. It really needs, IMHO, three train ops to be successful and over the past two years they have only had two trains on the rails with one in overhaul. With two trains there was a lull in the loading action if you will. The idea was to have three queue lines, one front, one back, and one everywhere else and ALWAYS be loading/unloading. It *may* still happen at some point this year but I wouldn't want to see it unless they can run it full tilt. BUT, and there is always a BUTT, continuous loading requires more staff over the three + the midcourse person they can run it with now using two trains. Payroll costs may be the driving factor here, after all, it's still Six Flags. I've heard various park employees say it actually increased dispatch frequency and I think it could increase ridership, but again, to the random coaster enthusiast I think three trains is key. Since when are they only running 2 trains at a time? I have only seen three train operation except for the one time when the red train was out for maintenance for half the day.
Mrlittle Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 ^ every time I have been to the park to ride NTAG, its been a two train operation.
chadster Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 NTAG only ran three trains it's first season, and even then it was rare. The park is now keeping one train in continuous rehab, same as they do with Titan, Pando, and Shockwave.
coastercrazy216 Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 What is the hourly throughput for NTAG with just two trains? Also, can anyone report how NTAG is running right now? I am thinking about going to the park on Sunday. Any idea on how crowded it will be?
johnychen Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 Sundays are usually pretty good but it is spring break. I rode it last Saturday and due to the rain storms the park was empty. NTAG was a walk on. The red train seemed to run a bit faster than the black one. Both are running quite fast.
Sportsdude360 Posted March 11, 2013 Posted March 11, 2013 I was at the park today, I took these pics of work progess on the Texas Skyscreamer.
SFOverTexasFan Posted March 12, 2013 Posted March 12, 2013 Went out to the park today, little busy but an overall great day. I noticed crews working on SkyScreamer plus a big sign on the fence stating it's opens Summer 2013. So I guess that means it won't be open this Spring but Summer instead. I'm just ready for it to open already! Haha
1badgmc Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 With the discussions lately in other threads of ride ops and the safety checks, I have always wondered, but never asked, what is up with the wood single wood block with the handle on it that the ride ops on Titan carry around?
boardwalkbullet91507 Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 With the discussions lately in other threads of ride ops and the safety checks, I have always wondered, but never asked, what is up with the wood single wood block with the handle on it that the ride ops on Titan carry around? If it fits between your lap and the lap bar you are too small to ride and they will not allow you to ride.
chadster Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 With the discussions lately in other threads of ride ops and the safety checks, I have always wondered, but never asked, what is up with the wood single wood block with the handle on it that the ride ops on Titan carry around? It's to check the distance of the lap bar to the train. If the block slides through no ridey if it can't be corrected (pushed down hard on while the guest sucks it in)
1badgmc Posted March 14, 2013 Posted March 14, 2013 Gotcha. I guess I've never been in the station with people that small loaded up. I've never seen them actually use it. I just see them carrying it around. It makes sense now. Thanks.
coastercrazy216 Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 How long has the line generally been for NTAG this season?
chadster Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 30 minutes as of Monday. I know they were expecting a ton of people this week for spring break, but in general, 30-45 minute wait is average.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now