B&M and Magnets

I was searching through rcdb.com and found pictures of magnets on SheiKra and SB. I assume this is going to be used for brakes. Or am I wrong about what they are? This is the first time for me to see this. Are they on any other BM coasters? Does anybody know why they started to do this? I just wanted to see what you guys thought.

*** Edited 12/2/2004 4:36:28 AM UTC by Fanatic***

This is probably necessary because it's going to have a splash down. Meaning, the trains will get wet. And wet brake fins don't work consistently and good enough. So, they avoid friction brakes, and problems, by going with magnets.

Nah, the move to magnetic braking is mostly to improve part life. The metal pads on the brakes and coaches are among the most reguarly replaced parts. Obviously, magnetic brakes require no contact to work. And not that it's ever been a problem on B&M's, but permanet magnetic brakes are failsafe.
*** Edited 12/2/2004 12:11:03 AM UTC by Fun***

The magnetic brakes are the first ones the trains will pass through before reaching the friction brakes. This helps preserve and extend the life of the friction brake parts. The magnetic brakes will slow the trains down considerably, leaving the friction brakes to only trim the train's speed down to a walking-speed or to completely stop it.

Yes, and Silver Bullet is the first B&M, if not the first coaster perios to utilize them, correct?

First coaster period? Are you kidding me? Xcelerator, TTD, Storm Runner, Nitro... just to name a few...

As stated, they are to reduce the frequency of replacing brake pads. With these, there is no contact required, which means no replacement needed, and longer life of the current friction brake pads used at the end of the ride.

Nitro was the first B&M to use magnetic braking.

Kraxle is spot-on.

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Rctycoon2k said:
First coaster period? Are you kidding me?

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No need to be mean about it... sorry I forgot about the Intamin coasters, sheesh :(

I still do think that it is the first B&M, and I did find out that Space Mountain was the first. Again, Im sorry for being dumb.

Ramblin,

As Corey said, Silver Bullet isn't the first B&M to use magnetic brakes. Nitro (2001) and Silver Star (2002) both use magnetic braking.

Now, if you meant first B&M inverted......=:^)

-Sean

I don't know, that may be more correct, just relaying what has been stated elsewhere, so I may have forgot that detail.

Ramblin,

exactly which Space Mountain is it that B&M put magnetic brakes on?

Sorry, my sentance was misleading, Space Mountain was the first coaster to use magnetic brakes, not the first B&M (of course... I know that you're just trying to really make me look like a fool)

Thanks