Villain + 3 trains = Problems???

I know that Villain is planning on running with two-train operation this year, but that they also have a third train. Let's say that for 2002, SFWoA decides to install a block brake and run three trains. I see problems all over if they decide to do this because Villain only has space for one train to wait outside the station. Seeing how Villain stacks all the time with two-train operation, that means that if the ride were to stack, the third train would have to be stopped at the midcourse brake. Do you seriously think the ride ops on Villain would be able to consistently dispatch the train from the station AND have the waiting train be inside the station before the train on the course reaches the midcourse??? I don't think so.

Furthermore, no one likes to get stopped in the middle of a ride. The GP don't understand blocking, and would come off the ride saying "Villain got stuck in the middle of the ride" (I hear that all the time when, say, a ride is stopped on a lift). I'm sure trains would frequently get stopped halfway through the ride, which would cause ride ops to climb up there and cause headaches for everyone. Is it really worth it??

At least Batman Knight Flight is designed so if the trains stack, there are enough blocks at the end of the ride to hold all three trains (when they decide to run three).

What are your thoughts on this?
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Coasters...the best natural buzz available.

When I went last year they had just the one. I would be happy if they ran the two. Three might be a problem with the way the coaster appears (I've never seen a blue print for it) because it looks like it might be hard to keep track of exactly where all three trains are at once.

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Rollercoasters are the secret of life!

http://www.woodencoaster.com

Well, with the censors that are all over the control panels, it'd be easy to keep track of the trains. However, I do agree that the blocking issue would be a problem for some. If a train got stopped on the brake run, that'd kill the ride. If they wanted to run three, they'd have to add brakes too.

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Loopscrew.com
It's coming...

I don't really see a need for 3 trains, and I don't think that SFWoA would put in the money to do it.

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WARNING: THIS POST MAY ACTUALLY INCLUDE SARCASM AND OR HUMOR. PLEASE CONSIDER BEFORE RESPONDING.

Let's just hope they run more than one train this weekend, first before they even think about the third!!!

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There's nothing like a woodie...

What's the ride time on Villain? Geauga Lake has had some pretty darned fast coaster crews over the years (ever see 'em run two trains on Double Loop WITHOUT STACKING? 'Cause I have!).
If the ride time is long enough they probably could run three without stacking more than one on that thing.
At minimum the ride would need to be about 2:40; a three minute ride would make it easier.
--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Too bad with all this stacking stuff. When I worked on the Blue Streak at CP with the original brakes, we couldn't stack the (2) trains. If you didn't get the one train out the front door of the station before the back of the second train past the end of the brake shed, the whole ride shut down (safety feature). Then we had to get management and maintenance out to start the ride back up.

This was cool (even though we had to hustle like crazy) because it made for a quick wait in line. Now (on the poor old Blue Streak) they have the new brakes and station set-up (and new train "decore" if you know what I mean) the second train sits on the brakes for ever. They take their time! Ride op's need to learn how to hustle a little, and most coasters could run all their trains.

"Well, with the censors that are all over the control panels..."

What, did CCI put some sort of profane graffiti on the operator podium?? :)

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Scott W. Short
scott@midwestcoastercentral.com
http://www.midwestcoastercentral.com
*** This post was edited by ShiveringTim on 5/9/2001. ***

Actually, I was taking a look at the final run on Villian and *technically* there IS enough room on that last flat section to hold two trains. As it is now, when stopped on the final run, if you are in the back and turn around (as I did), you can see a single set of fin brakes and a nice long stretch. Now what I *dont* know is that single brake capable of halting an entire train. If not, dont be surprised if another brake or two pops up there. They certainly have room for it.
lata,
jeremy

Yeah, I do think it was designed to accommodate another train there. And I'm sure Mike is reading this and will correct me if I'm wrong. :) In any case, the ride could run three, but I doubt operationally the crew could handle it.

Last year was a real mixed bag. At times, they'd bang through trains quickly with lots of extra time to spare. Other times, I saw five minute intervals.

Of course, Batman was much worse, but that's a discussion for another thread.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

This weekend, the ride ran two trains, and they were dispatching with time to spare. But, last season was like that at times, and not at others.

Also, I think that last bunny hop would have to be flattened to add more brake space (not sure though)

WHO CARES! They need trains with more leg room!I spent the entire ride trying to keep my knees from getting destroyed.

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Long live the Phantom!

More leg room? While the Gerstlauer trains are snug, I wouldn't call them particularly crowded. They're not, say, as bad as the insanely tight SOB trains.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

...And the new Gerstlauer lap bars should really help as well.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Dave, the new G bars DO help a lot. I rode Villain opening day and I could SPREAD my legs (Hmm...that sounds bad). There is a lot more leg room, and the springs are excellent. Cannot wait to ride Legend tomorrow with the new bars! Maybe my #1 will be even better (shivers).

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"No listenin', you hear me?"

Yo, Coasterbill, what do you mean about new "decore" on the Blue Streak? Dead Muffleheads in the lights, or what???