A few questions about X and the 4D...

I didn't follow the construction of X all that closely because I didn't realize how incredibly cool it would be until I saw pictures and video of it in action. My first question is about those half "X"s that stick out above/under the train depending on how the train is situated. What purpose do they serve? Are they counterweights...Are they there for style...A little of both?

My next question is about a possibly element for the 4D. Do you think it would be possible to have a full in-line twist somewhere in a layout, or would that cause too many G's on the outside passengers? Would the same amount of forces apply to a full twisting 360 degree drop like on an impulse?

Thanks.

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Sept. 11th 2001, Slayer released God Hates Us All. The song "Disciple" uncannily describes the events of that day, as well as the anthrax letters that followed.
--Slayer: Thrash band, or the next Nostradamus?

I'd imagine both of the elements you are talking about would be entirely possible. Althought the 360 degree twisting drop would probably have to be pretty tall to fit the whole twist in. Personally, I would be 100% giddy if the next 4D's just have the vertical drop/roll over.

As for the X things, well, the definately look hella cool. I never really thought if they served any practical function.

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If the shoe fits, find another one.

I believe the "X" casings hide part of the mechanism for what flips the seats... It is hard to explain in words now that I am trying to, but if you saw a picture of the trains without the 'X' coverings you would see.. there looks to be a moving vertical slab-type-thing that moves up or down depending on the outside rails, and when it moves up or down, it has little wedges on it that make contact with a gear, which flips the seats.. if that doesnt make any sense, wait till someone else explains it =P

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-Keith "Badnitrus" McVeen

The seats rotate on a rack and pinion. The rack is spring loaded and rides atop the outer rails via rollers. As the height difference between the inner and outer rails changes, the rack moves up and down. This causes the pinion to rotate. The seats are attached to said pinion, or some geartrain attached to it. Half of the X is used to cover the rack, which is moving up and down and also would otherwise be a possible risk for having things (long hair) caught in it. The forward half of the X is just for looks/show. All 4ds will have some sort of vertical protrusion in that sopt, not all the vertical protrusions will be themed to an X (I assume)

The only real problem i can see with a twist (on the drop or not) is that the ride wold change dramatically from the inside seats to the outside seats, plus the forces would be laterals instead of pinning you into your seat. Well, they'd either be laterals or that would be a LARGE element. I don't see it being too likely, but that isn't because it couldn't be done, it just doesn't play to the strengths of the 4d.

Re - the full twist: one of the cool things about the half twist is that it gives the sensation of changing directions even tho you really haven't.

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2002 - the year of IB's LoCoSuMo!!