I'm curious about the diagonal lines going across the B&M track. I notice these lines occur in B:TR and RB at SFGAm, not to mention every recent picture of B&M track I've seen (See picture-- I'm talking about the diagonal creases within the "box" part of the track)
http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery5.htm?Picture=1
But these lines are not present in their first coaster Iron Wolf (see picture).
http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery6.htm?Picture=2
Is there any reason why those lines are there, other than to look nice? It makes the track look really cool, I have to give them that!
Triangles are the strongest shape, maybe they can make the metal thinner that way.
It could also be the shading, look directly behind the train.
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Coaster/Gaming Freak.
Yes, you can call me a SUPER time waster.
*** This post was edited by SLUSHIE on 7/15/2002. ***
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My two favorite coasters are named Superman.
Here's what I said regarding B&M track in this thread: http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forums/thread.asp?ForumID=11&TopicID=19771
The faceted look of B&M's track is called 'tesselation' and it's the only way to manufacture the track with prescision. When it's all welded together, a tesselated structure is quite strong, like a geodesic dome.
This 'faceted' look only occurs when the track is not straight...so pretty much in most turns and twists. I'll let you know all about after my tour of SOFCo in Cincy.
-seth
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Why do they report power outages on TV? SANDWICH! Feel free to call me Mack. Or S00perd00perhyper.
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Steel - #1 Mantis, #2 Millie, #3 Wicked Twister
Wood - #1 Thunderbolt, #2 Villain, #3 Beast
"The key to a happy life is moderation" -- Jon Stewart
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"To summarize, you(willthethrill) are a petty low down weasel and I hope that Jeff removes you from this board for that very reason."
Bob Hansen
A proud CoasterBuzz Member (Kick the Sky)
It seems to be most prominent where the track needs to make a sharp bend. It also seems to be used most on inverted coasters. But of course on an inverted coaster, to get an element that is the same size as on a sit down, the spine is bent more sharply in comparison.
It can be seen here:
http://home.arcor.de/coaster01/sistao/silverstar07.780x555.jpg
If it is in fact used where there are sharp turns it is probably because they use thinner steel which is easier to bend but less strong (hence the triangles)
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