Dorney Park Mystery

Is there anyone who can tell me what this is.

http://amusementpics.com/DP/DPOD05-054.jpg

It is at Dorney Park next to Steel Force but I can't put my finger on what it is.

Any help on what it is would be apreaciated. *** Edited 5/23/2005 1:13:28 AM UTC by Coasterfreak2***

Futuristic Rocket Powered Emergency Rescue Vehicle?

Actually, it has roller coaster wheel bases. Perhaps it's some kind of prototype vehicle they secretly test at night.

Its not. I saw a vid of one used on Silver Bullet. It is a car that goes very slowly around the track where the constructors can inspect the track closely to see if there are any mistakes before putting the coaster through it.

I thought it was the hamster wheel to power the ride. ;).... guess not.

It is an inspection vehicle they can use to inspect the track for finer details without having to walk the track.

Is that just Steel Forces, or from Hydra?

I would actually say that particular one is for Steel Force, as the wheels are on the inside of the track and it is sitting right next to it. I would be quite impressed if they used that on Talon or Hydra. Also it is used to inspect the track.

I'm glad someone asked this question. The two times I saw it yesterday it had me scratching my head.

That is just Steel Force's Inspection Vehicle. If you're lucky, you may see if circuiting the track early in the morning.

Talon and Hydra also have units like that, they are just more hidden.

This device is what is used to paint the track from my sources. This is the first year its been seen at steel force.

Does this mean they are going to be painting steel force?

Ive seen this this device in operation during the pre season, I would assume they did it already or in the process of doing it if it is in fact used for painting or touching up the track

How would they paint it from inside that cage?

Mark,

Dominator at Geauga Lake has the prototype if I remember correctly. I have never seen it used but it does go around the track with a passenger.

-Sean

Sean, I don't know if you were refering to what I said, but I will clarify anyways. By saying "I would be quite impressed if they used that on Talon or Hydra" I was saying that it would be impressive if they used that particular one on those two rides, as the wheels are on the inside of the track and the cross ties on B&M coasters would get in the way. Not being impressed if one can be used on a B&M ride. With that said, Silver bullet, Dominator and I think Kraken are the only coasters that I have even seen pictures or video of the inspection chage being used (well now Steel Force too).

It can also be used for bingo games and drawings for the PA lottery.

On a (semi-) related topic, here's another Dorney mystery: I was at the park last Sunday, mainly to ride Hydra. (Pretty cool . . . better in the back than in the front, just wish it was faster.) Anyway, I noticed there's what looks like a natural gas-fueled emergency generator behind the ride, on the ground behind the platform.

I'm a fairly experienced coaster -- especially as far as the PA/NJ/MD/VA/NY/OH area is concerned -- but I don't recall see this kind of back-up power adjacent to any other ride.

Ideas, observations, speculations, wild guesses anyone?

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Sean Flaharty said:Dominator at Geauga Lake has the prototype if I remember correctly.

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I thought the first one was on WildFire at SDC

That was there last year, although I'm not sure if it was around before last year.

It can be used to inspect/touch up the track, I dont know if they plan to leave visible all season long,I just noticed it there this year. When I worked as a ride sup. at the park from 98-2000 is wasnt there

As long as my favorite lounge chair near the wave pool is reserved for me, I don't really care what they are using the hamster wheel/bingo ball device for. I'm still disappointed that they took out the Journey to the Center of the Earth. That was a classic. At least I can ride similar coasters to the Flying Dutchman. But the Journey???? That is sadly, sadly missed.