Escape Hatch

Are there really escape hatches on Intamin 2nd Generation Free-falls? I've heard that there is a ladder inside the drop shaft where guests can climb down if needed. Can anyone confirm this, and if so, how are the guests evacuated?

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Intelligence is a God given gift: Know how to use it.

Hmmmm, that doesn't sound right. As far as I know, it's false. I was stuck on the top of one for a while once (SFA - the third side that never seems to operate) but it didn't come to evacuation.

In fact, I'm going to guess no, because that would mean that there would be an exit door at ground level. I've never seen anything that looks like one. It would have to be inbetween the magnetic fins, too.

It could extend underground where the exit door might be if that is the case, but I also highly doubt it.

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Formerly known as coasterzach1

I never thought about an exit hatch at the bottom, but I think I remember seeing a removable metal panel at the bottom of Drop Zone at Paramount's Kings Island, but I'm not sure. It ( if "it" exists at all ) was a large rectangle with rounded edges, and large bolts going around the sides. I also wondered how the guests would get to the exit hatch if there is one. The restraints would have to be released, and I assume the guest would have to climb up on their seats, and somehow reach the maintenance platform. Not to mention the fact that they would have to overcome their fear of free-falling 265 feet with no way of stopping. I think I'd rather take my chances stay on the ride :-)

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Intelligence is a God given gift: Know how to use it.

There is a small door at the bottom of DZ at PKI but its very small and if there is something like a latter inside its strickly for maitenance

It certainly makes sense to have access to the inside for maintenance and to inspect for corrosion. At hatch near the top could also serve a maintenance function.

I know that maintenance at the top of Power Tower is done by lifting the mechanics on the ride then locking it at the top. They then have to climb out and up. Gives me shivers just thinking about it.

The door at the bottom of the 2nd gen free-falls has a small 2 man elevator inside which is used for maintinence purposes. While I can't say for certain because I don't know, I highly doubt that anything on the inside of the tower is used for evacuation, because to my knowledge there isn't a door at the top of the tower. Seems like it would just be easier to strap them into a harness and lower them down sort of like repelling.

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They say music can alter moods and talk to you, but does it load a gun up for you and cock it too?

No. Acrophobia DOES have a ladder inside it for access to the mechanical housing at the top (some even have elevators), but you run into a problem--a BIG problem--getting guests our of their seats into the tower. It is not an option for guests.

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the member formerly known as MisterX

Just how do you propose someone would get out of their seat? Not only that, but tough nuts, you're up there, and we'll be letting you out in about three seconds.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, when it's all in your mind. You gotta let go." - Ghetto, Supreme Beings of Leisure