Flying Turns Update

Very nice.

At first I thought they were showing the helix with an extra 360, until I realized I was actually looking at the last turn heading into the brake run. (note to self: remember to enlarge the view)

Is that the pic of the downward spiraling track? Is the helix going to be tropugh or track?

The beginning helix? Trough.

Originally I think Knoebels planned the first helix to track but

Sweetness.

So what part of the ride is this?
http://www.cyclonic.smugmug.com/photos/136693893-M.jpg

http://www.cyclonic.smugmug.com/photos/136695505-M.jpg

I'd say it's the helix.

It sure looks like it's going to be track with walk boards rather than trough. ???

Unless the curved ribs are to be added later those pics appear to contradict what Coastin' Steve, who is helping construct KFT, said on RRC:

"As it turns out, dealing with turns on this ride is best dealt with in a trough, rather than trying to do them as side friction turns (because of the train's tilted wheels)..."

In other discussions about the helix Steve has mentioned the steepness of it and how "trains will be far up on the side."

If Steve is correct wouldn't the helix be trough, not track?

Calling John Fetterman!!!! ;)

*** Edited 3/24/2007 2:02:51 AM UTC by Mamoosh***

I can't speak for John but long ago I heard that any plans for a side-friction element on the ride were abandoned, meaning everything including the helix will be a cypress trough.

Just to make sure I'm not missing a major structural detail...the rest of the ride does not have traditional walkboards along the sides, outside of the trough, right?

That's what I understand to be true as well, Rob. The only non-trough portions of the ride would be the brake run, lifts, and station.

AV Matt - check the picture on the "What's New" main page http://www.knoebels.com/whats-new.asp. Notice that the top portion of the ride, which is the beginning of the figure-8s, has walkboards but no curved ribs yet.

Look below if and you can see the walkboards next to the trough.

Oh wow; never noticed that before. I guess that makes sense in terms of aiding in construction at least. Ok then.

Anyone know what the trains will look like?

John does :)

It would be funny if the cars could be made to look like Flyers, but I suppose the sail would interfere with the ride dynamics to an unacceptable degree.

LOL. Might give a whole new meaning to "snapping the flyers." ;)

The helix will be all trough. The only places with side firction will be the brake run, the lifts, and the train house and station.

I heard that the helix will be enclosed and that the station house will go out over the road to preserve a tree.

Steel support is now in place. -->
http://thelado.photosite.com/Album1/turnsnew4.html

D. *** Edited 3/26/2007 3:56:12 AM UTC by The Lado***

they have new feb & mar. pictures up on the flyingturnsprodject website (www.flyingturnsproject.com) which are nice to look at. gives a good look at the break run and there is another of overall view and the helix. also does anyone think it will be done for opening day or shortly after? how about the trains any news with them yet?