I read a while ago that SDL was down indefinatley. Does anyone know if it's still down? I'm going on Sunday and I hope it's open, it's one of my favorite rides at the park.
Generally, it's a little less crowded than the summer but not empty like it is during Hersheypark in the Dark in October. A TR I read from someone who was there last Sunday mentioned nothing being more than 20 minutes. *** Edited 9/14/2006 1:52:06 AM UTC by YoshiFan***
Y'know, I'm actually very relieved to hear this. All the reports I've read lately claiming it was not operating had me worried that it would be gone next year.
Dumb followup question. Can SDL handle three trains? I thought it only had blocking for two and has only had two trains on the the two times I've been to the park.
They could run 3 trains, but it isn't realistic because right now the fastest I have seen is the train leaving the station as the other train hits the brake run. That is pretty good considering the ride isn't long.
Also, the ridership is fairly low compared to some of the other coasters there, so there's not really a need to run more than 2. I haven't seen that under-the-station queue occupied by a line in years--I think the last time may have been like 1993 or 1994.
It seems like the ride is almost always a walk on or a few train wait now unless they are running 1 train or during one of those peak days like at Springtime In The Park when the line down the stairs and part of the line under the station was filled.
I can imagine it must have gotten some crazy lines when it first opened and even with 3 trains, the wait was probably still very long.
I think there have been some rumors going around that SDL may be on its last year, but I hope it's not true and hadn't found any reason for it to be until I read this thread. Since it's back up though, I guess there's nothing clear to worry about now..
I hope it stays for a long time yet. It's my favorite steel coaster at the park. It looks to be in fantastic condition too...and I doubt much else could fit in it's place either. I wish the public would give it the attention it deserves.
It's not the largest or most thrilling coaster, but it's fun and a nice coaster for a rider's first loop.
You understand that no ride lasts forever, but just think how much of a hassle it would be to remove it and replace it with something else. It butts up against Comet at one end, and mingles with Great Bear and Coalcracker at the other.
RatherGoodBear said: It's not the largest or most thrilling coaster, but it's fun and a nice coaster for a rider's first loop.
You understand that no ride lasts forever, but just think how much of a hassle it would be to remove it and replace it with something else. It butts up against Comet at one end, and mingles with Great Bear and Coalcracker at the other.
As for no ride lasting forever, there are plenty of very, very old wooden coasters. And frankly, I hope the CLASSIC Schwartzkopf loopers - SDL, Mindbender, Shockwave etc - last another 50 years. I can't speak for any of them but Mindbender, but almost 30 years in, MB is still silky smooth and a decent people eater.
