Lochness Monster's interlocking loops?

A post in another topic made me think of something I wanted to ask a while back. Do the trains ever go through the loops at the same time on Lochness Monster? Is this ride a 3-trainer, and how do they make them achieve synchronization if it actually happens? Also, does anyone have pictures of it doing this if it does?

I have visited before when the trains do not interlock (on a consistent basis throughout the day). But I probably have visited just as many times when they do. I would probably defer your question to someone who visits the park more often than I do.

So basically why did I even answer this post?

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"That's DOCTOR Evil. I didn't spend six years in evil medical school to be called 'Mr. Thank You Very Much.'"

...because you like to see your (screen)name in print? ;)

-Dawn, teasing, wishes she could have seen synchronized looping at Con.

For the edification of those who may be wondering, it has something to do with the timing; it only happens if/when they run three trains, and it's not always exact then. I once waited for 15-20 minutes when they were running three trains to get a photo of trains in both loops. It got closer and closer and then I got my shot. If they're only running two trains, you haven't got a shot.

I am the Ticktockman

Every time I have gone to Busch Gardens, I never had seen the trains go through the loops at the same time. But yes, they do.

It is timing, the quicker the trains get dispatched between each other the better of a chance. But like Prabe said, There does have to be 3 trains.

I saw the trains both going through the loops at once and it looked too close for comfort. I have 2 questions about LNM. Why does the ride have trim breaks and then a second chain lift right after it? Has anyone ever ridden it while both trains were going around the loops?
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Riding on top of the world with Cedar Point

Zima, if you're referring to a set of brakes right before that small lift (can't remember if there is one), many Arrows featured this. It was mainly to slow the train so it isn't hitting the lift hard (for rider's sake), and it also means less wear and tear on the chaindog. No I have never personally witnessed Nessie running 3 trains, and I probably don't want to, because that means BGW is crowded! :)
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"You don't know how you've betrayed me and somehow you've got everybody fooled. Without the mask where will you hide.......can't find yourself lost in your lie" - Evanescence, Everybody's Fool

Probably a stupid question....but not stupid enough for me to ask obviously: Have Orient Exp's trains ever simultaniously looped? I think I remember a commercial from when I was very young showing the trains do this. Maybe it was done for promos only? The coaster wasn't designed to safely do this... any WoF experts out there?

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paul ruben
ran lube up

When I visited Busch Gardens as a kid (in the early 80s) I seem to recall the park making sure that the trains would be traveling through the interlocking loops simultaneously. It was considered quite a spectacle in its day. I'm not sure, but I think the timing of both the first and 2nd lift could be altered so as to ensure that this would take place. 3 train operation was common in those days, which I think is required for it to happen consistently.

It seems to me that BGW doesn't bother with this anymore considering they now have more modern coasters (Alpengeist & Apollo's Chariot) to "wow" the patrons. I was lucky enough to get the chance to ride it back then, and I wish they had it running that way when I visited for my birthday last year. It's still a great steel looper, but the interlocking effect makes it even better.

*** This post was edited by djgreghaus 7/15/2003 6:27:05 AM ***

As far as I know, three-train operation on Loch Ness is normal during crowded weekends. I've witnessed two trains simultaneously hitting the loops on 2 or 3 of my visits to BGW, but it's been a few years now. I visited the first day of Howl-O-Scream last season and LNM was running three trains, but the first lift was running ridiculously slow, which did not allow the trains to meet in the loops. I'm hoping this is not a permanent thing.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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Yep, there is two lifts. One big lift, then after the tunnel a short lift. It almost makes me think that the drop into the second loop is too small for the train to make it over.

I was on LNM when the trains simultaneously hit the loops. It really is freaky. they were hitting semi-regularly during Nessie's 10th birthday bash. I know I have video of it somewhere. Of course, the fact that there were a few hundred ACErs in the park, and the event took place on a Friday (not TOO crowded) and a Saturday (EXTREMELY crowded), helped keep three trains on the track throughout the event.

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Goccvp1

Nessie's trains only hit the loops simultaneously during a three-train op. Due to the much shortler layout that could not happen on Orient Expess.

mOOSH

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A random Mooshter's Dawntionary listing: Rectitude [n.] the formal demeanor of a proctologist just before he exams you.

Plus, I believe the loops are back-to-back are they not? Doesn't the track go up right after the first loop into a curve and then right into the second? Maybe I dreamed that... :)

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Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I

Orient Express: first drop, 270* swoop turn, second drop, first loop, 270* turn/MCBD, third drop, second loop, boomerang, helix, brake run.

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A random Mooshter's Dawntionary listing: Rectitude [n.] the formal demeanor of a proctologist just before he exams you.

Wow Moosh....it doesn't *sound* so painful when you DESCRIBE Orient Express....;)

Nessie clearly *ownz* the other Arrow interlocking looper...I could ride Nessie ALL day, whereas OE didn't even merit *one* re-ride....from ME of all people...that thing was horrid!

BTW, whatever happened inside Nessie's tunnel....used to be the cool lighting and all, at Con it was simply a long dark tunneled helix...

And nobody has gotten a picture of them going through at the same time?!

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The reason LNM has 2 lift hills is so the trains can go through the loop at the same time. There dosnt have to be 3 trains in operation, it can be done with two trains.

I'm sure it could be, but it would probably be hectic for capacity reasons.

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Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I

Darth Saambe said:
And nobody has gotten a picture of them going through at the same time?!

Amazing what a 3 second Google search will unearth.

Click on the link that is right here where all this text is underlined.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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