Maverick work has begun

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Jason Hammond said:
With less speed, it may not be able to complete the circuit.

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According to the animation (yes I know it isn't real and could be misleading), you could probably scrub off a good portion of speed and still complete the circuit. The amount of thrill that the finale would provide would be significantly decreased, however, if they would have used that kind of solution.

But, with that said, I don't think that they are willing to sacrifice killing the rest of the ride for that one element and would prefer to keep the speed through the rest of the ride and try to fix that 120 foot problem. *** Edited 5/17/2007 8:00:18 PM UTC by CoastinCorey***

I'm SURE Cedar Point tried slowing the train down as much as they could before they decided to replace track. Come on guys. Obviously that didn't help the issue, it wasn't able to complete the circuit or both. Replacing track was most likely a last resort. Besides, we know they're already doing that, so what's the point in speculating what they could have (and probably already have) done?

That's what I was getting at. Others were asking why they didn't just slow the trains down and I was trying to explain that Cedar Point had to have tried that, and everything else before succumbing to the reality of having to replace track.

Bye-bye heartline, hello S-curve.

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm

Well that settles that. Anyone know if this is the first time an inversion was built then removed before the ride ever opened?

- Aaron K

Well that's disappointing.

That was the part of the ride I was looking forward to most.

It's a sad year for heartline rolls; first Chiller, and now Maverick. Next thing you know, B&M will begin replacing the zero-G rolls with "airtime hills". ;)

That was the part of the ride that made me go "Wow". This s-curve better be good.

Seeing the degree of change between both banks of that part of the ride, I think the S-Curve will still be a pretty good element. I'm sure it won't be as good as the roll, but hey, if gets the ride going I'm all for it.

~Rob Willi

Well there was the whole B&M/Arrow/Drachen Fire thing. Can't remember if that was ever proved/disproved, but the camel hill was "supposed" to be a zero-g roll.

Well, it's good to know for sure what it's going to be now. I agree with what everyone else is saying, I was really looking forward to that heartline roll probably the most out of any of the other elements. But, we really don't have a choice and I bet this s-curve won't be too bad in the end.

Back to the speed topic though. Perhaps those trims slowed the train down to what they thought would be an effective speed for the heartline roll would be. Maybe this s-curve will be able to be maneuvered at a higher rate of speed than the heartline roll and the trims will be backed off. This may not be so, but something interesting to think about.

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This s-curve better be good.

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So the whole ride (which none of us have ever ridden) is at risk because one element will be changed? Please, even the most mediocre ride is a fun ride. I guess if you won't ride it more than once if the S-curve doesn't meet your standards that's one fewer person in line for later (to work an overworked phrase).

This saddens me to see the Heartline go, but the S-Curve is much better than just a plain flat piece of track. I'm really happy I got a picture of the Heartline Testing before it was taken out.

Here is the Picture Again for those who missed it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308074

*** Edited 5/17/2007 9:02:46 PM UTC by BGRooDoG***

In my opinion,that heartline was the centerpiece of that ride. The rest seems... well... 'done before'. Cedar Point loves new stuff, and now Maverick is just some airtime hills and tight turns. Dont get me wrong, I like that stuff, but it's doesnt have the appeal that it did.

I wonder if Stengel designed that element? If so, after this and SOB, I think it's time for him to step down *** Edited 5/17/2007 9:05:14 PM UTC by DanLinden***

The poor thing has been neutered! =)

The element did look fun...but it also looked like it could be painful! The roll appeared to be centered a little low. Less chance of a restraint to the neck now.

*** Edited 5/17/2007 9:06:17 PM UTC by FScottS***

Least the S Curve is better then a stright track.

Dan, Stengel had nothing to do with Son of Beast's problems. He may have designed the layout of the ride, but RCCA was responsible for properly supporting it.

As for Maverick, the jury is still out.

Even if Stengel's company is responsible for the zero-g roll, it would be one F-up in over 500 rides (according to their website). I'd hardly call that a statistic calling for him "stepping down." Of course, there would be no "stepping down"... Intamin contracts out to Stengel to design these rides. If they don't like his work, they can stop hiring him.

Actually FScottS, my experience with Storm Runner was the S-curve going to the final brakes was pretty good at slamming your neck back and forth into those thin restraints.

I think your less likely to hit your neck when the train is going one direction in the roll, then you are when your quickly changing from one direction to another.

*** Edited 5/17/2007 9:20:24 PM UTC by CoasterDude316***

I have mixed feelings with this development and agree there could be the potential for some significant head banging at that speed. (hope not).

I am more shocked that after 500 rides this kind of mistake can happen. I can't think of any coaster that has had elements removed AFTER construction and BEFORE it opened - amazing - and extremely disapointing.

It will be interesting if the heartline returns next year, or weather Intamin will be paying CP some compensation for breach of contract. (I have to assume the CF legal team contracted with Intamin for a coaster with 3 inversions).

CoasterDude316...that's a good point! Well, here's to hoping that the engineering job was done better this time. =)