Maverick work has begun

I still don't understand how this happens. Just because this roll was fast and low to the ground shouldn't really make a difference mathematically, right? I mean Intamin has done this a bunch of times before, why wouldn't you just expand the size of the roll relative to the speed it's being taken? I just don't get it.

Good point Walt, but did CP ever refer to the ride as a "family" coaster? I thought that came from the boards since the ride is so low to the ground. I never thought it was a "family" ride after seeing the video (for sure).

Jeff, I don't think Lance has a crystal ball, but suspect CP has an employee with loose lips. Furthermore, I think the "final" and decisive results came in a few days ago, with HUGE red flags being discovered back in March, when Intamin started on their contingency plans. Sandor "pushed the button" after riding Maverick imo. Things are happening way to fast for all parties to have started from "ground zero" last week. imo of course - lol *** Edited 5/18/2007 2:29:47 AM UTC by Thom25***

Should I mention that on B&M coasters, the heartlines are typically taken high off the ground, where speeds are somewhat reduced?

Nah, probably not... ;)

Matt, the operative word is "fast". You're right, Intamin has done this a ton of times at slower speeds, but never at a bottom of a hill after a 70 MPH launch. Like you imply, the actual roll should have been over five or six sections of track rather than just three.

Was at the park today and watched them working on it for a little bit. Also noticed on the blog that they said the height requirement has been raised to 52" I wonder what brought on that change?

Cedar Point really loves raking in the records:

Tallest Coaster 3 times

Fastest Coaster 3 times

Now, the first coaster to have an inversion removed before it even opened to the public.

Wonder how they'll market that one.

^^ Perhaps he was referring to when Screamscape posted the artwork prior to Maverick's announcement?

I too wonder why the change in height requirement. Again...something foudn in testing?

I wouldn't think anything short of a restraint alteration would bring about a height requirement change, but there must have been something.

Maybe the height restriction was added because there is a lot of side to side head action on the ride? The extra 4" might be to get people's ears further above the restraints?

This ride still looks great and I can't wait to ride it.

I think the s-curve could end up being an awesome element, especially if there is some elevation to it.

Looking at the video posted earlier, it looked like the heartline would have been rather violent.

If you thought the heartline was going to rather violent, keep in mind that was in one continuous direction. Now we get to first go to the left, and then to the right, all within 3 pieces of track at 70 mph. (I'm on the fence with this one).

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DanLinden said:
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***

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"Son of Beast�" for Paramount's King Island - World's Only Looping Wooden Coaster:

In 1997, RCCA approached Paramount's Kings Island with the concept of creating the world's greatest wooden roller coaster ride - the first ever wooden "hyper-coaster": featuring a drop of 214 feet at a 55.7 degree angle, a mile and a third of track (7,032 feet), a top speed of 78 miles per hour; plus taking riders through a 103 foot high loop inversion on the return side of the ride!

Werner Stengel of Munich, Germany designed the ride and its unique loop feature. Structural engineering for the giant wooden structure was performed by William H. Childress, P. E., Wood Structures, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. The "new generation" trains capable of performing an inversion were designed and manufactured for the ride by Premier Rides, Inc., Millersville, Maryland. The ride opened to an expectant public in May, 2000 with typical comments from fans like "this is the best ride I've ever been on" and "it's nothing but non-stop speed!"

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Stengel didn't do the structual engineering for Son of Beast. So thats not his fault.

http://rcca.com/RCCA/history.html *** Edited 5/18/2007 3:36:00 AM UTC by coasterkid92*** *** Edited 5/18/2007 3:37:19 AM UTC by coasterkid92***

Thom25: Perhaps that could create a problem, but I'm thinking with proper banking and transitions, they will be able to make it "less violent."

The "three pieces of track" really doesn't mean much. "Three pieces of track" does not describe the length, banking, and elevation of each particular piece of track or the entirety of all of the track.

I'm sure they have put a lot of thought into this, so I'm thinking it's unlikely that they're going to make such a mistake.

And think about it: They also realize that an s-curve has a potential to be "violent." The likely reason for removing the heartline is due to too many forces placed on the riders and/or train. I highly doubt they are going to remove one element for such reasons and then replace that element with an equally violent element.

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Thom25 said:
Jeff, I don't think Lance has a crystal ball, but suspect CP has an employee with loose lips.

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Who also has a crystal ball?

I suspect Intamin doesn't test or simulate the wear or forces on wheels, axles and wheel bearings. I mean, if they did, they wouldn't have built the ride this way, right? As-is it wouldn't lead to imminent failure, or they wouldn't be testing it the last week, but they've said they're not comfortable with those forces on the train either.

Yup, you gotta love that crystal ball, and mine agrees that Intamin doesn't test or simulate the finer points of a ride like wheels and axles but dictates specifications to all sub contractors. They'd have too, as the design/engeering firm.

Heres an idea, why not pipe in some high powered mist sprayers inbetween the canyon. I mean the pond is right there. That would be kind of cool blowing through mist that fast.

As for Son Of Beast, I was talking to the guy who helped design The Beast (yes, the original), and he said Stengal had designed SOB to steel-coaster specifications, making it nearly impossibly to support the thing! The trains had to be super heavy to make it through the designed course, which is why there was so much stress along the ride. That's also why the loop had to go, to allow for lighter trains.

In my opinion, Stengal has been around too long. Not that he's put out alot of bad stuff, just.. you need fresh air in the industry. Imagine the new and unique things Intamin could be doing. You notice alot of Stengal rides just use the same type of elements.

Interesting observation Dan. I initially started to reluctantly agree with you, then I thought of El Toro. I understand, two (2) bad coaster designs each costing over $20m - yikes - and both are now with CF - Hmm....

Ya'll need to cut Stengel some slack. He's actually been out of the picture for a number of years. At this point he basically just owns the company under his name and does very little to no work for them.

Think of the ridiculous sum of work that he (and his company) has done for the industry. If anything, I'd say all around he's the best designer ever.

As far as any issues regarding Son of Beast is concerned, none of them have been traceable back to him. The issues during construction were due to faulty wood, and the accident this past summer could've happened on any wooden coaster and was almost impossible to prevent/foresee.

As far as Maverick is concerned, and the loss of the roll, I'm saddened. But this is what I've been looking forward to most: http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=6591 *** Edited 5/18/2007 6:10:15 AM UTC by Konstantine***