MF lift question

While i was waiting in-line for MF in june(it was my first time, so i was looking at everything that was new), i noticed that when the cable came back down the lift, it was nearly long enough to hook on to the whole train.

At the top(we wrode in front row)we noticed that the lift cable goes down a good bit, unlike chains.

What i wanted to know is if the cable goes down so far because its only attached to the front car and it needs to pull over enough weight?

Just wanted to know, thanks in advance.

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#1-MF #2-Apollo's Chariot #3-S:RoS

Actually, the lift sled attatches under the fifth car. If your sitting in car 5, the "thunk" when it catches (right before you start moving up) is pretty noticable.

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-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew

Does anyone know what that little pause is for when its dispatched? It goes slow for like 3 seconds and then speeds up. Is that just for the motor to start? here is a good movie right at the beggining it shows what I mean.

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Its not attention deficit. I'm just ignoring you.

I'm pretty sure it's to get the cable to tension and make sure the sled is correctly attached. If you went to full speed immediately and the sled was not attached, there could be some bad results. Also, if the cable wasn't fully tensioned with the mass of the train, it would probably be a jerky start. (imagine if you had something and tied a rope to it and jerked it from slack to tight. It wouldn't be a very pretty start.)

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Off topic: That video for MF that Ride of Steel posted has VertiGo in it. Neat stuff.

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I was asked to describe X in one word. The word? -- OhmygoshwhathaveIgottenmyselfintothisisthescariest
thingintheworldhelpmeIamgoingtodieAHHHH!!!

The reason for the slow speed is for the engagement. The weighted flywheel under the lift creates tension. It keeps the cable in the proper position by keeping tension on the cable when the train’s weight isn’t on it, and when the train is lifting up the hill, it prevents slack in the return cable. As more of the train starts up the lift hill, the tension on the drive cable, and the load on the lift motor increases.

The coolest part about the lift is how when it is almost to the top, it speeds up. That is just awesome. You are practically flying up the hill and it kicks into high gear. I love it.

That actaully happens for a reason ya know. Not just to be cool and more thrilling.

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LeWiS

The faster speed that the lift accelerates to is the designed speed for the system. It only starts out slower to make sure that the brakes at the end are cleared, once they are than the lift speeds up.

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Monster Ride Op
Cedar Point

I just love how quiet it is up there. You hear the wheels rolling on the track and some people talking or screaming but thats it. I like the click clack on most coasters but its neat how silent it is one this one.

Do you think the speed at which it gets to the top makes the ride more intimidating for the average rider? For me it would. But, me being an enthusiast who can handle practically anything, I just find it more thrilling than intimidating.

Personally, I find it more intimidating to just hang over the crest, waiting for the chain to release...

I'm not fond of MF's lift. It's sort of the same issue I have with launched coasters. While they're thrilling, and a lot of fun, I prefer the traditional chain.