MUMMY EMPLOYEE PREVIEW (spoiler-only one though)

Do any steel coasters use skid brakes? By "pinch" (which I thought was the term?) I mean fin under the train which is "pinched" by the brakes on the track.

I believe Matterhorn has skids, too. On the other hand, it also qualifies as an "old steel". :)

Why is it the more I hear about the coaster part of this ride, the more it sounds like a modified Windstorm design?? Imagine Runaway Mountain at SFoT, but with a really elaborate lift approach :)

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Peabody said:
Do any steel coasters use skid brakes? By "pinch" (which I thought was the term?) I mean fin under the train which is "pinched" by the brakes on the track.

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I think by "pinch" you're referring to what is commonly called "friction" or "fin" brakes. "Friction" is a bit misleading, IMO, because both fins and skids stop due to friction, but I didn't come up with the term. :)

A lot of steel coasters use skids. A lot of Schwarzkopf rides have been modified, but Wild Cats and Jet Stars have/had skids (many still do). Intamin specifies that skids are the only brakes allowed on their bobsleds (although it appears as though Mack uses friction brakes, at least on their newer rides).

-Nate

these weren't used in the whole ride, after you are released from the station, since there are two sides to load, a skid brake comes up and holds you until the other car passes the block. that is the only one.

AWSOME!!! Sounds like the Mummy is gonna be a one-of-aKind Coaster Cant wait to Ride it!

It's not a skid brake then. Certain rides have devices that hold a train in place, but they're *not* skid brakes.

-Nate

I always thought they were just called caliper brakes, since it's two surfaces squeezing on the moving fin.

Jeff, that was the term I was thinking of too. I've definitely heard them referred to as caliper brakes.

lata, jeremy

Hmmm...I don't believe I've ever heard that term, but that doesn't mean it isn't accurate. I'm not a terminology expert, but I've personally heard "fin brakes" used most commonly.

-Nate

no, no, it isn't two calipers pushing on a brake fin. it actually lifts up from the bottom of the track, inbetween the running rails, and holds the train in place.

I think that's understood. But I personally don't believe what you're describing is a traditional skid brake either.

-Nate

all i can say is they had their reasons for putting the skids in. coasters built by premier, 15, coasters built by anyone in here, none.

god change the subject...this spectacular new ride came out with out of control special effects and explosive theming and your debating about skid brakes...

i guess i'll join the fun.

OH MY GOD, i cannot beleive what kind of station gates it has...im outraged...station gates are SO 1984, i mean come on they should be magnetically powered, hello get with the times its all about magnets...ugh they dont know what their doing

aaaaaaaand scene

Clearly you're confused on what's being debated here. Reading comprehension is a tough thing, I know.

-Nate

To clear this all up, they are not skid brakes. They are what propell the ride through the slower segments at the begining, much like a maglev train. The little boxes are where the electromagnets are housed and the rare earth magnets are underneath the train.

Ah, that makes perfect sense. Thanks!

-Nate