Odd B&M Chain observation

Why is it on every B&M the train always levels off just a little bit before descending into their drops. Raptor levels, so does Apollo's Chariot. Does Raging Bull? Is this just the way their chains work?

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Coasters- a little slice of heaven

I think it's to avoid putting stress on the anti roll-backs. I may be wrong though.

Rideman, a little help...

Maybe they do that to let the back of the car catch up , reducing hang . Apollo drops quick .

They do it to save the chain.

If a two ton train hangs onto a chain while going fast down a drop, the chain will have wear and tear, and weakens, greating the possibilty of a loose link, which would result in a snap.

Same with the way they start. If you notice, the train on a B&M is always slowed to a crawl before hitting the lift, so it doesn't hit at a high speed, which would cause much stress.

Take Villain at SFO. Every time a train hits the lift, it coasts up a bit before connecting 'w' the chain. Each time it hits, the chain has a bit of wear. B&M just incorporates these two little things in their designs to help the chains last much longer. *** This post was edited by Mongoose on 11/2/2000. ***

Ah, you learn something new everyday!

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Coasters- a little slice of heaven

I don't know if you meant this or not, Mongoose, but all B&M's hit the lift chain at the exact same speed as the lift chain. They do this with the feed wheels at the bottom of the lift.

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"Legend 1 looks too intense for me."

So by this explanition, The Beast's second lift hill chain is getting a real beating. The train makes it almost half way up that hill before connecting with the chain! How often does it need replacement?

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So you want a coaster in your backyard? I hope you have a big backyard.

Are Boomerangs chain operated? I can't remember, those would take a beating too.

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Coasters- a little slice of heaven

I dont know about other Arrow suspendeds, but Big Bad Wolf almost stops completely before hitting the lifts. The train almost comes to a halt before the first one enough though it doesnt have much speed and the same thing for the second lift. Also, I like what B&M does with their chain lifts it means that you dont slowly go over the top of the hill if you are in the front.

Boomerang at Knott's uses a chain on the second lift hill. That thing takes a Serious beating, 'cause the train hits the chain at about 40mph. You can hear the anti-roll backs REALLY good.

What about Magnum? It doesn't level before dropping, and the first replacement its needed since the first year it was in operation, which has been 11 years.