Racer's trains (Kennywood)

Was at Kennywood Sunday and it appears Racer received new trains this year? I thought they were just cleaned up, re-painted etc but they were spotless. The chrome and paint was shiney, the seatbelts were new and they tracked really well. Tracked damn nice as well, had two outstanding rides.

Can anyone confirm that the trains are new?

Also, Jackrabbit sports a nice new logo along with its new belts. It's a rabbit with a jetpack on, each train has it bolted on the front of the car. *** Edited 5/23/2005 3:41:47 AM UTC by eightdotthree***

The Racer's trains were referbed at PTC over the winter. They were basically redone from the frame up. There is discussion over at the kpconnection forums about the 'new' trains.

And I agree, that ride is as smooth as glass year. I've never had rides on the Racer that were that smooth. *** Edited 5/23/2005 4:01:44 AM UTC by The_Lost_Phantom***

What an oldie but goodie! I love how you can reach out and slap high 5's with the other train.

I was wondering what the deal was with those trains. At EastCoaster it was announced that the coaster would be receiving new trains but people were later saying that the older trains were going to be rehabbed.

They did a really nice job, they look and feel brand spanking new.

I can't wait to see them next weekend. I assume there are still three trains and not four?

On Racer? Two trains. Jackrabbit has three but runs two.

Racer used to have 4, normally only running 2. And Jack Rabbit does run all three on a busy day.

Katie

Racer because of the skid brakes can only run two trains and Jackrabbit is only setup to run two trains at a time.

kpjp needs to come in here and lay down the knowledge.

I have seen KW run 3 trains on Jack Rabbit. Two trains in the station one loading one unloading. One on the lift hill.

When the train reaches the top they dispatch the loaded train. The train that was un-loaded is loaded as the next train comes into the station.

It's a pretty good operation and is effecient.

I also said racer USED to have 4 trains. Not USE four trains.

Katie

How long 'til we get to Da Wood again?

Counting down the hours til Sunday ;)

gator, thanks loriu for that AMAZING ride on JR's back seat! :)

What are the new belts on JR like? Are they still just straps in front of you or are they more snug now?

yeah the trains are new. i work at the racer/rabbit and i like the new trains. I only went on it 3 times so far and it feels the same to me. I can't really tell if a coaster changed or not. oh and CoastinKatie i don't think the jack rabbit ever ran 3 trains. I mean since i work there, it would be impossible to do that. Now with the sensor system, you can't have a train on unload, load and on the lift hill. You would have so many e-stops. maybe back in the days when it was all manual that could happen. But it could not have been recent. *** Edited 5/23/2005 5:59:30 PM UTC by PGH_Steeler***

the belts on the JR are like Air plane seat belts. some people can't seem to figure out how to put them on lol. yes you can make them tighter too. Its weird, i don't see why people try to make it super tight. Don't they remember last year when they were super loose? I think it's funny seeing people pulling at it making it as tight as they can.

Cause they want to feel safer. If I am not mistaken that is why they were added, due to guest request.

I was refering to when the coaster was manual. I was un-aware that they changed it over this season. I knew they got new trains (belts). But, I haven't been there yet this year.

Yes Bill, we will be there Sunday. I can't wait wOOt!

Katie

I know Racer only runs two trains at a time but there was always a third sitting in the station (I guess the trains were rotated?) I was wondering if that one was rehabbed as well.

Bill- What's on Sunday?

Oh, I didnt see a third train, but I only recall checking the right side of the station.

I think it's on track that sits underneath one of the bridges that lead out of the station.

Rob, Sunday is a big get-together at Kennywood. I'm flying in Thurs, doing 1-1/2 days at CP, GL on Sat, KW on Sunday (small side-trip to Idlewild), then Conneaut and Waldameer on Monday.

Really looking forward to the three *smaller* parks that are all first-timers for me, but I can NOT get enough of =>>Kennywood=>>

Racer, JackRabbit, T-Bolt *and* Phantom's Revenge? Embarrassment of riches!

Oh, and I should be getting my first-ever lap on Lil Phantom....w00t for me! :)