I just got back from SFNE and was very dismayed to find that the red train has again been removed from the track. I called to ask where it was and why it had been removed, and they told me it needed maintenance. Nice and specific. Anyway, I really thought the park was getting back on track, but this recent turn of events really discourages me.
Secondly, Batman: Dark Knight was running two trains and was walk-on all day, and yet they were assigning seats! Why? I can't believe that the park has gone from being very well-run in the spring to an operations nightmare now.
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Erik Johnson
Theme Park New England
Save Whalom Park!
I read a recent trip report that said it was only running the blue train. Why would it need maintenence? I'm glad that I got some rides on the red train and I'm glad the season is over.
They assign seats on B:TDK because of the 4 in a row seats. All they are trying to do is put the capacity up.
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Erik Johnson
Theme Park New England
Save Whalom Park!
I was just about to start a new topic on this. I just got back from SFNE and was just wondering the same.
Only the blue train was running, while the red train was no where to be found. (removed from the transfer tracks) We asked a few ride ups, and all we got for an answer was
"Its broke, probably wont be back running till next season."
So, does anyone know what happened to it?
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John
Albany Entertainment:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/albanyent
Man I hope to see both the red & blue trains running on SFA's S:ROS when I get out there in a couple of weeks.
As for assigned seating on B:TDK,SFNE dude has the right answer,sometimes on Batwing the ride ops do the same thing,they'll start assigning seats,actually in some ways assigning seats is good because it can make the line move a bit faster.
First of all, don't expect parks to be specific when you ask them questions about ride operations. I'm really surprised they even told you it was due to maintenance. It's a way they cover themselves from litigation. (cover yo'... you know).
Because the end of the season is near, they may have pulled it off to begin overhauling it for next season. They take off allt he fiberglass, inspect each part, replace a lot of joints and pins, and probably magnafluz each carbody to insure no cracks/fractures have developed.
Of course that is only my best educated guess. Your results may vary.
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the member formerly known as MisterX
I went to SFNE at the eend of August and both the superman trains were running.I think the trip was a waste bcz all the coasters had at least an hour wait. gr...i waited an hour and a half 2 go on batman and i was definatly not worth it.
Boulder Dash and Steel Force rock!!!!
Wasn't the red train the new one that was put on later this year? I would think that train should have the least problems.
I noticed red train was running with nylon wheels on a warm day in August and blue wasn't. There could be a performance issue and with it. Still I was surprised how fast both trains ran for the morning test runs.
It could also be the fact that the red train was making a very suspicious and loud clang noise on the entrance hill to the first helix on the red train and not the blue.
Joe: I thought the performance was good with the nylon, so much fast and smoother than blue. Oh well, next time I get there I'll take a peak.
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If the red train is in fact new that would make it the first priority for maintenance. An older train has been through maintenance before to catch any latent manufacturing defects. On a new train you don't know what may be wrong until you have inspected it once after it's been in service. In my business pretty much everything is inspected after one year in service, Then based on how things look we can extend the intervals between inspections, often to 5 years or more. Coasters have to be inspected and overhauled every year due to the difficult to measure fatigue issues involved.
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I lost my hat on Poison Ivy. How pathetic.
That clanking sound that you heard was from the back panel of the last train. it was kinda loose but still held on by the bottom two bolts. when you go into the first helix you could hear it clang against the top part. (there was also another time on the ride where you could hear it) but they had fixed that the by the last time i was there...last week of august i believe it was.
the red train was also sparking alittle coming into the brake run, but i wouldnt consider that a problem because ive seen so many coasters do it.
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John
Albany Entertainment:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/albanyent
*** This post was edited by CalvinJ23 on 9/22/2002. ***
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Erik Johnson
Theme Park New England
Save Whalom Park!
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"lifes short" ride a rollercoaster!!
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SFNE Central- Your one stop web destination for Six Flags New England!
http://alternativegaming.net/~sfne
SFNE Freak - it shouldnt be all that bad once we get out of september. even last year when there was only one train in october i never waited more then 25 mins. It shouldnt be all that bad.
also friday nights at the park are great! theres never alot of people there for the 5 hours the parks open.
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John
Albany Entertainment:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/albanyent
*** This post was edited by CalvinJ23 on 9/22/2002. ***
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