Shivering Timbers might be getting new trains

Weren't (aren't) the Timberliners noted for some kind of new fangled built in suspension system? I think I remember it was designed to cut down on the perception of roughness that seems inevitable in these giant traditional wooden coasters, not only offering a more comfortable ride but giving the parks a break on fine tuned maintenance.

Fans of Shivering Timbers should beware if this comes true. The Timberliners restraint comes down right on the rider for a secure fit, with little or no room to spare. The feeling of airtime that is so revered on that ride may be altered. I have yet to ride a coaster with these trains, so tell me... Does one still get that feeling of floating (or slamming) airtime on, say, Wooden Warrior? Or Hades?

Buzz bars (or stationary!) are ideal for airtime, but even with the individual orange restraint common on PTC trains it's possible to position it so there's some space between the rider and the bar. When I sat in the Timberliner seat it was comfortable but I also felt stapled in somewhat.

The Timberliners didn't seem to be any more intrusive than PTC trains. I found Wooden Warrior to be mighty aggressive, and at no time did I feel that the Timberliners were restricting me from experiencing the full potential of the ride. They may not be Millennium Flyers, but they're awfully close.

Millennium Flyer trains are wood coaster train perfection!

Being 6'6", my legs don't do so well in PTC trains. The stupid L-shaped orange lapbars tends to jam my legs to the center of the train, on top of the lack of legroom in front... Uncomfortable!

Millennium Flyer trains are so comfy and tall people friendly. Plus they track so well, which helps.

RCMAC, count me as someone who prefers actual airtime to implied airtime (and someone who makes a distinction between the two). So, to the extent that the Timberliners staple you, and with the caveat that I've never ridden one, I can't say I'm too disappointed. I'm satisfied with the trains on the voyage as they are.

Hell, I'll throw this out there: Phoenix wouldn't be ranked nearly as high if it's restraints weren't so non-restrictive. It's that "stand up" airtime that makes that ride.

Tyler Boes said:

Ravine Flyer and Shivering Timbers combo is probably a more accurate combo, but I haven't ridden RVT.

What does the "V" stand for, Tyler?

Flyer. RFT.

Mike Gallagher said:

Tyler Boes said:

Ravine Flyer and Shivering Timbers combo is probably a more accurate combo, but I haven't ridden RVT.

What does the "V" stand for, Tyler?

religious virgin Tyler

You guys are just awful!! How did you discover my true identity. My real name is Sofonda Cox. Or is it Buffy Grooters. I don't know, I get my stripper names messed up sometimes. Some of you are so naughty!! LOL!!

Anyways. Shivering Timbers does not need new trains. What it needs is minor track repair. I'm guessing these new trains are made to have less wear and tear on the track? Which will most likely lead to less repair of it? Which might lead to a sense of false security on the rides future safety? As, I am sure the main goal would be to not spend much money on the rides upkeep.

At any rate, lets hope this is not the only investment the park will make to MA in the off season. If they are making it at all. If anything, they need to add a second train to the wildcat, and cut down on the line.

Though a new ride would be nicer.

All I'm saying.

Touchdown said:

Voyage is one half a fantastic out and back, and then all hell breaks loose. The second half of that ride is incomparable to any other coaster. Ive ridden that ride dozens of times and I cant anticipate every twist and turn yet.

It's amazing, isn't it! It took me almost 20 laps on my first day riding it to get to know the layout to the point where I could anticipate every nuance and element on that brilliant back half. There is just so much going on, in rapid-fire succession! This was the longest it took for me of any coaster I've ridden to "learn" the layout, and I've since forgotten many of the nuances so the great thing is it will surprise me all over again on my next visit this October!

RCMAC said:

Buzz bars (or stationary!) are ideal for airtime, but even with the individual orange restraint common on PTC trains it's possible to position it so there's some space between the rider and the bar. When I sat in the Timberliner seat it was comfortable but I also felt stapled in somewhat.

Break Trims said:

RCMAC, count me as someone who prefers actual airtime to implied airtime (and someone who makes a distinction between the two). So, to the extent that the Timberliners staple you, and with the caveat that I've never ridden one, I can't say I'm too disappointed. I'm satisfied with the trains on the voyage as they are.

Hell, I'll throw this out there: Phoenix wouldn't be ranked nearly as high if it's restraints weren't so non-restrictive. It's that "stand up" airtime that makes that ride.

I COMPLETELY agree with the above quotes!

I'm from the school that says Negative G's are Negative G's regardless of who, what, where, when, why or how a restraint touches you.

True, but I'm of the school that how you experience the negative g's can vastly effect how thrilling they are! ;)

I find El Toro's airtime to be more thrilling than Phoenix's.

There, I said it.

More thrilling...I might have to agree with that. I found Phoenix's air more fun, though.

Regardless of nitpicking the details, I think the greater point is that El Toro is one of the stapling-est rides around and it's still fun...and a great ride...and recognized by every poll as one of the (if not the) best in the world.

I don't get the argument that being restrained somehow makes it less enjoyable.

Raven-Phile said:

I find El Toro's airtime to be more thrilling than Phoenix's.

There, I said it.

Right this moment, though, Phoenix's is more thrilling. And more fun.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was getting at. I find Phoenix to be a ton of fun, but El Toro makes me go "oh crap!" and "woah!"

Well, then, El Toro and Tyler's posts have something in common!

Lord Gonchar said:

Regardless of nitpicking the details, I think the greater point is that El Toro is one of the stapling-est rides around and it's still fun...and a great ride...and recognized by every poll as one of the (if not the) best in the world.

I don't get the argument that being restrained somehow makes it less enjoyable.

Well, I don't mean any of this as an argument, and I mean it with the highest of respect possible. When there is more room to fly up above the seat, it gives me more of a thrill. The most exciting moments I can think of on a coaster are when, for a split second, I feel like I'm going to be tossed out and then the lapbar (and seatbelt) catch me and hold me in. This takes my breath away, sometimes making me yell something like "YES!" or "AIRTIME!" without even realizing I am saying it.

When I am stapled, the thrill level (for me) never reaches these heights as there is never the split-second sense that I am pushing the boundaries or the illusion that I will fly out. YMMV.

PS. And I have to word this carefully, because I am NO WAY advocating riding with the bar or belts TOO loose.

Mike Gallagher said:

Well, then, El Toro and Tyler's posts have something in common!

No. I actually enjoy El Toro!

Frontrider said:
sometimes making me yell something like "YES!" or "AIRTIME!" without even realizing I am saying it.

I generally want to take off my shoe and throw it at people who do this.

Only thing stopping me is the thought of walking around with one shoe the rest of the day.