Stupid Diamondback questions

When was at KI today I got to wondering something about DB. Does a coaster track getting wet/being wet all the time effect anything? The splash down track gets wet with every train and pretty much is wet most of the time-down the road will that become a problem?

Also was wondering about the splash landing. Since it is these huge scoop things on the back of the train that actually causes the splash does it actually really slow the train down?

Rideman?

Jo

Im sure the scoops do cause some slowage of the train. The track? I don't know, I know they quit misting on Adventure express because the track was rusting bad in that area.Chuck

The wetting of the track should not result in any "problems." If anything, it will increase the weathering of the paint finish on the track, but that's an aesthetic issue rather than a mechanical one. The wheel assemblies that may get wet as a result of repeated contact with the wet rails are rust proof.

And yeah, the water scoops on the tail car aids as a braking mechanism that decreases the momentum of the train before it hits the final brake section.

Charles Nungester said:
Im sure the scoops do cause some slowage of the train. The track? I don't know, I know they quit misting on Adventure express because the track was rusting bad in that area.Chuck

Rusting wouldnt explain why they totally turned off the "now you shall pay" hill on Adventure Express! It was totally dark in there today-everyone on the train was bummed! :(

Jo

LuvRaptor said:
Since it is these huge scoop things on the back of the train that actually causes the splash does it actually really slow the train down?

I read somewhere (not sure where) while they were constructing DB that they treated the track where the splashdown is several extra times with anti rust solution so that the track wont rust prematurely. I also read that the "splashdown" is designed to slow the train down before it gets to the final breaks.
My question is what happens if the scoops break off from all the pressure?

There are huge brackets on the back of the train, they're not going to break off.

LuvRaptor said:
Since it is these huge scoop things on the back of the train that actually causes the splash does it actually really slow the train down?

As the water is shot up in the air, energy is transferred from the train to the water, and since the train doesn't lose elevation or mass, it has to lose speed.

Wow, Swim. You should write a 6th grade science text book...lol.

I don't think the splashdown results in any significant slowing of the train. I sure it would be felt if it did. It doesn't feel like the magnetic trims on Beast, for example. I'm sure it slows the train down a little bit, but not enough to matter at all.

Seeing as how the official details of the ride say, "Braking System: Combination of magnetic, water and mechanical," I'm going to go with the idea that the drag is factored into the engineering of the ride.

It definitely is. I notice the slight slow down everytime I ride Sheikra going into the splashdown.

The track on Sheikra that constantly gets wet hasn't rusted yet or the paint hasnt faded so like mentioned above, something was probably applied in that area.

(Still wish they would have set up DB, so passersby could get wet from the splashdown. It definitely adds to the fun especially for kids and a way to get soaked without waiting in a long line for a water ride on a hot day)

^ ^ ^ Yea that would be cool. I have been wondering if people got wet at all while watching near the splashdown. I am going to KI this weekend to process my Platinum Pass and to ride DB. I will post a trip report when i return Sunday night..

MaVeRiCk 'n MaGnUm XL said:

My question is what happens if the scoops break off from all the pressure?

When Diamondback first started testing the splashdown pool was empty, so the final brakes stopped trains that were going at "full speed". I'm sure that the ride is designed to run with or without the water brakes. It would be fun to track a Dback train with a radar gun to see how much (or how little) it actually slows down.

As Jeff said, the scoops appear to be heavy duty enough to withstand the water pressure. That said, it must a A LOT of pressure. Ever stick your fingers into the water when riding in a speed boat? Or wipe out on water skis? The water feels like concrete. Ouch!

I *notice* the slowdown from the water, but it really does seem like a very small amount - I'd hazard a guess on the order of 2-3mph for SheiKra. Can't honestly say I recall Griffon's slowage that well...I was so jazzed about the bunny hops (and to some degree the second Immelman), everything else sort of faded into the background. Would be cool to check out with a radar gun... :)

LostKause said:

I don't think the splashdown results in any significant slowing of the train.

Define significant. 1 ft/sec²? 10 ft/sec²?...

1 geek/sec²

Depends if it's hard or soft water.

Yikes.

Significant compared to the magnetic trims on Beast, for example...how ever much per second squared that is. I notice a slowdown on Beast during some of the drops, but not during the splashdown on Diamondback.

I noticed the slowdown on DB while riding in the front seat yesterday. You don't feel much, but there's a definite "drag" feeling.

RatherGoodBear said:
Depends if it's hard or soft water.

How about salt or freshwater? :)