Trim Brakes on the Beast

I know that trim brakes, and using them on the Beast, has been a topic many times, but I have a question.

While riding the Beast last weekend, the trims quite literally made the riders lunge forward a bit a few times. Can't the trims be installed so that they are gradually braking, instead of all at once? If they were to do that, you might not even notice them at all. Is this something that is possible?

Painful in the front of the train! Isn't it?

Its barely noticable in the back of the train.

Surprised nobodys been hurt yet. I though I was once but only suffered minor bruising.

Chuck

There used to be skid brakes that did gradually slow you down. They were replaced in light of a small collision in the station. Not sure if they can adjustthe new ones to work gradually instead of grabbing.

Also, I rode the Beast last year during Fearfest in the front seat and noticed the grab, but didn't even come close to getting injured or bumped around. *** Edited 9/7/2007 4:10:33 PM UTC by Coasterbuzzer***

It seems to me that The Beast has enough straight aways that there is plenty or room to slow a train gradually without jerking the passengers. Trims aren't supposed to work like that anyway and it sounds dangerous. If the trains are that out of control, perhaps the ride needs more than trims.

I am so tired of this topic.

The Beast's ride time is actually shorter, and therefore faster, than it was when it used the skids. So just because you feel that little kick at the end of the shed doesn't mean the net braking is greater than it was before.

It probably means the train is being slowed much more quickly instead of gradually. Are those mags? Isn't it true they can't be adjusted?

Correct.

The braking action takes place a lot quicker with the mag calipers at the end of the shed than it did with the skids, which slowed over the entire length of the shed.

I don't consider the mags to be uncomfortable, I think they're a lot better than the old skids.

The biggest improvement is on the first drop and the drop into the helix, where instead of braking all the way down, it now only brakes at the top of the drop.

Hey Jeff, I remember way back in the year 2000, I stumbled upon a roller coaster site with a pale yellow background. I registered and posted in an online topic for the first time. The title of that topic? "Trim Brakes on The Beast." OK so the brakes have changed, so what? Ride in the back, you'll hardly notice them.

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Jeff said:I am so tired of this topic.The Beast's ride time is actually shorter, and therefore faster, than it was when it used the skids. So just because you feel that little kick at the end of the shed doesn't mean the net braking is greater than it was before.

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The sheds not where I am talking about. Im talking about the fan turn just befor the second drop that brakes so hard sometimes it throws lighter riders forward. 65-40 in about half a second.

I agree with you that it runs on average faster than before but the braking on that turn is not nearly as smooth as the skids.

Chuck

Being from Ohio and having ridden the Beast at least 15 times a year when I had a pass every year from 1998-2005 and probably over that number many seasons I have to say I don't enjoy the mag breaks one bit. I understand the safety issue due to the small accident but I find them way over the top.

Although I know there were always breaks (skids) on the ride before, honestly, you never felt them. Sure, during the shed run you could tell you were slower coming out than going in but for an average person I don't think they notice a major drop in speed. The breaks right before the second drop were slightly noticeable but nothing to pay attention to. One of my biggest problems with the new breaks is, especially the break in the shed, it is so drastic you have to stop yourself by putting you hands on the seat back in front of you, etc. I think it just disrupts the whole feel of the ride, sure it's no slower on average and as people have said actually faster but for me it's too much of a distraction.

My absolute biggest complaint though is the breaks right before the second drop. Man I remember when I was in early middle school I would get LAUNCHED out of my seat. It was the funniest part of the ride (well maybe after the crazy speed you have and the feeling of "this is gonna hop the tracks" after the second tunnel ).

For me if they were to try and "fix" this, I would like to see skids back in the shed and before the second drop (even if that means more breaking on the first drop).

I mean, I still love the Beast and am looking forward to a dark, late night ride during this years Halloween Haunt (or whatever they are calling it) but I have a feeling if I make it to Holiday World this year like I want my opinions will change.

As long as we are on the subject of the Beast, can someone explain to me why that super long straight away with the shed is that long and why it has a shed over it?

It was originally supposed to be a block brake, and with the original skids it needed that long to be able to stop.

It has a shed over it to keep the brakes dry in the rain, same as the final brake run. Racer originally had a shed over the brake run for the same reason, it's actually still there, they just closed in the sides.

How many on here remember the tires in the shed? You'll be showing your age if you do.

I remember them from the coaster simulator at the mall. :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=afxKos_UdzQ

Wow! Great video. I think I have that on VHS somewhere. Check out those trains, from red to 'spring green', and buttons on the seats!

I remember that 2nd drop, used to scare the crap outta me. I remember the friction tires too!

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schwee said:How many on here remember the tires in the shed? You'll be showing your age if you do.

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Considering I was a first night rider april 13th 1979 and I was 13 then, Well you take a crack at it :)

Chuck

^Oh so that's where that video came from. :) I am seeing it pop up everywhere. :) It's amazing (and scary) what you can find on YouTube. ;)

Scwee, I am BUSTED! I vaguely remember the tires. :) Wow.

It certainly brings back memories! I first rode the Beast (and the Bat and everything else) in 1982 and I don't remember it NOT have a tunnel during the double helix. I will NEVER forget my first Beast ride, though. I was 10. Damn, I AM old! ;)

Great video! I found some old Bat footage on YouTube as well.

-Tina

*** Edited 9/10/2007 9:05:40 AM UTC by coasterqueenTRN***

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eightdotthree said:
I remember them from the coaster simulator at the mall.

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Pretty sure I got the same credit. I think it was better than the actual coaster I ended up riding later on.

Awesome vid. I rode the Beast for the first time in the mid-80s and remember some 'out of control' rides on it was well.

I still love the night rides though.