Waldameer Comet new brakes

I've never been to Waldameer, it's on top of my list though. I love when parks take care of their classic rides. It looks like this is a track section - they posed to facebook. It's actually a new brake section - but is that attached to track?
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425725_3245488...5647_n.jpg

When did brake sections for wooden coasters start coming pre-built in steel I-bar?

Looks similar to Rocky Mountain. Thats two sections stacked it looks like.

It's a custom made section of their new mag-brake system for their curved station.

^Magnetic brakes on a curve!? Cool! How is that gonna work? Is this so they can run 2 trains?

Yes, this is so they can run 2 trains (on busy days) without worrying about human error causing an accident. Steve Gorman said this custom braking system is the first time it has been attempted by the company they hired. I forget who that is.

Originally they were going to make the skid brakes pneumatically controlled. I'm guessing they were may not have been satisfied with the potential for failure that system would still have.

This I different from what I heard they were doing! I'd heard they were going with a configuration similar to the Jack Rabbit, with magnetic trims on a fin, then a pneumatically controlled skid brake for the station. Clearly that is not what we see here! This is the first time I have ever seen what looks like a skid brake as a manufactured component!

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Their blog covers it.

The Comet Gets Magnetized

Comet Brakes Make Their Final Stop

CoasterDemon said:
I've never been to Waldameer, it's on top of my list though.

It *should* be, Billy. You'll love the place... :)

That's a pretty cool concept. I'll be curious to see how it all works.

Very nice job Waldameer!! I absolutely love the innovation in which the skid breaks are magnetic. Too bad I never got a chance last season to operate Comet with the traditional manual breaks, but in the name of progress and efficiency, I'm very excited. Comet's breaks combined with Whacky Shack loading improvements, a second train, Water World bridge replacement, Pirate's Cove facade renovation, and the addition of more Wally Card kiosks show Waldameer's commitment to the future. Strengthening infrastructure continues to lay down the foundation for a future of continuous success and expansion.

Adding "Happy Swing" is another bonus for families with small children as the "Kiddieland" area hasn't seen an addition since Frog Hopper and Ravine Flyer 3.

As for the new Whacky Shack loading procedure. From the looks of it when I walked by for a meeting in the office, loading will take place on the straight section closest to the midway opposed to on the turn into the dark ride. By doing this, wristbands will be first scanned, then the riders will be sent to a what I call a small, "pre-load" queue section, then they will be ready to ride when the next car arrives. Therefore, time will not be wasted as a car waits for someone to scan or do whatever.

In case anyone didn't know. The Wally Card kiosks are being added because the park will be cashless this year. You'll either need to use a credit/debit card or load up a Wally Card.

Well, unless the card balance is fully refundable, that will result in some lost sales for food and drink.

I know for certain that happened with games last year, as I was with the person who did not want to buy a card just to play a game.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Could have used a debit/credit card too. :) Works for me, cause I never carry cash.

That requires *having* a credit or debit card. Some people don't, believe it or not.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

You can get a prepaid debit card at Walmart for $3 a month, with your name on it even. No overdraft fees!

I don't have one, but I know a lot of people who do.

Why would you not? Paper money is a pain in the ass. And why would you pay for one when everyone is begging for you to use it?

Poor credit?

I think a common reaction to learning of Waldameer going cashless by the gernal public is that if you don't have a credit of debit card, you cannot make purchases in the park. Simply take your physical "cash" in any amount (whole dollar amounts of course) and convert it to points on a Wally Card in one of the 12 recharge points throughout the park. Even more convenient, as you purchase your admission, you can also purchase your Wally Card with any specified amount of points. Now I understand the concern with the non-refundable points policy. True, the points never expire season to season. However, that is not enough for many guests. It will be interesting to see how the locals especially will react, as us people in Erie aren't known to be positively responsive to change.

With all this being said, I hope I haven't offended anyone as money tends to be a hot-button issue. On a more positive note, reading all of your responses about this new policy at Waldameer has helped me understand various viewpoints on this change. I will remember some of the concerns presented and discuss them with management early into the season at Waldameer. One of the best aspects of working at Waldameer is their "open door policy." This means employees are always welcome to discuss current and possible future policies and procedures. I have not used this tool yet, but I believe that the customer is best served when communication and understanding is clear between mangement, employees, and most importantly the customer.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But, I believe there is a fiscal benifit to investing in the Wally Card. The more you put on the card, the more bonus points you get. Similar to an arcade would do.