What are they (HW/SS) up to now? (Timberliners on Voyage)

Tekwardo said:
Besides, I converted to Gingerism since then.

...and Clint's religious beliefs were never questioned again! :)

Yes, but Jeff, it is also fairly unlikely that we'll be able to ride the PTCs on the Voyage at the Fall Affair. Sort of the opposite of the current problem. And hopefully there is a near zero chance of riding the *red* Voyage train at the Fall Affair.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

rollergator said:
^Dave, I think it might work out similar to GCI and the MFlyers. First couple of years, they may only be able to keep up with the demand necessitated by new and existing TGG creations...then their "buillding capacity" may improve to the point where they'd consider installing Timberliners on others' designs.

I could always be wrong....

Oh, and my vote for "what ride SHOULD get the second set of Timberliners"....Hades! ;)

Not to mention the number of worn out trains out there.

I'm inclined to think that by not merely creating a separate virtual company to build the trains (which is what a lot of companies do for liability and tax reasons...ever hear of the Roller Coaster Corporation of Insert State Name Here?) but actually marketing Gravitykraft as an entity separate from the Gravity Group, the Gravity Group are signaling their intention to market the Timberliner as a product separate from the Gravity Group coasters.

That is, Gravity Group will probably specify Gravitykraft trains, but Gravitykraft is likely to accommodate a much broader group of potential clients.

Mere useless speculation on my part, of course. But I suspect there is a reason why there is no secret that Gravitykraft exists.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I want a ride on PTC Voyage with Andy. Then I'll know for sure who's more crazy. ;)

RideMan said:
Yes, but Jeff, it is also fairly unlikely that we'll be able to ride the PTCs on the Voyage at the Fall Affair.

Am I the only one who thinks that's hardly a bad thing? I've never really liked PTC's. Ever. It took GCI to demonstrate to me just how much I didn't like them.

I suspect that the differentiation of the two Gravity companies is more a financial device than anything. TGG doesn't really "make" anything, technically. The 'Kraft actually does. CCI would likely still be around if it didn't actually make anything, as there's a lot less risk when you're delivering services and plans for someone else to build.

You're not alone, Jeff. It's just that the opportunity to ride BOTH is...well, quite frankly it *interests* me. :)

Completely agree about the differentiation between Gravity[ Group|kraft] in terms of why they did it. My point was more about actually talking about it. I mean, look at Intamin, for example. How many people actually know that Intamin, Intaride, Intamin AG, and who knows how many other companies are all separate companies? Ever hear of Magnum Management Company (well, okay, I guess *you* probably have, but you get the idea...)? I already mentioned the Roller Coaster Corporation of *.

My point is that GravityKraft could have existed as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Gravity Group for business and legal reasons without them making any distinction between the two companies in their marketing propaganda. They have chosen to make that distinction, and I am guessing that was done for a specific marketing reason.

Of course, it is equally possible that I am simply reading way too much into the whole issue. :)

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Well, you did call it "propaganda," so that's possible.

Does anyone remember a time ... when PTC were the kick butt trains and Morgans were the unwanted?

That's also when the PTC's had buzz bars ;) Those goofy L ratchet bars really nearly ruined many rides - and the new wide dividers as well.

I have a 29" waist, and could barely fit into the (KI) Racer's trains the other day. The excessive modifications made to those contraptions are ridiculous.

Bring on the Timberliners! :)

RideMan said:
Yes, but Jeff, it is also fairly unlikely that we'll be able to ride the PTCs on the Voyage at the Fall Affair. Sort of the opposite of the current problem. And hopefully there is a near zero chance of riding the *red* Voyage train at the Fall Affair.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

If they don't sell the Last Voyage train, I imagine they could run the Timberliners for the GP and put it out of the shed for ERT!

Don't count on it.

I think Paula mentioned that the ride computer won't allow "mix and match" of train types...most likely because of the computer "counting brake fins" during the ride.

Differnt weights was a possible issue too. With the same number of cars the TL's are lighter. With a given brake pressure, the TL's would probably be slowed down more than the PTC's.

Dave, I noticed that you said one train capacity of 560 pph, but I'm guessing that's based on 3 minute dispatch intervals... Isn't the station-station cycle time alone about 3 minutes? I was thinking 5-6 minute intervals, which drops it down into the 300 pph neighborhood. I don't mind waiting some, but I just hope it's not 600 people in line for it!

I thought the ride was around 2:40; I was thinking in terms of 3-minute intervals. RCDB lists the ride time as 2:45. Note I also qualified by statement as "with enthusiasts" which means...particularly without seat belts...getting the train loaded in 15 seconds or less.

And if the Timberliners are faster than the PTCs, the 3-minute interval is even more attainable. :)

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Haha, I don't know man! 28 dazed passengers getting out of the train, picking up their items from the storage bin, clearing exit platform and closing the gates behind them might be pushing it for 15 seconds! :)

I'm still excited about the trains, just wondering how many people will be at the event.

Somewhere someone mentioned about 500 were pre registered. I pretty sure most will be around Voyage expecially first night ert if the TL is running. Reguardless the last couple years the most I ever had to wait was two trains with two trains running. (Minus front or back car) Dispatch time could litterally be cut by more than half except for that locker and exit situation. No more finding the belt, adjusting the belt, untangling the belt and checking the belt under a bar you can't see very well.

Sit down, pull down, Check n Go!

Charles Nungester said:
Somewhere someone mentioned about 500 were pre registered. I pretty sure most will be around Voyage expecially first night ert if the TL is running. Reguardless the last couple years the most I ever had to wait was two trains with two trains running. (Minus front or back car) Dispatch time could litterally be cut by more than half except for that locker and exit situation. No more finding the belt, adjusting the belt, untangling the belt and checking the belt under a bar you can't see very well.

Sit down, pull down, Check n Go! Mike also mentioned there would be some kind of second visual check for the op and lead attendant to see as the train went past, not sure what he meant.

Rideman will remember PKI putting little flags in the manual bar release holes on the Racer that dropped when the bar was at least two clicks down.

I was wondering the same thing. I know that at last years CoasterMania, the line for Magnum before the ERT was 1/10 of what it was during the event.

If it is an issue, they could give out a ticket to ride so that everyone has a chance. I don't think it will be an issue. I wouldn't be surprised that if the line is too long that the ERT might just get extended.