Wooden Coaster Trains.

What exactly is a PTC trailored car? Dave, can you give me an explination between the different types of Trains PTC builds (in 500 words or less? okay, scratch that idea ;))?

So what coasters feature B&M wooden trains? No one has said yet

Becca, only Psyclone at SFMM. For their Halloween event, they take 1 or 2 of the Psyclone trains and put them on Colossus to run it backward, since the B&M trains got headrests and the Morgan don't.

There are three basic types of PTC trains:

a) Boxcars.
(CP Blue Streak, PKI Racer, The Beast, lots of other examples)
Each car has four wheel sets, wheels are rigidly attached to the frame. Most are 3-bench cars, but I believe were also built in 2- and 4-bench versions.

b) Articulated cars.
(CP Mean Streak, most anything CCI ever built, SFGAm Viper)
Look the same as the boxcars, but the rear axle can roll (that is, pivot along the car's longitudinal axis) about 3 degrees in either direction. Gerstlauer and Premier wood coaster trains are copies of this design.

c) Trailered cars.
(Darien Lake Predator seems to be the last operating set)
The lead car of the train is an articulated car (b, above) while the remaining cars have only one set of wheels, so all the flexibility is between cars instead of within the car.

PTC also bought Morgan's wood coaster manufacturing business, which built properly-trailered cars with Fiberglas bodies, but I don't think PTC has sold any of those style trains. Most enthusiasts are happy about that.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.
(I think that was <500 words!)

Hold up a sec... did anyone else happen to notice that Jeff from Holiday World signed up for an account just to tell us about bearings on G trains?

It makes sense that tapered roller bearings would work better because they use them in automotive applications all the time. They can be taken out in the off season and regreased and put right back in if still in good condition. They seem more durable and long lasting then ball bearings.

The B&M trains look like they have a high center of gravity, no wonder people complain that they don't like how they ride. I would like to ride in one just for the experience of a different type of train.

"...did anyone else happen to notice that Jeff from Holiday World..."

Jeff Hammersly is no longer with Holiday World.

Oh, is that now "public knowledge"?

I sure hope Jeff's going on the road teaching ALL the parks how to MAINTAIN wooden coasters, he IS one of the very best there is...

Best Wishes Jeff! :)

It's also my understanding that HW's woodies are going to be maintained by people Jeff trusts...so that's more than good enough for me... ;)
*** Edited 8/9/2005 9:04:30 PM UTC by rollergator***

I have no idea if it is public knowledge or not but the "news" was posted in the Wood Coaster Fan Club forums...I'm just repeating it here. The author mentioned he was going back to Silverwood but I do not know if that is true or not.

But...anyone wanting to wish him well in person can do so at CAC on Sept 24th...Jeff is an attendee ;)

So, either way, Jeff H. *is* going to Silverwood...might just have to get him to sign a TrEmOrS shirt for me this time around, LOL. ;)

He's like the Homer Formby of wooden coasters..."no one knows wood as good".

Just to let you coaster people out there know,Holiday World is back to square one as far as experienced Rollercoaster trackers goes,as of the time of my departure,Sean,the other coaster person had yet to do his first solo track repair,I know they have had subs in as they contacted me from on the coaster while doing repairs.I wish them all the luck in finding someone with experience to take care of their wood,they need someone,as far as Silverwood goes- My wife and I are going out there to ride with you guys,but you never know what might happen so we will see you in September!To everyone we have met during my time at Holiday World I want to say thank you for making me feel that my work was appreciated and enjoyed,Heres to hoping we see you again,Take care and remember"wood is good"

Jeff Hammersley aka Legendman/ coastercat

Well, then. Jeff from not Holiday World has just joined us. ;)

When you say "Holiday World is back to square one..." is that something that concerns you at all, Jeff? I know Legend and Raven are your babies... are they in good hands?

^ Was there yesterday.

Legend squeals, but it's still very rideable. Airtime is still there and the first drop is still very good. Much momentum is lost in several low to no banked turns, however. For practical proof, I was able to compose myself and get into position for the onride photo for the first time ever. Usually, I'm still pulling myself into upright position. It's still a great coaster, but if it weren't for sentimentality, it wouldn't be #2 still.

Raven, on the other hand, is bumpy AND bouncy. For the first time ever.. again, I had to put my hands down in the turn by Lake Rudy because it didn't track well. The dip before 5th drop was slow, and on the 5th drop, my butt was back in the seat before the pullout. Had a mild dose of "coasterhead" coming into the brakerun for the first time as well.

In all fairness, we spent a good portion of the day at Splashin' Safari, but had 4 hours left when we were done. Ate at Kringles.

Took one lap on each coaster. Left with an hour left. Another unfortunate first.

Good luck Holiday World! Hope things are running a tad better in October. Being THE standard bearer for wooden coaster perfection has it's price and it's a critical eye.

I still love Holiday World, and apparently so does most of Indiana. The park was slammed on a Wednesday, but I hope something can get sorted out about the woodies. Two furious coasters like that will need more than luck to stay rideable. ERT should be interesting.