X-Flight operations - mixed reviews
I went to SFWoA on 7/8 and managed to get 2 rides, but I did notice a few operational issues.
X-Flight started testing shorty after the park opened and started running 1 train (green, station 2) about 10:45. The back row was blocked off all day. After they started running one train the mechanics focused on inspecting and testing the second train. It was running by late morning but did break down several times.
We waited about 1.5 hrs in the morning (with mostly 1 train operation) and about 1 hr 45 min at the very end of the day (7:30). During the second ride there were several times when the queue for the far train (station 2) was almost completely empty (no one even on the steps) because people were stopping at the point where the line splits to wait on the blue train. The only reason I can come up with is that they equated shortest distance between them and train equals shortest wait. This is not the case because the last 2 rows of that train are used for the fast pass. When we finally got past the split we almost walked right onto the blue train front row and were on the ride before other people who were 2 full queue lines ahead of us.
Over all I'm glad to see that they got the ride operating fairly early with the first train and then worked on getting the 2nd running.
But they do need to post an employee at the split to make people fill both queues.
I personally enjoyed the ride but you do have to try really hard to not fight the restraints. And you want to harness as tight as possible.
Later
Curtis
X-Flight started testing shorty after the park opened and started running 1 train (green, station 2) about 10:45. The back row was blocked off all day. After they started running one train the mechanics focused on inspecting and testing the second train. It was running by late morning but did break down several times.
We waited about 1.5 hrs in the morning (with mostly 1 train operation) and about 1 hr 45 min at the very end of the day (7:30). During the second ride there were several times when the queue for the far train (station 2) was almost completely empty (no one even on the steps) because people were stopping at the point where the line splits to wait on the blue train. The only reason I can come up with is that they equated shortest distance between them and train equals shortest wait. This is not the case because the last 2 rows of that train are used for the fast pass. When we finally got past the split we almost walked right onto the blue train front row and were on the ride before other people who were 2 full queue lines ahead of us.
Over all I'm glad to see that they got the ride operating fairly early with the first train and then worked on getting the 2nd running.
But they do need to post an employee at the split to make people fill both queues.
I personally enjoyed the ride but you do have to try really hard to not fight the restraints. And you want to harness as tight as possible.
Later
Curtis
I love when the train flips over :)
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Rollercoasters are the secret of life!
http://www.woodencoaster.com
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Rollercoasters are the secret of life!
http://www.woodencoaster.com
The back row was a problem when I was there as well on the one train they were using. The little pistons that push out of the lap bar and in to the little holes on the inside of the seat wouldn't spring out. Not exactly the seat I'd want to be in!
Also, did they ever light the electrical bus on the lift so the thing reclines on the lift instead of the station?
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
Also, did they ever light the electrical bus on the lift so the thing reclines on the lift instead of the station?
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
No, they were still reclining the trains in the station. I actually liked the feeling of leaving the station on your back. It would be really neat to ride at night and look up at the stars.
Overall I really enjoyed the ride. Going through the loop head first on your back is pretty intense.
Overall I really enjoyed the ride. Going through the loop head first on your back is pretty intense.
tell me about it Curtis,while riding batwing the g's are so intense through the loop that you can't even hold your arms up.
When I went on x-flight they only had one train running...
right before I was going to get on , the train got stuck rounding the curve back to the station. It was stuck for about 15 min. Then I got on and t got suck going up the lift hill for about 10 min.
But the ride was awesome, especially when it flips over!!
But I don't like how there is no type of shelter from the sun when you stand in line. It was 90* when we went and 2 people passed out in line. (1hr, 45 min wait)
right before I was going to get on , the train got stuck rounding the curve back to the station. It was stuck for about 15 min. Then I got on and t got suck going up the lift hill for about 10 min.
But the ride was awesome, especially when it flips over!!
But I don't like how there is no type of shelter from the sun when you stand in line. It was 90* when we went and 2 people passed out in line. (1hr, 45 min wait)
Thats whats so good about Batwing's que line. It has a cover over the enitre que area.
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Batwing Flights: 1
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Batwing Flights: 1
Batwingfan - Yes, the g forces are so high you can't hold your hands up.
Craig -- It is really hard to just let yourself hang in the restraints because you are not up against the seat and it's an eerie feeling.
Yes SFWoA does need to do some work on their queue lines and put some covers over them. It was close to 90 Sunday but I didn't see anyone pass out.
Craig -- It is really hard to just let yourself hang in the restraints because you are not up against the seat and it's an eerie feeling.
Yes SFWoA does need to do some work on their queue lines and put some covers over them. It was close to 90 Sunday but I didn't see anyone pass out.
I heard that they have had 3 trains running and that the black train is now working.
I am sure once they get the reclining mechinism on the lift to work the wait times will be not bad at all, especially with 3 trains.
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"Villain-Once You Drop, The Fun Don't Stop!"~SFWoA Rules In 2001~X Marks The Spot In 2001(SFWoA)~With SFWoA ANYTHING Is Possible!
I am sure once they get the reclining mechinism on the lift to work the wait times will be not bad at all, especially with 3 trains.
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"Villain-Once You Drop, The Fun Don't Stop!"~SFWoA Rules In 2001~X Marks The Spot In 2001(SFWoA)~With SFWoA ANYTHING Is Possible!
When I was there the crews were very quick with loading, except it seemed like every 6 trips the computer would make the train wait for 15 minutes for who knows what. The delays are always safety checks that hold up the trains. From what it looks like though this an extremely complex ride, just look at the underside of each cars. Great ride though. The loop is amazing and I liked the roll. It's worth the wait, it is undescribable.
As for the g-force thing, I was on it 2 times with my hands ALL the way out/up [fully extended] without much of a problem... AWESOME RIDE!
Full TR coming soon :)
Alan Jacyszyn
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SFDLnet: The Ultimate Darien Lake Guide
http://sfdl.coasterbuzz.com
Full TR coming soon :)
Alan Jacyszyn
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SFDLnet: The Ultimate Darien Lake Guide
http://sfdl.coasterbuzz.com
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