Luna Park Coney Island | Thunderbolt | Zamperla

[ECG]

So went back to Coney Island first thing this morning and sat around from 8am-11am waiting for them to test before I had to leave to cover the USA-Turkey game. So of course this happened after I left.

Mr. Zamperla, Alessandro (Operations Manager) and an engineer took a ride.

From the park's Facebook page

Heading back tomorrow to for another try to film the damn thing testing.

 

[bmac]

Still no verdict on an opening? Doesn't look like I'll be able to make this weekend if that's indeed the opening date cause my schedule is bloody swamped.

 

[rtotheizzo17]

^^Whats going on with the harness on the front left seat in that pic?

 

[Intricks]

Accelerometer.

 

[ECG]

Spent another day at the park yesterday without any testing. Don't know if I can make it back today yet or not, but will go tomorrow if I can't this afternoon/evening.
Here's a couple more photos that I got to take inside the perimeter fencing.

Those dark spots on the trusses near the top of the dive loop are sensors.

 

[bmac]

I'm guessing that's apart of their blocking system so the computer won't allow a train to be dispatched until the train is guaranteed to get to the blocks before the other train makes it to the top of the lift.

 

[Hixee]

I'm guessing that's apart of their blocking system so the computer won't allow a train to be dispatched until the train is guaranteed to get to the blocks before the other train makes it to the top of the lift.

Would make sense as that inversion is the last 'high point' of the ride.

 

[Dapalm]

Yeah, and keeping in mind the pacing on the last hills doesn't seem that it is going to stall in the way back to the station. BTW, thanks foe the pictures ECG.

 

[rollermonkey]

Form my experience with blocking systems, I doubt that it will be a block sensor, as it isn't a control point. AKA: The train cannot be stopped there, and then proceed to complete the course. More likely it's a speed sensor.

 

[bmac]

Form my experience with blocking systems, I doubt that it will be a block sensor, as it isn't a control point. AKA: The train cannot be stopped there, and then proceed to complete the course. More likely it's a speed sensor.

I don't mean as a block sensor. I mean as a point where the next train can be dispatched up the lift and not have to worry about making it to the top without the block being cleared and having to use that really weird rollback system. El Toro has something similar to this with its blocking system especially because it's lift is so freaking weird, mainly just so that the operator knows the trains can keep cycling without stopping at any point besides the station. The computer is programmed to allow the train to dispatch anyways, since it can just stop at the base of the lift. If it was programmed not to dispatch until the lift carriage is in the 'home' position, it'd either not allow the train to dispatch or in typical Intamin fashion throw a trouble light and shut the ride down.

 

[BBH]

It may very well just be a placement sensor so that the operator's screen can monitor where the ride is, although its larger size may also lead towards a suggested blocking indicator.

 

[Ian]

If this doesn't open when I'm in the states, expect to see photos of me throwing a tantrum, pointing at it and crying.

 

[bmac]

If this doesn't open when I'm in the states, expect to see photos of me throwing a tantrum, pointing at it and crying.

There's no way I can do it this weekend, but I'm off next

 

[Gazza]

Oh geeze that Dive Loop looks so freaking wonky it isn't funny...


...and I love it!

Reminds me a bit of half of that pretzel knot on Flug der Damonen.

 

[bmac]

IT'S. SO. WONKY. <3 <3 <3

 

[rollermonkey]

Surprised this isn't open yet as fast as they were progressing the past couple weeks...

 

[davidm]

Little video piece from the NYTimes - a bit of on-ride video (POV & riders).

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/ ... r-coaster/

 

[PeskyTrimBrake]

It looks so great! The Anti-rollback fins are huge compared to the Smiler's.

 

[bmac]

It officially opened today, I'm riding it tomorrow!

 

[Hutch]

Seems very smooth and looks like it has some nice hangtime floater in the inversions.