![]() ![]() There are two cables that pull the car for the launch and one to return it to the initial position. The catch car is pulled by a system of cables. It is pulled by two cables for the launch and one cable to pull it back to starting position. In the video above, the launch dog attaches to the closest end. The catch car is a long slender component that rolls on a separate set of tracks in the launch system. Let’s look at each of these individually. The cable launch system is comprised of a catch car, cables, a reel where the cables are wound and a tensioning device. Working out the calculation, we find that the average launch force is 48,000 lb (213 MN). Having heavy trains would make this difference smaller. Second, Intamin probably wanted the loaded vs unloaded weight of the train to be fairly close so that the ride experience was consistent no matter how full the train was. At first, I couldn’t believe that the trains weighed that much, but then I realized two things.įirst, the train brake system works on eddy currents requiring the use of large magnets which are mounted to the train. Cedar Point has indicated that a train has a mass of 15 tons (13,600 kg) empty and we can calculate that the average loaded train weight is 16.6 tons (15,000 kg). The force involved for launch can be calculated since we know the acceleration using Newton’s Second Law: Force = mass x acceleration. If we try to slow it down too quickly, we would get the same effect as if you threw a flag pole in your bicycle spokes you’ll end up snapping a cable or stripping teeth off the gears. The catch car is also heavy and needs some time and distance to slow down. ![]() The cable launch reel is nearly 7 foot (2.13m) in diameter and carries with it large rotational inertia which can’t be stopped instantaneously. Second, we also need a section of launch track for the catch car and cable reel to slow down. To put the system size into perspective, a team of maintenance workers are replacing one of the 32 hydraulic motors The brake fins are lowered and a final system check is done before launch occurs, accelerating the train to 120 mph in under 4 seconds. The train brakes will release and roll back about 6 in (150 mm) until the launch dog mates with the catch car. At this point, an electromagnet will energize causing the launch dog on car 3 to lower. At the launch section, the cable drive system will place a catch car under the train. The rear train stops on a holding block section while the other heads to the launch section. Once the passengers are loaded into the train, two trains advance out of the station. A good comparison is preparation for launching the space shuttle every system has to give a “go / no go” for launch. This means things like the loading gates are closed, all the restraints are locked, brakes are operational and the track ahead is clear. Please note that within each sequence hundreds of individual mechanisms need to be assessed before launch can occur (over 800 total). The launch sequence of Top Thrill Dragster is very complicated, but I will simplify it as much as possible. The reel is powered by 32 hydraulic motors which are powered by a 2000 hp hydraulic accumulator system. The catch car is pulled by cables along the launch and cables are wound and unwound on a large reel. Top Thrill Dragster is launched by temporarily connecting the train to a “catch car” on the launch track. (I believe that Kingda Ka would be better if they removed the over the shoulder restraints) Top Thrill Dragster has been dubbed the king of them all because it’s launch is a little more intense. I’ve ridden all of them except Accelerator. ![]() ![]() Intamin Amusement Rides didn’t just build one, it coexists with its big brother Kingda Ka (Six Flag Great Adventure) and little siblings Storm Runner (Hershey Park) and Accelerator (Knott’s Berry Farm). Germany / Winter Wonderland, London, UK (as Münchener Looping)Ĭharlotte, North Carolina / Fort Mill, South Carolina.Top Thrill Dragster – Image Courtesy of Jeremy Thompson List of highest G-forces on a roller coaster Rank Riders at this threshold often begin to experience what is known as " greyout". 4G is considered a safe limit for sustained forces, as inexperienced riders beyond that may lose consciousness. Some past rides have pulled G-forces up to 12G (the Flip Flap Railway), which is dangerously extreme.Īt 2Gs, a 100-pound person would feel 200 pounds of force. This list is of current record holders at the date(s) indicated. ![]()
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