Best Non-Roller Coaster In The Park

[Unagi]

I would swear the Flying Machine used to go higher and faster.  I remember it's ending up perpendicular to the ground.  At some point they dumbed it down...or I am imagining things...

You're not imagining it.

It absolutely did run much higher and faster than it used to. The way it runs now is probably less than half of the potential speed the ride can go.  I don't even bother riding it anymore.

How long ago did they slow it up?

Mid to late 1990s - so almost 20 years.

Another thing I've noticed is they cut down the ride time about 20-30 seconds as well. That may not seem like a lot of time, but when the ride is running full speed, you can get a lot of cycles in that duration. The park has really neutered Flying Machine.

The park also does not swing the Battering Ram as high as they use to, but the change isn't as noticeable as Flying Machine slowing down.

 

[MAZ]

Since we are on the subject of Flying Machine....My Mother and daughter rode it at CT and their ride was only about 20 seconds long because somebody raised their hands in the air. The ride was stopped and they had to get back in line for a full ride. So not only is it dumbed down, but any effort to make it more exciting on your own behalf will shaft everybody else. Sigh.

 

[Unagi]

Since we are on the subject of Flying Machine....My Mother and daughter rode it at CT and their ride was only about 20 seconds long because somebody raised their hands in the air. The ride was stopped and they had to get back in line for a full ride. So not only is it dumbed down, but any effort to make it more exciting on your own behalf will shaft everybody else. Sigh.

Here's where the problem is with that...

By lowering the speed and height, the ride feels super safe to raise your hands on compared what is use to be.  If they were operating it like they originally did, people would naturally hold on.  I never saw anyone raise their hands during the ride back in the day because you felt like you could be dumped out when the ride was running at its peak height and speed.

Let's look at a comparison of Flying Machine to another Tivoli Orbiter.

Here's Flying Machine.

Here's a random Tivoli Orbiter at a carnival.  Notice how much faster and higher this one goes.

Now this is a newer model than Flying Machine but the park use to run it just like this. As you can see it's definitely a shell of its former self.

 

[MAZ]

Wow! The carnival orbiter looks very intense! Thanks for the comparison info.

 

[PrincessArlenasDad]

Was it the same 42" ride height?

Reading it was higher and faster is one thing. Seeing the difference is something else. I would never have imagined it was that fast/high.

Well, I guess returning Flying Machine to it's previous mode is now on my wish list.

 

[Zimmy]

For the record, I always used to keep my hands up. Because I was a DAREDEVIL!

 

[Nicole]

The perfect song for this thread!

Dead Milkmen, Stuart

The important bit:

... I first became aware of this about ten years ago, the summer
My oldest boy, Bill Jr. died. You know that carnival comes into
Town every year? Well this year they came through with a ride
Called The Mixer. The man said, "Keep your head, and arms, inside
The Mixer at all times." But Bill Jr, he was a DAAAREDEVIL, just
Like his old man. He was leaning out saying "Hey everybody,
Look at me! Look at me!" Pow! He was decapitated! They found
His head over by the snow cone concession...


EDIT: Upon reflection, I think I should add that the song was clearly meant to make fun of homophobia, not advocate either gay bashing or alien conspiracy theories.

 

[Unagi]

Was it the same 42" ride height?

Reading it was higher and faster is one thing.  Seeing the difference is something else.  I would never have imagined it was that fast/high.

Well, I guess returning Flying Machine to it's previous mode is now on my wish list.

I don't remember if there was ever a change in height requirement for the ride. Usually the manufacturer issues a certain height restriction, but a park can choose to adjust it accordingly when it comes to certain issues like insuring the ride.

 

[Nicole]

I was trying to remember, as well. I am pretty sure I was fairly young when I refused to ride it, because it looked as if I would fall out.

 

[Unagi]

Here's a POV comparison of Flying Machine to another Tivoli Orbiter.

Flying Machine POV
​

Orbiter POV at the 2009 NJ State Fair
​

As you can see there is a noticeable difference in intensity. They don't even look like the same rides. BGW should change the name from Flying Machine to Lollygagging Machine!