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I think a big contributing factor is the restraint design. Take a look at Kingda Ka vs. Dragster. Dragster is universally agreed upon as a much smoother ride, and I would argue that is due to the restraints. All of the restraint hardware on TTD is underneath the train and sits very close to the track, while Kingda Ka has all of the restraint hardware (pivot joints, hydraulics, etc.) is located in the column right behind the seat. This added weight, being so elevated above the track, (I believe at least) causes a fair bit of rattling when a train gets up to speed. The same can be applied to newer Intamin coasters like VelociCoaster as well.

I've also noticed on I305 (just because I have the most experience with that) that empty trains rattle far more than a fully loaded/weighted train. Haven't done either of the newer US Intamins yet, but I'd expect that to be the same there.
 
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CoasterMac said:
I think a big contributing factor is the restraint design. Take a look at Kingda Ka vs. Dragster. Dragster is universally agreed upon as a much smoother ride, and I would argue that is due to the restraints. All of the restraint hardware on TTD is underneath the train and sits very close to the track, while Kingda Ka has all of the restraint hardware (pivot joints, hydraulics, etc.) is located in the column right behind the seat. This added weight, being so elevated above the track, (I believe at least) causes a fair bit of rattling when a train gets up to speed. The same can be applied to newer Intamin coasters like VelociCoaster as well.

I've also noticed on I305 (just because I have the most experience with that) that empty trains rattle far more than a fully loaded/weighted train. Haven't done either of the newer US Intamins yet, but I'd expect that to be the same there.
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ElToroRyan's videos explained the differences between TTD and KK a bit more in depth, but 2 things:

NJ law requires OTSRs, so inherently there's more weight higher up than TTD since OH is ok with lap bars.

KK isn't much taller, relatively, than TTD - especially as it angled the launch track up to not require as much energy to get it over the top. But, as his video points out, there's no lateral bracing on this track.

Both points are factors into any rattle KK riders experience - a more top-heavy load without bracing to prevent sway.
 
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AlpenChariot said:
Trust me, the B&M rattle isn't new to me. But certain Intamin rides have a similar rattle. It doesn't create seat vibrations as much but more so is audible. VelociCoaster and Cheetah Hunt both come to mind.
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My comment isn't saying that it doesn't happen on Intamins.... my point was that it happens on coasters from all mfgs. You kind of seemed to be indicating that a rattle was an Intamin thing and were singling them out which, in hindsight, may not have been the case. That being said, I didn't notice anything that remotely resembled a rattle on Velocicoaster a week and a half ago. There is a rattle on i305 in the back but that's something I've only noticed in the last few years. YMMV.
 
CoasterMac said:
I think a big contributing factor is the restraint design.
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I think OTSR does make rattles more noticeable because it locks your upper body. The same rattle on a lap bar only (or Velocicoaster/Skyrush style lap bar) allows for your torso to act kind of like a shock absorber and since I think rattles are most noticeable in your head it's far less noticeable.
 
Jonesta6 said:
ElToroRyan's videos explained the differences between TTD and KK a bit more in depth, but 2 things:

NJ law requires OTSRs, so inherently there's more weight higher up than TTD since OH is ok with lap bars.

KK isn't much taller, relatively, than TTD - especially as it angled the launch track up to not require as much energy to get it over the top. But, as his video points out, there's no lateral bracing on this track.

Both points are factors into any rattle KK riders experience - a more top-heavy load without bracing to prevent sway.
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New Jersey Law does not require OTSRs, and has not required OTSRs for any amusement ride built since their standards were adopted in 1994.

It was an intentional train design decision by Intamin after they built TTD, because Storm Runner also features OTSR restraints before Ka was built.

As much as I respect ETR as a friend that was one of the few bits of information he's actually gotten wrong on his videos because of how "common" the knowledge is.
 
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b.mac said:
New Jersey Law does not require OTSRs, and has not required OTSRs for any amusement ride built since their standards were adopted in 1994.

It was an intentional train design decision by Intamin after they built TTD, because Storm Runner also features OTSR restraints before Ka was built.

As much as I respect ETR as a friend that was one of the few bits of information he's actually gotten wrong on his videos because of how "common" the knowledge is.
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I wonder if it has anything to do with the superman accident.
 
b.mac said:
New Jersey Law does not require OTSRs, and has not required OTSRs for any amusement ride built since their standards were adopted in 1994.

It was an intentional train design decision by Intamin after they built TTD, because Storm Runner also features OTSR restraints before Ka was built.

As much as I respect ETR as a friend that was one of the few bits of information he's actually gotten wrong on his videos because of how "common" the knowledge is.
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Thanks for clarifying - I thought I'd that it was a law it was likely one of those knee-jerk reactions to regulating parks operating like Action Park to oblivion.
 
Following up yeah it never opened today. There were employees stopping people at the arch way. It was kinda disappointing my niece was with me freshly 54+ and I also met a thoosie named Curt whose home park is Kings Island and he had NEVER been to KD we rode a couple rides, his anxiety at 1pm was pretty high about I305 and it’s sad to know he never got to ride.

I305 has not been clutch for me this season bringing friends and family it seems.
 
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Back up and running today. Didn’t ever see it go down.
CoasterAuditor said:
Following up yeah it never opened today. There were employees stopping people at the arch way. It was kinda disappointing my niece was with me freshly 54+ and I also met a thoosie named Curt whose home park is Kings Island and he had NEVER been to KD we rode a couple rides, his anxiety at 1pm was pretty high about I305 and it’s sad to know he never got to ride.

I305 has not been clutch for me this season bringing friends and family it seems.
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That’s some really unfortunate timing.
 
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Kings Dominion Fanatics has pictures of an Earnhardt 3 car back in it's spot by 305. Wonder what that might mean for the rumored retheme.
 
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horsesboy said:
Kings Dominion Fanatics has pictures of an Earnhardt 3 car back in it's spot by 305. Wonder what that might mean for the rumored retheme.
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Who knows - I thought the scenario is waiting until the licensing contract is up before doing anything, so if that's another few seasons it makes sense to ensure the ride area continues to retain thematic elements such as the car until then.

Also, perhaps there's a licensing contract stipulation that in order to use the car it must meet certain visible conditions... Which is why it went off display?
 
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I305 been down since not long after park opening today. Definitely noticing some consistency with I305 having significant downtime this season.

EDIT: luckily Kings Dominion got it reopened today.
 
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I took these from the Intimidator exit queue the other week, and figured some here would enjoy them:

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Both of these photos were actually from this year's X-Plorer's campout event, where the park closed at 9pm, but Intimidator stayed open for the campers till 10:30.

That night I remembered just how much I miss late night rides on the coaster, and can't wait for some of the 11pm and 12am Saturday night closings during Haunt -- but of course, during those Haunt Saturdays is one of the few times Intimidator completely fills its queue.

The other somewhat interesting thing from the campout event, is with staff going through their normal routine of closing the park for the night, I got a rare glimpse the Earnhardt car covered:

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Great pics! That’s crazy, I had no idea they covered the Earnhardt car. Anyone good with cars and know what the point of that is? It’s only covered at night so it’s not like the tarp protects the car from sun damage. Are they just worried about the potential of rain during the 8 hours a day the car is covered?
 
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Mushroom said:
Great pics! That’s crazy, I had no idea they covered the Earnhardt car. Anyone good with cars and know what the point of that is? It’s only covered at night so it’s not like the tarp protects the car from sun damage. Are they just worried about the potential of rain during the 8 hours a day the car is covered?
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I would guess they cover it whenever the park is closed to keep it looking nice and out of the elements. Compare that to the Verbolten car...
 
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