The Loch Ness Monster
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
StormKing said:
Dueling Dragons at IOA used to have several near misses built into the design of it.
There were several instances of objects hitting people when the trains were near each other in the "dueling" elements. It was theorized that it was due to objects being ejected from the trains (guests pockets etc) and hitting passengers on the passing trains, someone even lost one of there eyes if I recall correctly.
That alone is enough reason not to do it again. It's unfortunate the root cause is peoples irresponsibility with loose articles for this being changed at least in IOA's case. Not sure of why the change was made at Busch Gardens.
I would love it if it was changed back but Busch would probably be held liable if they restored it and something like this happened due to someone's carelessness or reckless and purposeful behavior.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-10-19/travel/os-universal-dragon-challenge-20111018_1_roller-coasters-wizarding-world-theme-parks
Just my thoughts.
Griff said:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-10-19/travel/os-universal-dragon-challenge-20111018_1_roller-coasters-wizarding-world-theme-parks
StormKing said:
There are a few posts in older threads explaining how the new blocking system makes it absolutely impossible for two trains to be in the loops at the same time.
I don't trust the thanks button on the mobile app so thanks for the link coasterfan! I had no idea
It shouldn't have anything to do with the near misses that the Dueling Dragons had. Inside the two loops, any (reasonably sized) loose articles would not come out of the train inside the loop, due to the forces on the objects in the train.
It's been theorized up here before that it has something to do with the wear and tear on the footers around the double loops. I've also heard that they are able to still do it for photo ops, but it's not programmed in for normal operation.
It's been theorized up here before that it has something to do with the wear and tear on the footers around the double loops. I've also heard that they are able to still do it for photo ops, but it's not programmed in for normal operation.
If they could do it for photos then they should do it once a day at noon or something. Put something on the map about the dragons meeting and fill the new bridge with people wanting to see it. Make it an attraction. I am sure you can find a tons of people wanting to sign their rights away and wait to ride. Once a day (just on weekends maybe) will reduce the stress and having to sign up solves the injury problem (if there ever was one).
"It shouldn't have anything to do with the near misses that the Dueling Dragons had. Inside the two loops, any (reasonably sized) loose articles would not come out of the train inside the loop, due to the forces on the objects in the train."
I wasn't saying the reason for Busch Gardens stopping the trains in the loops at the same time was related to IOA's incidents with Dueling Dragon's/Dragon Challenge.
But because people carry so much more stuff with them nowadays (phones, cameras, etc) and are careless with how they store said items on themselves someone could and I stress COULD in theory get hit with a loose item. That was the point I was trying to make. I know in IOA's case due to the style of the coaster (inverted) and the near misses loose items were a higher risk to the passengers on the other train because of no coaster floor underneath to catch an item if it did come out of a pocket etc.
Funny kinda related story, One time on Apollo's Chariot we were waiting to board and A guy was looking for his sunglasses because they had come off during the ride. He said they had fallen down after they came off his face and they were still there in the same row just over a seat or too down at the base of the seats. I figured they would be long gone but they stayed where they landed. That lends credence about what you said about an item staying in the coaster car. But any loose item has the potential to not do that and hit someone.
Just my thoughts.
I wasn't saying the reason for Busch Gardens stopping the trains in the loops at the same time was related to IOA's incidents with Dueling Dragon's/Dragon Challenge.
But because people carry so much more stuff with them nowadays (phones, cameras, etc) and are careless with how they store said items on themselves someone could and I stress COULD in theory get hit with a loose item. That was the point I was trying to make. I know in IOA's case due to the style of the coaster (inverted) and the near misses loose items were a higher risk to the passengers on the other train because of no coaster floor underneath to catch an item if it did come out of a pocket etc.
Funny kinda related story, One time on Apollo's Chariot we were waiting to board and A guy was looking for his sunglasses because they had come off during the ride. He said they had fallen down after they came off his face and they were still there in the same row just over a seat or too down at the base of the seats. I figured they would be long gone but they stayed where they landed. That lends credence about what you said about an item staying in the coaster car. But any loose item has the potential to not do that and hit someone.
Just my thoughts.
kenwa said:
Thing is, that would require a complete change in the ride's programming. With today's technology, it shouldn't take long for that to happen but I'd wager the ride would have to go down for a day a week at the most for that to happen (not to mention the time it takes to reprogram the ride back to its current state for regular operations). I'm sure that would upset a lot of people.
It *COULD* work in the spring/fall, but that would mean the ride runs with the new programming all weekend long.
Some Loch Ness Monster night time pictures.
Last year when I was at the park during Howl-O-Scream I rode Nessie at night with all the lights at the bottom of the loops off (They had them turned back on the night after). It was one of the coolest experiences I've had on any roller coaster. How often do they do that, because I don't think I've ever seen that. Is it just during HOS only?
They also turn off the lights for Earth Hour, which is coming up.
I was working on something not even 10% related to Busch and I stumbled upon this illustrative map of Hampton Roads. An artist, Maria Rabinky, did a map of Hampton Roads (specifically CNU's campus) and chose a few defining landmarks throughout Tidewater. James City County (and I guess York) is represented by Loch Ness and then an undetermined water slide from WCUSA. Thought I'd drop this here - really great work, and kind of a fun resource for us locals. All credit goes to her for her amazing work, of course.
Illustrated Maps - Maria Rabinky
Sky
Mods - I have no idea where this really belongs, so move at will.
Illustrated Maps - Maria Rabinky
Sky
Mods - I have no idea where this really belongs, so move at will.
