Monroe

Using regenerative technology (both present and future) it is impossible to have a self-sustaining roller coaster. Some outside source must be provided because it is not physically possible to convert 100% of the potential energy of the train to electricity. There will always be losses, and therefore another source of energy is necessary. I'm not familiar with current technology or what Toyota proposes, but I would imagine that unless a coaster is designed specifically for this system, it would not be economically or physically feasible to install this on an existing ride. I doubt the energy savings would be greater than the cost of the technology, and I doubt any significant amount of electricity could be generated without preventing the train from running the course ( , however, are pretty cool (see 5:15)). I basically said the same thing you did except for one critical word (and some other things) that I made bigger and bold in your post. Do you know that many, many people failed in school because of that word? Could you imagine if Einstein, or Miller used that word? Also please take a look at the link I posted for Toyota, it is very easy to understand and explains itself well. (I said I was going to regret posting this, I knew some one was going to question it or challenge it.)

On some rides the magnets used are power suckers, but on most coasters that use magnets they do not use as much power as you would think. Most brakes are pinch or skid brakes, the magnets are generally trims and are earth magnets that use no power at all. As far as the Hybrid Synergy Drive goes, they are in a sense using the energy from the turning wheel to spin the motor thus generating electricity. In other words, they are reversing the process from: battery - inverter/charger - electric motor - gear box - wheel, to: wheel - gear box - electric motor - inverter/charger - battery. I know I am going to regret doing this but here it goes: The whole idea of being self sustaining is a good one, how to do that is the problem. If you take a roller coaster and think about how much energy it is using, it is simply amazing. Now look at the wheels constantly turning, the strong wind blowing your hair around and your glasses off (except in certain parks unnamed in this post). The turning wheels and the wind are both potential energy and lots of it, the problem is harnessing that energy. One solution would be to use Toyota's idea and connect a gear box and generator to the wheels, but that would add a lot of weight to the car. You would also have to add a third rail to collect the electricity to an inverter/charger and then on to a battery system. The question then would be, would you be able to collect enough energy/electricity to operate the ride without using an outside source? At this time the answer is no, but that does not mean it can't be done. And finally, the idea of being self sustained goes well beyond coaster wheels. for example, you have moving water in several locations in the park, doesn't any one remember the water mills of old? Just found this, look at the deceleration part: http://www.hybridsynergydrive.com/en/mechanism.html

Good thing the pylon is there. Someone might trip over the pile of asphalt. Or dig up an electrical line, or rupture a chilled water line, or a sewer line (that would stink), or a...........

^We know, the guy using the Bobcat is!

Yep, you eluded alluding to it! Terp who will attempt to avoid an allision in admiralty and fly away! (Yep, kiddos, he will understand that, and even a reference to Ford and charcoal!) I was hoping CoastersRZ would have caught that, he was on a streak with the corrections, rightly so after I read what I wrote. You had to be Merlin the magician to decipher some of it, but at least you would have been faster than a barnacle at it. Just think, If Ford would have used metal for every thing, then we would not have a king making charcoal out of wood now would we?......(and some thought I was an idiot yesterday...)

Yep you are correct, I thought I eluded to that, but after reading my last post I am trying to figure out what drugs that I am on. I was talking about two different things without differentiating the two and I even threw in some sarcasm that no one will ever get.........Is it April yet?

Yes the building permits and such will be issued by the city and all of the tax revinue will go to the city, but SOME TIMES (not always) the BUILDING CODES will be of the area of actual residence. In this case Deerfield Township. I know of a couple of projects at KI (before CF and after the annex) that the tags were signed by the Deerfield Township inspector, but issued to the City of Mason. I should also note that the Deerfield Township inspector I think is also a State inspector, but the building and property codes were that of Deerfield. And before some one else says it, the codes of Deerfield Township and that of the City of Mason are not that much different if at all, except that of the issue of planting trees.......but you all know how I feel about the City of Mason and there laws about planting trees or lack there of.

The actual property is part of the city of Mason because of the annex but is not inside of the boundries of the city of Mason. (I could have elaborated a little more I guess) Some times when a business or property is annexed, the building regulations of the area the business or property is in apply over the governed annex. This has been the case for KI in the past but may not now, that is why I put "Some times different laws and rules apply, some times not." In the past, (Keco and Taft) had a really nice nursery for trees and plants and it would not be unusual to see a tree or bush taken out and replaced by the next day. Also in certain times, Deerfield Township fire will respond first because of proximity to the park under an agreement with Mason fire. But that is only because of a heavy rescue truck parked at the station near Kings High School.

Cedar Fair don't like trees anyway. They prefer pavement over shade. They've proven that many a time. The only good news, however is, Mason Is a Tree City USA town, which means any construction done anywhere in the city limits requires that trees be re-planted or planted as part of any construction job! KI is not inside of Mason City limits, it is annexed. Some times different laws and rules apply, some times not. Besides, there have been jobs done in the City of Mason by the City of Mason where that has not been the case.

Today I would have to say Sky Flyer because of all of the points the opperators have to check not to mention checking the riders state of mind....I remember the days when the drivers on The Racer were not allowed to talk when driving, because they had to concentrate on when to pull the BRAKE levers. OK fixed.......and no more typing without my glasses!!!!

I hope they get that signed AND notarized........or you'll here: "aarrgghhh she did it to me again!!"

That depends on if you are Irwin and Erwin....or is that Darryl and Darryl? no that's Bob. Any way, I'm glad you made it out and had a good time. As for me, the pass is going to have to wait and see what my daughters employment status will be next summer. She had a great time working this fall, and was very sad Sunday night when she realized it was over. Sadly I did not make it to any closings, a certain young man needed the Shriners touch but he needed wings to get there.

On that note let me confuse things a little more..........

I am assuming that you are talking about Edward Vettel who has 10 roller coasters to his credit. Only 2 or 3 of them are operating I think. Irwin's son Andy has about 6 or 7, some of them are re works of existing coasters, even so only a couple are operating if that many. Edwards brother Irwin I do not think he has any designs, I think he only did the construction end of things, even then I don't think he has that many credits for working on coaster projects. Interesting note: Edward was the designer of the Rocket, famous for the 1977 movie "Rollercoaster". When they were taking the ride down, they used TNT and it would not fall, some wanted to rebuild it and call it the "Rock-it" because that is what they had to do with a bulldozer to get the hill to fall. As far as my favorite, it would have to be the Zephyr, but that is what every one who has ridden more than one of his creations would say. Edit: To correct the error that Andy is Irwin's son not Edwards. I have always been under the impression that he was the son of Edward. Also I have found that Irwin's name is spelled with an I or an E depending on what information you look at. I am going to keep it as an I so pardon me if I am wrong.

Sorry but I've just got to ask....What in the world is that? I'm not a picky eater and will try most anything, but that is scary looking, lol. I hope that AVATAR does not mind if I answer, but that my friend is a Sterling Silver pork chop that has smoked Gouda and Apricot preserves, under it is bacon, Napa Cabbage and I think potato hash, the sauce is an apple cider. The Brown Derby I go to it will run you around $30 but tastes like it is around $40.

what would I do without any one to correct me..............100 ft sq.......not 100 sq ft I will correct it thanks.

Do you remember where you read that? I can't seem to remember where I got my info from so I was curious if it was the same place. If you use Bing maps and measure the lot, and you use the 40 per 100ft sq it comes out a little over 9000. If you use Google maps, it will come out a little higher than that. Either way, I do not see them being able to fit more than 10,000 total including employee unless they include the grass beyond park and ride, of which they have used before. Another note, 40 per 100ft sq (corrected as per Terpy). is tight, most shopping malls use 30 per 100ft sq (corrected as per Terpy). I will keep looking to see where my info came from.

I found some info that might be interesting to some who are trying to crunch numbers on here. The original parking lot was going to have 4500 spaces in 1972, by the end of 1974 the spaces totaled 5800 in all. Today I think my numbers are accurate, (at least with in a couple of hundred) they are: 5600 general that includes premium and gold, 70 bus, 125 handicap, and 2500 over flow (water park over flow and park and ride). Employee parking is around 650 with another 60 for handicap. Grand total equals: 9005. A good way to quickly calculate this is to remember you can fit about 40 cars in a 100ft x 100ft area of parking. (lets see how many people get on google maps and see how close I am)

Pretty cool game considering that an organ manufacture (Wurlitzer) and a roller coaster manufacture (Philadelphia toboggan) both owned the company at one point but different times.

Yes especially this year due to certain relations and there employment status......oh how a father can worry too much.

Shamless plugs should always come with a web site for more info....... http://www.actingup.com/ and.... http://www.srsdeaf.o...use/hhouse.html (Two things, first I don't like the idea of the midget's so I will not be seeing that part of haunt. Second, if the MMA was all about special types of fighting then why did they get a street fighter by the name of Kimbo to fight in there ring? He was and is about nothing other than beating the crap out of some one.)

Search your feelings you have......power to close the topic you do not.......hmmmmm something clouding your thoughts.......Jedi yet are you not.....

Tumble Bug - for you Mom The Rotor - for you Sis Enchanted Voyage Bayern curve Sunshine Turnepike

You said "anything Huss".... -- Beatle, who has always respected you and would happily share a funnel cake anytime! OK you got me on that one....let me re-word that....."anything that was built by Huss, and has not been re-engineered or retrofitted with something other than Huss parts". Mondial has always put out a very high quality, safe, and well engineered product. I have seen, ridden, and worked on a lot of there work in Europe, there staff is always a joy to work and ride with. Yes I said ride, they will not build or design anything they will not ride. Huss? I have seen several mechanics and even a design engineer say..."well maybe not". As always BB no disrespect taken at all, this is an open forum, not an open argue-um.....also I would love to do the funnel cake thing, but I don't think you want to face my doctor afterward because I am going to tell her it was your fault:)

^You can't compare a 40 year old ride that has been re-built and modified mechanically with a brand new ride and concept.