I was at PKI on the 3rd and 4th. Had a great time. It had been 4 years since my last visit. I used to go every year since 1982, but haven't had the chance lately. I was very disappointed to see (and feel) all the brakes on The Beast. Why did they add them? Was it really necessary? It took a lot of the excitement away for me. However, It's still my favorite woodie. I would appreciate any replies. Thanks!

The Beast has always been braked since it opened back in 1979. However, they installed the new magnetic brakes back at the beginning of the 2002 season, following a minor mishap at the end of the 2001 season caused by the wet skid brakes. For the most part, the magnetic brakes provide a more consistant ride. I don`t mind the magnetic trims on the first drop or the drop into the double helix, as they aren`t really noticable. However, the trim at the top of the second hill and at the end of the brake shed brake the train really hard. I don`t have a problem with them slowing down the ride some, to keep the ride from tearing itself apart. However, I wish that they could have slowed the train down a little more gradually as currently, it is a pretty rapid deceleration.

Thanks for the reply. I always knew about the brakes on the first drop and before the helix, but I was referring to the 2 extra brakes at the second hill and during a straight away that were disappointing. It slowed the ride down considerably.

Will you please explain the mishap at the end of the 2001 season?

The skid brakes were wet because of a heavy down pour. The skid brakes didn`t work well when they were wet. Anyway, there was a train in the station and another train slid into the train in the station at about 5mph. The operators were in the process of shutting down the ride due to the weather. While the skid brakes contributed to the accident, I have heard that there was some operator error that contributes. A couple people were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. There were no serious injuries.

Thanks, but what does that have to do with the brakes during the ride?