TPDave

If you have no interest in Physics then please ignore this post. I don't mind people saying things with the proviso that they might be wrong but I don't like it when categorical statements are made that aren't true This is only true if the volume of the object changes with the mass such that the mass density remains the same. The mass density of the object will affect its terminal velocity. Two identical objects, one heavier than the other will fall at slightly different rates in the same fluid. Whilst technically true, you failed to answer the persons' question. Rather than horizontal and vertical motion, you should look at the energy of the system. To answer the question, yes the speed the train comes off the lift hill will alter the top speed of the train at the bottom of the drop by a little less than the speed of the lift. This doesn't make a huge difference on slower lifts, but on things like i305 and El Toro (SFGAdv.) the speed of the lift has a considerable impact on the train.I've missed loads of stuff out which I doubt people are interested in, but engineers can't watch good science be misused

^ I think that's a given.Glad as I am that he is dead, I don't see this changing anything. He will now be seen as a martyr (as all the other dead terrorists are) and will just strengthen the resolve for further attacks. The figurehead may be gone, but the organisation is still as capable as it ever has been :rolleyes:Dave

Dave

Better late than never B)Dave

Yeah, I think it's been there since about 06/07.Luke, you must be the first person I've seen who has slammer as their favourite at Thorpe. Personally I just find it painful, add the awful capacity and huge downtime and I really think TP need to just get rid of it!Dave

^ I thought the one in the states was still open, no idea though!I really don't see the point in the park keeping slammer...

It might still be put around the track, apparently it was late on site or something. It just looks a bit odd off to the side.

How the restraints open depends on the system, some are electric and others are mechanical.It's worth noting that restrains do fail. I know Tranan had it's restrains fail mid-ride with riders on board in 2009, you can never be too safe.But yeah, I think it's already been pointed out that they're there to make people feel safe and be a third point of contact :)Dave

Well TP can theme their rides as well as those listed, they real question is why they don't. I just don't think there is enough drive to really place any strong emphasis on the theme any more. If the vast majority of visitors don't really care too much about good theming and stories (or notice them when they appear) and there aren't any huge parks down the road threatening to steal punters, then there is no strong incentive to go balls out like Hansa park or Dollywood do.Dave

It's a "meh" from me.I don't really mine either way, I won't wait to ride it but I like that it's there and I think it completes the area nicely. However it is my least favourite flying coaster.Dave

^ Nice! Less plagiarism than the first teaser poster :)Dave

^ Well yeah, but no one will know the difference. Especially in Germany.I'm just disappointed that they seem to be wanting to turn Heide Park into Thorpe...

So we're just going to lose the company name (like the rumba rapids)?Dave

^^ Video is down ;)What did it say?

How long is the soap contract?

I think we're all gunning the same point here ;)I think the merlin parks can leave extended opening until they're pushing a couple of hundred thousand more through the gates each year.

If I could give you a million rep points, I would... Human nature?

Ever heard of split shifts?I agree with you that there is no need for thorpe to do this, but it is perfectly possible for a theme park to be open for 12 hours straight.Dave

^ Apparently it's popular though. Sure I preferred the old ride but if you hadn't been on that then you might really like the new one (If you don't mind amazing product placement!).Dave

^^It's called a temp ban ;)Then again, I'm a little strict when it comes to forum moderation...

Look, I'm not getting into a game of "I know people in the industry". It's a little immature and stupid.My basic point is that Chessie are continuing to invest in this ride and clearly have a view to the future with it, which is a great thing as I'm sure most people here grew up loving the Vampire like me and would like it to stay ;)Dave

but Vekoma were there installing it...

^^^Nice.It was a change of the lift drive system. Erik was out there for a few days in early 2010 (you probably know when better than I do!) to install and reprogram. He said they're doing it to quite a few of the older rides, I honestly can't remember the advantages but there were a few listed ;)DaveEDIT: Guys, you don't have to delete TPR related posts. I have thick skin

They also did some hardware upgrades...

Ha! Yeah, I can't see this thing going anywhere for a while. They had Vekoma in last year to upgrade some stuff so hopefully management has a long term plan for the vampire :rolleyes:Dave