American Eagle Question

[Cove26flags]

Why do they put block breaks on right before the helix, it totally takes the fun out of it.

[twixmix0303]

Which helix are you talking about? The big 540 degree one or the small one at the end? I'm assuming you're talking about the small one, since the big one has trims, not block brakes.

All coasters are sectioned into blocks. Only one train can occupy a block at a time. If the train was stopped, for whatever reason, coming into the station and was sitting right after the helix, it would have to clear before the train at the top of the helix can go.

If you're talking about the trims at the top of the big helix, it's (in a nutshell) because the structure is so old.

[greatamerica2003]

If you're talking about the trims at the top of the big helix, it's (in a nutshell) because the structure is so old.

Um, no. Those brakes have been there for the life of the coaster. That small building thats up there used to be staffed when the ride ran 3 trains on each side. The person up there could close the brakes if the trains were going to be in the barrel helix at the same time.

[twixmix0303]

Sorry I guess I'm wrong.

[FParker185]

The Brakes on AE slow the train and therefor recudes wear and tear on the track, and saves the park $$$ on Maintaince. Still the old Time Warner School of Wood Coaster Maintaince. I was hoping with all the new track they'd turn them down and let the ride fly like it was designed to.

[Dmrbug]

WOW! I was at the park today and rode in the rain. It was so much fun!. They should convert AE to a water ride . It was so smoth and fast. They where also racing the two sides.

[w00dland]

I rode AE in the rain last year and all I could say is that it hurt!

The on-ride photo had me ducking down in the tornado position and my friend with her hood tied up and her hands covering her face. Good times

[Blink3020]

Really it hurt? I have found that to be one of the smoother wooden coasters and I've been on my share of wooden coasters, big and small.

[w00dland]

I'm not saying the ride wasn't smooth, it was the rain pellets hitting us in the face.

[mallclerks]

I rode AE in the rain last year and all I could say is that it hurt!

The on-ride photo had me ducking down in the tornado position and my friend with her hood tied up and her hands covering her face. Good times

Lol, In that case you will be glad to know the photo's are gone

[Blink3020]

Oh yea rain can hurt... lol

[Danhockey04]

I rode AE:R and the brakes before the helix were turned off today, I dont know why, but it is the first time I have seen this, but blue still did brake. The red was flying around the helix, it was a lot of fun

[rct2wizard360]

It really depends on how fast the trains are going to determine when in use and when not.

[FParker185]

Also Maintenaince adjusts them every day, usually if it's forcasted to be cold out or sometime rainy, they can turn them down or even off. Also there are times when they crank them way up.

[w00dland]

While I didn't get on Eagle today (Had to leave at 215) I did notice that Red wasn't using any trim brakes. I'm sorta sad that I missed it.

[Carlo]

It depends on ride. Some rides, Maintenance adjusts the Trim breaks others they have sensors and only go off when the train is going too fast. An Example ride will be RC and Raging Bull. Which sometimes the trims go on sometimes they do not. I believe AE trim breaks are set by the maintenance staff.