American Eagle - Retracking/New Trains

[FParker185]

well, if SFGAm just bought new trains they really should put them on the ride, dont you think?

[BrianPlencner]

^^^ In the YouTube video that was posted of AE Blue going backwards, did you see who is sitting in the front seat?

Some of you may know who he is, some of you may not. At the time, he was VP of Operations at the park.

Per the rules of the site, I'm not sure if I can post his name or not. If I can, I will.

--Brian

[FParker185]

Appears to be a young Larry Wine. Don't see why we wouldn't be able to post his name, he was canned for supposedly you know what a few years ago.

[traincrossing9]

When Eagle is racing, who wins? Red because they hit the brakes first, or blue because they get into the station first?

[Dmrbug]

^^ ... Everyone wins because it a fun ride!

[superflybri]

HAPPY 27th Birthday American Eagle! That's right, 27 years young and still going great! Official opening day; May 23, 1981.

[BrianPlencner]

^ You beat me to it!

But, yes, today is a day to celebrate the opening of this wonderful coaster. Eagle shares it's opening day with a few other coasters. They are listed below by date

1964 - Blue Streak (Allen/Hoover/PTC) opens, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.

1998 - Shivering Timbers, a huge out-and-back wood coaster from CCI, opens at Michigan's Adventure, Muskegon, Michigan.

1998 - Great Bear, an inverted steel coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, opens at Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1998 - Rampage, a CCI-built wooden roller coaster, opens at Visionland, Birmingham, Alabama.


If you have the chance today, go ride one of these coasters. May ALL of them continue to thrill guests of all ages for many years to come.

--Brian

[yamcha]

according to Wikipedia:

Some races are close, but in most cases, one side finishes far ahead of the other. Several variables factor into this occurrence. One is that the two sides are not linked with one another and ride operators on each side must try and time their dispatches together. Another big factor is weight and weight distribution. A train fully loaded with riders will gain more momentum and travel faster than a train carrying no passengers at all. Also, trains with weight positioned more towards the front of the train will allow the train to disengage from the lift sooner as the center of gravity passes over the apex of the hill. A final major factor is the brake pressure of the many trim brakes throughout the ride. Often, brakes will be applied stronger to one side of the track than the other leading many riders to believe their race is being fixed. Other factors such as differences in track friction and wind speed play a lesser role. All variables being equal, however, the ride is designed to end in a tie.


so a lot of things vary in the race. but in the end every one wins.

[[jonrev]]

Don't know if this has already been mentioned but Eagle blue side is now operational again, and they were racing the trains today.

[cycamps]

I really hope that they are racing when I go, as I haven't been on an AE race for ages...

[BrianPlencner]

I was out at the park last Saturday (5/24) and was on Eagle between 5 PM and close. Yes, for those doing the math, that is 4 HOURS of solid Eagle riding...how's that for short lines on Memorial Day weekend. The last hour I NEVER LEFT THE TRAIN!

In any case, 99% of the time, the trains were racing. The ride op's did a great job involving the crowd on both sides to hype the ride/race.

One thing I have noticed over the years is that the Eagle crew does a wonderful job in that area. Its like "Red side are you ready to race the blue side"....and then everyone on the red train cheers, claps, whistles, etc. Then, the ride op for Blue goes "Ok Blue side...lets see what you got...you going to beat the red train", and everyone on the blue sides yells and screams. Its a lot of fun.

---Brian

[tsalas08]

^ fun! today only blue side was operational.

[NightRider785]

The On-ride cameras on AE were located as the train went up into the lift hill near the end of the ride, right before the final helix.

I think before that, they were at the bottom of the first drop, but I could be wrong on that.

--Brian

Im just wondering, but wouldnt the speed to too fast to take the pictures. And is there even enough room at the bottom of the drop for the cameras?

I seem to remember the photo sections being at the bottom of the first hill as well. I'm not sure when they moved them though. But if you wanna see where they would be today the stands for the cameras are still on the track, towards the end. In fact, this is quite funny, the blue side still has the camera stand set up to take the photos for the backwards train . It'd be neat if they put the cameras back out, but I highly doubt they will, they wouldn't sell enough to offset the cost for staff to run the booth, or to maintain the cameras. I think I also noticed empty camera stands on BTR too. I'm curious if they just put the cameras in storage, moved them to newer rides, i.e. SUF, or sold them. Anyone know for sure?

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Oh great, we've been spammed with off topic crap...

Has American Eagle been racing much this season?
I heard that Blue side is only running one train, while red is running two...
Is this correct?

Has anybody seen the second blue train running at all this season?

[traincrossing9]

^I was there friday and the both the blue and red side were running both trains. I've seen them racing, but sometimes they can't because people have prizes or people are stuck.

[onyxhotel08]

People have prizes?

[traincrossing9]

Like things they win from games that are to big for the lockers but they can't bring them on the ride. Those kinds of things (any loose articles really) can prevent the sides from racing.

[onyxhotel08]

People are stupid. Don't get those big prizes until you are about to leave or have someone to leave them with or I don't know TAKE THEM TO THE CAR

[Goku1910]

Tell me about it^

After working there, I now realize how important the Loose Article Policy is....At First, I hated the idea, now I know that it's actually a good one because it makes the Loading/unloading so much faster.

People are trying to trick their way out though, and it's annoying. If they wear a zipper Jacket they hide prizes, souvenir cups, etc....I seen Someone trying to sneak a Basketball in before.
Jeez, buy 1 ALL DAY LOCKER!