Yesterday I got to complete a childhood dream and actually do an entire track walk of a coaster. In Feb there was an ACE event and they had a charity auction which Knoebels put up a maintenance tour and fortunately I had just completely a major project at work and had the funds to compete, lol. Yesterday morning I woke up at 3:30am and drove the 3 hours to meet Jutt (one of the mechanics) at Twister who took me along as he completed his daily track inspection. He was assigned to the last section of track (while others had their own sections) so we slowly walked until we reached the end of the track as he pointed out the things they look for and made the few adjustments that were needed that morning and then once his part was complete we “took the long way home” by continuing backwards through the layout and climbing the first drop up to the top of the lift hill. Words can not describe the energy required to climb a steep drop on a catwalk, lol… but it was such a wonderful experience. They also showed me around the control areas of both Twister and Phoenix and it was incredible the difference of technology being used. Twister still uses it’s original relay based system while Phoenix now has a much newer and extremely advanced PLC system that can track every single aspect of things that you aren’t even aware of.
I think the most impressive thing for me was how much all of the mechanics cared about their rides and the passion they had for their operation. They pointed out a lot of the work that was done including how they added center masts to help support the wood structure to ease maintenance requirements while not taking anything away from the actual ride experience.
Fun fact: Phoenix’s PTC train has a completely wooden frame unlike nearly all of the same PTC buzz bar trains you see on other coasters which have metal chassis frames.
Anyway, I was really focused on the experience more than I was taking pictures but I did take some and, with the park’s permission, I’m sharing them with the world. Hope you enjoy
Man… I remember when they were still building that. We used to go there every summer.
It’s still one of the best parks… it’s run so well and there is soooo much to do for everyone. My whole family now goes typically twice a year (and I often venture there a 3rd or 4th time as well).