[Dukeis#1]

I was looking at Vortex pictures on rcdb, when <a href='http://rcdb.com/ig86.htm?picture=9' target='_blank'>this picture</a> caught my eye.

If you look in Vortex's maintenance track area, you'll see the black rails that the train wheels sit on end, but the red center beam continues by itself. (Looks like it has tires on it to move trains around)



I was wondering, how does a train sit on this section of track? Does it simply balance on the center beam, or is it held up some how?

I'm sure this was probably done to allow easy access to a train's wheels, but I wasn't sure how the train would be held in place.

[swampfox43]

It's more noticeable in <a href='http://rcdb.com/ig86.htm?picture=7' target='_blank'>this</a> picture.

Honestly, I have never really noticed that before. What a good observation! Looks like one end of the transfer is actual track and then the single rail like you mentioned.

Over all the years I have never seen the operators use the transfer. Seems like they are always running 2 trains when I am there.

[Jonathan]

I noticed that on Nitro and was curious about it myself. I guess it attaches to the center rail, as you say, to allow free access to the wheels.

[Cephas]

maybe I'm just imagining things, but I think that huler's transfer track has its rails stop somewhere on it too. Or at least the track is simplified or something...

Maybe I'm just thinking of vortex.

Back in 1998 when I first noticed that , I waited in the long waiting line under the track right before it enters the station and examined the bottom of the train. I remember the wheels sticking up on the transfer track seemed to make perfect sense for balencing the train, but I really don't remember why now. It might have been that the weels fit up in the grove in the bottom of the car for the brakes.

[bgwfreak]

On extremely light days I've seen them put the 2nd train on the transfer track (it was already sitting there when the park opened) and just run 1 train.

That was about 4 years ago, they seem to just run both trains now all the time which is good because it keeps the line from getting long.

[coasterholic14]

well that single rail looks like it has a slice through the middle, maybe it grips onto the brake fin and holds it up by that?

[RollerBee]

On extremely light days I've seen them put the 2nd train on the transfer track (it was already sitting there when the park opened) and just run 1 train.

That was about 4 years ago, they seem to just run both trains now all the time which is good because it keeps the line from getting long.

I have seen one train operation this year.

[TheFluffyGun]

OK Now don’t Quote me on this…. I believe that it is balanced on the center wheels. That way Maintenance can inspect the wheels on the train, and work on them if needed.

[thewinds]

Ok, here's how transfer tables work....
Vortex and Top Gun (B&M's) have small black wheels on them which allow maintenance to service the road, side friction and upstop wheels. You can see them on top gun- next time you’re in line you can see them near the white numbers. On vortex they are under the train, and, as you mentioned, the center also rides of the wheels you can see as you sit on the back brakes.

Also, check out hurler and t-road- when they sit on the transfer table, they actually sit on their upstops, to allow maintenance on the road and side frictions. However, some coasters like Cyclone, remain on all wheels and make it difficult to replace wheels during the season. Note that USUALLY only wooden coaster wheels are replaced during the season, most steel coasters wheels are good for one to two seasons.

Here's another pearl of knowledge for ya... top gun and vortex (B&M's) are the only coasters at PC that can be "put away" (removed from the main track to the service track-as done for daily inspections) by either pulling them forward or BACKING them out of the station- it looks really weird.

Tell me how to post/ upload a picture and I'll show you these wheels.

[Jay]

Just upload your photo to the <a href='http://www.carowindsconnection.com/photos' target='_blank'>Carowinds Connection Photo Gallery</a> and you should be good to go.

[thewinds]

Thanks, the picture is posted at the Photo Gallery. Poor quality, but it's easy to check out next time you're at the park.

[Jonathan]

Glad somebody finally put that gallery to good use!

[bgwfreak]

I actually rode Vortex yesterday

So to confirm what has already been said, the transfer track has a row of black wheels on it, that looks like are not motorized, but maybe are.

It looks like it's a good setup so that they can work on the wheels on the trains.

There is a platform below the transfer track where they can stand below the train and work on it.

It's funny how I've never really noticed that and have been riding it since the year it opened.


And a sidenote... I must say that Carowinds should be "applauded" *cough*IAAPA style*cough* for how they've maintained this coaster and it's running better than it has in years.

The ride was smooth in the front row and it was a lot of fun. I'm glad that they ignored me when I said to burn it down lol. While it's no Chang, it also doesn't beat you up like Chang or Mantis do.

[thewinds]

I’ve uploaded an additional photo of the vortex transfer table to the photo gallery (named vortex removal) that I thought you might enjoy. It shows what is done during the off-season to the coasters, in this case, Vortex. For B&M coasters the table is motorized- there is no “manual or gravity” pushing of the trains on/ off the table. Not all of those wheels on the table are motorized, just a couple of tires.