Efteling: General Discussion

[John]

I don't think it's strictly required for the ride control system to monitor the restraints on a typical GCI coaster. I'm fairly sure Wicker Man does it, which results in occasional restraint re-checks, but I'm not sure how many of the others do.

Either way, a physical check by the staff should always be performed which should have prevented this. Relying on sensors alone is never a good idea.

 

[IDB]

I'm surprised that a relatively modern coaster such as a GCI woodie is actually able to dispatch with a restraint not being locked. And also surprised that it did not fall in to a locked position automatically with how those restraints work.

I witnessed Heidi at Plopsaland dispatch with someone’s lap at still up and the rider frantically waving as he went up the lift hill.

 

[flyingguitar]

I don't think it's strictly required for the ride control system to monitor the restraints on a typical GCI coaster. I'm fairly sure Wicker Man does it, which results in occasional restraint re-checks, but I'm not sure how many of the others do.

this is correct, from ASTM standards there are essentially G-force limits which define each type of restraint that can be used, starting with essentially no force (e.g train ride), then some force (e.g blade) will required a lap bar, with the more thrilling the ride getting more and more measures, I can't remember at which point it becomes a requirement to have seat sensors but there are all of those (such as over the sholder restraints)

I am also pretty sure I have seen the wickerman having seat sensors

I can't recall the exact classes and their rules but my guess would be that the seatbelts are an alternative (either mandated by GCI or the regulations, or efeling has a lower G-force ride), I would guess the wickerman went with sensors also as it reduces human error and would allow for quicker dispaches (as they only have to check the train once) and matches all of the other big coasters at the park.

 

[Dave]

this is correct, from ASTM standards there are essentially G-force limits which define each type of restraint that can be used, starting with essentially no force (e.g train ride), then some force (e.g blade) will required a lap bar, with the more thrilling the ride getting more and more measures, I can't remember at which point it becomes a requirement to have seat sensors but there are all of those (such as over the sholder restraints)

I am also pretty sure I have seen the wickerman having seat sensors

I can't recall the exact classes and their rules but my guess would be that the seatbelts are an alternative (either mandated by GCI or the regulations, or efeling has a lower G-force ride), I would guess the wickerman went with sensors also as it reduces human error and would allow for quicker dispaches (as they only have to check the train once) and matches all of the other big coasters at the park.

It will be the seat belts that previously meant there wasn’t a need for automatic restraint checks not the g-force levels.

Wodan was the 1st GCI without seatbelts and that can also have seat rechecks needed. My guess however is all modern GCI’s will have the central computer checks regardless of having a seat belt or not.

 

[Bowser]

The park have made a very small update to Vogel Rok. Sounds subtle but as it's the ride we will probably go on the most i'm hoping to spot it this summer!

Love how they are always making little improvements on old rides.

The Efteling has provided a new light effect in Vogel Rok, but most visitors will not notice it. During the ride in the dark roller coaster, stars have been projected on the ceiling for years. Now the laser projectors also show a different shape.


When the train reaches the top of the lift, long streaks of light are visible for a short time. This simulates speed. The recent adjustment is mainly visible from the last cars of the train, although the effect is so subtle that passengers have to pay close attention.

Nieuw lichteffect in Efteling-achtbaan Vogel Rok, voor bezoekers met een scherp oog

De Efteling heeft gezorgd voor een nieuw lichteffect in Vogel Rok, maar de meeste bezoekers zullen dat niet opmerken. Tijdens de rit in de donkere...

www.looopings.nl

 

[venny]

I always thought Vogel Rok would benefit from some additional lighting effects. Whilst the musical score is excellent, there are some rather dead spots in the ride, not helped by some of the existing lights being rather dim and therefore a little underwhelming.

Hopefully we’ll see these changes continue.