How does a basic Boomerang Rollercoaster work?

Boomerang rides made by Become are not new by any stretch of the imagination. Bu I still get lots of questions on how do they work.
There is a lot of parts and cool tings that allow a rollercoaster to function both forward and backward. Im going to be talking about the function of a basic Boomerang, Im not covering Inverted boomerang's or Giant inverted boomerangs.

[@pinball541]

I was at Knott's Berry Farm in 1990 on the opening day of their Boomerang. I was in the front row, & at the top of lift #1. The catch wagon was at the top of the lift, & the station brakes had opened. There was a small jolt, & the ride ops said they were experiencing technical difficulties. The ride system had shut down, & maintenance couldn't reboot the ride computer. After about 30-45 minutes, maintenance came up the lift & got us out of the train. We got to walk down the tower, & got a all day front of the line ride pass, & a employee's only button. This button was to celebrate Boomerang's opening day, & i still have it to this day. Great Memories! Hello from Phoenix Arizona🌡🔥

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Interesting. Sounds like the train hit the overlimit switch and didn’t release for some reason. I’ve heard the release arm on the wagon can Bend under some circumstance

[@Deurklink]

Thanks for the wonderful stories and demonstrations Ryan! The catch car demonstration was very well done.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks!

[@hoosiercoasterfan2655]

Many years ago I saw a video of the Vekoma Boomerang that used to operate at Alabama Adventure, where it e-stopped in the brakes at the base of the lift 2 with people on it. It didn’t even get to engage lift 2, it was going through the layout forwards as usual, and the brakes caught it before it engaged the chain, and looking at the way the peoples heads moved, it didn’t look like the most comfortable stop. I know it seems like I’m commenting on this video a lot, but that’s because these things hold a special place in my heart. My first looping coaster was a Boomerang, and when I was a kid I was obsessed with these things. Not only because of the way they looked, but also the unique sounds they make compared to other coasters. When I was 8 years old (I’m not even joking) I had a list of Boomerang coasters, and every time I discovered one I would add it to that list. Though I’ve ridden much better coasters since then (all the boomerangs I’ve ridden are in the bottom 20 of my rankings) the impact they made for my love of coasters can’t be ignored, and if there’s one at a park I’m going to, I will ride it at least once with no hesitation. Hell I’m bummed out whenever I leave Kings Island if I didn’t ride Invertigo that visit.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

They are one ride that a lot of parks have but I want to ride them each time. I’ve never been on a GIB but one day of they’re still around I’ll get on one. I got shown around one by an engineer that was fun. Such interesting rides.

[@pinball541]

​@@ryantheridemechanic- Silverwood Theme Park in Couer d'Alene Idaho has the GIB that came from Six Flags Great America. This GIB still has it's original Vekoma trains. Silverwood also has the original Arrow Dynamics Corkscrew from Knott's Berry Farm since 1990. The Corkscrew was my first Rollercoaster I ever rode in 1981 when I was 5. Silverwood is a charming park that is worth the visit. Hello from Phoenix Arizona🌡🔥

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@pinball541 awesome thank you!

[@timothykaczmarek5871]

Invertigo sucks

[@IAmAnonymyz]

That catch wagon reminds me of an "over engineered " trunk latch system you'd find on a car. That's a pretty simplistic design

[@Manticore_007]

You made me have a whole other look at Boomerang coasters! Love the technical stuff. Now its with cardboard models, who knows what the future might bring. Keep doing what you do!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you!

[@dindog22]

I kinda dig the cardboard models. you should do it more often. You're the Steve LeTarte of rollercoasters

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Haha! Thank you!

[@bprebula]

Dude...thanks for all the effort. That's really a genius design! Side note: Old habits die hard...safety first even when working with just cardboard lol

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Yes! Always safety glasses and gloves. I e gotten paper cuts and seen exacto blades snap.

[@SkeledroMan]

The good old vekoma boomerang is a great layout even after all these years. It's a classic for a reason. Very powerful positive Gs.

[@MythicHellebore]

Yes, that catch wagon of cardboard was cool. It looks like you took a lot of time on it too. The visual aids are part of what make your videos so much fun . Keep the videos coming and I won't lean on the air gates 😂😂

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Life lesson there!

[@MrMakoFL]

Ryan, that cardboard catch wagon was amazing!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you!

[@andrewkowalczyk1156]

What's wild is that the inverted boomerang is a completely different system, was an op on a....erm....no longer existing one. There's a discrete catch car and paddles on both lifts that get it hooked to car 2, rolls it up to the top of the first lift, a claw grabs it, paddles open and catch car release, claw release. On the second lift it's the same thing with paddles, send back around, then catch on the first catch car, lower back into station. Safety brakes on Lift 2 are similar, but the nice thing about the catch car meant that homing was very controlled. Very neat system.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

honestly I know more about the giant inverted than I do a face to face model. I see the paddles release the train so im assuming it's a mechanical version of the catch wagon they used for the giant inverted boomerang. just never seen it.

[@randomtask87]

Amazing video. I’m really digging the deep dive into the specialized mechanical assemblies in specific coasters or coaster types. There’s a lot of inventive stuff going on in these things that even the nerdiest amongst us don’t really get the opportunity to see or learn about. Thank you for sharing!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Your welcome!

[@richywiggins3845]

Brilliant video; I didn`t know there was so much involved with a boomerang. I used to be involved with the development of medical machines, and we used a very similar CAD system. We also used 3D graphical modelling (i.e. Plastercine or Blu-Tack).

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Nice. Fun to play with.

[@Scjheinen]

I love working on the boomerang, such facinating pieces of equipment. The park ik work at uses the newer MK1212 trains with onboard audio, makes the ride a more pleasant experience for guests. It also catches on lift 2 quite a bit smoother. Haven't had some trouble myself, but would hear stories of trains valleying in the lay-out, makes for some interesting evacs. BTW I loved your cardboard creations, such creativity.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks! I’ve spent many days trying to get the lift 2 catch better. Nothing really worked. When you get it dialed in empty it sucks loaded.

[@Scjheinen]

@@ryantheridemechanic I can't tell you where the magic happens on the new trains, only that the new chaindogs are spring loaded in the down position.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@Scjheinen 1201 has a very small spring down with an Endine shock to absorb the first impact. I always wanted to try the lift 2 trough cover and see how that worked.

[@flashback0978]

The trough doesn't drop much but it sure makes the track bounce when it does

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Yea that’s mainly because you’re sitting down to coaches that are actually lift it up because of the chain dog. And then suddenly changing direction of the train. So the lift has a violent reaction to the change of state.

[@martindooley4439]

That catch wagon mechanism is awesome beautiful in its simplicity. Brilliant explanation, so simple with no solenoids or actuators. I would have thought graphite lube would be better than oil but that not my area.....

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Actually recommended was automatic transmission fluid. Although when I got super hot out we started adding 30w oil as well but not completely.

[@Spike-sk7ql]

Dude, this video was great! I almost cant believe how Vekoma had the opportunity to make that catch car soooo complicated, and made it 100% mechanical! Now those engineers did not hate the mechanics down the line! Had this been an automotive function, it would be ALL electrically controlled, using encoder motors, position sensors, running off of 5V reference voltage using 3 different 5V busses, and 7 different grounds. Plus speed sensors for the train, where the reluctors arent protected and they collect brake dust, and are turned completely useless. I wish i could copy word for word how a fuel pump works for you. Now, vs back just 10 years ago. Its gotten so ridiculous. Enginerds are just control module happy in the automotive industry.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

That’s pretty complicated!

[@Spike-sk7ql]

​@@ryantheridemechanicit's not very complicated, but it is over complicated. Power windows used to work with switches, and relays. Now it's switches, and modules, and CAN busses, and non replaceable relays built into modules. Just..... why?

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@Spike-sk7ql most thing that go that way are done under the standard of “teks don’t troubleshoot to the component level anymore” so you get to the board and it’s now just “replace the board”

[@lwkjr]

Excellent. Best example of CAD ever :)

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks!

[@benroberts4464]

Great video. When you were making the catch wagon I noticed all the car stuff. As a guy that races and wrenches for a living,id love to see a video on that side of your story. Always glad to see your new material

[@ryantheridemechanic]

My other general channel is “daddoesstuffforfun” there’s a link in the channel home page as well. It’s where I just do basic stuff cooking minor repairs around the house, and some racing stuff.

[@akimboyojimbo6614]

I have never been excited to ride a boomerang. But the next trip to my home park im gonna be excited to ride it and ill be looking at that catch wagon differently trying to see the hammer, trying to see if i can spot the chain drop on lift two and and try to see if i can hear/see the station brakes engage and release. Excellent content!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks! See if you can spot the road wheels lift up and stop turning when it’s on lift 2. (Axle 4)

[@akimboyojimbo6614]

@ryantheridemechanic I absolutely will. I always wanted to do what you do. I even put in an application for an entry-level position at my home park a few years ago, but in the end didn't go through with it being a single father and the crazy hours they asked. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your channel haha

[@rf2647]

Great demonstration! Great information. Looking forward to learning more and your next video!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you

[@MagnoliaStreetTV]

Those models are great and an awesome way to help us visualize the concepts you are talking about. Thank you!

[@realthrills5448]

Hey Ryan, I was looking at a certain park and they built a Schwarzkopf and removed it only 2 years later. I’ve always wondered what happened. Thanks for all the info and laughs!

[@Colaholiker]

I'm not Ryan but as someone who likes Schwarzkopf coasters a lot, I know which one you mean... From what I've heard, the modifications that Premier Rides made didn't exactly make the ride better - but rather made things a lot worse.

[@_XxanderxX_]

Ooooooo RYAN !! My home park is Kings Island and they have the Inverted Boomerang . You should talk about the differences between the 2 and their Lifts systems . I've ridden the sit down boomerang in Baton rouge LA and I much rather the Inverted lift system . The anticipation and the feeling it gives and smoothness of the releases

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I can actually explain a giant inverted boomerang. But the simple inverted boomerangs, they change so much and im not really sure how their catch wagons work either. I believe it’s the same concept a the giant boomerang but they use a mechanical release. That’s a rough one for me.

[@smeagolplaysgames4517]

As someone who works as a ride supervisor at a park with a Boomerang, I can safely say that you have significantly expanded my knowledge on how these rides work! I'd love to see a video on the Larson Fireballs/Superloops at some point, I've spent quite literally thousands of hours driving the stick of one and would love to see an in-depth video on their mechanics! Also, for anyone else reading, in case Ryan didn't say it loud enough at the start of the video: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY OFF THOSE GATES!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Stick driven loop. Easy stuff I can do that some time. Apparently they now have automatic driven loops. Nice upgrade I’m assuming. Easy to program that at least.

[@smeagolplaysgames4517]

@@ryantheridemechanic I can imagine those would be significantly easier to train operators on, although part of me would miss the feeling of perfectly timing the release of the stick to get just the right amount of hang... also, it might be worth talking about the "Do not press this button unless you are trying to cause significant damage to the ride" E-stop that those loops have.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@smeagolplaysgames4517 see the one I worked on, you could estop it all day with no problems. now, no one wants you to estop it, and they want operators to remain cautious around the estop.

[@paulbaines8983]

Hey Ryan another great video. Earlier this year I rode the boomerang called Wipeout at pleasurewood here in the Uk with my 8 year old - her first looping coaster, thirty years prior it was my first looping coaster when it was at a now defunct park called American Adventure - I later found out that at 5.2g it’s the most intense coaster in the country😂 keep making the deep dive videos, love the CAD👍

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@paulbaines8983 thank you! Yes these rides can pull some major G’s in reverse.

[@nickbooker5579]

Great informative video opening my eyes to the workings of my first rollercoaster, Accelerator at Drayton Manor. I think a similar run through for a hydraulic launch coaster would be interesting. Rode Rita at Alton Towers just over a week ago and am curious how the hydraulics propel the train forwards and let go at the right time, what that hiss just before the launch is doing, etc.

[@simeonkohler9333]

Can you do a video on how S&S air launches work. I've been curious but there are no good videos on it. Btw, i foind you this September and i absolutely love your vids. I want many other coaster KZbinrs, but because your an engineer, I've gotten plenty insite on rodes ive been curious abt.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you. S&s systems are on the list to explain. They use the same concept for all of their equipment. A tower shot is the same a an air lunch just on its side.

[@frenchy1224]

I work at Six Flags park and am always operator of our boomerang model. I got pretty close to the maintenance crew for that ride over the years and getting to learn how the ride works is quite fascinating! Ours sometimes has issues with the catch car not catching to the train in station. Attaching to lift 2 is always a gamble whether it'll be a smooth or clunky sound haha. The brake pressure is always the worst to predict during Fright Fest. Only one adjustment is normally needed throughout the day, but I have definitely seen it under shoot many of times. Dependent on the weather, guest load, and amount of cycles really determines brake pressure. The maintenance team loves when I operate because I know the sounds of the ride, what to do if it stops, and what to look out for. Love operating a Boomerang! You said yours is number 33 and the one at my park was built a year earlier, I wonder what my number is. Great and comprehensive video!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks! They can be a hand full to work with some times!

[@hoosiercoasterfan2655]

I think the sounds boomerangs make are underrated, especially the sound they make when they engage the chain on lift 2.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

The hook up heard around the park!

[@hoosiercoasterfan2655]

@@ryantheridemechanic Something else I’ve noticed that is kinda weird is that most Boomerangs have air gates, but some do not. Let’s take Zoomerang at Lake Compounce as an example, instead of air gates they have an operator with a tally marker once you get up to the station, and then after that you get your row on a first come first serve basis. These coasters give heavy fair ride vibes, but Zoomerang is probably the one that feels the most like a fair ride because of its station setup. These rides are really fascinating, and they look stunning, especially they way the long train goes through the cobra roll. I personally love the look of the ones with the arrow trains the most, because of how retro they look. In fact my favorite of the traditional boomerangs I’ve ridden is the one at Six Flags St Louis (formerly Flashback at Over Texas), not necessarily because it has the best ride experience, but because it has the coolest looking train in my opinion.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@hoosiercoasterfan2655 Interesting, safety is only a suggestion in some areas.

[@michaezell4607]

I'd ohh so like to see a step by step explanation of how the wave swinger works..

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I’m going to work on that

[@SkeledroMan]

If you've ever seen any maurer Söhne spinning coaster or gerstlauer wild mouse, they don't have a sheave car and the ride couples onto the chain lift at such a weird angle, but apparently it works

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Standard wild mouse lift right? Where the chain sits above the Livy by about 3 feet. I used to oversee a Gerstlauer spinning coaster. They work quite nicely

[@daniev6]

I will get on a Boomerang any chance I get. But I do like the Invertigo models more.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I plan on doing a video on a giant inverted boomerang at some Time. Although I’ve never ridden one. Had engineering walk me through the operation of it though.

[@Jenlovescoasters]

Great content! I'm listening to your Boomerang show on my shop speaker while building my rehab coaster train😂 Oh, I also love your cardboard catch wagon!!!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Ha! What’s the project today? You on tear down or build?

[@Jenlovescoasters]

I'm building! Lapbars and restraint locking mechanisms! I'm a one woman cycle shop😂

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@Jenlovescoasters fun fun fun! We used to build about 85% of the GCI restraint boxes off the coach, install to the coach, place restraints on, then finalize the release cable positions.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

And you probably have to answer trouble calls as well? Or is the park closed today?

[@Jenlovescoasters]

@@ryantheridemechanic yes, I'm also answering ride trouble calls. It's kinda hard to climb out of my rehab shop to go, but, park open!🤣

[@SkeledroMan]

I'm curious how you feel about the new generation vekoma rides like FLY or Fonix or Lech coaster or the new super boomerang coming to GAdv. They're way smoother for the riders than old vekomas, which could be downright painful. It seems like they're trying to keep their reputation for being low maintenance and easy to work with, but now going for the high end segment instead of mostly small parks. Coming for B&M's market share. safe, reliable, and not particularly boundary pushing.

[@joaovictorfranco6987]

Thanks for the info, Ryan! My first extreme coaster was a boomerang, back in São Paulo at Playcenter - my home park back then in 1998. As a kid I was fascinated by it, trying to understand how it worked, and since we never had too many coasters here in Brazil... that was quite a gem for us! Then I had another home park, Hopi Hari, which had (still has, I guess) a Schwarzkopf weight drop shuttle loop model - the one from Alton Towers... that was definitely my favorite. Maybe sometime you could do a video on those? Greetings and a big hug from the other side of the pond!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

The original weight drop rides are some of my all-time favorite rides. I actually have it on my list of videos to make to explain how those work to the best of my ability anyway.

[@joaovictorfranco6987]

That would be great! It's also one of my all-time favorite rides, I loved the feeling from the weight pulling the train, it hit different... I even built a model for a physics project back in school, shame I don't have that anymore

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@joaovictorfranco6987 too bad. Fun to see models.

[@Zinojn]

Hey Ryan! I love your videos btw. It would be cool to see some pictures of the major parts while they are being explained(if they are available of course). It would help some visualize what you are describing.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Yea one of the hardest things to talk about as most of this is not photographed. A lot is only seen during heavy maintenance or installation.

[@Zinojn]

@@ryantheridemechanic I was able to find a decent amount on Google images and KZbin. Like the catch car. Those pics + your explanation and your CAD model helped a lot 🙃

[@Tony-tg7hg]

I like your videos. It would be nice to see a ride in action before you start describing it. Then people will know what ride your talking about.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Yea that makes complete sense.

[@Davidvariance]

CCW permitted where you are? (Cardboard catch wagon) 😂 I'm impressed with the tolerances on your catch wagon, normally when I mock up something with cardboard it doesn't function as smoothly. Back in the days of Geauga Lake we had Twisted Sisters as well, but the "stick" was called mind eraser and the SLC was called Serial Thriller (underrated name if you ask me), I was always a little intimidated by the sounds that I'd hear coming from the boomerang operating as a young boy. If B&M made the boomerang model, do you see any areas where their knack for ingenuity with clever designs would improve the ride for maintenance? In fact, i know you touched a little on vekoma vs b&m in terms of train storage and ease of maintenance in a previous video but it would be cool to see a breakdown of the differences between the SLC model and B&M inverts in a head-to-head type comparison. I would like to see the Vekoma rebirth over here in the US and it would be really cool to get this classic design with better track profiling. I think the experience could be incredible. The family coasters coming next year are great, but some bigger thrill coasters would be excellent.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I wonder if I have enough to support a video like that hmmm

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Cool idea.

[@thesteveterryproject9611]

Love the channel! Is your chair a ride chair? Looks like something on an S&S

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Yes. It’s an intamin impulse seat.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

That model is excellent! Nice work!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you!

[@MrMakoFL]

Have you seen that black catch wagon with painted on with eyes and teeth, very cool

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Lots of parks dress up the catch wagon to resemble something that can bite!

[@ThisSteveGuy]

Been looking forward to the new Flash: Vertical Velocity (super boomerang) ride next season at Great Adventure, so I appreciate the explanation with the high tech props. Of course that one's probably using different mechanisms since it's not from Vekoma, but whatever.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Should be interesting to see.

[@CyberBlastStudios]

Excellent overview!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you!

[@shawnrw3727]

Not a fan of the boomerang but I watched this because I needed cardboard catch wagon in my life .😂

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Everyone needs cardboard rollercoaster parts in their life!

[@richywiggins3845]

I have a stupid idea for a possible video. Kicker wheels. While I was waiting for ICON our £16.25 million here in the UK, I noticed the kicker wheels that pushed the car onto the LSM launch looked like some old-fashioned steal wheels from a car from the 1980s. There are on the majority of roller coasters; are they actually car wheels and tyres, and do they cause problems? like on Thirteen at Alton Towers, which has a kicker wheel lift hill and, for a long time, could not be used in the wet. It's quite funny in the UK, where it rains nearly every day and we love riding roller coasters in the rain to have a roller coaster that could not be run in the wet.

[@ThatOne_Canadian]

can we get a video on the slc, i worked at one for 2 years as a ride op and i love her to heart

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Just the SLC? Sure but what are you looking to know about it? Super focused so I want to make sure I hit any high points you are thinking of (if I can)

[@ThatOne_Canadian]

@ryantheridemechanic stories about it, any interesting facts that people may not know. The one I worked at has powered off on me twice and would lift sensor faults like once a month. I know you talked about putting it to sleep. At my park, they found out the hard way cause it hit the train in station after leaving it in trimstation 2 for a haunt event.

[@ThatOne_Canadian]

@ryantheridemechanic all the videos are amazing and I'm living the specific rides videos like drop towers, boomerang, etc

[@Hugo.Spain.]

More long videos!! No other chanel even closer to the quality of this

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you.

[@justtee2116]

Do you have any tips for new mechanics just starting out?Love the videos Btw helped me gain confidence to apply and now i have one of my dream jobs.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Invest your time (some) away from work researching and you will quickly rise to the top. Ambition is a rare thing these days.

[@jacobplatt3066]

Get of them air gates guys! 5:33

[@alexlail7481]

Cool 👍

[@FluidFlyWeight]

love the video keep it up!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thank you

[@aldoparise1224]

Great video

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Thanks

[@DJWezzyK]

Great Video again. Efteling is by the way re-tracking and re-theming their river rapids for €8.000.000 also installing Intamins new Energy saving pumps. The Python re-track by CSM only cost €4.000.000. and for 8.000.000 most parks install a new ride. Any thoughts on this? (They anounced these numbers in Dutch newspapers by the way).

[@Jenlovescoasters]

Arrow had 1201s too, no? I cussed at Viper. 😂

[@Bogarttherideop]

What about the sister ride a Vekoma SLC? I might operate one but I am super fascinated with them and love learning about the model

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Never thought about doing a video on a specific model.

[@dfgwm30]

Thanks!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Your welcome! Thank you!

[@IAmAnonymyz]

On the brakes closing during initial lift, how did the Boomerang at SF Discovery Kingdom get stuck on the Cobra roll after a cable snapped on the catch car? How did the brakes get released?

[@ryantheridemechanic]

I Don have first hand knowledge of that event. But the catch wagon is not ment to articulate like a coach. So trying to go through the twist of the cobra roll is like slamming on the brakes.

[@IAmAnonymyz]

​​​@@ryantheridemechanic that makes sense. This has definitely been one of my favorite videos. You should do a "How It Works" Series and cover how various stuff works behind the scenes. E g. Brake Systems, Lift Hills, Restraint Systems ect ect. The Restraint System could be it's own mini series given how different styles of restraints there are

[@Colaholiker]

Great video, Ryan! My feelings towards this coaster model are mixed. You can't deny that Vekoma created something that was commercially really successful . I's likely one of the most cloned thrill coaster models (narrowing it to thrill coasters, just to exclude all the Big Apples out there), and they seem to be quite reliable. And - for a coaster design from 1980s Vekoma, they have aged relatively well. They aren't glossy smooth but usually not too bad either. From an enthusiast's perspective, I of course have the gripe that there are just too many of them. Yawn. But that's something the average park goer most likely wouldn't even notice. My other gripe is a tall person's gripe. I am not sure about the train model numbers, but I'd guess the MK1201 that you mentioned is the one that has the more rounded shape and the MK1200 is the one that's basically the Arrow looper train? Both of them have terrible restraints, especially for tall people. And while I still have somewhat decent legroom in the front row of a 1200 coach, the 1201 are just terrible. I can't stretch my legs inside the front footwell - the curved shape makes my knee bang right into it. I have only ridden one Boomerang where this was no issue - the one at Hersheypark, which has a totally different train that's much newer.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

You are correct about the train styles. For the 1201 which has the more rounded body, it’s easier to sit in the back row of the coach if you are taller. There’s more legroom back there for people. I have a long torso, which causes the restrain to sit on my shoulders at about a 45° angle, not even coming close to the rest of my body. Ha ha ha. I did see that new train they put on at Hersheypark. That is a beautiful retrofit if parks want to upgrade I believe that is the 1204 style but I’m probably wrong about that.

[@Colaholiker]

@@ryantheridemechanic I wish manufacturers were more open about stuff like this. I am not talking about details the GP doesn't need to know, but since they do tell the names of certain coaster types or models (like the Boomerang), why don't they also have something on their website about their trains. And if it's just like a time line "in 19xx, Vekoma introduces the new MK1201 train", with a photo and maybe what made them so much greater than the previous ones. Just for folks like us to nerd about. When it comes to riding coaster with these restraints, we both seem to have the same issue. At (soon to be) Six Flags Sandusky (aka Cedar Point) I wasn't even able to ride Corkscrew because their belts connecting the shoulder harness with the seat are WAY shorter than on any other Arrow Looper I have ever been on. I have always been able to ride - not comfortably, but without problems. But not there. 🙄

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@Colaholiker manufactures make so many different versions of the same thing for parks they don’t want to contradict somthing they already said so they have to tread lightly. Hypothetical Like rebuilding an engine. The OEM says torque head bolts to 35ftlbs on a video. But for YOUR truck they actually needed them to 55ftlbs. So if you watch the video and execute, you got instructions “from the OEM” that caused your engine to fail.

[@Colaholiker]

@@ryantheridemechanic Yeah, I can see that. That is why I mean to not put out too much information, but just a general overview that puts a name on the train. Everyone who knows a bit about coasters knows what model you talk about when you mention a Boomerang, and I was thinking along the same lines for the trains. If someone mentions MK1201, everyone who is interested in it can at least know "that's roughly the type of train he talks about".

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@Colaholiker I also think they are still behind the curve technology wise. Like their marketing is using all the tricks and new things but spare parts is still living in the “fax it to me” era. New train sales are actually sold under retrofits that spare parts handles.

[@SnowghostFilms]

Ryan uses Cardboard Aided Design, I use Lego Aided Design

[@sharkheadism]

Is the chain motor mounted on the chain trough or is it mounted to the structure and the chain runs through some kind of slack adjuster?

[@ryantheridemechanic]

The motor is mounted under the structure at the top platform of the ride. At the bottom of the chain there is a tensioning wheel that mainly uses gravity with springs to assist the tension.

[@NewEnglandModz]

56:53 Played back at 0.25x speed. That orange bar under the track drops as the catch car started to engage. Looked like slightly after the catch car started though. Did the catch car actuate the bar, or did the bar actuate the catch car lock? Or was it timed perfectly?

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Nice eye. That is actually a Bart that the catch wagon arm presses down. The purpose of the bar is to flag 2 proximity sensors to show the catch wagon is locked on the train this command is needed to dispatch. The reason it’s a long bar is because the train can “home” in a wide window so a single prox can not monitor the catch wagon latch.

[@aegisofhonor]

I have heard that the old Cumberland Cannonball at Opryland was a "custom" boomerang that was completely unique to other boomerangs though the layout seemed similar, do you know what the difference was between Opryland's Cannonball and more typical clones like Busch Garden's Python (both coasters are sadly long gone).

[@ryantheridemechanic]

So I honestly have no in-site there that can help. But….. if parks change ANYTHING on the track layout, even a 2meter elevation change on the loop, it kicks the ride into a custom layout. Also causes the manufacture to have to re calculate the force data on the structure. So it could be a super minor change that they claim as custom.

[@aegisofhonor]

@@ryantheridemechanic the sad part about the Cannonball at Opryland is it WAS supposed to be reassembled at a supposed "new" Six Flags park in Indiana and had it in storage there for a couple years before they decided against opening anything up there and it ended up just going to scrap.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@aegisofhonor always sad to see a coaster scrapped. So manny memories down the drain but not much you can do.

[@haqqrasheed3115]

Which coaster manufacturer has the most maintenance friendly coasters? By that I mean systems, trains, ease of access etc?

[@ryantheridemechanic]

depending on the model, id say as a basic ride ease of maintenance is actually a Zieer Tivoli coaster, nothing to em. for big coasters, B&M

[@niagaraexplorer]

Where is the boomerang removed from the track, in the station ? Doesn't seem like there is enough room to lift it off there.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Typically just outside of the station where the track is the flattest. You could even remove it in the brakes at lift 2 if needed. Depends on where access is with a big grade all or small crane / boom truck.

[@BCrouts06]

Hey Ryan I had a question. When B&M invert trains exit and enter the station why do they make that clicking pattern noise? Thx!

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Chain dog and arb checker on entrance. I’m going to do a quick video on them one day.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

What ride specifically do you hear the is on?

[@BCrouts06]

@@ryantheridemechanic Silver Bullet at Knott’s Berry Farm.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

@@BCrouts06 I’ll look into it

[@BCrouts06]

@@ryantheridemechanic kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5jcmY2NlqaAic0si=j7cUZzryF3cucqs1

[@jacksonscott9857]

What do you think the downtime is going to be on Falcon's flight.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Hopefully they keep multiple trains ready to go to keep the downtime low. I saw top thrills new trains wheels look larger than falcons flights wheels. I think Falcons are too small and will blow off the urethane in no time flat.

[@IAmAnonymyz]

Lol Ve-Coma Boomerangs....My back hurts just thinking about it.... Gotta love the copycat Arrow Track/Train Design

[@SVeillance]

This is basically the same principle as a 5th wheel for a tractor trailer

[@adamtravan3946]

I hate vekoma boomerangs. Great concept, looks cool, rides like poop.

[@adamtravan3946]

The cobra roll isn’t healthy for the human neck.

[@frankcipollone5227]

Giant gum band???? Hahahaa

[@m_ianO]

Something

[@ryantheridemechanic]

Well played