Problematic Roller Coasters - Top Thrill Dragster Review & Technical Analysis - Cedar Point

[@Skarfar90]

*"For those of you who are unfamiliar, a block-zone is a segment of track that only one train may occupy"* That needs to be a phrase on a t-shirt :D

[@abraveastronaut]

It is!

[@rainerziehtkatapultenachgo9001]

Jokes on you, even on railways that rule counts. Railroads are seperated in blockzones, with a block signal and only one train per direction is allowed to occupy that block.

[@BeigeAlertHamburg]

Do you know what a frame rule is? Imagine a bus...

[@Skarfar90]

@@BeigeAlertHamburg That is not relevant for rollercoasters 😉 Mario speedruns on the other hand

[@awsomesprinkles]

CAUTION: If you ride in the front at night, KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED. You'll get pelted with bugs which sting already

[@blair7001]

How do you keep your mouth closed on THAT 😂

[@redlightning2322]

@@blair7001 duct tape

[@thomasbarlow4223]

Haha.... he's speaking from experience lol

[@coasterfanleo3831]

bruh the bugs are there no matter day or night in my experience, its a lake there are bugs everywhere. Mainly mayflies.

[@carto4028]

Protien.

[@Technically_Correct]

The never ending loop of “baby I’m ready to go” is a nice touch.

[@AshleyChalfant88]

definitely felt exactly like it does waiting for that dang front row as a single rider lol

[@ViperLemondemon]

That song gets stuck in your head so fast and easily

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Republica, is it?? Instantly picturing a 90's singer w/ a pink or purple streak in her short black hair 🤔

[@cmskid20]

I found that song this morning and have heard it on 3 separate videos today

[@BradyMcCarty]

😂

[@unitof]

Loved the immersive operator experience of hearing the station music on loop.

[@chumon1992]

Tbh its hyping up big time. Lol I wanna ride it so bad.

[@fo-ef8qo]

"This will annoy the ride operator and make them staple your restraint closed" actually lol'd

[@fo-ef8qo]

@Sylvia isgod gonna ask when I go this year. Maybe an Unpopular opinion but I actually like my restraints to always be as tight as possible.

[@LiamBudd]

Stapled all to many mouthy ‘Karen’s’ into rides before, be nice and fucking listen!

[@wolfbrother4395]

I asked a ride operator to make the rollercoaster go faster (I was like 6 or 7 years old) and he got very very annoyed and said that I would die or crash to the ground if he did that... I personally think that that's not what you say to a small child. I am glad that I didn't get scared of rollercoasters because of that. (edit to clear something up: I don't ask those kind of things anymore. That was the only time that I asked something like that)

[@ellawhite5167]

@@fo-ef8qo once you do that make sure to tell us what happened

[@fo-ef8qo]

@@ellawhite5167 oh I will totally let you all know

[@AirtimeThrills]

TTD broke down 7 times from the time I started this video. You've made me appreciate the unload stations at CP. I always thought they were dumb and prevented people from stashing their bags or bottles, now I know their practical use

[@seanofdetroit5806]

Lol, we're you waiting in line while watching?

[@generalratto]

That means the ride breaks down every 197 seconds XD

[@mango_8102]

Man I would love to be yeeted over the top with a launch that is “too fast”

[@_very]

Yeet me daddy.

[@cancercentral9997]

I prefer apples

[@miketisone728]

ooh such airtime....btw what da heck is yeeted?...LMAO

[@jackieaponte167]

Mike Tisone it means you throw something or someone and say yeet

[@bread2217]

Jackie Aponte good def.

[@johnd2385]

Your 5 train vs 6 trains was hands down the most thorough explanation I have ever heard on KZbin. Well done.

[@matthewbuttery8529]

I got a front row roll back once. It was epic! I'll never forget it.

[@haleywilson5761]

Do they let you go again, or are they just like “eh they may or may not be better so there you go!”?

[@matthewbuttery8529]

@@haleywilson5761 It took a while to reset but they did relaunch the train with us on it. We were strapped in for about 15 minutes.

[@haleywilson5761]

@@matthewbuttery8529 hopefully worth it, thank you!

[@mgdac27]

@@haleywilson5761 this comment is funny imagine the ride rolls back and they’re like alright great ride and tell you to get off

[@CieraMychele]

This is actually the main reason I'm scared of roller coasters, I would probably die in my seat if that happened to me

[@lukewilliams4740]

Damn this ride is confusing, props to all the ride crew

[@gplez91]

Luke Williams i think Intamin confused themselves when they built this one lol.

[@ElToroRyan]

@@gplez91 They 100000% did!

[@NickyD]

@@gplez91 well it was a protype at the time but kingda ka has had the same issues

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@gplez91 Cedar Point: Adding Top Thril Dragster in 2003 Intamin: So uh..... we just put this all together, and we think it works. All set :)

[@Demon-POT]

@@NickyD wasnt accelerator the prototype

[@maotingdew]

19:57 I love reducing stuff from 3 to 5.

[@ElToroRyan]

whoops 😂

[@alexoverton152]

@@ElToroRyan Quick Mafs

[@jambi2118]

Lmao I love that you respond to your fans

[@ixtumboxi7474]

I came to the comments just too see if anyone else noticed this 😅😅

[@ridleycoppler]

IKR!!

[@laurenwood2702]

Hi! Engineering grad student here; currently working on a capstone project on how more complex roller coasters seem to break down more often. Loving your videos!

[@godlugner5327]

That sounds awesome, almost certainly the complex ride safety controls and rarely mechanical. So any ideas how to fix the debugging process without running empty test runs?

[@bread_girl_jane]

how did it go?

[@teddievishlane444]

Yea I'm curious too

[@jessicabedo-keathley1309]

Love dragster! For a whole year my son was too afraid to go in it. Finally, last summer, I got him on. It’s now his favorite ride at the park!

[@MichaelRei99]

Jessie B great story!!

[@brady_06]

I've got to give the CP operators a lot of credit. They run this, the other rides. And have to work through the hoards of insects

[@ambernichole6459]

Sylvia isgod probably meant hoards of insects

[@benl5481]

Yeah those mayflies are ridiculous in the summer! We went with my family about 2 years ago and they weren't there in the evening but all of a sudden the next morning the rides, walls, supports, everything was covered with them. And then they just drop dead the next day, leaving bug corpses squished on the pavement....

[@The_LadyAJ]

Seriously. My sister and I went together and were fine through most of the day, but made the mistake of riding the Magnum at night. It was a SWARM of fishflies. Just solid bugs. Absolute nightmare.

[@reallyspingebillboxpants]

Just say Cedar Point, please, for the love of god

[@terg8472]

what do they operate?

[@tonymiciche7374]

It doesn't matter how short the ride is. It's still one of my top favorites over other longer and more popular rides. The launch is just stunning!

[@jaredkinneyjr]

In 2003 when I rode it, there was nothing like it at the time. It blew my mind when I first saw it & rode it.

[@chrisfenoglietto8766]

Would love to hear in depth about why "X" was such a disaster!

[@cancercentral9997]

Y

[@chris_allupinya5613]

Thisssssss

[@angeltv8958]

It's simple Time, funds, & resources Arrow was not selling enough coasters during that time and Vegas also had a big part screwing them. The fish hook ride went up in flames putting the nail in the coffin.

[@horseshoe_nc]

The ACE documentary, The Legacy of Arrow Development touches on X. I think it is still worth watching.

[@chrisfenoglietto8766]

@@horseshoe_nc I love that documentary! Unfortunately it only touches on the financial aspect of the ride, but not WHY it was always down.

[@dustanglx50]

Republica "ready to go", Can't listen to this without thinking about Cedar Point.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I loved when I was an operator at Canada's Wonderland. I was in the Kidzville section, but I learned a lot when I worked the Larson Flying Scooters. I learned a lot as well :) One of the most interesting things is how the ride runs with the control panels. Larson designed the ride where there has to be an exit attendant and the main ride operator of course. So of course, there are two control panels. The exit attendant has the panel with the e-stop and start function, while the operator has the e-stop, e-stop reset, the start function, and a button to hold while the ride is running to ensure the ride runs for the full 60 seconds. After the exit attendant gives the "clear", the ride operator must scan a second time and give the "all clear." For the ride to run, both the operator and the exit attendant must simultaneously press the start function, but the operator can let go of the start function, once the timer on the panel starts going, but must hold the button to keep the ride running, whereas the exit attendant can let go of the start function as soon as the ride starts moving and places their thumb near the e-stop if necessary. Also, when the ride runs on a cold and windy day, the speed can be reduced to make it a bit slower, so the cars don't go flying every which direction, which could lead to more stress on the cables, but I think people know that part already :) Overall, as a ride op, you get to learn so much about how manufacturers engineer their rides, and to see the more technical side of how it works.

[@Galistia]

I get that higher capacity is needed, but dang the trains looked even cooler with those dragster wheels and spoiler on the back.

[@CoasterStudios]

GREAT video Ryan! I learned a lot- well done!

[@ElToroRyan]

Thanks Taylor!!

[@Curly_Frs]

The collaboration we need

[@Jayden.974]

@@Curly_Frs true true

[@calebwagner1305]

You should do a collaboration together for a coaster parody or something

[@jappie.]

@Rocco Cafagna true true true true

[@sisterjudith2571]

It used to be who can build the tallest and fastest, now it’s who can build the best RMC

[@quintocreations5091]

What's next? Yhe whole RMc thing is already getting a tad stale I think. Great rides for sure, but not much separates the best and the worst. Nothing they build now is unique to the last..... not saying it's not good. They are very good. Just isnt as amazing as it was 5yrs ago

[@isaiahrosner3780]

Quinto Creations Imagine if RMC broke the inversion record!

[@dougruppert2794]

What is rmc?

[@quintocreations5091]

Rocky Mountain Construction

[@ARRRsonist]

Next will be who can build the tallest and fastest RMC lol

[@Feral_Gator]

When I worked at Cedar Point back when this was the newest coaster in the park, I couldn't even tell you how many times it broke down in just one day. I worked in the back of the park at camp snoopy as a character/escort, so I was always walking past that coaster on my way back to my dorm at the end of my shift. I rarely saw it going. It was always under maintenance for whatever reason.

[@danielkokoska545]

I know right.. I also worked at cp from 2002-2006 I worked in all over the park and the dragster was always down no matter what part of the day..

[@ohiorushbaby]

Worked at Cedar Point from 2004-2008 and I can affirm how often it had problems staying in operation. It was just too far ahead of its time, and all the kinks in the hydraulic systems had yet to be worked out. Haven't visited Cedar Point in many years, I need to go back!

[@lorddrayvon1426]

Weird to think that Intamin has made three record breaking coasters. They built the biggest Kingda Ka, the second biggest Top Thrill Dragster and they built the fastest Formula Rossa. Hell, that line -up also includes the three fastest in the world as well going TTD, Kingda Ka and then Formula Rossa. The only major record holding rollercoaster I can think of that they haven't built would be the world's longest Steel Dragon 2000 which Morgan made. Weird world.

[@Bobis32]

in the three times ive been to the park it has barely been open while i was there all three times it wasnt taking passengers till nearly 1pm

[@tismejaytee]

Can you not break down... FOR 5 MINUTES!!!

[@JerseyDevils21]

... *pop*

[@walter.s.dempsey]

Fine. It will instead break down for an hour instead of 5 minutes.

[@aScarletYeti]

It was down the entire weekend we were there! Fucking wind man

[@bartjuhh12]

5:52 "If you're lucky, the ride will not make it over the top and will come flying back down the tower" We have very different concepts of lucky. That terrifies me.

[@Dawnbreakerr]

I've had nightmares about rolling back on Dragster or Kingda Ka

[@Brandon-bx8sv]

ive been part of the lucky group and rolled back, its such a terrifying and awesome experience at the same time. my sister completely freaked out and started crying from fear and i was just ready to launch again which they do haha. I understand the fear though!

[@SGobuck]

People who ride "superman- escape from krypton" are getting what top thrill gets when it malfunctions..

[@Aloha745]

I’d be cool with a rollback since I know they can potentially happen. But if I had no idea they could happen and then it rolled back, I’d be scared!

[@Zsullivan27]

Greg Sloan what’s your home park ?

[@shanereagan1798]

20:00 "the cars would have to be shortened from three cars to five cars".....thats not how math works :p

[@ElToroRyan]

My bad 😂

[@erpfanatic6586]

Sure it would! (3x) tells us how long the original 3 cars would be, with x representing length, while (5x) could prove to be shorter depending on what nomination 'x' is. If the variable 'x' represents feet, 3 cars can absolutley be 'reduced' in length to 5 in this example using those variants. If you're wondering, yes a 3 car train may be 'longer' than other 5 car trains, it would depend on the length of the train and its cars. Obviously here that's not the case, as so stated in context, however mathematically it could be true if 'x' refers to a cars length multiplied by how many there are. Simple stuff really. (I.e.), 3 cars of 20 feet is longer than 5 cars of 10 feet. But I digress, all algebra aside.

[@crdude806]

best feeling ever in the front seat...hands down!...hands down!..they wouldnt launch the train if your arms were up. but when you puttem up..you had marks on your shoulders from the force of the ride..amazing

[@weirdguy_0514]

First time I wasn’t scared to ride the dragster it shut down after an hour of waiting in the line it was such a bruh moment

[@philipramsden4975]

Must have started to sprinkle 🤣 that thing shuts down if they can smell rain

[@womaninthewave]

Same dude

[@HEYitzED]

Yep. I waited two hours once and it rained and we had to leave. Was so pissed.

[@samuelhartmann1824]

I think the flawed masterpiece that is Lightning Rod deserves to be next in this list. Could also go into problems in general with RMCs topper track on these extreme rides. Love how informative this series is and how much detail you go into keep it up.

[@irou95]

Everybody's gangsta until the train starts moving backwards

[@babyfarkmcgee-zax3785]

I caught 6 consecutive launches once because of rain. For an adrenaline junkie like me, it was like the holy grail.

[@kenetickups6146]

Baby Fark McGee-Zax That sounds like heaven

[@efeaz8157]

I have gotten a rollback before and feels so weird

[@stompingpeak2043]

@@efeaz8157 yeah me too.

[@heatgaming9994]

So I just rode it for the first time and the car after us rolled back

[@nubiansnowchic]

This, Steel Vengeance, Maverick and millennium force are easily my top 4 coasters!

[@romangeorge4401]

Weird those are all my dad’s favorites

[@MillenniumForceMan]

"Overshoots the final brake run and could cause a computer failure, shutting the ride down" My home park is Darien Lake and that happens to ROS at LEAST 3 times a day (cuz it hauled in 2019)

[@ElToroRyan]

I bet! That brake run of yours on ROS seems WAY TOO SHORT. I hear the ride opened without the trim brake on the bunny hill either so that must have been crazy to deal with.

[@MillenniumForceMan]

@@ElToroRyan yeah it opened without the trim and without seatbelts for ONE day until a 365lb man was ejected from the last hill on the second day the ride was open to the public

[@stickskinny1266]

Millennium Force Man I go to Darien every single year and it hauled ass in 2019. I remember it overshooting the break run and some guy in the last row just started smoking and they couldn’t do anything to stop him

[@quintocreations5091]

@@MillenniumForceMan ejected? I call BS

[@coasterglitch]

@@quintocreations5091 No look it up, he was to big for the lapbar and luckily survived. Check out this video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKCmqYJsqNyZnaM

[@stanton1270]

Last time I was this early, Logan could say one train ops

[@wjmoore17]

I really appreciate using the song "Ready to Go" in this video as I remember it playing on endless loop in the queue line.

[@vrb-.]

simple note: strata coasters have to be a FULL circuit

[@seangearhart2494]

"...really appreciate what it's doing to your body." G I G I T Y

[@MichaelRei99]

I remember when Kingda Ka opened up it took years for me to finally get a ride on it as it was always broken down when I visited the park. I’m pretty sure those problem were worked out as I always get to ride it every visit now. I always thought of T T D as a lesser version of Kingda Ka but you have shown me that is not the case. I was going to make the trip out to Cedar point from Jersey last Summer but my plans fell through. Hopefully I will get to go there someday. Very informative video Ryan and also interesting. Keep on putting up that great content, you’ll have a million + subs someday! Peace Mang!

[@flavortown5124]

Also gonna add that hydraulic launches are awesome and absolutely smoke the weak magnetic shit. If anything, hydraulic launch systems should be innovated to become more reliable and accessible to manufacturers; honestly magnetic launches are boring as shit once you've been on an Intamin beast.

[@godlugner5327]

How about those aircraft carrier steam pistions? Curious how the energy consumption compares to hydraulic launches .

[@mookie714]

I only found this channel this week but I’ve been watching a lot of the videos on it and I’m blown away by how much this guy knows about roller coasters. Excellent work my dude.

[@dnsbrules_01]

It’s 420 ft tall. Getting high on a coaster sounds fun.

[@jimskywaker4345]

was looking for this comment so i wouldn't have to make it

[@instancy_]

it really is a shame that nobody was able to get the chance to ride the 420 ft tall coaster while high on 4/20/20

[@kais.597]

@@instancy_ This comment just gave me severe depression.

[@smobilson1359]

ImTrash it’s ok someone will ride an even taller roller coaster on April 20th 2069

[@jseden]

I've brought one of those little capped bullet hitters to a park before... The ascent Hill is a decent place to take a hit. I've gotten an angry "HEY!!" From behind me once or twice lol. This was like 15 years ago.

[@digital-thralldom905]

I hadn't been to Cedar Point in about 6 years, and this ride was about 3 years old. My last big ride was Millennium Force, and this ride was absolutely insane. I've been to plenty different parks in my life, but this ride made me question my future on thrill rides.

[@billymanilli]

Pretty cool info (imho): A real "Top Fuel Dragster" accelerates from a dead stop to OVER 100mph in LESS than ONE second! ... and to OVER 300mph in LESS than FOUR seconds! Imagine that :D Thanks for the vid, Ryan, btw. Looks like a fun coaster!

[@nathanmoormann4882]

Have you seen the footage of them testing the capabilities of Xcelerator's launch motor pre-dragster? That thing was flying

[@ElToroRyan]

Yup! Absolutely insane

[@cancercentral9997]

i t j u s t f l i e s o v e r t h e t o p

[@chris_allupinya5613]

Where can I see them?

[@g-force571]

Cracc the tracc

[@vrb-.]

this is where it all started, the longest running joke for this channel. 11:00

[@ethandonston517]

3:16 Shuttle coasters don't count because they don't go all the way to the top, and not all riders reach the same height because the train rolls backwards after it gets to a certain height. I was confused of that too before.

[@adrianaarcomone]

Man, I rode this ride front seat when I was 14, and still remember wiping actual BUGS off my face cause I was going so fast. Gross, but this coaster is nothing like I’ve ever experienced before.

[@InfinitePlaylist909]

Love this series! Do Vekoma Flying Dutchman's next! :D

[@richmondlau5945]

went on this twice the 2 days we were there. omg i love this ride. sad to hear what happened, hope they dont take it down. such a beautiful view at the top

[@coreyperdue37]

:(

[@SupremeCakeVR]

Well, they aren’t taking it down!

[@ethanlingerfelt6596]

Top thrill dragster is a really interesting ride to watch, especially during the haunt season, this one time I watched it fully ready to launch and big gust of wind cut the system... 5 minutes later it started right back where it was and launched-obviously a rollback. I always wait for the front but this was my last ride before I left Ohio so I was praying it would keep going, it did. The amount of sensors that have to be clear is astounding, this ride is so technically advance being almost 18 years old. TTD will always have a place in my heart.

[@PS3Man141]

Your background music gave me PTSD from hot summer days waiting in line for the dragster

[@owenfouts2494]

That station music still gives me goosebumps. I always get goosebumps before and after the ride!

[@dreamincolor14]

Gave a like at "Let's dig into another topic, I can make this video as long as I want, and I think you guys have time to watch right now."

[@FolixOrision]

I've ridden this ride around 10-20 times over the years. Millennium Force is still my favorite. I learned a lot about the ride based on this video and the block zones reminded me of programming my dad's train set growing up. I plan to share this video with my family and relatives who all attend Ceder Point. Thank you for the time and effort you put into making this video.

[@IsabelLee617]

I love the video and the ride! The only problem I have, which is pretty small, is I enter through the handicap entrance which is at the unload station so once I’m locked in, I move to the load station. Then there are the angry people who have been waiting in line for hours who can not get on the ride. I’ve been screamed at before which yeah, is not a huge problem, but it still sucks.

[@Baconpotato710]

I've rode the dragster many times. We used to camp at cedar point which gets you in an hour before the rest of the public and there was always something special about those first couple of launches when it was running fast, only to get immediately back on. Good memories.

[@trevorweinstock4867]

Time for that Magnum analysis to drop explaining three trains ops!

[@ElToroRyan]

Will do!!

[@rachelandzach]

my boyfriend worked on magnum last summer and there’s a lot of “inside information” the public doesn’t know about it....it’s a lot harder of a job than you think!!

[@trevorweinstock4867]

Rachel B who was that? I might know them

[@bbyboy]

the “ready to go” song is so nostalgic for me and all I think about is dragster when I hear it! gives the right amount of excitement and butterflies right before you get on!! Always will be one of my favorite rides

[@patrickfraleyjr2819]

Anyone watching this after the Top Thrill 2 announcement?

[@jasonrichter497]

I miss Cedar Point, this coaster must be really FUN. Thanks for explaining how it works, I wouldn't have guessed most of what you said.

[@glw607]

Superman : The Escape is a bit of a fraud. It may have been the first "coaster" over 400ft, but although the "tower" is 400+ft, the cars/trains never reach the peak of the tower. What is the actual height of the tower vs on average how high up the tower do cars/trains actually go?

[@alexzuelke5209]

as a former ride mechanic on dragster, not a half bad video Ryan, good job! ive never watched your channel, but you just got a sub!

[@The_LadyAJ]

Watching this after the incident is a very different feeling.

[@coasterfurby6815]

It is. I’m practically crying because it’s fate is unknown.

[@jandrew1994]

@@coasterfurby6815 It will re-open in Spring 2023

[@stratafm]

Fellow former Cedar Point ride op, here! Mean Streak, summer of '01! Really enjoying your videos!

[@Zatore_]

So sad this amazing coaster got retired. Glad I was able to enjoy it!

[@R7SkIlZ]

they arent scrapping it lmao they are changing the launch system

[@mikeblaz]

I literally think this guys speaks more words in this one video than I say in 2 weeks....no joke.

[@ryanvanasse]

Ohh yes, was waiting for this, can't wait to watch!

[@empressmarowynn]

I remember going to Cedar Point for my senior class field trip right after it opened in 2003. It was so popular that they had to do timed tickets and by the time we got there you had to queue for over an hour just to get one. One of my teachers decided to do it and I think maybe only like three of my classmates. The rest of us couldn't be bothered to queue for that long and chose to ride all the other amazing coasters. Everyone was very impressed that our teacher, who was this super petite and incredibly sweet young woman, was into hardcore coasters.

[@winnie2379]

It’s the people you least expect that are the fiercest coaster enthusiasts.

[@intensetrims7024]

DoingReviewsBecuaseOfCoronaVirusRyan No complaints tho, love the reviews

[@harper83087]

this series has my full attention purely based on the super nerdy behind the scenes info. Love it

[@tori9365]

This coaster is absolutely *amazing* ... it's too bad that it seems to always be down for maintenance when I'm at cedar point lol... nonetheless I've rode it numerous times and each experience was awesome. I've found I like the rear seat best because you basically get pulled around the top the fastest :) front seat is cool though too because you get a nice pause to enjoy the view for a second or 2 :)

[@Blessjhons]

I operated Dragster when I worked at CP too. One of the best experiences of my life.

[@noclosecoasters9903]

Last time I was at Cedar Point was in 2003 or 2004 and I couldn't get on this due to the line. I finally made plans to go again in September (2021), and was hyped to finally ride this, and then that accident happened. I hope that woman is ok, but man, I sure hope they get this thing opened again. Going to be so bummed if it's down, but I suspect it still will be.

[@coasterfurby6815]

Dude I am so sorry

[@piffjackson6010]

Hey it's amazing to know you've probably strapped me in on this beautiful steel masterpiece, which is utterly exciting to think back to those summers

[@GreatAmericanCoaster]

Baby i'm ready to go!

[@zedburst6506]

0:15 Narrator: *ITS THE TALLEST* KingDa Ka: *_alright_*

[@steelnole3847]

I’ve been binging Coaster Idiot videos!

[@TitanTubs]

It's very fitting that this was the first video of your problematic roller coaster series since the dragster is down all the time. Can't believe you're only at 70k subs great videos man.

[@The_Rutabaga]

Well, this is awkward.

[@nodwarves4u]

I came to say something similar

[@MidwayMaiTais]

They didn't add the exit gates until after I had moved on from Dragster. The 3 years I was on Dragster, we could stand between the exiting guests and the train and move trains along. They added Launch Boost during my second year on the ride. This was a clearly explained video and I enjoyed the memories.

[@CoastingwithCulture]

It's funny to think about how this only has about 100 feet more in length than Iron Dragon. -Gary

[@eaglescout1984]

I actually got to ride it. Easily one of my favorite at CF, but I do have nostalgia of when my dad took us as kids to Virginia Motorsports Park to watch NHRA races. They have grandstand next to the track, you hear the engine reving, you see the Christmas Tree light up, and then it launches you. It's like experiencing your first top fuel drag race, only from the cockpit. I'm glad I got to go to CF during its short life.

[@pypeapple]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalgorthim great video, looking forward to more of this series, still one of the best launches in the world fun fact, I slept in TTD's station during a 5 hour rainstorm

[@patrickd.3681]

Now that Top Thrill 2 is now open, time for a sequel for this vid.

[@reggieasplund9081]

This is the single most informative ride op video on the web. Well done Ryan. Oddly enough, this coaster's block stations run nearly identical to our beer canning line with station counts. Now, if only I could afford to work as a ride op in my 30s!

[@cultural_seesaw3174]

it's weird watching this knowing it's closed for who knows how long

[@coasterfurby6815]

About a year now. It’s not the same….

[@randallkuzilla3696]

Awesome video man! I've been riding dragster since 2003, and always wondered why it always broke down so much. Thanks for the content man, and stay healthy!

[@thatbloxguy]

Funfact: the amount off speed you need in miles per hour, is the height you could climb in meters. Example red force is 112 meters high and goed 112 miles/hour

[@ginog5037]

Rollbacks Rules, great comprehensive video!!

[@user-K8T]

I've always wondered how they decided the force for the launch. I'd assumed that it was a weight calculation since it wouldn't be too difficult to do. Just curious how the engineers that decided on the trial and error method rather than a calculation from weight. Obviously you'd need some adjustments due to friction fluctuation day to day, but it seems like it would be more reliable.

[@keiyakins]

Another sensor to fail, perhaps?

[@LCJake]

The insight on the calibration of the launch vs how many people are on it was very cool, all these years I thought it was the other way around. Hopefully this year ill get my 100th ride on top thrill, (currently around 85 i think)

[@coastaku1954]

With Dragster being closed this year, some of Cedar Point's magic is lost, while yes it's not the best coaster at the park, just hearing that REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!!!!!!!! while walking beside it is a big part of Cedar Point, as well as riding it itself. Let's hope that the ride being closed will bring some much needed rehabilitation to the ride, they can't shut it down, it's always popular, it draws in guests, and is just a spectacle

[@eddieholt8222]

Agreed, it is my favorite.

[@coasterfurby6815]

They BETTER, or IMMA BE PISSED

[@jeffeffery8181]

I really like these documentary vids. It seems simple but your format is really clear and packed with info. Good writing and voicing

[@InfusedBio]

This aged well....

[@beaujangles2215]

I am 41 years old and used to live in Michigan and would go to cedar point multiple times each summer...always wanted to work there, but never did....perhaps you could do a video on the coasters that you operated there and do a TOP 5 of the ones you enjoyed the most and why?? I really enjoyed this video and kept telling myself...man I am jealous of this guy!! Good work bro!!

[@BigJerm47]

Suh, dude. Sadly this video is about to get a lot more views due to the incident today. Ride on! ✌

[@enbykeith]

Incident today??

[@barnashunter1287]

@@enbykeith a piece fell during ( the break run? Forgot but it fell ) and hit a girl waiting in line, apparently her head was cut open and witnesses saw her brain exposed. Really scary stuff.

[@ThunderhowlStudios]

Seriously can’t thank you enough for doing this video! I’ve been going to cedar point every year since 2008. Top thrill has been a huge part of my life and i can’t thank you enough for all this neat info! Will def check out your other videos!!💙

[@Metal_Groove45]

Oh yeah! 😎😎 My home state and park! 🤘🙌

[@WeylandProductions]

From one ride opp to another (currently working at Battle for Metropolis in Magic, and used to work at Kings Dominions Planet Snoopy) I really appreciate you spreading the knowledge of ride operations!

[@bitrchaosofficial7345]

this video was recommended to me at a baaad time...

[@shadowprince4482]

I only got to ride it once but it's my all time favorite ride. It's short but just so incredibly fun while while it lasts. That launch is such a rush!

[@drewfirebaugh4211]

Still can’t believe it’s gone 😭

[@MADMAN1796]

for now