Monday, January 30, 2012

The Comet Gets Magnetized

After much planing and engineering, the new braking system project for the Comet coaster is starting to unfold. The first Comet car has returned from Velocity Magnetics where it was fabricated with a new undercarriage that will allow it to function with the new magnetic and pneumatic braking system being installed for 2012.



With the first car back in the Waldameer shop, work can now begin on the rest of the cars. The materials for the new undercarriage, provided by Velocity, will be installed by our very own Waldameer mechanics.

While the cars get fitted, Velocity is busy working on the pneumatic and magnetic braking sections that will be utilized in the Comet's new brake run. The Comet trains will first hit three sections of static magnets that will slow the train down, followed by five sections of pneumatic friction brakes to slow the train to a crawl. Once inside the station, two more sections of pneumatic friction brakes will hold the car in the unload position as well as the load position. The sections are due to arrive in the next few weeks.

The neat thing about Waldameer's new braking system is the fact that we are using both friction and magnets to slow the trains. Typically, coasters use magnet brakes with pinch brakes having a fin under each car. The Comet is unique in that the friction brake pads under each car must also be magnetic. Velocity Magnetics has designed this new system specifically for Waldameer's Comet to keep much of the Comet's history and origianal feel alive.

Along with this new braking system comes a new control unit, provided by Terry Hoffman. Once the new brake run is installed, Terry can begin his work computerizing all the functions fo the new hardware.

To see more pictures of the Comet car, visit us on Facebook at Waldameer & Water World.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Rainbow Gardens Events - Spring 2012

Citadel Broadcasting Best Wings Erie - Sat. 1/28, 11:00am to 8:00pm

Lake Erie Fanfare Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/11, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Classy 100 70's Dance - Sat. 2/18, 9:00pm to 1:00am

Elks Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/25, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Tartan Ball - Sat. 3/3, 8:00pm to 12:00am

Train Show - Sun. 3/4, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Swanson Memorial Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/10, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Saint Vincent Trivia Night - Thur. 3/15, 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Junior League 80's Rewind Dance - Sat. 3/24, 8:00pm to 1:00am

Waterford Lions Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/31, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

New Blossom New Life Casino Night - Sat 4/14, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Millcreek Kiwanis Antique Show- Sat. 4/21, 9:30am to 4:30pm

OLP Casino Night - Sat. 4/28, 7:00pm to 12:00am

March of Dimes - Sun. 4/29, 7:00am to 7:00pm

Conneaut High School Prom - Sat. 5/12, 7:00pm to 11:00pm

Erie County Vietnam Veteran Memorial Vet Rock Erie - Sat. 5/19, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Thursday, January 12, 2012

What is That???

After all the excitement from the holiday season has died down and may of us are wondering if it will ever snow again, Waldameer is still keeping busy improving the park for the 2012 season. Pictured below is a prime example of Waldameer's improvments for 2012.

But what is it?  What could this bunch of nailed together boards be an improvement of? We will keep you updated on this little project as it comes together. Until then, start guessing!