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Effect of relative cold on coasters

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Post February 12th, 2011, 8:12 pm

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As I'm checking up on the weather for my trip to Orlando (SWO, Old Town, Fun Spot USA on 2/22, BGA 2/23, USO/IOA/Magical Midway 2/24) the weather is a bit on the cool side for 2/23 and 2/24. I know that the lubricants, etc. aren't as effective on a ride in the cold, making it run slower. But how much of a difference may I notice on a 63 degree day as opposed to an 85 - 90 degree day? (Factoring the specific coasters themselves may be a possibility.)

Post February 12th, 2011, 8:26 pm
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Roughly 1% of operating performance per 5*F from 85
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Post February 12th, 2011, 8:46 pm
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60's is "a bit cool"?
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Post February 12th, 2011, 9:11 pm

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^^Is that information valid? (Sometimes I have trouble detecting people's sarcasm.)



^I live in suburbs of Syracuse, NY. For weather of just going outside, no. It's beautiful. Heck, I can go as low as 15 degrees (wind chill included) without a coat. And I can generally go as low as 55 - 60 with shorts. But in terms of coaster riding weather, it's a little cold; I'm speaking strictly from the standpoints of performance of the coasters, and the likeliness of me riding a water ride.


Post February 12th, 2011, 9:18 pm
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That is roughly accurate based on what I have observed, it may be higher or lower based on weight, train length, wind speed and direction, vehicle aero dynamics, cycle count, ..etc. Its not just the temperature with its affect on lubricants, but the thickness of the air and humidity that causes slowness as well.

Say for instance a B & M invert, during the summer when its 100+ outside it may run at 60 seconds flat almost every cycle. But during the winter it may run 69 seconds in the morning and then back down to 65 late in the day and then back up to 69 again at night.



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Post February 13th, 2011, 12:57 am

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Hades ran pretty slow when I started to see snow on halloween two years ago :) That night was freezing. lol
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Post February 13th, 2011, 2:57 am

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The weather here (I live in Orlando) is changing like every day so who knows. It was like 80 two days ago.


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