"Ride is closed due to mechanical problems"?

Question

Can anyone give me any detailed yet easy to understand explanations of what has happened when a roller coaster breaks down and needs to close so they can fix it and reopen the ride? I am really curious.

Answer 1

It could be anything. These days, modern coasters like Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster run on Hydraulics, Air Pressure not to mention computers. Sometimes, the computer will throw out an 'error code', which will cause a shutdown.

In the case of Millennium Force, it's usually and E-code which shuts the lift down.

I've heard from mechanics (SFWOA/GL) that something as little as bird c**p on a track sensor can cause a shutdown. (these sensors tell the computer how fast the train is going and can monitor and  control the trim breaks.

Answer 2

the operator is too drunk to see straight..

he keeps pushing the blurry red button ...

Answer 3

most of the time its because they have to clean it because someone puked!

Answer 4

well, it depend on the coaster and the park/situation. most of the larger parks (Disney, Universal, Six Flags, etc.) have very advance coasters with sensors through out the track. if a train comes in a little to early or too late then they might run a couple of trains empty to see if it was just a fluke. sometimes because the train was full of adults or loaded unevenly. if everything tested okay, the continue to load people. if they have a guest related accident (some got sick) and need time to clean up they may close it just to take care of that. also the computer can tell them if there is an error on the ride and they would have to close it and inspect whatever caused the error. most of the time due to daily check/inspections there are no major problems with most rides. there are small things. oh, that last thing that could close down a ride... weather. if its raining/lightning or if its windy (this does not affect all coaster.) they may close the ride. well, hope that gives you an idea.

Answer 5

It broke...and they have to fix it

Answer 6

my FIRST  guess would be TRACK PROBS.

my SECOND guess would be..the operator is too drunk to see straight..

he keeps pushing the blurry red button ...

Answer 7

It is almost impossible for track to come undone like others suggest.

It's usually really small things like the the lift stopped working, there's a fault light on, low air pressure, gates or restraints stuck open or closed in the station, etc etc.

Never anything to worry about

Answer 8

ive gotten stuck on 2 roller coasters b4,incedible hulk,boomerang

incredible hulk - track came undone.

boomerang - crane lift dicided it wasnt going to work cuz it hated me.

-it could likley be cuz of one of these problems.