Hypersonic XLC

Here the train is being prepared for launch.  The large rubber tires are powered by electric motors to move the train forward to where it is connected to the shuttle that launches the train.  There are also are drag racing staging lights that show when the train is about to blast off.

There are about 30 brakes on this portion of the track.  They are used to stop the car if it did not have enough energy to crest the first hill.  In case of a roll-back, these brakes bring the car to a stop.  (Think Superman: The Escape at SFMM.)

I witnessed one train roll-back during Hypersonic's opening weekend.  It just missed clearing the first hill by a couple feet.  Gravity pulled it back down and these brakes brought it to a halt.  After a few quick checks, XLC was back in operation less than 18 minutes later.   Today the wait is even less.

©2008 by Joel A. Rogers