Everest track switch

[retroeric]

I just saw a special on Everest, and they went into detail on the "track switch". I wanted to know if this quick switch is done through computer or if it's operated by man? It gives me the chills to think what could happen if that part of the ride didn't work one time.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

It's an automatic program, but there are enough safeties in the system to prevent problems. If for example it only flips part way...the ride just stops.
It's interesting to watch if you are not staring at the yeti shadow.

 

[MyNameisStitch]

There are definitely safeties built in to prevent a mishap. The system will not release the train unless the track has fully completed the switch and is aligned properly.

It is very cool to watch. I of course didn't even pay attention to that the first time I rode it but after that i've found my self paying attention more to the marvels of the ride system than some of the effects. Guess thats the Coaster Junkie in me

 

[WDWRLD]

I wanted to know if this quick switch is done through computer or if it's operated by man?

I would rather have a computer controll the switch than a person. Just think of that CM who had been working all day, dosent want to be there, and is trying to send a text message.

 

[EpcotServo]

There was once a time when everything didn't work just right (if you catch my drift) but it was caught by even more systems and Cast Members before anything bad happened, proving that the system works. I've been on over 200 times, and I don't worry about it! The track switches are amazing.


(Oh, and pardon the shameless plug, but you can see lots of Expedition Everest photos and news over at one of my sites.... www.expeditioneverestclub.blogspot.com )

 

[sweetpee_1993]

On our last trip we were taken backstage into the control room for the EE ride. The CMs showed us all the controls, video monitors, and how everything worked. They explained things so thoroughly. There's a lot of safety measures in place and even though you don't see CMs around you, they are watching. It was so fascinating. Next time you ride sit on the left side of the train. When you are going thru the mountain backwards look down to your left. You can see all down thru the mountain. Where the ride is is pitch black but when you look down there it's lit up. It's pretty cool.

 

[mitchk]

On our last trip we were taken backstage into the control room for the EE ride. The CMs showed us all the controls, video monitors, and how everything worked. They explained things so thoroughly. There's a lot of safety measures in place and even though you don't see CMs around you, they are watching. It was so fascinating. Next time you ride sit on the left side of the train. When you are going thru the mountain backwards look down to your left. You can see all down thru the mountain. Where the ride is is pitch black but when you look down there it's lit up. It's pretty cool.

I always look down when the train is going backwards. It's really cool, you can see a lot of track, and large metal beams everywhere

 

[joel_maxwell]

I always look down when the train is going backwards. It's really cool, you can see a lot of track, and large metal beams everywhere

did the same.... i wish one time it would go really slow right there.

 

[Master Yoda]

did the same.... i wish one time it would go really slow right there.

Slow nothing.....I want the thing to stop and the lights to come on so I can have a look around.:lol:

 

[David]

I've always had such a great time on the ride, I never thought about seeing how it does what it does. But next time, I'm gonna sit on the left and look down. I love that kinda stuff!!

 

[EpcotServo]

What's really cool is that, even though you'd never see it, the ENTIRE backwards portion has themed rockwork.

 

[JML42691]

What's really cool is that, even though you'd never see it, the ENTIRE backwards portion has themed rockwork.

I know, somebody posted a picture of it in the pic of the day thread, and it was pretty damn cool.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Slow nothing.....I want the thing to stop and the lights to come on so I can have a look around.:lol:

ok, that would be the ultimate. or i would opt for the morning walkthrough track check

I know, somebody posted a picture of it in the pic of the day thread, and it was pretty damn cool.

in the current photo thread... we must find this and make sure it isnt one i havent seen before

 

[kap91]

While I think it is cool that you can see the superstructure of the mountain during the backwards part, it has frustrated me since Everest opened. Everest is supposed to be a themed ride and having light leaking into the mountain so that you can see the unthemed metal supports and structure of the mountain is extremely lazy by Disney. While even I find it interesting, it really is bad show-something I wouldn't expect of Disney. I for one am extremely disappointed that after two years Disney still hasn't fixed it. And don't get me started on the extremely visible show buildings of the mountain. Sorry for my rant. Just my $0.02

 

[retroeric]

Thanks for the info guys. One more thing, the show also stated that EE is the first ride to utilize such a track switch and have the coaster vehicle go backwards. I found this to be inaccurate because didn't Universal build Revenge of the Mummy a couple years earlier? That has a similar track switch with a backwards portion too.

 

[kap91]

Thanks for the info guys. One more thing, the show also stated that EE is the first ride to utilize such a track switch and have the coaster vehicle go backwards. I found this to be inaccurate because didn't Universal build Revenge of the Mummy a couple years earlier? That has a similar track switch with a backwards portion too.

I think they are referring to the type of track switch. The Mummy uses a sliding track switch in which one track slides away and the other slides into place (sorry if thats not the correct technical term) while Expedition Everest uses a track switch that flips the track over.

 

[Fun2BFree]

What's really cool is that, even though you'd never see it, the ENTIRE backwards portion has themed rockwork.

That backwards portion was the first time I'd literally lost my bearings completely. I had no idea which way we were going, which way up we were, or even if we were moving fast. And it was exhilarating to say the least. :lol:

 

[joel_maxwell]

That backwards portion was the first time I'd literally lost my bearings completely. I had no idea which way we were going, which way up we were, or even if we were moving fast. And it was exhilarating to say the least. :lol:

the only reason i knew is that i collected every photograph during the construction and studied them trying to figure out the attraction. it was disorienting, but i did basically know what was going on.

 

[PlutoInOrlando]

Thanks for the info guys. One more thing, the show also stated that EE is the first ride to utilize such a track switch and have the coaster vehicle go backwards. I found this to be inaccurate because didn't Universal build Revenge of the Mummy a couple years earlier? That has a similar track switch with a backwards portion too.

I think they are referring to the type of track switch. The Mummy uses a sliding track switch in which one track slides away and the other slides into place (sorry if thats not the correct technical term) while Expedition Everest uses a track switch that flips the track over.

Actually The Mummy (if not mistaken) - at the point where you go backwards - uses a switch - kinda Y shaped. Then goes about 20 feet or so down a small hill and stops...to turn back around to go forward - it's on a rotating table.

 

[Gene_S]

Track Switch on Youtube

This video show how the track switch work. It almost at the end of the video. So hang in there a few minutes. Also some great vids of the build of the ride. http://youtube.com/watch?v=LMXylUuT5-Y