The Columbiad Cannon

[DieHardDisney]

When Space Mountain orginally opened, the Columbiad Cannon out of which the trains are fired had several other features.

I know that the trains were originally launched from the base of the hill instead of halfway up but this was stopped as teh trains went to fast (wish they hadn't stopped that! ).

But the other two things my question are about is why has the cannon stopped emitting smoke. It hasn't on several of my last visits! Also the big boom that the cannon made has stopped! My question was just why have these cool and unique features been stopped? Budget or what?

 

[marni1971]

I think you will find the trains have always launched from where they do now - that is the end carriage is about 3 ft up the incline, the lead carriage is just below the first opening above the cannon- look at the BBC docu `From the Earth to the Moon` to see them being tested like this in early `95.

A lot of special effects have stopped working in the past 9 years - mainly due to maintainence budget and some to bad design (The Columbiad recoil was wrongly designed for example - Tim Delaney mentioned this and hopes to get the chance to redctify it)

Hopefully during the present rehab something will be done. I know there are a lot of rumours flying round at the mo that ALL the effects will be enhanced/fixed in the next 12 months.

 

[DarkMeasures]

You know, in the actual book, the Columbiad cannon did not shoot the "bullet" to the moon. The Columbiad was just called the crowing achievement for the Gun Club before the Florida Cannon was built.

And the cannon used in the book was a 900 foot deep hole in the ground lined with iron.

 

[marchofthecards]

Lauch point

Hey,


Trains have never launched from the bottom of the canon! The music score will tell you that, as it is set to precision, alhough 9 years on, the score is a minor few seconds out now (you notice this has your train comes to a stop at the end.)

The effects have diminished over the years due to maintenance issues, costs, the way DLP is operated. The smoke effect apparently used some substances that were ok in the States but banned in Europe, so that show effect had to be put on hold. I believe they did replace it, but that is hit and miss. However the boom was working this winter during our visit at Christmas.

The ten year anniversary makeover has already begun with new trains, but also planned are a new 3d effect moon, more in-mountain effects, a total revamp on the canon, boom, recoil and smoke show effects. They are also looking at changing the music and launching from the base of the canon for more of a thrill. I just hope one of the changes aren't going to produce Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon - BACKWARDS!!! LOL

Rgds,

Simon

 

[DarkMeasures]

Change the cable to a wheel driven Hulk Launch...