Why does Test Track always Break Down?

[RSoxNo1]

I know that there are a series of wheels on each car that steer it/keep it on the track, but it seems that the bulk of the reasons why this attraction breaks down is due to rain and water on the track. How does this ride system differ from a roller coaster in it's ability to operate during the rain? Does Journey to the Center of the Earth have the same problems with down time.

What if anything can be done to improve the efficiency of this ride, and besides what I mentioned, what slows it down?

 

[hcswingfield]

I always thought it was because I was in line. If it happens when I'm not there, then maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty.

 

[EpcotMark]

Because the computer system is very complex and sensitive. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[majortom1981]

epcotmark

epcot mark. i find that hard to believe.

I dont think it can be any more complex then any other launched coaster.

Thats all it really is.

I am thinking that the end with the launch section is the bad part.

I know on regular coasters sensors are always going and sometimes they are not the easiest things to replace.

 

[Lee]

Because the computer system is very complex and sensitive. Nothing more, nothing less.

Yep.
Funny story:
I was once on it during a breakdown. When we got back to the station I asked a manager what the issue was. Turns out, that the three onboard computers could not agree on the tire pressure of one of the tires. Instant 101. Seriously.

 

[EpcotMark]

epcot mark. i find that hard to believe.

I dont think it can be any more complex then any other launched coaster.

Thats all it really is.

I am thinking that the end with the launch section is the bad part.

I know on regular coasters sensors are always going and sometimes they are not the easiest things to replace.

Take it from those of us who have worked at test track.

 

[majortom1981]

hmm

So your saying that the only thing that causes breakdowns on that ride is the computer ?

Sensors never break ?Tires never go flat? the system that makes the cars go faster at the end (not sure wich system is used there) never goes down ?

Its ALWAYS the computer?

 

[Rob562]

Not running it in the rain is two-fold:

First, unlike a coaster where there's specific brake zones where the trains stop, the cars on Test Track need to be able to stop *anywhere* on the track. And just like cars in the real world, the stopping distance is greater when hitting the brakes on a wet surface.

And second, rain drops at 65MPH *hurt*!


-Rob

 

[Space Mountain]

I know that there are a series of wheels on each car that steer it/keep it on the track, but it seems that the bulk of the reasons why this attraction breaks down is due to rain and water on the track. How does this ride system differ from a roller coaster in it's ability to operate during the rain? Does Journey to the Center of the Earth have the same problems with down time.

What if anything can be done to improve the efficiency of this ride, and besides what I mentioned, what slows it down?

Search around on google for specific on your question. Test Track is very very complex and it has a lot less problems than it originally had. Dont forget the opening was also delayed.

 

[Valawen9]

I always thought it was because I was in line.

:ROFLOL:
Same here!

 

[marni1971]

So your saying that the only thing that causes breakdowns on that ride is the computer ?

Sensors never break ?Tires never go flat? the system that makes the cars go faster at the end (not sure wich system is used there) never goes down ?

Its ALWAYS the computer?

No - the ride will go 101 for the same reasons as any other. However, the ride computing system is still one of the most complex and advanced anywhere - and it shows.

It`s opening wasn`t delayed 18 months for nothing. The structural changes to the building were the easy part.

 

[scottnj1966]

I know that there are a series of wheels on each car that steer it/keep it on the track, but it seems that the bulk of the reasons why this attraction breaks down is due to rain and water on the track. How does this ride system differ from a roller coaster in it's ability to operate during the rain? Does Journey to the Center of the Earth have the same problems with down time.

What if anything can be done to improve the efficiency of this ride, and besides what I mentioned, what slows it down?

Has nothing to do with the rain. It breaks down in sunshine and blue skies also. There are so many mechnical reasons and so many sensors on this ride that sometimes it is not really broke when the computer shuts it down.

These cars are fast and numerous and safety is always the msot important thing, so when a sensor things they might have a problem it will shut down everything.

 

[MrNonacho]

epcot mark. i find that hard to believe.

I dont think it can be any more complex then any other launched coaster.

Thats all it really is.

Uh, except for the initial lift/launch, roller coasters coast along the track. The cars on Track each have their own electric motors that are moving them at all times. The two types of systems are worlds apart.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

Yeah, but you have to admit that its not much of a thumbs-up for the sponsor when their ride (which is supposed to represent successful quality testing) is always breaking down....I love it though. Think the ride was a great concept.

 

[mpaul32001]

And second, rain drops at 65MPH *hurt*!


-Rob

THAT SOUNDS FUN!!! :drevil:

 

[yeti]

I've had some bad experiences on Test Track. About five times they had to give us fastpasses for another time to ride because of "technical difficulties". Another time the difficulties took effect while I was on the ride. Right as the car was doing the sharp, helix loop, it just had to stop. We were paractically falling out of the car!:ROFLOL:

 

[RSoxNo1]

Well, I had read that the computer issues are basically ultra preventative making it a very safe ride. Basically that if it misses two consecutive (of over 100) checkpoints that that particular vehicle will slow down, as will every other vehicle. The vehicle that caused the problem will then slowly make it's way back to the loading area where the issue can be addressed (or something along those lines). Does Journey to the Center of the Earth have as many problems?

 

[Fievel]

Look at it this way

There are a lot of cars on the track. I'm not sure how many, but each of them has their own computer that worries about air pressure, speed, where it is, etc. Then there are sensors along the track that verify position, speeds, etc. If any of those combinations don't mesh with each other, the ride goes 101 as a safety device, because those cars do actually have quite a bit of power, and they don't want to risk guest safety.

It's a "Better safe than sorry" scenario here.

 

[psuchad]

Yeah, but you have to admit that its not much of a thumbs-up for the sponsor when their ride (which is supposed to represent successful quality testing) is always breaking down....

I look at it as if the break downs are part of the ride. In real world testing that is the result they are looking for. Run something and see when and if it breaks. Just look at the queue for Test Track and you can see that.

You have to remember that these vehicles are basically just cars with a whole lot of electronics in them. And get a lot more seat time then most cars. With that much use there is bound to be break downs. Just ask any cab driver how old his car is. It may look like a junker but it is probably only 6 months to a year old. It's just worn out.

But for the sake of Disney, the guest experience is what matters. Should they have a more aggressive maintenance schedule? Probably. But that comes at a cost.

 

[kennyj29]

#16 Today, 09:29
yeti
Junior Member
WDWMAGIC Guest Join Date: May 2006
Location: In the big blue world.....
Posts: 180

I've had some bad experiences on Test Track. About five times they had to give us fastpasses for another time to ride because of "technical difficulties". Another time the difficulties took effect while I was on the ride. Right as the car was doing the sharp, helix loop, it just had to stop. We were paractically falling out of the car!
__________________

The same thing happened to my family, LOL, we were on our sides on the outside part. The car in front of us broke down and they had to get out. I said, If I have to get out while the car is on its side, I'm in trouble!!!! I'm not svelt if you know what I mean. We had more laughs about that incident, one of our fondest at Epcot!!!! When we went to Disneyland for the 50th, our car on Space Mountain stopped also, luckily we were right at the beginning so they spun the car off the track and we had to use ladders to get out. Just a lot to talk about. :lol: