Thunderation it's jerky

dwfan · August 06, 2010, 09:27:53 PM

What should I do about Thunderation it gives me a headache because it's a little jerky. I will say I love Powderkeg because the track is just like Tennessee Tornado which are both smooth. I love Wildfire and Fire-in-the-hole. should i just stick to those three or is there a trick for Thunderation.

Hatfield McCoy · August 06, 2010, 11:33:04 PM

Here is a trick that my nephew played on me once and it really works! He talked me into riding it backwards. I tell ya' the pain in your neck will make you forget all about the pain in your head.

Seriously though, I love that ride. I'm just waiting on the kids to get old enough to ride it with me!

Zephon · August 07, 2010, 12:19:59 AM

You might try taking a couple of ibuprofen 30 minutes before you get on it. That helps me when I'm going to be doing something that sometimes causes a headache.

shavethewhales · August 07, 2010, 12:26:04 AM

I noticed that it had gotten pretty jerky as well. That's really sad, because they did a ton of work in it not too long ago that couldn't have been cheap, and parts for Arrow rides can only be getting more expensive. I hope they don't start looking at it in a bad way, as much as a GCII would do perfectly in it's spot. We need another coaster, not another replacement.

A tip though: sit in the first row of whatever car you choose. The closer to the front of the train you are the smoother it will be, though it won't be as forceful.

Firstvisit1967 · August 07, 2010, 10:26:45 AM

Thunderation has always been a hard ride as it ages I do not see it getting smooth. Enjoy it for what it is a roller coaster.

rubedugans · August 07, 2010, 10:30:47 AM

No silly the jerky is over by Powderkeg!

dwfan · August 07, 2010, 02:16:27 PM

Maybe you should talk to SDC. Over at thrillnetwork someone posted Mystery Mine was getting jerky and they fixed the problem. This happened recently because I went yesterday and it was alot smoother plus it's my favorite ride. Seriously though they can't fix it if they don't know about. Mystery Mine truly has been worked on I promise.

Ozark Outlaw · August 07, 2010, 05:22:17 PM

My viewpoints always seem to be in the minority around here, but I think Thunderation should be bumpy, and jerky.

It's a wooden rollercoaster! For those who really want a silky smooth ride then try out the teacups at the Grand Exposition.

History Buff · August 07, 2010, 05:40:38 PM

It's actually a steel track supported by wood. It was super smooth when it was new, but it could be a lot worse. The wood expands and contracts with the temp and humidity so the track is bent slightly in a different way from day to day - not as much as with a true wood track, but a little. I might suggest you ride it during a different time of year or a different time of day.

marolinesdad · August 08, 2010, 10:52:47 AM

When I was on park 2 weeks ago they were pulling a train from thunderation because one of the wheels on the last car was bad. The next day I rode in the same car and it was riding much smoother. One thing to consider is that staying open so late makes it harder to fix things on the rides everyday.

Ozark Outlaw · August 08, 2010, 12:15:06 PM

Thunderation is definitely a workhorse, and has been for nearly 20 years! Every ride needs a little overhaul from time to time, but I think the bumps, and jolts add a little character to it.

mhguy77 · August 22, 2010, 08:39:11 PM

Rode this today and you can see where certain sections of track are not " square" even on the lift hill its not straight. I am sure its almost impossible to get sections that need repair exactly at the right angle and all.
Its still a fun ride.

BackInTime · August 23, 2010, 08:11:56 AM

TNT is probably the best mine train coaster in existence. And that helix is one of the best sections of track on any coaster I've ridden. Hope they NEVER decide to remove or replace this gem. Man, that choo choo can chug.

And yes, it can be a rough ride, but it comes with the territory. I've ridden steel coasters that punish you much more that TNT. One thing that helps me is trying to keep my neck as tight as possible throughout the ride. Not as easy with cars that don't have head rests, but it's doable.

Tony from Tulsa · September 05, 2010, 11:26:30 AM

Three years ago, we were there first thing in the morning. We decided to ride Thunderation FIRST. Why, I don't know, as I don't tolerate fast, spinny rides very well, if you know what I mean. We got in line to ride it backwards (by accident), but I thought "Oh well, lets live a little. How bad could it be?". It was VERY bad. Jerky doesn't describe it. Riding it backwards was much worse because obviously you can't see what turn or drop is coming up next. We survived, and were glad to say we did it, but MAN, did my neck hurt for days. I think its a great ride, but everyone should ride at their discretion. For example, I probably won't be riding it again, but glad to say we did.

Swoosh · September 05, 2010, 12:46:40 PM

You guys do realize that the ride is designed to be a little rough, right? That is the nature of the minetrain design. It is supposed to feel like an out of control ore cart going down the tracks. TNT is FAR FROM being rough. In fact it is one of the smoothest minetrains out there. I think the issue is that some of you have become spoiled by the smoothness of B&M coasters like Wildfire and have come to expect that on all coasters... unfortunately not all coaster design firms are B&M.