Thunderation question

[LadyDrifter]

I was just curious why they took out the backwards seats.

[chittlins]

I was just curious why they took out the backwards seats.

Supposedly insurance reasons. Sounds hokey given that so many places are running things backward as an off new attraction year marketing ploy. Only thing that makes sense of the move is that the trains are too simplistic and deemed not secure enough.

[Hollwood]

I was under the impression that it was so they could run 2 trains during OTC. Running them backwards caused more maintenance, now they can tear apart both trains during the off season and compleat them before spring.

[chittlins]

I was under the impression that it was so they could run 2 trains during OTC. Running them backwards caused more maintenance, now they can tear apart both trains during the off season and compleat them before spring.

The design of the train is fairly straight forward and nothing too intricate about them. A platform with wheels, with the same couplings on each end. I'm stumped how it increased maintenance  The only way one could tell which way the car faced is to look at the seat orientation.

[Ozark Outlaw]

I agree with chittlines. I am by no means a ThuNderaTion mechanic, but both ends of the car appear to be mechanically identical. I believe riding backwards was a way for Silver Dollar City to reinvigorate excitement for ThuNderaTion after it had been operational for several years. Now that Silver Dollar City has Wildfire, PowderKeg, and Outlaw Run, the backwards seat gimmick may not be necessary anymore.

Purely speculation!

[qwed94]

Im not sure about maintenance. I wouldnt think the directions of these cars would matter about maintenance. 

Insurance, well maybe, actually likely.  As mentioned these cars are fairly straight forward, (including the restraints).  I cant really imagine the cars being anymore "unsafe" just because the seats are facing backwards. However, insurance companies "might" think differently.

[Grapeslie]

I Miss The Backwards Rides! 

[sdcDave]

Did anyone else find riding backwards to be uncomfortable?  It kind of hurt my back the last time I remember riding it that way. 

[chittlins]

Did anyone else find riding backwards to be uncomfortable?  It kind of hurt my back the last time I remember riding it that way. 

The only reason I can see this is because of G forces. riding backwards pulls you away from the back of the seat creating a gap and letting you jar back into into it. I'm sure the hill allowed you to slide away from the back of the seat and this may make people uncomfortable.

[tiffanylynnt]

I wish it still went backwards...

[chittlins]

I wish it still went backwards...

I think everyone would get their backward fix with a coaster like this GCI wooden shuttle concept but a bit more customized with a few more bunnyhop hills

[biscuitcreek]

Did anyone else find riding backwards to be uncomfortable?  It kind of hurt my back the last time I remember riding it that way. 

Yes, my husband and I always felt bad after riding backwards. Could ride TNT repeatedly facing forward with no ill effects but one ride backward and we were done with TNT for the day.

[okiebluegrass]

I think it was a bit more physically demanding riding it backward. I was in my early 20s the last time I rode it backward, and as I age, I notice that G-forces affect me differently. I'll be 39 in 25 days, so I'm feeling it.

[Ozark Outlaw]

My father rode it backwards once, and he said "never again!" Riding backwards just messed with his senses. I sort of agree. I like to see where I am going, not where I have been. However, I can definitely see the appeal of riding backwards.