During the dark section at the start of the SE coaster, the train feels like its shaking and rumbling a little bit, almost simulating the earthquake you are riding through. Is this a deliberate element of the ride, or is this due to wear and tear?

If it is designed that way to give you the feeling of being in an earthquake, how does the ride do it? I wouldn't expect the track itself to be "rough" as this I assume would cause unecessary wear to the wheels and wheel housings, shortening their life and becoming a potential risk to safety. Maybe the train carriages themselves have a vibration mechanism that creates that slight feeling of shaking and rumbling?

Just wondered if anyone else had noticed it and was interested in the mechanics of it.

I don't recall this happen at all. But it has been a long time since I've ridden. 

I'd say a wheel issue. Well not really an issue as such, but just wear/delamination of the wheel. 

Edited October 12, 20179 yr by Reanimated35
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There are a few spots, and yes, meant to simulate the earthquake. 

Not sure how it's done. 

@joz @djrappa @Roachie one of you guys have to know the story behind this?

Yeah so it's either:

• the subs that are next to the track
• the joins where the transfer track is.

the tremors are intentional. I don't think it's joins as it happens even as you leave the station ("attention, attention, the earthquake tremors are increasing..."). I don't think it's subs. 

 

I don't know what it is, but its intentional, constant (not just over joins), and couldn't be caused by subs (the force to do so would hit you in the chest also).

Could it be done with the tire drive/kicker wheels that move the trains through the dark ride section? Where some of the wheels are rough textured somewhat to create vibrations when the train rolls over them? Not sure, but yes @yaark i've definitely noticed it.

Or there's the far fetched idea of ButtKickers in every car.

@Luke thats sounds plausible, even slightly varying sizes of tyres could cause enough vibration to give the effect

I've never noticed any rumbling. Maybe I just expect it to be a bit rough.

It's noticeable front row just as you leave the station, definitely a rotating weight vibration (like a large version of the one in your phone). I think there is one in the dummy station too. 

Theres a bunch of subs next to the track... you can see them.

Combined with the low jog speed of the train creates a pretty convincing effect.

that's an amazing set up if the shudder is all down to the subs placed around the track. No way I would have thought it'd be anything less than mechanical effect.

Why is it the typical 'chestyness' isn't present?

Look I'm not saying there isn't some sort of sudder from the kicker wheels but I don't think there's any sort of track shaker... Probably to do with the coupling of the subs to the floor and transferring up into the track rather than firing low frequency waves at you.

There's not a chance this vibration/rattle is intentional. It's a bit rough because it's... a bit rough. You've got a fairly rapid speed tyre-driven section through a series of tight turns. There's going to be vibration.

It's just a happy coincidence that it contributes to the theme.

Sorry Rich - that i'm not sold on. it occurs within seconds of dispatch, before you even leave the station - a section of track that is completely flat, and straight.

It's also a rhythmic, timed occurrence.

I'm open to being shown otherwise, but i'm not presently sold.

You want proof that a relatively low budget roller coaster doesn't have a feature that exists on no other comparable coaster before or since?

The only thing unique about Superman Escape from a design perspective is the length, speed and heavily curved nature of its friction tyre section.  You feel it immediately upon dispatch because it cranks up to full speed right off the bat so there's a lot of friction. You feel it leaving the station in the front rows more than others because the main tyres are located at the front of the station.

You feel it throughout the curved sections because Intamin places tyres on curved sections of track, which means there's some side-to-side skidding because the trains don't travel over them perfectly straight on.

Rhythmic and timed? It's almost like it travels at a constant speed with tyres placed at equal distances? Crazy I know...

I withdraw my previous fountain.

it is odd that this large amount of friction doesn't cause any sort of sound, but its definitely more than plausible, now that you've explained that. thanks!

Well any sound would be hidden by the subs 

1 hour ago, AlexB said:

I withdraw my previous fountain.

it is odd that this large amount of friction doesn't cause any sort of sound, but its definitely more than plausible, now that you've explained that. thanks!

I was with you on this, but Richards explanation works for me. Just the tyres chattering on the bottom of the car. Good effect nonetheless. 

Well it got me too... I would have sworn it was intentional and to the theme... I can’t remember a time it wasn’t there... 

Well if it's a mechanical characteristic of the ride system it's going to always be there isn't it. 

Well, yeah.  That and even if such an effect was installed are we confident the powers that be would have maintained it all this time?  I'm not.

I've noticed that the Superman Escape has gotten a bit rougher, not just in the indoor area but also on the double down near the camera.  That area is also quite shaky, unlike it used to be.