Apollo's Chariot

[NatDog]

I've always wondered what these things are underneath the top of Apollo's Chariots lift hill, just where the train starts the descent. I've attached 2 pics of them. They look like some sort of metal sheeting. I've never seen them anywhere before. Can anyone shed any light on them?

[Daniel]

If you're referring to what I think you are mate, they're catwalks. Used for maintenance and what not. So people can stand alongside the train if it's stopped there.

[NatDog]

I thought about that but I haven't seen them on any other B&M hypers.

[Daniel]

Not all coasters have them. For example, the catwalk was added to Demon when it was put together at Wonderland. Apparently, there wasn't one before then.

[NatDog]

Have attached a third pic, this one is from the last bunny hop before the brakes. Strange to have one of them there. They must have them there for some other reason.

[Daniel]

Just on the other side of the catwalk, are trim brakes, or some sort of brakes, which would be the reason...

[Richard]

The ride cross the path of rides below. Given the lack of handrails, lack of structural components and the odd locations (which do coincide with the cross-overs), I'd say they're definitely a loose items "net" - you don't want the change out of people's pockets landing on people below.

[Daniel]

Come to think of it, you'd be spot on Rich. Rails didn't even enter the mind when I made that statement. It's late, it was a long day at work That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. Or a camera for that matter Rich...

[NatDog]

Your correct Richard, a water rapid ride goes beneath the track at the points where the metal sheeting is.

[Gazza]

Maybe they also stop lubricating oil dripping into the rapids then.

[Bussy]

Why would they need protection to stop things falling onto people below? No one ever drops anything from rides do they? "The Bus is now leaving for Dropper Fence Dam, South Australia"

[T-bone]

Not all coasters have them.   For example, the catwalk was added to Demon when it was put together at Wonderland.  Apparently, there wasn't one before then.

Your Quite right Daniel. See here. Then here. Then here. Then last of all here. Thats all.

[Daniel]

Of course I am Pauly Boy. I always am!

[Schwarz_freak]

My two cent. Look here to see that the demon is'nt the only boomerang that has cat walks on it.If they are cat walks how do you get to them when there are no stairs.

[Guest rainbowsendguy]

Didnt the model Fabio love that ride? Until the 4kg goose hit him, huh?

[NatDog]

Yup, thats right rainbow, he got hit by the bird at the bottom of the first drop.

[Daniel]

It made an improvement! I am Fabio, the most beautiful man in the cosmos, including the black hole Schwarz, if in fact there are no stairs to the catwalk which I really doubt, they're most likely just camoflauged by the dark background, the answer is cherry picker or similar. Time to wake the firies up...

[Bussy]

Look here to see that the demon is'nt the only boomerang that has cat walks on it.If they are cat walks how do you get to them when there are no stairs.

I don't know what photo you were looking at but on the one that you have linked it is pretty obvious that there is a spiral staircase exactly like the one on 'The Demon' I bet all the women on the train were very excited to be getting Fabio's blood all over them. I wonder what payout he got from the park to stop him suing them? "The Bus is now leaving for The Steps And Stairs, NSW"

[Daniel]

I can see it too brother upon second look.

[Richard]

I don't think even in America that any lawsuit against the park would get anywhere. A wild bird hit the guy. There's no way the park could be seen as at all negligent. It happened at the official opening for the ride too, so it sort of sucks, but it's one of those things that just happens. I'm sure if he didn't look alright afterwoods, his plastic surgeon was able to beat it back into shape (and he was probably due for some replacements anyway) .