http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/i-team-roller-coaster-inspectors-keeping-you-safe

The Son of Beast case that resulted in a judgment was settled prior to the conclusion of the damages portions of the trial. To say that the judgment was for a certain amount of money without adding that is misleading, at best. The case, like the others, was in fact settled under terms that were not made public.

That portion of this article is sloppy reporting, to be kind.

I was more interested in the inspection notes.

If one part of an article is sloppy, chances are good that...

Try asking Disneyland about that one.

That ship has sailed.

Every couple of years I'd imagine.

Every couple of years I'd imagine.

You might want to read the cited article...

Turns out rides are inspected every day. Makes me feel a little more safe!

^Not to knock B&M or Kings Island in any way...but you really felt safe getting on a ride like Diamondback thinking it was only inspected every couple of years?!

Should they check between every train to make sure all of the track is still there?

Sometimes during nightrides on The Beast, I wish they would have!

Dont be an >>.>

Rides run hundred of patrons through a ride every day. Heavy trains rolling over wood and steel that sits out in the elements. Wind, rain, sunlight, etc. Rides sway. Rides bend. Bolts get pressure. Wood goes bad, steel gets fatigued. Things have to be replaced. Chains may need more grease and oil. Brake fins need to be replaced. No different than when a school bus driver checks every morning to make sure the lights on the bus work, the sign the mirrors and the brakes.

I am assuming you make sure your tires are inflated every day on your car right? Why wouldnt these rides who make hundred if not thousands of people a week happy are safe?

Turns out rides are inspected every day. Makes me feel a little more safe!

I know. That's why I jump on them with such great ease. I used to go visit someone who worked there, get a cup of coffee, and walk around the park, way early, to watch the workers.

That's the only thing that can get me on DB, Scary as heck, but it's Ben checked.

I've asked before, and I'd still like to know.....how do they inspect the integrity of the steel track on steel coasters? There is no walk way on those machines like there is on most of a wooden coaster, and I would be hard pressed to believe that the entire circuit is x-rayed each day.

If anyone out there KNOWS FOR SURE how these inspections are done, please post a reply.

If I had to guess, I`d say a visual inspection of the track is all that is done on a daily basis. They probably x-ray the track, or use dye tests in the off season. With steel track, its not like they have to worry about some of the wood track rotting, or nailes/bolts coming loose. They do have bolts connecting the steel tracks. These normally have torque markings on them, so they can tell just by looking whether or not the bolts have started to work themselves loose and need to be re tightened.

Maintenance will also partake in a few trips on steel coasters (probably most rides) after a few test runs to "listen" for potential problems.

It is amazing what can be heard on an empty train early in the morning.

Maintenance will also partake in a few trips on steel coasters (probably most rides) after a few test runs to "listen" for potential problems.

It is amazing what can be heard on an empty train early in the morning.

Most of the coaster is inspected daily by visual track and vehicle inspection, but there are tell tail signs of issues with the track that is inaccessable from catwalk. Typically abnormal wear on the track, bolt witness mark movement. The tracks will also have a full inspection in the off season via crane or man lift to get to every inch of the track. They will look for any weld issues, also check each witness mark on every bolt.

Due to new guidelines they also typically keep those same inspection lifts / cranes near the coaster for evac purposes.

If a track needs more inspection they can use a track ball, that will self propel on the track. These are costly, so often companies like Cedar Fair may have 1-2 around the country that can be moved via truck if needed.

When I worked at IOA we had 1 that could be used on all 3 B&M coasters. It was stored in the Dragons shop since Hulk had no room due to location and the motor generators.

Most steel coaster maintance employees know the sound of the rides by heart, heck most full time employees do too. You hear a rattle here, bang here somethings not right, could be the vehicle could be track. The main point of maintance on the steel coasters is the vehicles, they are subject to so much wear and tear. Between guest riding them, and ride cycles they see plenty of damage.

If you want to know what happens daily here is a link to the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials

Recent Education session on Steel Coaster Inspections - http://www.naarso.com/Mass%20School%20Handouts/SteelCoasterInspectionMA_2013.pdf

Also, marketing, future projects and pricing are all kept close to the vest in the industry. But when it comes to ride operations, safety and maintenance procedures, there is a great deal of information sharing between what are otherwise competitors or perceived as competitors.