What is the Purpose of This?

[metalhead7]

I noticed this is the queue for Fahrenheit yesterday and I was wondering what is the purpose of what looks to be plastic piece located directly behind the back right top wheel of the last car. I think this piece does touch the track, but i think its too small to produce any significant drag.

Its hard to spot because its so small, but you can probably see it in the second picture better.
http://rcdb.com/4049.htm?p=21853
http://rcdb.com/4049.htm?p=25501

My best guess right now is it is some sort of trigger for the cameras or something like that, but I really have no idea.

 

[bergochdalbana]

^ The nylon on the wheels make them work in a similar fashion as a Van de Graaff generator when the coaster is running, that little strap is there to discharge the static electricity that will build up in the train due to this effect.
It wouldn't be nice to get a massive jolt every time anyone entered/left the train.

In some cases (especially during high speeds) that flap may loose "connection" to the track and then you can hear a "tick-tick" sound which arcing between the train and track due to built up static electricity.

 

[furie]

We used to do that on the Big Apple at Alton Towers many. many years ago. If you reached out to the metal of the apple, it would give you a shock.

 

[Martyn B]

^ They all do that! Bastard things.

 

[kimahri]

Where exactly am I looking?

 

[Gazza]

^"directly behind the back right top wheel of the last car".....

 

[Snoo]

The piece of rubber hanging off the last wheel of the train.

 

[Mushroom]

I asked the same question a few years ago =]

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=26471&p=609163#p609163