Hey all, long time lurker first time poster. Really enjoyed the updates makes me want to visit the parks again last time I visited was pre-potter and it was still amazing.
With the Drop track system, I should be able to explain how it works.
There are 2 forms for the track , the form on Verbolten is very similar to a drop tower with a cable to raise the frame with the track in and magnetic brakes at the bottom to slow it down.
Intamins drop track uses hydraulics, the piece of coaster track with brakes and drive tires sits on a large hydraulic ram, to drop valves are opened venting the hydraulic fluid which causes the track to free-fall (the valves are large so it can drop at gravity) though the hydraulic system can also give a false drop which is done on Thirteen. Which I am hoping this ride will do as well.
The system is very similar to how the haunted mansion stretching room works though instead of dropping the guests at about 1 mph it falls at 9.81m/s (gravity)
The only downside is the system cant move heavy loads (a coaster train) upwards. Though it should never need to, but its a very fast system (so fast thirteen exceeded its theoretical throughput on opening day) which really makes me think theirs going to be more than just darkness, static sets and a drop there.
Looking forward to seeing this ride open. Going to be amazing, will need to plan a trip across the Atlantic and
visit the parks again.