A Gases And Welding Roller Coaster Ride
I’m 200 feet above the ground strapped to a small metal car, and for some reason all I can think about is welding. Perhaps this is because welding is part of my job, or, more likely, it’s because the roller coaster I’m currently buckled into is supported by a frame of steel beams, and my life seems to rest upon the integrity of a series of welds. These thoughts are quickly replaced by the sounds of screams (mostly my own) as the cart reaches its pinnacle and begins its 208-foot descent. 90 exhilarating seconds later I hear the hiss of brakes signaling the end of the ride. As I catch my breath and relax my kung fu grip on the poor stranger next to me, I’m already wondering how much compressed air it takes to stop a ride moving that fast and who supplies the cylinders in which it is stored.
It’s now two days later and I’m sitting comfortably in the safety of my office, researching next month’s gases and welding vacation destination: roller coasters. Keep an eye out for the August issue of GAWDA Edge, which will include everything you want to know about the gases and welding work that goes into one of America’s greatest thrillers. And for some other industry hot spots, check out previous vacation destinations.
