B&M LAUNCH??

Why is there not a launch with flting coasters? I have wondered, I have been meaning to ask this but have not gotten the chance. The only thing I can think of is no one has thought of this, or the launch could be too much pressure on the head? Any clues or ideas?

Too much pressure on the head? Well in my mind(the demented thing it is) I would say that the pressure would go straight to your insides, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom after you get off. Of course, I'm just weird and most likely wrong.

-Adam

B&M doesn't like to do lauched coasters period. They didn't even want Hulk to have the tire launch. Don't know why though.

Well B&M are just a bunch of meany heads then.

I tend to disagree. Normal business sense would tell you that just because your product is popular now on the consumer side, doesn't mean it's going to be the rolls royce of tomorrow. Parks are already planning years in advance, so when we see a coaster installed, it was most likely planned a couple years before.

So in theory, if you want to stay on top of the competition, you can't settle and say "k guys, we're fine," you have to constantly upgrade, innovate, and expand what your business has to offer in the future.

Anyone remember Arrow Dynamics? They too were the top dog of their day, but because they were unable to change with the times...well, we all know what happened.

B&M does make incredible coasters, but unless they come up with a new product, the market could become saturated within the next five to ten years, i.e. Arrow loopers. *** Edited 7/31/2004 10:14:23 PM UTC by CoasterKrazy***

Yeah, that's what people said 5-10 years ago. ;)

I'm sure B&M are working on new, innovative ideas. But like PhantomLives stated, don't expect to see tham until they actually work! They have built a reputation among parks as R-E-L-I-A-B-L-E. They aren't going to crap all over that rep just to keep up with companies that have rides down every other week.

TPL is right. B&M's are reliable. They're money makers for parks. Parks buy what makes them money.

Besides, right now, what other major players are out there? It seems that Intamin has gotten itself into a lot of trouble as of late, Vekoma isn't building anything new, Arrow has all but fallen off the face of the earth. What other Major players are out there building coasters today?

If B&M were smart (and they are), they'd stick with what works. Yeah, Delorians were cool for their time, but try finding parts.

d8

*Cough Cough*

Vekoma isn't making anything new?! If anything, I think Vekoma is on my most improved list for this year. Take a look at the innovative Booster Bike, and the up and coming Exp. Everest. They're making great lengths to achieve the ultimate smoothness in track design.

I can't really justify Intamin using the same track for all hyper, giga, and such just to throw on some hydraulic pumps and call it a brand spanking new ride. The only new intamin trick is height limits and great uses of magnetic brakes(in which they still aren't the only ones trying though)

B&M do new stuff. Just because they don't do launch is not a nail in the coffin. Otherwise GCI and alot of other wood coaster makers would be outta business...

I'm not talking about only new launching technology for B&M, but totally new ride concepts altogether, or possibly improvements on designs by other companies, such as the 4th Dimension.

DWeaver, you're probably right about the time it will take before B&M goes the way of Arrow, but I think it will happen sometime within the next twenty years if they don't offer a few new products. While it is entirely possible for stand-ups and sit-down loopers to become popular again, they aren't being built at this time. The invert is still very popular, but most parks that can afford already have this type of coaster. Dive-machine technology seems to be out-dated, which leaves only the hyper and floorless to go with the invert.

Dont forget the B&M flyer concept is only what, 3-4 years old? Name 10 coaster designs that are newer. Dont worry about B&M they can take care of themselves.

And as with the Arrow simularites, just remember that unlike arrow loopers, B&M inverts are aging quite well; SFGAm's Batman still runs like it did the day it opened.

B&M was working on a 4D. It was going to go to Port Adventura in Spain for 2006, but it got canned. There was also that patent with the sideways loading system that could have been for a flyer or a 4D type ride.

Sideways loading system?

Apollo, I thought that patent site was a hoax.

Also, intamin just introduced some new inversions, which could count for something...

But is there any real reason that any flyers do not have launches at all. I understand about B&M not liking launches but I mean laying down launching would rule to me. I want to ride one but there is not one to ride!

Will there ever be another 4-d?

I think the "it would put too much stress on the head" reason is total BS. That would rule out all S&S turbo shots and such.

I think the real reason we haven't seen any is they're being developed and we're not seeing them yet, or the much more realistic answer, no one has asked for one yet.

Dont hold your breath for another 4D. Hey, dont get me wrong they're great rides, but I think the one at MM will be the "unique, 1 and only" for quite some time.

And for clarification, B&M was not working on a 4D.

EXACTLY- Laying down launch would rule to you, i'm not saying it wouldn't be nice, but there are other options being explored, and no offense to you or your idea but some people just dont find it interesting/exciting.