I like the fact that these are starting to pop up here in the states. They're such great rides. The one Glenwood Caverns is definately a fun ride, but some of the European ones look outright rediculous.
I only got one ride and couldn't keep from tapping the brake when I started to feel really "tipsy" near the end of the ride. I was getting some scary laterals. Then I got a really sick from the altitude before I could re-ride and go all-out. :( Still, it was awesome and about the scariest coaster ride ever!
There's an Alpine coaster at Jiminy Peak, in Massachusetts, as well. I haven't been on it, but have seen POV of it, and the ride looked pretty good, from what I remember.
Gotta say though, this video doesn't really impress me. I guess it's one of those, You have to be there to really appreciate it type of rides.
Incidentalist said: I couldn't make it down without applying some brakes here and there. I think I could do it if it was properly banked for the higher speeds.
I don't remember where they are but I thought we had at least 3 alpine coasters in the U.S. now.
It looks like fun. I would not want to ride one when it is really cold, however.
I'm sure everyone has seen the video of the accident on this type of coaster. Here's my question: I understand that you are responsible for the braking throughout the course, but is there a brake-run at the end of the coaster? And how many "cars" are on the course at a single time? What type of restraints, if any, are used?
I wonder if they will ever sell these in a manner similar to Ikea! They don't look all that complicated. :D *** Edited 6/21/2007 4:15:37 AM UTC by Infamy***
If I remember correctly, you have a seatbelt setup similar to a car.
There are areas of the ride where you can't control your speed. There are rails that release the hand operated brakes and you travel on a conveyor belt.
On the Glenwood coaster these areas are pre and post lift (loading zone is post lift).
We rode the one at Jiminy Peak (called The Mountain Coaster) in October last year. It was very brisk and hats and gloves were needed. The lift hill takes you up the mountain for a couple of minutes. When released onto the course you control the speed with a hand brake. The speed can reach about 25 MPH if no brake is used. You can ride single or double. At the end of the run there are signs asking you to brake as you come into the brake run where you disembark. We made several runs without touching the brake.
The alpine slide, on the other hand, is insane without brakes. An almost wipeout taught us brakes should be used liberally.
