Is Storm Runner Doomed?

So what - if people really like Storm Runner and Fahrenheit is similar but not the same, that means shorter lines for both and one more reason to visit for SR fans.
:o)

P.S. I just saw the POV on Hershey's website
http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/fahrenheit/index.php

It's a really fun coaster... you just have to love how the Intamins give the elements that additional twist these days (e.g. the entrance to the Pretzel).
The only thing I was wondering about is how it pans out with the OTSRs they are using now. *** Edited 9/29/2007 6:53:33 PM UTC by superman***

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Rob Ascough said:
but it doesn't take long for today's state-of-the-art coasters to be eclipsed by newer rides that will make them obsolete, sometimes in a short amount of time.

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I think the key is balancing the new technology with concentrating on making a great ride. The Vekoma flyer's didn't, SFMM's Superman didn't, SOB didn't, most of the stand-ups didn't, etc.

But look at B:TR at SFGAm. Pretty remarkable that a ride so radically different from anything seen before can also be so. damn. fun. And the B:TR's obviously still have drawing power.

I think the reaction to Storm Runner was really positive, it's not going to wain in popularity for a long while.

I'm not saying it's going to happen next year, but most steel coasters that were once cutting-edge eventually reach an expiration date. The most popular ones after years of use are the ones that have solid elements rather than gimmicks. You're right, Vekoma's flying coasters are pretty much obsolete after less than a decade but the B&M Batman design that is almost twice as old is still going strong. There is definitely a sweet spot and some parks and companies have found it while others have not.

I haven't been to Hershey since they installed Storm Runner, but I'd think that they'll both retain popularity.

People still ride Wildcat since the similar, yet better, Lightning Racer went in. People still ride Magnum even though in the gp's eyes, it's essentially the same thing as Millennium Force except shorter.

It will be interesting to see, but if they're as good as they look, I think they'll both hold up on their own.

Count me in on the silly post side. Is Wildcat doomed because they put in Lightning Racer? I mean, they both have the same trains and were both built by GCI.

Someone say Gravy?

Now that I think about it, the Wave Swinger, Musik Express, Tilt-a-Whirl, Rodeo and Flyers are all basically the same ride. You go around and around in a circle.

What about the monorail and the train? And don't even mention the kiddie rides! I think they're all doomed.

You know, I am still relatively new, being here about a year on this site, but I am still going to give my two cents.

I think its unreal how quick people are to 'heckle' people. Some people have a huge 'keyboard' ego, probably to make up for a lack in other area's.

Two problems I have, 1) If you look back over the posts in the past few years, you will see a lot of people with very intelligent posts do not post here anymore. And 2) While at an event this year at Knoebels, I said where I saw the ad, and when I said coasterbuzz a few people snickered, offered me some other websites, and in a nutshell called it childish here.

I know what you might be thinking, and I am going to sum it up now. Some posts suck, some are great, and some topics are hit and miss. The ones that don't interest me, I just keep my mouth quiet and move on respectfully. This topic is actually a good one, especially if you are very familiar with HP, so why can't the people who care about it discuss it in a respectful manor, while you who don't care keep your keyboards quiet and respectfully move on?!!?

Thanks for listening to me vent

Hey Superman,

All I have to say is I love your logic.

Considering the sheer competition of theme parks nowadays, I think it's a valid point. There's really no plain old fun and new designs anymore, save Intamin's cool approach to elements. I feel that once you've ridden TTD (or KK) and SR you've pretty much ridden every rocket coaster.

I think Fahrenheit has a pretty cool layout.

^ Thank you. I have been trying to say something along those lines for some time now. You know what though Gary, it doesn't matter, you are oviously a person who loves the enthusiast world and cares for it, as do I. Dont let others feed on you because your not full of ............ like they are. Let them sit under there own poluted skin and drown in it.

...And Gary, I agree with you 100 percent. People get unnecessarily cocky and defensive on here. Insecurity shouldn't be taken out on the people who share the same passion as you. EVERY topic is stupid and senseless to SOMEONE. *** Edited 10/1/2007 3:52:00 AM UTC by Hatham Al-Shabibi***

Nice post, Gary, I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head.

It's a double-edged sword. I've been posting here for close to seven years and I generally like the community. I've met many interesting people through this site and it's still a good place to discuss most aspects of amusement park enthusiasm. Of course, it sometimes comes with a price. There are egos to be fed. Many people are unwilling to engage in a constructive debate because they think they're right, everyone else is wrong and there is no way that's going to change no matter what is said. As a last resort, people resort to sarcasm and attitudes that are uncalled for, hiding behind their computers acting all big and tough when they're likely the kind of people that would run and hide in person if someone looked at the cross-eyed. Worst of all, some people make it a point to dedicate time to posts that they thing are ridiculous in the first place, as if making it known they disagree with the subject matter is something they absolutely have to do.

The truth of the matter is, some people are fun to talk and debate with while others are socially-inept (it will be interesting to see who responds to that comment.) There are people I flat-out love arguing with because it's civil and constructive and there are some people I hate seeing respond to anything because I know it's going to be insulting and mean-spirited, especially if the person ends up having not much at all to say.

Of course, I won't pretend to be perfect. I'm not. No one is. But some people make it awfully hard to discuss anything, and then they'll complain that everyone else just can't "handle it" or whatever.

If as topic doesn't interest me, I move on to the next one. I don't take the time to make a comment about how stupid/idiotic/thoughtless/ridiculous/misinformed it is.

*** Edited 10/1/2007 5:03:08 AM UTC by Rob Ascough***

Greatly said.

Once again, being a coaster "expert" doesn't exactly do wonders for you in this world.

Another thought on why Storm Runner will not be harmed by Fahrenheit is that Storm Runner is has a pretty weird layout - basically, it seems like every element is a new surprise, and the way the layout is designed (in one giant loop) is also very unconventional.
Fahrenheit on the other hand is a much more conventional compact coaster design that twists around itself -
so apart from the obvious similarities (top-hat shaped hill, Intamin track and trains) they really are almost as different as can be.
I think they wanted another more conventional coaster, and they picked the right one to prevail in the competitive thrill ride scene.
I think it's all fine.
Besides, I really hope I get to ride this baby.

I'm just not in the camp that thinks the two rides are similar enough that installling Fahrenheit makes Storm Runner obsolete or redundant.

At least it's not as bad as those who spent the last month claiming the rides were identical and totally indistinguishable from one another. Because that claim was usually followed up by "Hershey should be putting in a hyper."

Maybe a lot of people don't notice their surroundings when they ride a coaster. But I think a big part of the experience riding coasters at HP is how you interact with your surroundings including the other rides.

SR has the drop into the hollow where Trailblazer and the Country Grill are, and also the snake loop near the Falcon. Totally cool to ride at night with the lights on. Plus the monorail passes beneath the top hat. Not to mention the launch area consistently draws large crowds just to watch-- I don't think that's going anywhere for awhile.

Fahrenheit will have its own things going on. Even the uneducated GP can tell the difference between a launch and a vertical lift. And that pretzel loop is going to be awesome to see close-up. I hope they orient it so it's clearly visible from the midway and across the park. I think they'll need to create another "viewing area" for the crowds watching it. *** Edited 10/1/2007 5:10:30 PM UTC by RatherGoodBear***

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Rob Ascough said:
As a last resort, people resort to sarcasm and attitudes that are uncalled for...

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Irony... kettle... irony... pot...

What has happened to CoasterBuzz?

^ Ironic who responded.

I don't think AJ was implying that Storm Runner has one foot in the grave, I think his was a more "distant future" question. Although Hershey hasn't removed a major coaster since the original Wild Cat, I'm sure there will eventually reach a point where Hershey does start removing rides. When the park is at that point, will Fahrenheit have an effect on the life of Storm Runner?

Look at what happened at theme parks in recent years- ones with two log flumes or log flume-type rides got rid of one. SFGAm had two Arrow loopers and Shockwave was lost in the name of progress. Dorney had two wood coasters and the problematic one was replaced. I'm not saying it will ever happen to Storm Runner, but I think that any park having two or more of one style of ride may eventually reach a point in time when they have to make a decision which one to keep.

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Gary B said:
...when I said coasterbuzz a few people snickered, offered me some other websites, and in a nutshell called it childish here.

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Hehe. If you think it's bad online, then you're in for a real treat if you come to an event. It's like a bunch of 12 year olds set loose...

...and it's a lot of fun. :)

Seriously though... Childish? Really?

I don't know that I'd use childish to describe the community around here - especially compared to some other foums...and if you don't agree with me then you're just a big poopyhead!

I disagree with you on this one, Rob. I didn't take anything from the original post about some distant future date. It was based on the perceived similarity of the rides, and the fact that F-heit may appeal to a broader crowd who isn't necessarily into launches and headbanging.

I say we find those nerds who called coasterbuzz childish and give them huge wedgies AND swirlies!

Here I thought we were the preferred home for the if-it's-old-it's-sacred crowd. We've got a low kiddie count here.

On PointBuzz, that's a different story...