Katun

I was wondering if anyone had info on the coaster, "Katun" and could tell a little information about it. I don't seem to recall that there was that much "buzz" about the new coasters as one would think there would be when that is the second tallest inverted coaster in the world. If anyone has any information on this coaster, that would be much appreciated.

Here ya go: http://www.rcdb.com/quicksearch.htm?quicksearch=Katun

I cant personally tell you anything about the coaster. All I heard was that it was very rough when it first opened.

The themeing is pretty cool. Look at the floor that lowers as the train leaves the station: http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery764.htm?Picture=12. Nice detail.

------------------
"Before you insult anyone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do insult them, you'll be a mile away and have there shoes.
*** This post was edited by SFGAMan 10/4/2003 11:48:41 PM ***

I love the look of the whole ride - the Mayan theme is really eye catching and I think the trains look really great. I heard it was rough, but I think that those issues have been sorted out as it was something to do with the wheel type used.

Has anyone noticed the design of the trains is slightly different?

Compare the front of the bit that holds up the seatback (just above the rider's head) - although the train on Inferno and Batman is different (the Batman one is older as it has the brace beneath the four seats in the rows), the bit holding the seatback is similar, but on Katun it has a sloping bit. Is this the only difference on the trains? I cannot see anything else but was wondering whether not only this, but a different design of train could contribute to the roughness.

Katun (2000)
Batman: The Ride at La Ronde (old trains)
Nemesis Inferno (newest trains)

I have looked at other inverted coaster pictures, and Katun seems to be the only one with this style of train. I know it's only a subtle difference, but are there any other changes, and why was Katun the only one of it's type (as far as I can see)?

------------------
Comprehensive European ride and coaster reviews
http://www.ukrollercoasters.co.uk

Yep, you're right. I haven't noticed this, but looking at the pictures:
- old trains have the seats attached to each other underneath the train
- Katun has a sloping piece above the riders heads and the small wheels on the sides have a more curving cover, even Dueling Dragons' trains don't have this
- newer trains are similar to those found on Katun, but without the sloping piece and the curving wheel-cover (what's the purpose of those small wheels anyway ?)

------------------
Roarrrr...

Small wheels are what the train is stored on in the maintenance bay. Next time you go on an inverted coaster, glance in the maintenance bay and you'll see that the regular running track ends and the train rolls onto those storage wheels. This frees up the running wheels so the springs can expand and also so that engineers can get to the wheels without lifting the train off the track.

I noticed the curvy cover on the edge of the train too and guessed it was there for aesthetics. I think those bracing bars haven't been used since 1995/6ish in favour of more discreet X-shaped braces right underneath the seats themselves.

I'm just wondering why such an (apparently) academic change was made to the Katun trains, and whether there are any other differences. I can't see any.

Also, I'm surprised that more trains don't use themed wheel covers. Katun does, and Duelling Dragons does, but I cannot think of any others. I'm surprised Thorpe didn't do themed ones (although they have got fire decal on them).

------------------
Comprehensive European ride and coaster reviews
http://www.ukrollercoasters.co.uk

*** This post was edited by Marcus Sheen 10/5/2003 8:54:54 AM ***

great white at SW in Texas has shark painted ones

http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery278.htm?Picture=1

best pic I could find

------------------
I am one.
I am Turbo.
Top Thrill in the front row... anything else is lame
X...Whoa

Presumably they're the same shape, though? Montu's are painted as well. Surprised that the actual fibreglass shape doesn't vary. I'm sure the flame decor on Inferno for example could have been expanded so that the covers were in fireball shapes (for example).

------------------
Comprehensive European ride and coaster reviews
http://www.ukrollercoasters.co.uk

In that picture of Great Whites trains, you can see, it has the slanted piece above the riders head too... Strange that the trains vary but what ride, not by "generation" of the train.

------------------
Shaun Rajewski
CoasterLine
http://www.coasterline.com

Well, all the reports regarding Katun this year have been fantastic. Best looper in Europe, best coaster ever, etc. So, I guess its was only a first year thing, the "roughness".

Thought that might be the case Absimilliard. I can't remember when the ECC visited Italy, but comments then were raving.

------------------
Comprehensive European ride and coaster reviews
http://www.ukrollercoasters.co.uk

Another thing i've wondered is why some supports have ladders on the side.

(e.g. http://www.thorpeparkguide.com/parktour/attracts/nemesisinferno/gallery/pics/entrance.jpg on the very left support)

Is it to get to sensors on the track or something? Kinda seems like an odd place for a sensor.

(edit: http://www.thorpeparkguide.com/parktour/attracts/nemesisinferno/gallery/pics/loop.jpg
there's one there too.. on the left of the loop.)
*** This post was edited by sfft_freak 10/6/2003 7:53:34 PM ***

I bet that makes it a lot easier to check and adjust the splice bolts...

------------------
-Parker My Coaster Count
www.SFMWZone.com

I almost rode Katun when I went to Italy for vacation with my family this past summer. Sadly, when couldn't fit it in. Personally I think if my parents can take me to a looooooong, very crowded (barely could breath) and boring day at the Vatican, I should get a favor in return by going to Miriblanda. And yes, I do realize I sounded like a seven year old with those comments on the Vatican, but trust me, anyone ages one to twenty would have been bores, with few exceptions.

I would guess that there is something electrical-related up there and that is why there is a permanent ladder on the side of the support. Probably a sensor or perhaps something that has to do with the lighting system (if there is one)?

------------------
-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

GoliathKills, you're correct. The access ladders are something Thorpe Park requested of Bolliger and Mabillard and there is one on the vertical loop, the high helix and the turnaround between the corkscrews. There are no sensors there.

There are also ladders on Colossus on the vertical loop and cobra roll.

------------------
Comprehensive European ride and coaster reviews
http://www.ukrollercoasters.co.uk/nemesisinferno_main.htm