Knotts Berry Farm Progress

First drop's completed, anyone else slightly disappointed by how rampish the drop turned out?

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/kbf8.5.04/IMG_7094.shtml

Like Nemisis, I'm sure the rest of the ride will still kick arse. But with the necessary short first drop, would have been cool if they somehow designed a more dramatic drop that'd still fit in the confined space. No big, as long as the rest of the ride doesn't turn out to be forceless too.

Thanks for the link!

I ain't gonna knock it 'till I try it. I really liked the Whizzer's first drop even though it wasn't steep. I kinda like a slower build to the first element (not always, just in some cases).

I think this coaster will start out strong and have a wild finish. I think it will be all about speed.

*** Edited 8/9/2004 10:10:20 PM UTC by janfrederick***

They didn't want the track directly over the Carousel. Of course, if it was me, i would have moved the carousel

My guess at why the drop is the way isn't as steep as the other B&M inverts is how close it comes to Jaguar as seen here.

I agree Eric, since you'll be flying high over the water too, will still be a cool effect.

But had I designed it ;o), I'd had it do a 180 turn at the top to clear Jaguar, then vertical drop into the loop! (or at least as vertical as possible). Was just hoping B&M might surprise us with something a little different or unique.

My thoughts exactly, jomo. Ever since the Arrow suspended coasters were new I have wanted to see a "hanging from the track" coaster with steep vertical drops. I think the effect would be awesome!

That wish aside, I can't wait for SB to open! Solace should be a blast nest year...

Who/What is Walter?

^ Scroll down for a pic of the Walter K Steamboat:

http://www.knotts.com/park/tour/csnoopy/index.shtml

And hopefully someday Scott someone will buy an ArrowBatic so we can all experience what a face forward airtime filled inverted vertical drop is like!

*** Edited 8/10/2004 1:13:31 AM UTC by jomo***

Thanks jomo! Never knew that was the name!

No problem Jeffrey, alot of people don't even realize KBF has a boat cruise, let alone the name of it!

Here's some newer pix of SB's half finished loop:

http://www.westcoaster.net/update.php?id=0809042

Add me to the list of those surprised the drop isn't steeper. It sure looked like it would be on the blueprints. Oh well...t'will be fun nonetheless.

mOOSH

If you recall Badnitrus' renderings, you could tell the drop was not going to be very steep. I personally don't mind, as some of my favorite drops are rather 'rampy'--Beast's drop after the second lift comes to mind.

*** Edited 8/10/2004 8:02:06 PM UTC by Vater***

I wouldn't want to be on Jaguar and have someone's shoe smack me upside the head:

http://www.westcoaster.net/update.php?id=0809042

;)

Oh no! The drop isn't steep enough!!! Get a grip, people! The way it is designed might give it a nice effect. I remember the first time I went on Raptor, I was pleasantly suprised by the airtime on the first hill caused by the turn into the drop. Maybe Silver Bullet will have a similar sensation, or maybe some nice laterals as the train decends the hill.

I'm just happy to live nearby so I can ride it.

I'm confused at your comparison - Silver Bullet and Raptor's drops are completely different.

or maybe the drop might end up feeling more like Wizzer's drops.

Sarcasm ;)

A first drop like thw Whizzer wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. I'm looking forward to that turn after the first loop...sailing over the lagoon and then walkway before tackling the cobra roll. Might be some air there.

I think the train will be smoking by the end of the course.

Cuz it's a Silver Bullet?

Joe "damn, that was worse than a Tekno joke!" C. ;)

The drop does look very weak, not to mention ugly. I hope it turns out to be a good ride.

An steep drop on an invert would require a large pull in to ensure that the cars don't bump each other. It would also require a large pull out because the trains would be travelling quite fast at the bottom.