Kumba

Was the Kumba repainted ?

Not for certain, but I think I remember reading that it got re-painted last year at some point.

It was getting new paint during one of my visits 3 years ago (perhaps?). Only fitting for the best B&M not named Batman: The Ride.

Yes it got repainted just around the time that ground work began for Cheetah Hunt last year.

I don't think it got painted. I think they were using some kind of new "cleaning product" on the old paint. Can't find the article right now.

Whatever happened to the color, it certainly got much LOUDER for awhile there. Employees were even wearing hearing protection during one visit. Last time there, it seemed a little quieter - and no more protective equipment.

Prolly changed the wheels. I think Kumba is the loudest B/M....and the third loudest coaster after Superman at Magic Mountain and the late B/R: The Chiller.

Answer

^ That was only the cleaning portion that was performed before the repaint. One key difference in the paint now is that the rails have been painted where they were just the plain steel before, and that was the reason for alot of that gunk they had to clean off.

Before Repaint (and only half cleaned)

After Repaint

Wow this is all new news for me. I must say for a cleaning product thats a serious contrast between dirty and clean. I wonder why kumba was cleaned instead of repainted. Raises some questions.

Kumba is one of my all-time favorites. Shame on me for not noticing the rails have been painted.

I found one of the two trains to be incredibly rough when I was down there in February. My first ride was just fine, but the second ride in the second train was painful. I had no idea a B&M ride could be that rough. I never found out if it was just my row or the entire train, as the crew oddly forced me into the big boy seat despite not having any trouble getting the seat belt fastened in the first regular seat I sat in.

Paint job or not, one of the best Beemers out there.

"Cleaning Product" = Water

Likely more than that because of all the grease build-up. And I agree, still one of my all-time faves. A truly awesome coaster.

It's a very fun ride, but to me it's greatly enhanced by its appearance and landscaping. I can't think of any other steel coaster that looks as picturesque as Kumba.

Yeah, I think I agree with you on that, Matt. Kumba is one of my favorite rides, though. I absolutely love the little "bump" before the cobra roll. I think it's my favorite part.

Agreed Raven-Phile. That element with the straight track going into the Cobra Roll is great. Even watching the train fly through it from the Congo bridge is great stuff.

We were at BGT a couple weeks ago with some friends in town, and we laughed about how a 2' drop before the cobra roll entrance is THE best moment on the ride. Glad to see Josh confirming that opinion... :)

Yeah, I seriously wish more coasters had little moments like that. It makes it unique, and it's a complete surprise/unexpected moment.