News: Kingda Ka

Continuation of discussion from news item...

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/2004-273-744755.htm

Awesome name!... hmmmm, where have i heard it before????

S2K wrote:

No, I'm thinking it was Intamin's and SFGA's intent to put OTSRs on Kingda Ka long before The SRoS incident.

Trust me, it was going to have lap bars prior to that incident.

JC

What happened? Did we finally break the maximum number of posts on the news item? That'd be a first!

Close I think, it hit 122, I know there were a couple of TTD threads in the 130s in the news.

I highly doubt that something this "tuned" just to break TTD's records was already being laid out prior to TTD being built. I think that parks may enter into committments with a company, but the ride type, stats, etc. can be altered probably up to the beginning of the park season prior to manufacture. Maybe I'm way off base, but there just seems to be way too many coasters lately that just squeak by records set by other parks, or that are in reaction to things at other parks (seemingly) to make me believe that these things are set in stone 2-3 years in advance.

Im at work and don't have the time to read through the long thread, but maybe there will be OTSR's to accommodate more guests of exceptional size and avoid the whole problem. Just a thought!

Especially with Six Flags, where they don't even know where the ride is GOING until late the season prior to its installation. ;)

Joe "Uhhhh, yeah, plop that B&M over in SFAW...they need something there, right?" C.

And of course, you're not going to tell us where *else* this one was supposed to go, are you? Perhaps a sign they've given up on Tragic Mountain? ;)

For those who rode Storm Runner...

Do OSTR's limit your ability to keep your hands high in the air? That was half the fun of Top Thrill Dragster, is keeping your hands up high, especially on the way up & all the way down.

I know they're much different than an Arrow or B&M-type coaster... but how much freedom does it really give you...
...and although this is more hypothetical since noone has the real answer... but WHY are OSTR's being done on Kingda Ka when the only thing that makes this really different than Dragster is a little bunny hill afterwards!

As with all things coaster (and all complains regarding restraints) it all depends on your size. I'm 5'8" 150lbs and I was barely touching the restaints, had full motion, ability to put my arms up, came completely out of my seat and bounced off the shoulder restraints going into the barrel rolls, it was great.

If you were quite a bit taller, or somewhat heavier, you'd have trouble being that free, but I would still think have no problem fitting.

Impulsive,

That was just a general comment really...I'm pretty sure this ride was always intended for SFGAd. But a lot of the time (most of the time?) Six Flags buys rides and then decides where they go.

JC

I'll use a Simpsons quote to describe my feelings on the situation.

Homer: Kids... how would you... like to go to... Blocko Land!?
Lisa/Bart: Meh
Homer: But... the TV gave me the impression tha..
Bart: We said "meh"
Lisa: M-e-h. Meh.

It won't make me go out of my way to go ride it.

What's the deal with this animation being talked about? That'll be available when? where?

Also, do we know for sure whether or not there will be a twist on the way up? I think the article said there's one going down... both would be cool!

Way to go, SF!

Cedar Point fanboy or not, I am tipping my hat to Six Flags, this ride looks incredible.

And i'm happy they didnt low-blow the record, this is notably higher and notably faster. Looks great!

Good strategy to put it in GADV. They said the ride would include a valley after the 270 degree spiral, before the bunny hill. I can't wait to go next summer, im going there for senior cut day and whenever I drive there. The new area is good for the family too. Maybe some parents on here could bring their kids to the area than want to step off a few feet to the coaster. Oh and this area looks to have 2 entrances, one on the right and the main in the middle.
Im also sure if their wasn't people falling out of the restraints we would have lap bars. I wouldn't be surprised to see them put it on TTD on the off season. I see GADV's isn't taken risk on this because this is their money maker.

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DawgByte II said:
...but WHY are OSTR's being done on Kingda Ka when the only thing that makes this really different than Dragster is a little bunny hill afterwards!

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Joe has made it pretty clear that the reasoning is this: http://www.coasterbuzz.com/2004-128-482864.htm

For whoever asked, the animation is here: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/greatadventure

It's on the bottom where it says "Take a virtual ride..."

+Danny *** Edited 9/29/2004 6:12:13 PM UTC by +Danny***

Do they have to cram the OTSR's into you like they do the lap bars on TTD? If they don't, I would think it would be better with the OTSR's... more "airtime" room...

Are the OTSR's on Storm Runner the same kind that they put on their Impulse coasters? If so, even less people will fit into this ride than on Dragster.

Not the same at all Bob. I'm not sure how restrictive they are, but I haven't heard of anyone not being able to ride. Here's the best picture I could find of the Storm Runner restraints.

+Danny
*edited after learning new trick ;) *** Edited 9/29/2004 6:22:46 PM UTC by +Danny***

Dawg Byte II,

I had no trouble keeping my arms up on Storm Runner, although due to the design of the harnesses, my shoulders were very sore the next day. I noticed it wasn't very comfortable riding with my arms up so I don't plan on doing that with KK.

Bob,

The OTSR are much differernt. They aren't as bulky and contain a kind of lap bar.

-Sean