PKI 2009

To my knowledge, the train tracks will not be moved, and the railroad will be operating normally all season.

Based on my own observations and speculation, the splashdown will be a first for a B&M hyper coaster. This of course means the lake will return in some capacity if the ride concludes with a splashdown. The splashdown should also act as a way to trim some speed before the final brakes.

The lift appears to start off in the lake area and head over the pathway and to the side of the crypt building (former tomb raider). The first drop appears to occur right next to the train tracks, and a good portion of the rest of the ride will head out in the woods where you see some of that clearing. The return run will have to likely cross over the pathway, and conclude with the final splashdown.

I think with the no-compete clause for the B&M dive coasters that Busch has signed, make it very unlikely that this ride is a dive coaster. the no-compete clauses are usually speculation, but in this case there was an article that mentioned this, although I am not sure of how long this no-compete goes for north american parks.

Isn't Manta supposed to have a splashdown (how that works is beyond me)?

Not that this is going to be a splashdown or a dive machine or a flyer.

It'll work the same way as on Griffon and Shakira, Andy.

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ApolloAndy said:
Isn't Manta supposed to have a splashdown (how that works is beyond me)?

Not that this is going to be a splashdown or a dive machine or a flyer.

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It looks like the track will tilt and have the side fins of the cars cause the splashdown, instead of having it flat like the other ones (as humorous as it would be.)

One piece of artwork I saw for Manta showed riders getting drenched from the wave as the train was on its side. Is that the artist trying to make things look more exciting, or due to the climate how it could actually be?

I wonder if in the cold weeks of the operating season they could just drain the lake a foot or so, thereby ensuring a "dry" landing. If this system would cause not enough speed to be bled off the ride, they could put in an extra trim after the footprint of the lake that would only be used on such occasions.

I doubt it would be needed, if it's anything like the Shakira and Griffon splashes it won't actually get the riders wet.

Exhibit A: Shakira:

http://les2damien7.free.fr/Images/Celebrites/Shakira%20000.jpg

Exhibit B: SheiKra:

http://www.rcdb.com/ig2662.htm?picture=69

A does NOT equal B

....sorry I couldn't pass that opportunity up ;-)

I like the idea of the splashdown on a hyper. It will add atmosphere to the ride area. I just hope it's the lake and not a blue concrete pool. A hyper is the way to go. They do so much more than dive coasters.

^^Yeah...no way in hell you'll find me riding Exhibit A! ;)

Ha ha.

The B&M splash downs are kick but, they really add a lot of fun to the area. I think Sheikra's is way better cause its actually where people have to walk, where as Griffon's you have to go find it.

^Well assuming the path comes back by the lake that will not be a problem at KI. That path is the main access to the Beast from the front of the park.

Went there today. The lake will return but not even half it's original size and it will be a concrete pond splashdown prior to the final brake run and transfer track. You'll turn around to enter the station right behind the International showplace.

The old Photo/candle shop and rock shop will be part of the Q line as well as where the old country/kareoke stage was.

Lots more land cleared out, Train wasn't open but walked back the Crypt entrance and it's cleared all the way to the back fence and then takes a LEFT! The lift will go out right side of Crypt, The return on the left.

Chuck, who along with friends was speculating, (I don't think it will) But the subject was dropping under the railroad bridge on the ravine. Would be cool but I don't think it's gonna happen

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Acoustic Viscosity said:I like the idea of the splashdown on a hyper. It will add atmosphere to the ride area. I just hope it's the lake and not a blue concrete pool. A hyper is the way to go. They do so much more than dive coasters.

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Sorry, Concrete pool is what it is, About one 1/4 the size of what Swan lake was, Not even that much.

Well, they can still make it look like a lake...I hope. Anything is better than the plastic kiddie pool Powder Keg drops into. ;)

I expect to be a very clean pool for two reasons:

-Odds are its going to splash onto the midway somehow, which means its going to hit guests, which means the park needs to keep it "pool quality" to avoid any lawsuits about being "slimed" by pond scum or worse (stricken with an illness.)

-They cant have ducks or fish floating in there and get stuck in the splash down cylinder. It would throw the balance of the train off, which at minimum would result in a bumpy ride, and at worst would cause a vibration that could permanently damage the track or the train.

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Touchdown said:

-They cant have ducks or fish floating in there and get stuck in the splash down cylinder. It would throw the balance of the train off, which at minimum would result in a bumpy ride, and at worst would cause a vibration that could permanently damage the track or the train.

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That is unintentionally one of the most hilarious things I've read all day. How about the worst being KILLING ANIMALS, not just throwing the balance off of the train? I can just see it now, ducks flying into the midway showing on guests....

Chucks right, the pond is now about the size of a pool in someone's backyard...

http://www.kiextreme.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=299&pos=1

A large pool but definitely a noticeable size reduction. There is also heavy clearing behind the Crypt.

http://www.kiextreme.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=299&pos=10

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bucknut08 said:
Chucks right, the pond is now about the size of a pool in someone's backyard...

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LOL!

I can say with great certainty that it's quite a bit larger than a backyard pool. (big file warning)