SFGAdv Viper

Ok, so I know that Viper opened at SFGAdv in 1995. Supposedly, it was modified at some point withing the first 2-3 years of operation. I think that they modified the first inversion and perhaps the turn leading into that inversion. I have been unable to find pics old enough to confirm this. Does anyone have any info and/or pics that show this? I think that the first inversion used to hold almost the entire train upside down. Yea, it may seem irrelevant now that the ride has been scrapped, but I've been curious for a while now.

-Ben

Not irrelevant at all, but I don't think there is any truth to that. I don't ever remember any modifications being made to the ride, and if anything, it got worse over time- not better. Of course, if someone has some kind of proof, I'd obviously welcome it!

Sam Marks was telling me that the orignal design had an inversion on the drop, but was nixed by Time Warner. Can anyone verify this?

I have some credible information that the original design was indeed a longer layout, with a better *run-out* coming off the initial drop, but that it was modified to fit into the existing space...

I know nothing about any "modifications" made after install, but I don't know what was done during the SBNO-age before it reopened for the brief *curtain call*....

I'm pretty sure the rumored modification had to do with the tilt angle of the first inversion. Supposedly when it first opened, that "twist n' dive" thing was on a steeper angle.

Like this: http://i1.tinypic.com/mls8bc.jpg

That is the modification I've heard rumors about. Not sure if it's true or not though.

The first drop indeed was supposed to have an inline inversion when the park made the announcement. I have an old ACE News somewhere showing it...maybe I'll try to dig it out. It was not on the finished ride, of course.

It used to be good...about 6 or so years ago...after that, it just became way too painful. Now it's not painful at all...it doesn't exist :) ;)

I was under the impression that Viper was TOGO's prototype, kinda like how Hypersonic is more or less the S&S prototype of that design. I'm not familiar with any changes made to the ride throughout its decade of operation, only the fact that the "coils" surrounding many of the track segments were added for visual effect because they worked so well on the final inversion (where they actually are needed).

^The prototype was pictured on a TOGO brochure (1994) during construction on a TOGO plant in Ohio (thats what the text says). That ride featured the drop inversion. The drop was curved and led into the inclined element which is found on Viper.

Instead of what Mr. X said, I would say that the angle of the element was actually less steep and it was located closer to the center of the ride. (but my memory might be wrong).

I still have this brochure flying around in my vaults. Sadly I am scanner-less so I am not able to present it.

Togo was so convinced that their new ride would soon dominate the market and would become the "standard" for rollercoasters. They had full page ads in trade publications showing only the legs of a youth who had obviously peed his pants.

http://amusementpiGreat Adventure

Historycs.com/Viper%20Page.htm