Sky Rocket topped off at Kennywood

Let me say I haven't been this excited to see a ride done in 40 years!

Almost there...... just one more bolt.....just a bit more torque.................almost..........there...

Seriously, Corporate Puppet? I'm the exact opposite about Sky Rocket. I don't find it interesting in any way at all.

It's cool for you to be excited though.

I'm excited because it's a new roller coaster at my home park, but... otherwise I don't know if I'd be planning a trip.

Question for kpjb: I think you mentioned earlier in the thread that the second half looked like it was running 'too slow' after the first few tests. Obviously the 'trim brakes' in the middle of the ride were hitting a bit hard in that first test video (20ish second near pause on a non-block seemed excessive), but purely from an acceptable-forces point of view, what can actually be done about the second half's speed?

I ask because a logical solution would seem to be increasing the speed at which the train departs the MC....TBs (mid course trim brakes?). That said, the quite-small radius of the initial drop off the trims would seem to mean that the speed there can only be increased a rather small amount before the Gs approach unacceptable in the rear of the train. Is there enough play there to get the second half operating as-desired?

There are just fins there to slow it down magnetically. A few were removed so it wouldn't slow down as much. They can be added back once everything is broken in if needed.

POV

Looks like they de-trimmed some of the Mid-course. Doesn't look so bad.

Could be a fun little coaster, still not sure what to think of those surf curves though.

Looks pretty neat to me. Possible moments of solid air time as well. Wish I could get out there this year!

We will be there July 3rd. Yea I know it is going to be crazy busy, but we will be ready for the crowds.

I changed my mind a little bit...It kind of looks like fun.

But the capacity still sucks, and for that, I'm still not completely behind this new coaster.

Looks better than anticipated, though I still wonder very seriously about that cliffhanger thing on the first hill and the surf curve/tiny bunny hills bit. Hoping to make a trip out there this weekend to ride it, but might have to settle for just one ride if the lines are as spectacular as I suspect they might be.

I'm no engineer, and the ride looks awesome as is, but it seems from watching the POV that this could have easily been blocked for three trains. And judging by the time it takes the train to run the course, the interval would be suitable for three trains.

The only thing that I really like about this new coaster is that it rolls into the launch. That's friggin cool.

With it's location within the park, low capacity, and newness, people will be waiting in line forever for it though.

I think that the slowdown at the top of the first hill is necessary. Just think of how forceful the first drop would be if it didn't slow down.

I'm not 100% excited for this new coaster, but now that I've seen the POV, my interest has gone up a little bit.

I'd love to get to Kennywood this year. Talked with some friends about going in October. Perhaps I can go on PPP weekend. I really want to ride this. This makes only 3 launched Premiers left in the US that I haven't ride (the other 2 are clones), and I haven't found a Premier that I didn't absolutely LOVE yet.

With the POV having been released, this is probably not as exciting. But, I shot this off ride footage of a test run yesterday around 7pm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99eah4N2x30

POV is overrated. I'd rather see it from the ground.

The POV footage seemed to be faster than my off ride footage. I'm guessing there was more weight in the train for the POV footage. It went thought the mid course trim much faster than what I saw yesterday. I was unable to stick around to see it run with large EnthusiASSes in the seats. ;)

But, from everyone I've heard from since last night, it's a very fun ride. I haven't heard anything negative yet. I will be back in Pittsburgh tonight talking to many of those who rode it. I will let you know if I hear anything different.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=581708734222

(ripped off video removed, redirected to the source -J)

It's hella smooth and full of airtime in unexpected places. The lap bar-only design is actually a bit disconcerting at times which makes it all the more fun.

Going to Kennywood on Monday the 28th it was going to open this weekend but will not open till the 29th! 1 Day to late! What a bummer!

Before someone says something about my last post. Yes I know there are other reasons to go to Kennywood besides Sky rocket. I have been there a few times in my life and will have a very good time on Monday just like I always do when I go there! I am going with a group of about 25 people! It will be a blast! I love Kennywood !

Any chance for a soft opening this weekend? I've got a ticket that expires before the 29th...