Wheel-Launched System

The wheel-launched system makes the Incredible Hulk unique in many respects. From my experiences on the HULK, the launch is one of the most captivating moments in my coaster-riding history. Why haven't there been any coasters created using this system of propulsion? It works so well in the HULK. Thanks

My initial guess is that other coaster companies already HAVE launching system that they provide WITH their coasters...(Stan has air, Sandor likes hydraulics now, but used to do a lot of LIM/LSM, Premier does LIMs, etc.). The tire-driven launch on Hulk is different, IMO, mainly because B&M "don't do launches"...I'm sure others will have their input on this question as well...

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"I may be wrong, but I doubt it", by C. Barkley (and Shaq thought HE was "The Big Aristotle")...;)

I think it probably takes too much power in too short a time for any park without the incredible funding of IOA to do the same thing. Universal generates MASSIVE amounts of power for Hulk and Hulk alone.

I also think that the concepts of hydraulics and air-powered coasters (not to mention electricity) are just so much more popular and prevalent at this point that parks see them as good, reliable investments that people will like.

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"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation." - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
http://www.loopscrew.com

Well actually there are other coasters out there that use this technology. Look at the Vekoma Junior Inverts (ie PKI's Runaway Reptart). They use the same lift system as Hulk does. The only difference, they aren't trying to launch the little kiddies at 30 mph off the top of that thing.

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Chris Tyson
Photographer
www.pkiunlimited.com

I-NAR is right that it is VERY energy inefficiant, but I don't think much more so that other methods. It just comes down to the fact that they had to figure out a way to launch Hulk without altering B&M's trains. Plus, I guess Universal REALLY, REALLY had to twist B&M's arm to have them do a launched coaster.

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- "I used to be in the audio/visual club, but I was kicked out because of my views on Vietnam........and I was stealing projectors" - Homer Simpson

I think in the long run, B&M is probably pretty pleased they did make a launched coaster. Just look at how the Hulk was initially accepted...WITH AMAZEMENT! It still remains one of the top coasters in the World. B&M knows that they constructed a masterpiece!

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THE CRAB MASTER said:
What is a B&M? Is it like a BMW?

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Are you a complete moron?

No. I am new to roller-coasters and would like to learn. Please do not shame me =(

What is a B&M? Is it like a BMW?

The manufacturers of such rides as Hulk, Nitro,Batman, Duelling Dragons etc. Maybe the kid just doesnt know...no need to get fresh.

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Welcome to Planet Nupe!

but 'Tuan, Subway says to "Eat Fresh"...;)

Seriously, I clicked on sites, then mfrs., and there I was....so here you are...http://www.bolliger-mabillard.com

I also notice that B&M has made no attempt to clone the Hulk at all. With so many coasters being cloned these days, what do you suppose is the reason B&M refuses to clone the Hulk?
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What better way to spend a day then at IOA!

Because no park ever wanted an hulk clone?

how much did Hulk Cost (btw B&M is a design and builder firm of switzerland, they pretty much build the best coasters in the world- in my opinion n e way, so don't argue about that), look above general, to see why there arn't any clones

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Antuan said:

Maybe the kid just doesnt know...no need to get fresh.

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Welcome to Planet Nupe!

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Look around at his posts for a second and you may reconsider.

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Be polite and ignore the idiots. - rollergator
You must be this dumb to ride Viper. -SFGAdv.

A couple of notes here:

1) B&M did not build design the launch system for The Hulk. It was designed by Universals own engineering staff.

2) The Hulks launch system is actually pretty efficient as launch systems go. And it does not brown out half of Orlando. If I recall it is only a few hundred horsepower.

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Jim Fisher said:

2) The Hulks launch system is actually pretty efficient as launch systems go. And it does not brown out half of Orlando. If I recall it is only a few hundred horsepower.

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It doesn't brown out Orlando b/c they generate power on-site, right?

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SFNE Central v4- Online Six Flags New England Resource
CBuzzer since September 2001 with a few bumps along the way. :)

I would also think maintainence issues woudl be huge with a launch like Hulks. Its not like tire drives, it has to be completely exact which explains the huge computer system.

Besides the fact that there are immense numbers of moving parts with this sytem compared to other launch systems.

I woudln't think it would be any more energy efficient then any other systems.

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Da Poodle

Coming in 2003-The Spawn Of Magnum!

Personally, I think of all the systems that can be used for launching a train, the tire drive system used on Hulk is probably the least desirable because it is the most complicated. It's not just that there are all those motors that have to be operated...they all have to be operated in synch with each other, at an increasing velocity (tire lifts are different...on the Vekoma juniors, all the drive units can run at the same speed...on Hulk everything is accelerating), with a system that does not make positive contact with the train and is therefore subject to slippage.

It works, it's a technical marvel, but it doesn't seem to me to be the 'best' approach to the problem.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

So, would the Vekoma SFC (Suspended Family Coaster) be able to launch the little kiddies over the top at 30 mph? ;) If so, that would make for one wicked kiddie ride!

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The only difference between stupidity and genius is genius has limitations.

Though I haven't been to IoA in a while, you don't hear about Hulk being closed like you do with other launched coasters. A certain reptilian member is always complaining about Xcelerator's reliability, Volcano is always down, Superman : TE seems to have its share of problems, but I never hear of Hulk being down. Is it that some parks take better care of their rides, or are wheels more reliable than magnets?