You can't really say the ride isn't interesting. It may have given a crappy ride, but with all the unique elements and the rumors surrounding it, it's definitely one of the most interesting coasters of all time.
This is an argument that's going to go on forever. There is no solid evidence that B&M was not involved in Drachen Fire. But on the other hand, there is no good proof (besides observation) that they were involved. I know how I feel about it, and I'm comfortable with that. But I'm not going around claiming to know the absolute truth, because (as far as I'm concerned) nobody on these boards knows it.
Bolliger, Mabillard, Toomer and a number of folks from Busch have all stated to various people including some who write to these boards (like me) that B&M was not involved in the design of Drachen Fire. Ron Toomer has talked to various coaster groups and the Drachen Fire/B&M question has come up. I personally heard him tell a room full of enthusiasts that Arrow designed that coaster and Busch had some very specific design requirements.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I also spoke to someone who used to be very high up in the Busch domain about Drachen Fire.
As far as I'm concerned a lot of people know the absolute truth because they have heard it directly from the sources involved. And those people who have heard it directly have posted to this and other boards, and have discussed it with their friends. I am still baffled as to how this rumor persists.
*** Edited 7/14/2006 9:28:43 PM UTC by Jeffrey Seifert***
Do you really think Arrow would come out and say it was a B&M design that they couldn't pull off?
That's my point. They may be saying that's the way it was, but they also have good reason to lie about it if B&M was, in fact, involved in one way or another. Not to mention the fact that "involved" is open to quite a bit of intepretation.
-Nate
I give up!
Den said:
Touchdown -You can't really say the ride isn't interesting. It may have given a crappy ride, but with all the unique elements and the rumors surrounding it, it's definitely one of the most interesting coasters of all time.
Intersting to talk/look at yes, but riding it to me was just like any other Arrow mega multilooper, good/great drop followed by loop after loop experiencing no real g-force change and having my head constantly vibrating back and forth, blah. The park and Arrow built a two far more superior rides and thankfully both of them are still standing.
2022 Trips: WDW, Sea World San Diego & Orlando, CP, KI, BGW, Bay Beach, Canobie Lake, Universal Orlando
Someone also mentioned that things seem to come and go at BGE without much publicity. I remember my last trip to the park, 1999. I had no idea that they had built Apollo's Chariot, so I can agree with that to a point, but now it's almost impossible to keep a secret what with fan sites that keep track of every chalk marking that appears at a park.
The legend of Drachen Fire is similar to the legend of the Bat. Both operated for a while, then shut down and sat there for us to stare at until they finally removed them. The difference is that anybody who rode the Bat wishes desperately that it was still around while a large number of those who rode Drachen Fire do not miss it in the least.
Meanwhile I shall prepare myself for next weeks vacation where I will take on the coaster to end all coasters.... Vapor Trail.
:) Tom
You have disturbed the forbidden temple, now-you-will-pay!!!
I agree...some rides, like Gladiator's Gauntlet, came and went with very little fanfair at all. Same thing with the small Schwarzkopf coasters the park had during the 70s and 80s.
Enthusiasts didn't really pay the park much mind prior to the big coasters, so a lot of what happened in it's early years has been forgotten.
*** Edited 7/14/2006 10:49:31 PM UTC by Dukeis#1***
It's kind of funny to me. I feel like I've been here before, seven years ago.
- J
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