Windseeker seats: neat-o

With the rigid suspension, I wonder if the suspension arms are braked...

They could conceivably turn slowly, with the suspension brakes set, until the obstacles are clear, then release the brakes and pick up speed. That would be a lot cooler, I think, than going up and down without rotation...

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Or they could keep the arms locked at landing position while still rotating at full speed. That would be fun with gees. :)

The world's tallest Downdraft?

Now that would be scary...

I know it won't, but I would love to see this thing do "Swing Around" moves.

So I went to the renderings on the KI website to see if there's some identifiable mechanism at the top of the arm to at least keep the things from swaying while loading and all i can see is a tiny, tiny, little hook and eye holding that seat, arm, and two inevitably overweight riders to the frame. Aw, jeez.

http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/park/rides/thrill_rides/windseeker.cfm

scroll down for a close up.

And now seeing the thing built to full height makes me even more nervous. I remember when, aside from the Eiffel Tower and the Sky Ride, the Racer was the tallest structure in the park. Lookin' kinda dwarved now...

This is one ride that would probably be more appealing to the general public if it had over the shoulder restraints (like aviator) for a better feeling of security. The extra grab bar on top of the restraint may add a little feeling of security.

^If less *redundant restraints* can keep lines a bit shorter, I'm all for it :)

Agreed. If load time is as slow as, say, Delerium we're in for it.

Wow, RCMAC. That's scary. One little part hold the entire seat, and keeps it from falling 300 feet below. Thanks for the scare.

Are you saying that you have seen photos of the ride built at full height, or that you've seen it in person. I want to see the full height too...

Its on the webcam - the last long piece went up Sunday morning, I believe. The very last piece is the red topper thing and it's being assembled on the ground as we speak to be hoisted up later.

http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/fun/webcams/index.cfm

Yikes.

The riders themselves will reach a height about level with the bottom of the large dark blue section. With that valley between the Racer and the Beast off in the distance the sense of height might be even greater, I suppose. In comparison Cedar Point's ride will be located on the beach and offer infinity-like views of the lake which might also add to the perceived height factor. I think CP's ride will give the most thrilling night ride, but I see good reason to try both.

LostKause said:
Wow, RCMAC. That's scary. One little part hold the entire seat, and keeps it from falling 300 feet below. ...

I wonder if there is a cable (either not shown in the rendering, or inside the pipes) that acts as a tether if the linkage were to fail.

Zephyr has cables like this along side the chains that hold the swings. Hopefully never needed, but better safe than sorry.

From what I've noticed on various rides, there's usually something like that included as a failsafe. They generally don't count on one single linkage to be the only thing holding these things to the frame.

I do like the seats for the ride. Watching the Kings Islands web cam and seeing how really tall these rides will be made me like them more. HOWEVER I do like the Star Flyer concept with just chain links holding you up and not a metal rod or support. Although being 300ft in the air will still freak anyone out a little bit. Great additions and I could see KD and Carowinds getting them next year as well.

Maverick,
You might change your mind if you haven't ridden a Star Flyer. Only ride in my life that I wanted off of the minute it started.

seeing that webcam picture finally put it into perspective. WOW!

CW`s is nearly done.

36 days till opening

Wow, that thing looks FUN. Wish Carowinds would get something like that. I'd love it if they could squeeze in more "flats" without getting rid of anything. (Not sure how, but...) I'd love to see something like a Top Spin, and/or, even better, like the Swing Shot at Kennywood! :) :)

Sorry, fantasizing there. I definitely need to make a trip to KI someday... :)

CatPurrson