I was able to ride Outlaw Run a good half dozen times and could have gone even more, but was too busy running around talking to coaster designers, engineers, PR folks, ride ops, reporters, web site and podcast personalities, and local reporters. Plus, there were a few backstage areas to visit for pictures and Q&A, and some free grub at the outstanding new Pizza place, Crossroads Pizza, opening this season (cause nothing says, "1880's" like pizza!).
The real highlight of the event, for me anyway, was getting to meet and visit with Joel Manby, the President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment. He is quite an impressive leader, and for me, meeting him today was very special. I know I shouldn't hero worship, but hey, everyone has their heroes and he is in my top five (behind Jesus, my Dad, my Mom, and my amazingly patient wife). Suffice to say, I am sure I made a geeky fool of myself, but it was such a cool moment in my life that I don't care! ;)
The folks at Silver Dollar City really put on a great event (Lisa and Martha, you are wonderful people and you're lucky I held back or you would have been getting hugged incessantly!), and the excitement the people at SDC have for Outlaw Run is infectious. I had a wonderful time. And hey, getting to tell folks you are at an event representing the Great Robert Niles and TPI is quite special indeed.
If everyone truly gets just 15 minutes of fame, my time came yesterday, and it was a blast!
I was a bit suprirsed as to how short the ride is. I know this wasn't supposed to be a massive installation, but it looks to be one of the shortest woodies in the US.
As with all wooden coasters, it's appeal is going to come down to it's smoothness and the ability of Silver Dollar City to keep the ride tolerable. I don't know enough about the construction of this specific coaster to say what type of maintenance needs to be done or the longevity of specific parts, but it's going to be critical that an agreesive maintenance regimen be completed to keep the ride in tip top shape.
I did have a few questions---
1. What type of trains are used on this? Are they custom to this coaster, or are they PTC or Milennium Flier trains?
2. What type of restaints are used? I would assume that they're just lapbars, but there must be some design considerations because of the inversions. Is there a redundant seat belt?
3. What are the height restrictions on this coaster? Is it the standard 48 inches or something different? What about larger guests---can it accomodate the ever-growing American waistline? Older woodies with PTC trains are going out of favor because "wider" guests cannot fit comfortably into the seats due to the divider. Heck, I'm only 190 lbs, and feel a little squeezed in some PTC trains.
As for your questions, most have been covered in previous articles here on TPI, so I did not go into those details. My apologies.
Three Inversions:
The official press release states,"[Outlaw Run has] "A record-breaking 3 inversions, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll and a 153-degree outside banked turn".
From personal experience, that 153 degree turn sure feels upside down to me!!! And in the on-ride video I received my hair stands straight up (or straight down) during this element, so it counts!
The Trains:
Rocky Mountain Construction's innovative and dynamic track required a specially designed train. RMC designed and created the train and Herschend Family Entertainment designer, Merrill Puckett Miller, designed the styling and theming to fit into the storyline of Outlaw Run.
These specially designed, one-of-a-kind coaches/trains twist with the high-tech track system. Furthermore, the trains have a newly designed suspension system with shock absorbers (traditional wood coasters utilize a foam system).
Outlaw Run has a state-of-the-art restraint system that consists of an individual lap bar and a shin restraint. No redundant seat belt. The seats accommodate a wide variety of body types, up to 6’8” and 320 pounds.
In my opinion,the seats are very roomy, very comfortable, and well padded. I am about 5'7" and 155 pounds, so take that opinion FWIW.
You can read more about the trains in this article from Mr. Niles.
Finally, Outlaw Run has a 48" height requirement.
Again, my apologies for not getting into the stats, Russell, but if you need any more details, let me know. I received a very nice packet of details which I would be glad to share with anyone who wants them.
However, if it were built and open by, say, 2015, "Wild Eagle" will still only be about 4 years old and still a big draw (as will Thunderhead and Mystery Mine) so maybe capacity won't be a big deal.
I still believe what they need is not another coaster but a really great, immersive, high capacity dark ride. I wish they'd bring back a majorly updated Flooded Mine but that probably won't happen. Next choice would be a white water/river tour simulation.
I guess that response was to be expected, so we'll just have to wait and see....
As for your statement about dark rides, IMHO there can never be enough dark rides!
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201303/3395/
Outlaw Run update from "opening day" on 3/15.... Initial four hour waits have given way to about 90 minutes at just around noon. The crew is doing a great job of quickly filling and launching trains. Such efficiency bodes well for this instant classic!
Keep talking about SDC James. It definitely deserves a seat at the theme park table. Such a fantastic place.
Also, here is a little more info paraphrased from the press junket regarding Russell's questions about maintenance on Outlaw Run. I found this info quite intriguing:
Outlaw Run's state-of-the-art trains and track were designed to provide an amazingly smooth ride for a wood coaster – one that will remain smooth over time.
The track has six layers of wood stack completed with a 3” “Topper Track” designed by leading industry expert Fred Grubb and his Rocky Mountain Construction engineering team (btw, I got to meet Fred - great guy - I even have an interview with him during the first time he watched non-RMC passengers ride his coaster). This type of installation has never been accomplished on a wooden coaster prior to Outlaw Run. Sections of “Topper Track” have been used to replace areas of other tracks, but NEVER has a complete coaster been constructed from the ground up using this industry changing, cutting-edge technology. Until now.
Because of the unique design of Outlaw Run's track it will not expand or contract with weather nor loosen due to the movement of the trains as happens with traditional wood coasters, causing the traditional wood coaster ride to become rougher over time. Instead, the “Topper Track” technology keeps the track in alignment to support a smooth and fast ride into perpetuity.
In short, Outlaw Run is designed to maintain its original design standards throughout its life cycle, providing the highest level of comfort and fun for riders FOREVER! Or at least until the world ends....
Nice write-up. Your enthusiasm for this park always comes through. I didn't realize there were 3 inversions..I only knew of the climactic barrel rolls. Thanks for the review. How many rides did you get, Sir?