The coaster will incorperate Intamin's hydraulic launch system and accelerate riders from 0-72 in 2 seconds. The trains will then ascend a 150' tower at a 90 degree angle to a top hat, and then decend 180' at an 90 degree angle. Then riders will experience a cobra loop, two barrel rolls, and what is being termed a "flying snake dive." The trains will use over the shoulder restraints, a first on a rocket coaster, and Intamin's innovative magnetic braking system. The coaster will be loacated in the Pioneer Frontier section and "interact" with other rides in the area(Trailblazer and Sidewinder).
It sounds like a really cool coaster, and will answer the question can a launching coaster be more than just a launch? Hopefully Hersheypark will not have as much trouble with this rocket coaster as Cedar Fair has had with theirs.
They have one of the best collections of wooden coasters on the planet(Comet, Wildcat, and Lightning Racer). The have a great B&M invert(Great Bear). They have one of the world's first looping coasters(Sooperdooperlooper). They also have some other cool rides and attractions. Their only drawback is their location, south central Pennsylvania.
Hersheypark was by no means a park that needed to build a huge new attraction, but it doesn't hurt to have a major new draw when other local parks appear to be sitting on their hands for next year.
It IS better than any Six Flags park, though!
http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/new_attraction/flash/movie.mov The video of the ride is right here. I can't wait to ride it.
THE SECRET'S FINALLY OUT!
HERSHEYPARK LAUNCHES ITS 10TH COASTER IN 2004!
The world's FIRST hydraulic launch coaster featuring inversions will race into HERSHEYPARK for the 2004 season, bringing the Park's herd of roller coasters to a perfect ten.
Built by world renowned Intamin AG of Switzerland, the new high speed coaster will accelerate from 0 to 72 miles per hour in approximately 2 seconds! Climbing a nearly vertical incline to a height of 150 feet and then plummeting approximately 180 feet at a 90 degree angle, the new coaster will weave its way through nearly four and one half acres of HERSHEYPARK. Riding on 2,600 feet of steel track, the coaster will interact with three HERSHEYPARK rides - the Monorail, Dry Gulch Railroad, and the Trailblazer - and cross over Spring Creek twice. The station house for the new coaster will be located in the Pioneer Frontier section of the Park and will feature a dual rider loading/unloading operation. Coaster lovers will be treated to several customized, unique elements:
- Top Hat (150 feet)
- Power Drop (approximately 180 feet)
- Cobra Loop (135 feet)
- Barrel Rolls
- Flying Snake Dive
The new coaster features two trains, 20 passengers per train for a theoretical ride capacity of 1,200 riders per hour.
Ride time is approximately 60 action-packed sections!
NOW, HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN!
It's time to name the new HERSHEYPARK Coaster! The search for a name has been narrowed to three choices:
- Steel Stampede
- Renegade
- Storm Runner
We can't decide which one's best, so we need your help to choose the winner! To vote for your choice visit the HERSHEYPARK Name the Coaster Roundup at http://www.Hersheypark.com. Or, call 1-866-HPK-2004. Voting starts today, August 5, at High Noon and continues through midnight, August 19. Vote once, vote twice - vote all you want! The winning name will be announced at a later date.
Also visit http://www.Hersheypark.com for a virtual movie of the new 2004 coaster and all the ride details.
So, what are you waiting for!!
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