Fuji-Q Highlands Discussion Thread

Anyone know what's with the random catwalks at the top of the loop?!

^ Easy.

Sacrifices to Fuji.

I mean, it's a VOLCANO, right? TPR 2013 Japan Tour.

^^Possibly there due to what looks to be a tyre at the top

^^Possibly there due to what looks to be a tyre at the top

But why is there a drive tire at the top of the loop?! Are the really that afraid of the train stalling in the loop?!

^Surely there's a possibility of it. Think about how Top Thrill Dragster has stalled at the top. It has happened several times. When it comes to launched coasters, it's much easier for a rollback/valley/stall than most traditional chain lift coasters because launch speeds can vary ever so slightly, but just enough to make a difference. If I remember correctly, Kingda Ka has fin brakes on the top of the tower to where if the train is going slow enough, it will just roll back instead of balancing. Can anyone confirm this? I've heard it before but I can't remember from where.

Anyway, if it could happen on a top-hat after a launch, it could happen on a vertical loop after a launch as well.

I feel the tire, instead of making it roll back, it will be able to push a slow train over the top and continue the ride. This could be a hint the ride may not travel super fast round the loop, or maybe it is a precaution to make sure it makes it round more often.

I'm glad I managed to try ride the original version but I am curious to try the loop too!

Wow, that's interesting.

It seems the original hill had some good airtime, so I'd question if this is a good idea, seems like it would make the ride worse BUT kudos for mixing it up, I guess?

The Fuji-Q website has just revealed the new stats for Dodonpa. The loop won't be the tallest, but it will be the largest in diameter. In addition, the launch will be 5mph faster while still reaching the max speed in 1.8 seconds.

Loop Diameter: 39.7 m (World's largest * Guinness records acquisition loop of America exceeding 38.75 m diameter in-house investigation)

Loop Height: Approximately 49 m (160 ft) above the ground

Maximum Speed: 180 km/h ( scheduled ) at 1.8 seconds start * Old Dodonpa maximum speed: 172 km/h

Full Length: 1,244 m (old Dodonpa 1,189 m)

...In addition, the launch will be 5mph faster while still reaching the max speed in 1.8 seconds.

Well sounds like it will still retain the record as the world's scariest launch then.

That's great news about the speed. We all thought they were gonna neuter that launch, but they did the opposite!

Maximum Speed: 180 km/h ( scheduled ) at 1.8 seconds start * Old Dodonpa maximum speed: 172 km/h

Goodbye.

Wow, that's pretty ballsy! I mean, the launch already feels like getting hit by a truck, I assume now it will feel like getting hit by a larger truck!?!?

Yay for a faster launch! Not sure if you can actually feel the difference since you're already going that fast, but good for them!

I'm glad I managed to try ride the original version but I am curious to try the loop too!

Same here! Especially with an even faster launch.

Still curious to see how people think the loop holds up in comparison to the insane airtime hill, but the faster launch already has me excited to check it out in July!

Also does anyone find the claim of the largest diameter loop kind of weird? I got distracted by the even faster launch the first time I read the stats.

Also does anyone find the claim of the largest diameter loop kind of weird? I got distracted by the even faster launch the first time I read the stats.

Only because an oval shape has two diameters.

According to RCDB, they even changed its name to Do-Dodonpa.

uh....

Ok...?

^ This is Japan at it's finest, people.

^ This is Japan at it's finest, people.

What does that mean?

^ I guess it is a dig at Japan being querky and weird.

According to a countdown page on their website, we have an opening date of July 15.

Ride capacity: 8 people...per hour.