Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (BGT Discussion Thread)

[Inukaza]

I wouldn't be surprised if they are running full circuit now. I'll get more video later. (Tomarrow maybe?)

Edited April 22, 2011 by Inukaza

[Gerstlauer1]

I love how it barely completes the circuit, while testing at these speeds.

[coasterfreak101]

When they're running it full-circuit, is it running any quicker? Just curious - I'm sure it also needs to break in a bit!

[dragonskeep]

^ BGT did say they would start out slow but I too am wondering about the speed. With the layout like it is the ride has to at least feel fast.

[SharkTums]

Seeing it run like this almost makes me wonder if it would be possible to run it at different speeds throughout the day.

 

For example, we've seen other parks that run their drop towers as observation towers for an hour, then a drop tower, then a shot tower, then both, then back to an observation tower again.

 

It would be so interesting if that was possible with a roller coaster. Seriously, seeing it at this speeds I could get my parents on it! Once it's up to full speed there's no way in hell that would work!

 

Thoughts?

[ernierocker]

Seeing it run like this almost makes me wonder if it would be possible to run it at different speeds throughout the day.

 

For example, we've seen other parks that run their drop towers as observation towers for an hour, then a drop tower, then a shot tower, then both, then back to an observation tower again.

 

It would be so interesting if that was possible with a roller coaster. Seriously, seeing it at this speeds I could get my parents on it! Once it's up to full speed there's no way in hell that would work!

 

Thoughts?

 

It's a good concept but I couldn't see them doing that anytime soon. Although, it is crazy that the ride can run a full-circuit course at half-speed or whatever it is going at now. I mean, this is obviously something that wouldn't work on most launch coasters, but these terrain, low-to-the-ground coasters, it might just be possible that they would do this one day! (I think I just convinced myself it was good idea just by typing that out! )

Edited April 22, 2011 by ernierocker

[coasterfreak101]

^^That would actually be really cool! Set aside hours of the day to cater to particular audiences and age groups and whatnot - seems like a great way to attract almost everyone with just one coaster!

[Fooz]

The ride has two loading stations, If it were a possibility they could stagger the launch strengths, and have a queue split. Otherwise, you could be in line for one speed, and end up on the other.

[Inukaza]

Seeing it run like this almost makes me wonder if it would be possible to run it at different speeds throughout the day.

 

For example, we've seen other parks that run their drop towers as observation towers for an hour, then a drop tower, then a shot tower, then both, then back to an observation tower again.

 

It would be so interesting if that was possible with a roller coaster. Seriously, seeing it at this speeds I could get my parents on it! Once it's up to full speed there's no way in hell that would work!

 

Thoughts?

 

I think that would be a nice idea, I could possible get my younger siblings and parents on the rides. However, I don't think Busch Gardens would find this idea logical efficiency wise. Unlike those drop towers. It would be right to suggest a new rollercoaster at busch gardens will be extremely popular. I doubt, due to a constant flow of lines, they would change the experience of the ride for others for those who would like to ride a extreme version of the ride, then get put on a slower one.

 

In other words. It would be too complicated for some of the GP to understand, and for busch to work with.

 

I do agree, it's a wonderful idea. I don't know though, the park really needs something else that will attract mid-thrilled coaster riders. That could do the trick, but I still want a thrilling intamin coaster.

 

And Fooz, I'm pretty sure there is only one loading station. Since, it's located in the monorail building.

[SharkTums]

Oh yeah, I want to make it clear that Busch will NOT be doing this, nor do I think they should for THIS ride, but it does really make you think for the future of coasters when you see something like this.

 

Another example would be one of the coasters in Japan that during summer months operates one train as a Wet Ride and one train as a Dry Ride. Very cool.

Edited April 22, 2011 by SharkTums

[Fooz]

Two loading sections in the station, I should say.

[The SETGO Guys]

I have received the Official statistics from BGT!

These should answer all your SPEED related questions!

 

Enjoy!

Come join the hunt for excitement and experience a new breed of speed at Busch Gardens.

 

This new mega-attraction begins in Cheetah Run. Here at this crossroads of cultures, you’ll learn firsthand why the Cheetah has been admired for centuries. This ancient realm puts you just a whisker away from the world’s fastest land animals. Look into their eyes. See them run. It’s a new perspective guaranteed to get your heart racing.

 

Next take a seat on Cheetah Hunt and experience the unmatched speed and agility of the Cheetah for yourself. This one-of-a-kind launch coaster features three distinct launch points. With a burst of acceleration, you’ll leap over awestruck bystanders and twist through a rocky gorge. Then hang on as another rush of speed rockets you across the Serengeti Plain. It’s a 4,000-foot sprint that will take your breath away.

 

Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run open in spring 2011, only at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

 

TYPE OF RIDE:

Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch Coaster

LAUNCHES:

Launch 1: 30 mph

Launch 2: 60 mph

Launch 3: 40 mph

OTHER ELEMENTS:

130-foot drop into an underground trench

Over-banked turns

“Air Time” parabolas

Heartline roll inversion

TRACK LENGTH:

4,429 feet – more than three-quarters of a mile!

MAXIMUM SPEED:

60 mph

MAXIMUM FORCE:

4 G

HEIGHT:

102 feet

RIDE DURATION:

3½ minutes (including loading and unloading)

SEATS/TRAIN:

5 trains, 16 passengers per train

GUEST CAPACITY:

1,370 guests per hour

HEIGHT REQUIREMENT:

48”

LOCATION:

Crown Colony Plaza

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

MANUFACTURER:

Intaride LLC,

exclusive U.S. supplier of Intamin rides

[Inukaza]

^Well, I don't think that's what everyone is talking about, at least it's not what I am.

 

We don't know if the second launch, as shown in the video previously posted, was launched at the 60mph as promised. I'm just saying, if it was, It would be very disappointing.

 

 

EDIT: Though, nice to have another ride with a lower-than-54in height requirement.

[dragonskeep]

I remember hearing that the launch speeds for launches 1 and 3 were slightly different, 38 and 48 mph. I don't recall where it was but it seems like it was from BGT.

[braztaz]

Wait, 48"? Don't most of the Intamin restraints require 54"? What's different about these?

[Midgetman82]

Probably a new mold in the seats that allow smaller people (kids) to ride, and that I highly approve! When most of BGA's major coasters are a 54 inch requirement, seeing the newest and most unique coaster come in and have shorter height restrictions is a great idea. I can't wait 'till they start doing full speed tests, but right now the coaster looks great!

Edited April 22, 2011 by Midgetman82

[SharkTums]

^^No, most of the Intamin's are 48".

[dandaman]

Another example would be one of the coasters in Japan that during summer months operates one train as a Wet Ride and one train as a Dry Ride. Very cool.

 

Splash Bandit nonwithstanding.

[coasterlover420]

Wait, 48"? Don't most of the Intamin restraints require 54"? What's different about these?

They most likely don't REQUIRE 54" but the parks choose it to be that way. Rides with those exact same restraints all have different height requirements depending on the park.

[stricklandCC]

This coaster looks great!. I've been following the progress the entire time and seems to be a great fit/attraction for the park. The only thing I've never seen mentioned however, is the lack of heart-lining/ banking going into the turn after the MCBR. I understand these current tests are not at full speed, but that being said, I don't think it will be able to carry much speed off of the MCBR; into the waterfall area/the trench S-turns, and not to mention the long straight-away before all that jazz...hmm. Not complaining, only curious. I've tried to dig up pictures to illustrate what I'm trying to say, but can't seem to find em' at the moment. I've seen in pictures posted showing I305's turn into the station off of the final brake run being heart-lined and banked more than the turn after Cheetah Hunt's MCBR, just can't seem to find said pictures. I'm also curious about the listing of "overbanked" turns, as I'm not aware of any in the lay-out...any insight into either of these observations?

[coasterlover420]

^I feel like you are judging from the POV, because the actual turn looks like it has quite a bank to it. Obviously this link to r c pro won't work, but if you copy/paste and fix the link there's a pic half way down of the MCBR and 3rd launch. The turn off the MCBR looks banked to me.

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bgt1.13.11/

[dragonskeep]

From Johnnyupsidedown.com

 

The turn is pretty flat. I always saw it as a good laterals spot. There is a pretty good drop though. I don't think you want to go through the canyon all that fast IMO.

Here is the turn in question

[Inukaza]

Well, since there's many launch point. It shouldn't be so hard to launch it at a fast speed, slow it slightly to make the turn after the MCBR conformable. Not saying it's a solution, or even suggesting it. I'm just saying the possibilities with this kind of coaster is endless.

[dragonskeep]

In the canyon the water is supposed to be flowing toward you wich will also add to the sensation of speed. I expect it will go through the turn after the mid course pretty slow.

[coasterlover420]

I am also assuming the turns in the canyon are pretty quick, which means not a lot of speed is needed off of that brake run in the first place.