IAAPA 2012 - Ask Ride Companies a Question!

[willh51]

Intamin: How much do the launch speeds vary on Storm Runner, Top Thrill Dragster, etc. to clear the top hat with empty/loaded trains and launches in cold/hot weather?

[willh51]

Intamin: In 2012 we saw a very impressive retrofitted drop ride placed on the tower of Superman: Escape from Krypton. Was it more challenging using a pre-existing structure than say building a completely new tower exclusively for the ride?

[willh51]

LAST ONE!

 

Intamin: Volcano at Kings Dominion is a great ride. There are very few full-circuit Intamin inverted coasters in the world; is this a design you still manufacture, and, if so, has it been updated?

[DougMJr]

Intamin, you guys push the envelope when it comes to coasters. Has there ever been a concept or an idea in development that was just "too far."

[rcdude]

Several for Intamin.

 

Intamin Q1: What are some of the unique challenges associated with building wood coasters vs steel coasters and vice versa?

[rcdude]

Intamin Q2: While enthusiasts tend to love your most recent coasters, often ranking them among the best in the world, do you think that they may be pushing the envelope a little too much for the average park visitor (or is this a uniquely American problem)?

[rcdude]

Intamin Q3: Will the future likely hold more completely new elements on coasters (new track elements, new launch systems, alternate track types/positioning, etc.) or variations on existing elements (more comfortable/less restrictive restraints, new seating arrangements on trains, etc.)?

Edited November 7, 2012 by rcdude

[rcdude]

Last one for Intamin.

 

Intamin Q4: Is there a specific reason that Intamin attractions tend to have more downtime than similar attractions built by other manufacturers?

[oriolat]

To Intamin: Based on what you decide when to use an hydraulic launch or LSM on a launched coaster?

[oriolat]

To Intamin: Can we expect new generation prefab wooden coasters to handle inversions or feature launch sections?

[Tanks4me05]

Intamin: For what reason do your LSM launches not meet the average acceleration values of your hydraulic launches? (Layman's terms: Why are your hydraulic launches more intense than your LSM launches?)

[traincrossin]

To Intamin. Your rides are being built all over the world as the amusement industry continues to grow. What sort of challenges do you face when designing rides in other countries and how do you overcome them?

[XYZ]

Intamin: Could we see a new style of the Zacspin that allows turns?

[deathbydinn]

Intamin: Could we expect to see any new flat ride developments in the upcoming years, or is the focus mainly on coaster and water ride development/innovation?

[kylexy2298]

Intamin (or any other roller coaster company): How could someone that is interested in becoming a roller coaster designer, actually get into designing the rides?

[XYZ]

Intamin - Could we see a LSM Inverted Impulse coaster built?

[ahecht]

Intamin: Do you see the next big innovation in steel coaster design being in train design/seating arrangements, new track elements, or something else entirely?

[ahecht]

Intamin: Are your rides designed entirely on the computer, or do you begin with paper sketches and layouts?

[ahecht]

Intamin: When you first ride a ride you've designed are there ever parts that surprise you, or is the experience always exactly what you expected?

[linearinduction]

Intamin: Have you ever considered an Energy Recovery System for your LSM Coasters?

[Hilltopper39]

Intamin- I know that there are a LOT of factors that a park must look into when considering to build a new ride, but is there a specific reason that no mega-lites have been built in america to date?

[Moose]

^I'd laugh if they responded you're too fat. Those trains aren't exactly forgiving.

[SharkTums]

^What's a nicer way to say that...cause I'm pretty sure that's the reason!

[Mrlittle]

Question for Intamin : Do you have any job openings or internships available?

[Mrlittle]

Intamin : Do you ever pat yourself on the back when you hear another one of your coasters is ranked #1?

Edited November 7, 2012 by Mrlittle