The Bat

[GrapesLie]

So as I'm sure most of you know in 1981 Kings Island built The Bat the first prototype Arrow Suspended Coaster. Unfortunately it was plagued with mechanical issues and was removed from the park in 1984. I was wondering if anyone here was lucky enough to experience this ride during its short life and what you thought about it? I think it looks fun! Unfortunately it was gone before I came into this world.

 

For those here who know nothing about it go here http://rcdb.com/627.htm

Edited November 6, 2012 by GrapesLie

[larrygator]

A suggestion.

 

Please use the sub-header area to give viewers a detailed description. i.e.: "Has anyone here ridden it?"

[apatos99]

I had the pleasure of riding it four times the year it debuted, and twice the next year. It was the absolute best suspended coaster ever. You swung 90 degrees vertical on those turns, especially the helixes after the second lift hill. Imagine either Flight Deck or the Big Wolf with twice the intensity.

 

Of course, that's what led to its demise. The suspended coaster proved to be a flawed concept, because the swinging part that makes it unique, has to be supresses with low speeds and banked curves to keep the coaster from tearing itself apart.

 

Even though it only stayed a few short years, it as a legend and if it was still here, I don't think it would have ever lost its star power.

[supertrooper]

I rode it twice (once the year it opened and once the year after). I credit it with starting my addiction/love of coasters. Before then, I was fascinated by them, but afraid to ride anything larger than the Scooby Doo (now Woodstock Express). My best friend at the time begged me to ride it, and finally I gave in. I'm glad I did. I honestly don't remember too much about it since I was only in 4th grade, but it must have been fun enough for me to want to ride more.

[A.J.]

I'd bet that the Bat would still be around (or at least around to...maybe 2005?) if its curves were banked properly. If the cars didn't swing, I'd bet that you would have experienced at least 2Gs laterally.

[GrapesLie]

Wow from peoples description I am really sad I did not get to ride this. Sad Day! I really wish this was not a dying breed of coaster.