Interview w/ Walter Bolliger reveals Launched B&Ms Possible

[Jew]

There is no way for Universal to have B&M build the Hulk, and then another company do the launch. That's just not going to work with the ride's computer system and programming, everything on the ride has to be designed by B&M, and built to those specifications.

 

B&M doesn't even do their own control systems. That's Consign. It's entirely possible whomever designed the launch system told B&M what they designed, sent them blueprints, and said "here, design track for this. (which is basically how Disney does their rides)."

 

I don't think it is true to say that B&M has to do it all.

Edited February 11, 2013 by Jew

[_koppen]

What I meant was to say that there is no way for Universal to design their own launch system for it, without B&M being involved in designing it.

 

B&M has decided how they how they wanted the launch, and then someone else built it.

[Randomman295]

The Hulk is a tire launch, isn't it?

Yes, and I believe it is the only one that inverts, too.

[G$ Kurt]

I was always under the impression that it was Vekoma who designed the launch for Hulk, or am I mistaken.

[Randomman295]

^I don't ever remember Vekoma ever making tire launches, but I know that Intamin has made several. Maybe that's who did it.

Does anyone have proof of this?

[SoCalCoasters]

The point of me making this thread was NOT to discuss whether or not Hulk is a launched coaster, but to discuss what we might see from B&M with future launched designs.

 

Yes, Hulk is a B&M coaster with a launch. It doesn't exactly use a "traditional" launching method persay due to the use of tires and the inclined slant at which the propulsion takes place, but it's a launched roller coaster made by B&M nonetheless.

 

To steer the conversation back on track:

 

Do you guys think that B&M will start where they feel comfortable and continue to use inclined launches for coasters (definitely not complaining here, as Hulk has one of the coolest launch sequences on any coaster, even though the layout gave me a headache), or do you think they'll do a more traditional flat (or near flat) launch track?

[G$ Kurt]

That entirely depends on what type of launch system they go with. From the interview it sounds like LSM (and that absolutely would be the way to go) but what that means is they can do either, lift hill launch or flat. Maverick is the only LSM lift hill launch I've been on. and I must say it is a lot of fun. To the GP its really deceiving as they see a normal looking lift hill and aren't expecting the sudden launch. Though it's really not hard to trick the GP.

[BeemerBoy]

Do you guys think that B&M will start where they feel comfortable and continue to use inclined launches for coasters, or do you think they'll do a more traditional flat (or near flat) launch track?

 

"If a customer comes to us to design a launch coaster, we will respond to him favorably."

They will build what they're asked to build. This conversation is destined to continue in circles.

[coasterlover420]

This conversation is destined to continue in circles.

[DJeXeL]

^^ And that varies from any other "discussion??"

I think KBF could use a launched B&M but they "have no room to build any more coasters."

[_koppen]

I'm really interested in what type of ride someone will order with a launch.

 

It would be very cool if we saw a launched wing rider, but man those trains are heavy, it would be a very slow and power consuming launch.

[Moose]

This conversation is destined to continue in circles.

 

I much prefer full circuit conversations.

[Aceattack52]

I think KBF could use a launched B&M but they "have no room to build any more coasters."

That's what they said at SFOG in 2005. But then popped up a sprawling B&M hyper in 2006. The point is is that a park will make room if they really think a new ride will do them good.

[DJeXeL]

^Miss sarcasm much?