4 replies to this topic

[Coasteridiot]

In 2008, some of Intamin's greatest creations were built. Kawasemi (http://www.rcdb.com/3799.htm) and Piraten (http://www.rcdb.com/4038.htm), the world's first two mega-lites opened. In the 2008 Steel Mitch Hawker Coaster Poll, these coasters ranked #4 and #5. In 2009, we saw two more, Fly Over Mediterranean (http://www.rcdb.com/4220.htm) and Mega-Lite (http://www.rcdb.com/4225.htm).

I think these coasters look amazing. They're smooth, filled with ejector air-time, and include several forceful turns. I just can't help but wonder what the future of this coaster type will be like.

- All four of these coasters have the same layouts. Will we begin to see different layouts, and if so, what do you think they will be like?

- Will we even see any more Mega-Lite's? So far, there are no plans for another one to be built in 2010. Will we just see this idea die, or will it take several more years for more to be built? (Ex: Maverick and Atlantis Adventure, two great creations that have not been repeated yet.)

- If we do see more Mega-Lite's, what park's will they go to? Will they eventually make their way into America or stay in Europe/Asia?

- Can anything be done about the low capacity these rides have? From what I know, Kawasemi only runs one train and Piraten, which runs two, only gets 810 riders per hour.

Post what you think will happen in the future with these rides and any ideas you may have.

[Brad]

^Generally with the tight transitions and insane airtime hills you need as short of a train as possible. That's the reason Fahrenheit doesn't have a long train, because the 97 degree drop is bad enough on the back of the 3rd car.

[Coasteridiot]

^ I know, I was thinking more along the lines of a MCBR or a longer station.

[The BeastFan]

With Intimidator 305, Intamin showed of yet another aspect of their mega lites and that is to offer a park a compact giga lite. Compared to MF and SD2K, 305 takes up very little room for such a dynamic coaster. And it has been laid to rest that a 90+ mph turn after a 300+ ft drop is feasable. As for the more popular mega lite, I expect some medium sized parks to go for them if they don't already have a hyper type ride in their arsenal.

[Beryllium2]

I think there's totally going to be some of these all over within the next few years. I just hope that they're not all clones of the same design. Intimidator 305 is technically a mega lite, just one on steroids, so I hope they'll be more designs like it. I think they could also be heavily themed, maybe even dark rides. If Six Flag's had the finances, I could totally see them install one of these with tons of themeing...



Don't you mean the future of Mega "Lites." Plurals don't have apostrophes...