9 replies to this topic

[Drew]

What do you think that B&M will perfect. They are now doing Prones, what do you think?

I think they will do the fourth dimension coaster net, or some type of LIM coaster.

What do ya think?

[Devin Olson]

You've got me on that one...

My guess would be a 4D-type coaster, but I have abselutely nothing to base that on. I could also see them experimenting with other types of launches for their coasters other than the Hulk wheel-driven launch. Perhaps something using compressed air?  :-/

[supermanros208]

I would like to see them make a ride with there normal track like top thrill dragster only have inverts and stuff like they could use there smooth wheel based launch and have like a 300 foot cobra roll instead of a top hat. Seems like a lot but if a park is willing to pay for it i bet B&M could do it. Let me know what you think.

Edited by ohiocoasterman, 05 January 2004 - 03:49 AM.

[Hobodog]

The wheel launch is not theres. They own no rights to it and would contract the company that built Hulk's wheel launch or design a brand new system for their own coasters. Having heard what I have about Bolliger & Mabillard I doubt we will see a launched Bolliger & Mabillard for a while.

[Devin Olson]

^ I know now, I found that out about a year after I posted that. But in time, it would be a good idea for B&M to go launched to add some more variation to their line of coasters.

[ThunderFun]

The wheel launch is not theres. They own no rights to it and would contract the company that built Hulk's wheel launch or design a brand new system for their own coasters. Having heard what I have about Bolliger & Mabillard I doubt we will see a launched Bolliger & Mabillard for a while.

What in the world, that does not mean they can't use the system, look at B&M station track. All rollercoaster companies now use a wheel system to lift, launch, move trains, and/or cars. B&M is over-rated, and their prices are too high. The only reason Six Flags keeps going back is because Batman: The Ride clones are good. Arrow Dynamics was and still is the manufactors and designer of the world's best coaster. Come on Arrow, get back in the game. Dang you, Six Flags Magic Mountain.

[Devin Olson]

Still in that mood of yours, ThunderFun?

I had heard that whatever rights there were on the Hulk wheel drive launch system expired in 2002, but that could be wrong. It is a more original and complex system than your typical wheel transportation that you'll find on probably the majority of new coasters. Hulk is the only coaster in the world with that type of launch.

From what I've heard, B&M hesitate to use any type of launch due to the growing pains that we see on just about any type of launch out there and their current reputation for reliability, although I don't recall any problems or delays with Hulk's launch.

[Hobodog]

A little bit of Arrow bias out there. None the less they CANNOT use the system. I don't remember the name of the company that designed the launch but they hold a patent on it. And could sue for infringment if Bolliger & Mabillard attempted to reuse the design without their consent. Its not a matter of using wheels and such it is a matter of a system that is proven and reliable being restricted from Bolliger & Mabillard because someone else built it and has the rights to it. It is a patented design.

[CoasterBGW]

There is a little difference between a wheel system that moves baout 3 MPH in the station and about 60 going up a hill. You would have to have the wheels that are launching computer controled so you could have the wheels increasing speed as they go up the hill. That is were this other company comes in, they know how to do that and it is easy for them to knock off.

I see them perfect the 4-D, if they can fix the flaws in the Arrow version they have a very very good chance at getting parks to buy them.

[Hobodog]

I don't think they will fix the flaws of the Arrow system. Look at the Standup. Did they go about fixing flaws. No they went about with a whole new way of going through thing. A completely different design. That is what the next type of coaster will be like. Just like their flyer was completely different from Vekomas their 4D supposing they build it will be very different.