Kentucky Kingdom

[Nick_Plummer]

Possibly GCI retrack as I doubt they'll have another RMC for cost reasons.

[calakapepe]

Well RMC did the retracking at the opening of the park. RMC can work with traditional techniques too

[homestar92]

Just used the measuring tool in Google Maps on the one at SFStL and its width is in that ballpark (therefore so is its height since they're circular).

[Vortex lover]

Possibly GCI retrack as I doubt they'll have another RMC for cost reasons.

I just want to see what train they picked, Timberliners, Millennium Flyers, or a new PTC. I'm more excited for that than the Larson!

I hope it's Timberliners

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[BeeastFarmer]

Well, this was news worth waiting for.  I've never ridden one of these contraptions, and don't know if I will since I don't like going backwards.  But I think it makes good sense for the park and ties in well with the weather theme they have going on.

 

I'm more intrigued about the train and work on Thunder Run.  It's a great ride as is after the million dollars put into it in late 2013 with RMC retracking it. 

[calakapepe]

Honestly.. I might have to stop by next year despite it not being on my priorities list. I'm just a little curious about these Larson Loopers.. They obviously don't look that fun, but I need to try it before I continue to roll my eyes at whenever Six Flags adds one. Luckily they don't have too many other parks that don't have them

Almost feels like KK is still a SIX park when we look at its addition for this year and next year haha now all we need is a 4D free spin!

[purdude86]

I wonder if Eye of the Storm will go in the old dragster area. They had sgns up there last seasons about "Fun Under Construction" or something so maybe they are clearing that space for the ride. Would fit in easily there and give an attraction there on that long stretch between Storm Chaser and Raging Rapids

[MDMC01]

(regarding KK's 2017 addition) Not bad! I've never been on a Larson Looper before, so that should be interesting! They are really running on that storm theme, though! Might try to sneak a trip down there next year to try it out! 

 

EDIT: Also, I'm really glad they are not calling it a "coaster"

[BeeastFarmer]

So, in addition to EotS and work/train on TR, there are several improvements coming: A new entrance to HB, more shade structures at HB and KK que lines, tables, chairs, etc, more AC in food places and restrooms (which is awesome,  that is something that KK is miles ahead of KI on, comfortable inside eating and cold restrooms--those blasts of coolness on hot, humid days is great and the restrooms don't stink!), more ticket windows at front gate and new tech to speed up pass sales and in park sales.

 

Pretty solid year ahead it seems.

 

http://www.wdrb.com/story/33816449/kentucky-kingdom-announces-new-attractions-for-2017

[calakapepe]

I wonder if Eye of the Storm will go in the old dragster area. They had sgns up there last seasons about "Fun Under Construction" or something so maybe they are clearing that space for the ride. Would fit in easily there and give an attraction there on that long stretch between Storm Chaser and Raging Rapids

I've seen video touring the closed KK and it seemed like an area was getting prepped for a flat over by SC in the 2nd inversion and turn around area. The video narrated a possible psth going under the corked roll where there is that space we've all seen.

[Kenban]

7 stories? Are Larson Loops normally around 70ft tall?

And so what's happening to Thunder Runs track, I wonder

They come in two sizes. The original model is 55 feet tall, while this is the giant version which is 72 feet tall.

[CoasterDirected]

Anyone have an idea what kind of train it is? Just a new PTC or maybe Timberliners or Millennium Flyers?

[TombRaiderFTW]

At one point back when Holiday World was trying to make Timberliners happen on Voyage, it was revealed that they had paid something like $600,000 for two trains. Someone here with industry knowledge pointed out that that would be a great deal for one train.

Later on, one or both of those trains showed up on a used ride website. I don't remember the price, but I don't think they were over $1 million. That was a couple years ago. I can't remember what site they were on, or else I'd check to see if they're still there.

If no one has bought them, I'd wonder if one of them is heading to Kentucky Kingdom. $500,000 for a new train AND additional work on the ride sounds like a pretty good deal...

[homestar92]

^

 

Timberliners are the most uncomfortable coaster trains I've ever ridden, and I've ridden a Chance Toboggan coaster. (And Whizzer with a close childhood friend, though that's a completely different sort of uncomfortable )

 

I'm glad I haven't renewed my season pass yet, because if I found out that they had rendered my favorite ride in the park completely unenjoyable, I'd be pretty bummed to have spent the money on a season pass. I think I'll wait until we get more details on that train before I renew.

 

I wonder how hard/expensive it would be to retrofit a transfer track onto the ride so that it could run two trains?

[rhyano]

I have an interesting idea, so i have not been to the park yet, and to my understanding Thunder Run can only run one train, would it be possible to expand the break run and add another? Just a thought but not sure if its possible.

[homestar92]

^ they'd have to add a transfer track. It doesn't have one so if they did that, there would be no way to remove a train from the tracks if it malfunctioned or if it just wasn't needed due to lighter crowds.

[silver2005]

I would like to think that they would have to extend the brake run because it's got some decent speed as it's finishing. At the very least they would have to add trims prior to those brakes.

[Creed Bratton]

Maybe that's part of the track work that's coming?

[FoF96"]

They mentioned in the comment thread that this new train will replace the old one... one train op will continue.

[BeeastFarmer]

From the ACE Facebook page:

 

American Coaster Enthusiasts

10 hrs ·

On the heels of a very successful 2016 season, Kentucky Kingdom
is upgrading its classic wooden coaster, Thunder Run, which will receive a new train from our friends at Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and track modifications at a cost of more than half a million dollars. Bill Hargrave, the park’s Vice President of Construction, remarked, “This new train replaces the original Thunder Run train first put into service in 1990. With its advanced technology, the new train, together with the track improvements, will give coaster enthusiasts a smoother and faster ride.”

In addition, the park will be adding a new ride, “Eye of the Storm,” described as a 24-passenger, high-speed thrill ride with a roller coaster train that circles a seven-story loop, featuring continuous rotations, inversions, and both forward and backward motions, which is clearly a Fire Ball/Super Loop from our friends at Larson International. Two additional children’s rides will also be introduced in 2017.

 

Source: facebook.com, ACE page.

[FoF96"]

I'm curious as to where ACE got the information on the TR train because all KK has released publicly is that several coaster company's are looking at the project.

[BoddaH1994]

That's actually kind of disappointing.  I was hoping for something different than PTC rolling stock.  I'll still give it a shot, though.

[rhyano]

That's actually kind of disappointing.  I was hoping for something different than PTC rolling stock.  I'll still give it a shot, though.

if I had to guess, these trains are going to look somewhat similar to Thunderhawk's new trains, in my opinion I love the look of the new trains! Can't wait to see how they ride! 

 

http://coasterinsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Thunderhawk-Train1.jpg

[medford]

Anyone know if Terpy is alive and kicking?  He hasn't posted a thing since October, a pretty long stretch for one of our most active and insightful posters.

[IndyGuy4KI]

Anyone know if Terpy is alive and kicking?  He hasn't posted a thing since October, a pretty long stretch for one of our most active and insightful posters.

Yes, someone knows... (Terpy humor)

 

Last I heard he is alive and well. Not sure about the kicking part.

[medford]

thanks, just hoping that he's alright; not sick or anything.  I don't know him personally, couldn't pick him out of a lineup, but miss his posts around here.

[Nick_Plummer]

Anyone know if Terpy is alive and kicking?  

Those who don't know, speak. Those who do know, don't say anything. I think that's how the saying goes

[Creed Bratton]

From what I understand he had to stop posting for a while due to his job. 


Back to the topic at hand:

I need to get to Kentucky Kingdom!! I'm not a fan of Larson Loopers but definitely need to ride Storm Chaser.

[Skylab]

Yes, you definitely need to ride Storm Chaser. It was my first, and thus far only, RMC, (missed out on Lightning Rod) and it was amazing. That first drop is something else.

[BeeastFarmer]

Observations:  1.  EOTS will go where the Dragsters used to be, according to KK's Facebook page.  2.  On PTC's  Facebook page, there is a recent picture of the chassis for the new TR train.