Suspended Family Coaster
{{Short description|Roller coaster design by Vekoma}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{ Infobox attraction model
| name = Suspended Family Coaster
| logo =
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| image = PKI-Rugrat's Runaway Reptar.jpg
| imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = Woodstock’s Air Rail(formerly Rugrats Runaway Reptar and Flying Ace Ariel Chase) at Kings Island was one of the first Family Inverted Coaster models.[http://www.coaster-net.com/ridegallery.php?action=displaymore&id=61&photographerid=2 Rugrats Runaway Reptar, Kings Island], Coaster-Net
| status = in production
| first_produced = 2001
| No. of installations= 11
| manufacturer =
| manufacturer2 = Vekoma, S&S Sensei
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| custom_label_1 = Type
| custom_value_1 = Steel – Inverted – Family
| custom_label_2 = Models
| custom_value_2 = 294 m, 342 m, and 395 m
| custom_label_3 = Lift system
| custom_value_3 = Drive tire
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| rcdb_number = 8122
}}
A Suspended Family Coaster is a steel inverted roller coaster built by Vekoma designed for families with no inversions. Just like all inverted roller coasters the train runs under the track with the seats directly attached to the wheel carriage. This latter attribute is what sets it apart from the older suspended swinging coaster, which runs under the track, but "swings" via a pivoting bar attached to the wheel carriage.
History
The Suspended Family Coaster debuted in 2001 with the Rugrats Runaway Reptar opening at Kings Island in Ohio, USA, and Silver Streak at sister park Canada's Wonderland.[https://web.archive.org/web/20121103134700/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/432712361.html?dids=432712361:432712361&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+05,+2001&author=Jim+Fox&pub=The+Record&desc=Wonderland+has+4+new+thrills&pqatl=google Wonderland has 4 new thrills], Toronto Star, Jim Fox, 5 May 2001 Several clones and variations have opened since.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Suspended Family Coaster|accessdate=23 April 2012|url=http://www.rcdb.com/m/8122.htm}}
The original designs featured trains with a safety system consisting of over-the-shoulder restraints. These restraints would lock into place with a belt-type connector which would be attached the seat base. All of the original track designs were of the 342m model with concrete footers.
In March 2007, Vekoma debuted a new version of the Suspended Family Coaster, the 294 m model. The first installation of this was Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer at Movie Park Germany. The ride differs from previous Suspended Family Coasters because it has a portable base-frame beneath the track rather than concrete footers and features a new train style with fully padded seats that use lap bar restraints.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer|location=Movie Park Germany|rcdb_number=3675|accessdate=23 April 2012}}
One month later in April 2007, the 395 m model was launched at Gröna Lund in Sweden. The ride, which was named Kvasten, features the same redesigned trains as Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer. The ride also features a larger layout with a peak height of {{Convert|20|m|ft}} and a length of {{Convert|395|m|ft}}.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Kvasten|location=Grona Lund|rcdb_number=3702|accessdate=23 April 2012}}
Models
All models have one train, which has 10 cars with 2 seats on each car.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Escape from Madagascar|location=Dreamworld|rcdb_number=2166|accessdate=23 April 2012}} This caters for up to 650 riders per hour. All of the models feature lift hills powered by tires and magnetic brake runs.
- 294 m — features a compact footprint where riders rise to {{Convert|13|m|ft}} before completing a 48-second ride of turns and drops.
- 342 m — riders are taken up {{convert|14.8|m|ft}} and go through a tight helix, followed by a series of small turns and drops for a one-and-a-half-minute ride.
- 395 m — This model stands {{Convert|20|m|ft}} above the ground and reaches speeds of up to {{Convert|55|km/h|mph}}.
Installations
Gallery
File:Runaway Reptar Roller Coaster.jpg|Kenny's Forest Flyer at Dreamworld is a standard {{Convert|342|m|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} model.
File:Vekoma-otsr.jpg|A car from Swamp Thing at Wild Adventures.
File:The bat coaster train Lagoon utah.JPG|Roller coaster train for the Bat at the Lagoon Amusement Park.
File:Kvasten at Gröna Lund 2007.JPG|Kvasten at Gröna Lund is the first 395m model in operation.
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [http://www.vekoma.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=10 Official website]
{{Vekoma}}