Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)
| Loch Ness Monster | |
|---|---|
|
The interlocking vertical loops | |
| Busch Gardens Williamsburg | |
| Park section | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W / 37.234277°N 76.646°WCoordinates: 37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W / 37.234277°N 76.646°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 20, 1978 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Designer | Ron Toomer |
| Model | Custom Looping Coaster |
| Track layout | Terrain |
| Lift/launch system | Two chain lift hills |
| Height | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Drop | 114 ft (35 m) |
| Length | 3,240 ft (990 m) |
| Speed | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Duration | 2:10 |
| Max vertical angle | 55° |
| Capacity | 2200 riders per hour |
| G-force | 3.5 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
|
Loch Ness Monster at RCDB Pictures of Loch Ness Monster at RCDB | |
The Loch Ness Monster is a steel roller coaster located in Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Designed by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics, the Loch Ness Monster was the world's tallest roller coaster when it opened in 1978.[1] It was also the first coaster to contain interlocking loops.[2] In 2013, the ride celebrated its 35th anniversary.
The ride, located in the Scottish-themed area of the park, also features a helix tunnel, two lift hills and a 114-foot (35 m) drop. It is classified as an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Landmark
Layout
_01.jpg)
As the train starts to move, a voice recording says, "Thank you, and enjoy your ride on the legendary Loch Ness Monster!" After departing from the station, the train reaches the 130-foot (40 m) lift hill with a small and tight turn (with views of Apollo's Chariot's lift hill and first drop) bringing it to a 114-foot (35 m) drop towards the park's Rhine River below. A large upward hill crosses over the park's 'Land of the Dragons' and trim brakes bring riders to the first of the two interlocking loops. After the loop, the train makes a turn to a block brake, which then leads into a covered tunnel/helix.
Inside the tunnel, the train makes 2.75 circular turns before coming to the end of the tunnel. The tunnel has had various lights and special effects over the years, including a light-up picture of the cartoon Loch Ness Monster, and now has one strobe that goes off at about the beginning of the second revolution. The on-ride photo was once taken inside the tunnel, but has since been changed to a position after the second loop. As the train exits the tunnel at the end of the helix, a small brake run slows the train to ascend a smaller second lift hill.
The train makes a wide turn after the lift and drops downward into the second loop. It then goes uphill again before being brought to a stop by the final brake.
References
External links
| Preceded by Shock Wave |
World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster June 1978–1983 |
Succeeded by Dragon Mountain |
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