(4/8/99)
Utah's premier rollercoaster builder is about to push thrill seekers
over the edge in a big way.
The bigger and faster ride is still on the drawing board but it's a
hair-raising hint of where the industry is going.
The story from Science Specialist Ed Yeates.
Reporters in Tennessee are taking test runs on Arrow Dynamics latest
coaster at Dolly Parton's theme park.
In this design, A-D uses one of the largest corkscrews and tear-drop
shaped loops which give riders a different kind of rush.
But that doesn't surprise those who built it back here in Utah.
The company has been creating firsts for a long time.
Alan Harris, the CEO of Arrow/Dynamics says, "First steel coaster, first
turning people upside down, first suspended coaster, first coaster above 200
feet."
While Dollywood's Tornado is one more innovation, future rides will push
the envelope even more. Harris says thrill seekers want it.
"Take as much advantage of the thrill zone as we can without going unbeknownest
to ourselves or others too far on the other side of the line, creating complete
and utter fear," he says.
Engineers and designers say the new coasters are getting faster and smoother.
But wait until you see what's projected for the new century.
While it's still propietary - just a concept on the drawing board - the
ride will break traditional barriers.
According to Harris, "We're talking about machines that will be coming off the
top at heights in excess of 300 feet and having speeds in excess of 100 miles
per hour."
New computers, tracks and lifts will make rides quieter. Coasters won't
annoy people living near the parks. And multiple trains will allow riders to
choose their adventure.
Harris says each coaster train will carry more people, weighing in excess
of 50 tons. And yet, he says, the rides will be safer.
