This is the ride that has my interest at the moment. The debate over steel and wood is something I think is an interesting one for enthusiasts but kind of redundant for the general public who will see this as a truly insane example of a wooden coaster..
The whole layout is just crazy and like most have already said is one which we all hope will stay together and ride like it looks which is just beautiful. I have to admit though I do lean towards the group of people who are skeptical of the rides tolerance to the forces and construction techniques that we hope will stand strong unlike Son of Beast..
This certainly opens up a new class of coaster, "Hybrid" is a good term to use.
Like I said before though I think the most interesting factor will be how the general public and average Joe will interpret the design and layout in front of them. As we know from survey results not just for Alton but other parks like Paultons the public see's wood as old, unsafe, uncomfortable and noisy in some capacity. Its going to be a real thrill and extreme adrenaline experience to ride a wooden coaster with this layout and might just capture peoples imagination for danger and thrills.
As much as a coaster like this would surely have its place at somewhere like Thorpe being the "Extreme Capital" park the UK survey would surely have a more extreme negative reaction to an inverting wooden coaster. Though I very much hope I am wrong. I think Alton needs a traditional coaster not one like this and that it really would make a perfect addition to Thorpe.
I would hope the company has the confidence in its construction technique and technology not just to pull it off but to stand the test of time that has caught out so many great prototypes / firsts (The Bat and Son of Beast spring to mind)...
I am genuinely following construction with interest, intrigue, excitement and hope that it does succeed.
I assume this will have a completely new design of rolling stock / restraint system for the forces its expected to withstand and level of comfort the modern park goer expects...
Cant wait to see a testing video and the sound it will produce.
just bat poo INSANE!!
