Yeah its true. Son of Beast no longer has that record of a looping wooden coaster. It seems there were problems with the ride in the 2006 season which has led to the loops removal and remodelled trains. Removing the loop has allowed the ride to have much lighter trains which hopefully will create a much smoother experience.
I definately think although the ride has lost its record, it has been for the best. I mean the average rider is probably much more impressed by a smooth running coaster, than the only woodie with a loop. Ahh well its gone now, so maybe some other park will take on the new record of the only woodie with a loop...
Son of Beasts mighty loop
oz boy
DAM CEDAR FAIR!!!
Mr. Splash
I gotta say though I don't think a woodie with a loop sounds natural. I prefer the large steelies not to have loops so the same applies with a woodie.
Ryan P
Plus, loops on woodies are made with steel, so technicaly, there was no such thing as wooden loop. IMO, it doesn't sound right at all. Woodies are old fashioned, and I think they should be left like that.
Mr. Splash
I wouldn't say that woodies ahould always be classed as old fashioned now. There was a period in the 80's when it was hard to find anything but steelies being built, but now look at all the new uns. Like Hades and Kentucky Rubler.
Ryan P
What I mean is, woodies are more outdated. These days, you see mostly steel coasters, and less and less woodies.
Mr. Splash
But thats my point. Woodies are popping up more and more instead of them disapearing. I know what your saying, they have a rustic feel, I was just stating that not all woodies have to stick to traditional plans. Although I agree woodies without loops sound nicer.
oz boy
While it does seem un-natural, i would've liked to ride it. Plus, in the new future, we're probably going to have hybrid coasters. Half wooden, half steel.
Mr. Splash
Like I say now the records open again, I'm sure another park will jump in for the record.
Mr. Splash
From various reviews I've read and this one of Theme Park Review, I would say that although everyone was against it, it actually turned out pretty good.
Quote:
I was very nervous....the G-Trains are comfortable and the lap bars are PADDED! The train rolled out of the station and it bumped a bit as we headed to the lift. It seemed just a bit better than the old Son of Beast before. As we climbed the lift, it was still loud as usual....maybe even louder! (see video) So we go down the small drop and inch over to the 200ft drop. There was some airtime! I was really shocked at that point because it was also smooth! Smooth and airtime! After the drop, you speed up the second hill (FLYING over it compared to the old trains) and some floater air on the second drop! But here is where the ugly side shows. The first helix is very rough at the bottom, don't get me wrong it is a HUGE improvement, but still! It was rough....then you head into some brakes and down the drop to where the loop would be. Well, instead, there is a small speed bump (see Thunder Dolphin!) and curve to right. It didn't do much, but you could fell a gentle push out of your seat...nothing really. As you head up to the second helix, there are some more head choppers! Yay! The second helix was fun, a few bumps...then up and over a hill to turn around, then dive down and up into the really hard brakes! All and all it was a fun ride! I'm glad it was back open, but I'm going to stay in that seat for a while Too afraid to see what the other seats are like. So lets review.
