Original Designs of Volcano: The Blast Coaster Rediscovered
Over the course of the last few months, we have highlighted coaster proposals and designs that never saw the light of day in our video series, Lost Concepts. While researching a project for Kings Dominion, we stumbled upon some references to unrealized concepts of Volcano. Such references mentioned numerous pitches to manufacturers to create a coaster that would shoot riders right out of the mountain.
Proposals for a project in this location were submitted by numerous manufacturers such as TOGO and Intamin. These plans provide us with a tantalizing glimpse into the development of the Volcano we came to know (and miss). While most of the proposals never materialized, this original proposal from Intamin came very close. The documents shown below were created by Intamin in September of 1996, and include profile layouts of the proposed coaster.
These original plans can be seen floating round the web stemming from multiple people — among those are Ed Linkhert, Michael Smith, and Brian Sterowski. Not knowing who to credit, we contacted Intamin to dig even deeper. While they weren’t (legally) able to confirm or deny the project, it is a valid concept. From this set of documents, we created an animated model of the original proposed ride.
Like the Volcano that was eventually built, the ride would be constructed using the volcano building that housed the Time Shaft, Lost World, and Smurfs ride. Instead of entering the volcano on the right side (closed to Flight of Fear) riders were launched along the extension of the volcano building closest to Avalanche. At top speed, the ride would hit nearly 75 MPH.
Riders would enter a flat turn that would launch riders up into the volcano an into a 140 foot tall inversion. At the top of the inversion, riders would then plummet 130 feet back down the side of the mountain.
At the bottom of the drop, the riders would enter a half batwing element. This unique element would have the trains enter an inclined innelman element. Leaving this element, the riders would enter a stretch of trim brakes before entering a descending helix.
Following the helix, the riders would enter a grand finale: four heartline rolls. The heartline rolls were placed in groups of two with the first set outside the volcano, and the second set inside the volcano. After the second set of heartline rolls, the train would enter a diving turn before slowing down in the final brake run.
Take a ride on our recreation of this long lost proposed coaster right now!
https://www.facebook.com/coasternation/videos/558945818103749/
Would you have preferred this concept to be constructed or the one that was actually built? We want to hear your thoughts, let us know on our socials or in the community group! Visit the Amusement Park Community FB Group HERE and JOIN THE DISCUSSIONS!
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