Silver Dollar City today released a video explaining the technology behind the “controlled spin” of the park’s new-for-2018 Time Traveler, which will be the world’s fastest (at 50.3 mph), steepest (at 90 degrees) and tallest (at 100 feet) spinning coaster when it opens this spring.
Since it was announced, Time Traveler has received mixed reactions from some fans who are worried the ride will spin too much. So I’m not surprised the park has released a video specifically addressing the spinning aspect of the coaster.
The coaster is the work of Mack Rides of Germany. In the video, Franz Freidl, the company’s head of installation, described the magnetic device that is behind the controlled spin.
The device allows the park to specify the percentage of how freely the four-car train spins (I’m guessing 0 percent is “no spin” and 100 percent is “free spin,” or some similar range).
“It is a controlled spin with a magnetic braking system,” said Andy Westfall, director of planning and development at Silver Dollar City.
“It allows you to rotate at just fast enough that it’s thrilling and unique, but it’s not so over-the-top.”
The video does not disclose the “spin percentage” in which they will operate Time Traveler — perhaps the park will adjust it as time goes on (no pun intended).
Watch the full video below:
I don’t care for spinning, so I admittedly haven’t been overly excited about its opening. While I’d rather endure a “controlled spin,” I’d much rather just face forward for the entire ride. Maybe they’ll eventually give riders the option to not spin. Hey, a guy can dream.
What are your thoughts on Time Traveler? Do you think it will spin too much? Discuss in the comments section below.
They do have a pin lock that locks into the holes on the round magnetic disk and that can stop the car from spinning