Storm Runner

Infobox roller coaster
name=Storm Runner


caption=
location=Hersheypark
section=
type=Steel
type2=Launched
status=Open
opened=May 8, 2004
manufacturer=Intamin AG
designer=Werner Stengel
model=Accelerator Coaster
track=custom
lift=Hydraulic Launch
height=150
drop=180
length=2600
speed=75
inversions=3
duration=0:50
angle=90
capacity=1200
cost=$12,000,000 USD
acceleration=0 − convert|72|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on in 2 seconds
gforce=4.2
restriction=54
rcdb_number=2498

Storm Runner is a steel launched roller coaster at Hersheypark. It was constructed in 2004 and was the third Intamin AG Accelerator Coaster. It reaches a height of 150 ft (46 m) and catapults riders from 0 to 72 mph (116 km/h) in 2 seconds. It features a top hat and three inversions, a dual loading station and a magnetic braking system. [http://www.rcdb.com/ig2498.htm?picture=14] It was built to interact with three other Hersheypark rides: the Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, and the Trailblazer.

Storm Runner is the first accelerator coaster to utilize over-the-shoulder restraints and the first to have a dual-loading station with switch tracks. Likewise, it was also the first accelerator coaster to feature inversions; Kanonen at Liseberg was the second.

When Storm Runner first opened in 2004, the queue line would often be extended with ropes due to the ride's popularity. In 2005, the park added an overflow queue in the center of Trailblazer's first drop.

Ride experience

As the train leaves the station, it moves slow and eerily onto the launch platform. As it is rolling to its launch , a pre-recorded sound of a heartbeat is heard. A voice says,"All right riders, sit up right with your head back, hold on tight to the grab handles at all times, and keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times." Then they hear Storm Runner's mascot, a mustang, make a loud screaming neigh. After a few seconds, the trains rolls back as the magnetic brakes drop and riders hear a voice saying "Now get ready, here we go", and then the train immediately launches from 0–72 mph in less than 2 seconds (usually right as the voice says the word "go"). Riders are photographed by the on-ride camera at the launch. In 2004 during the wait, riders would listen to the heart beat then a count down from five before hearing the voice. After traveling down a relatively short runway, the train climbs straight up the 150 ft (46 m) top hat, providing some airtime, and back down again, 180 ft (55 m) into a gully. Hitting a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), the train rolls into the first-ever cobra loop, up, and to the left. The train then speeds into the barrel roll which then leads to the famous"Flying Snake Dive", which consists of a heartline roll followed by a half heartline roll that makes a vertical plunge. The ride screams over Spring Creek, twists to the right and to the left, then back above the treetops for one last dose of airtime. The train hits the brakes running, and the ride slowly glides back into the station. The duration of the ride is 29 seconds from launch to the brakes.

Launch System

To launch the trains, they use a system invented by Intamin that launches the trains using hydraulics. This system is similar to blowing up a balloon and then releasing the air, but instead of using air, they use liquids. On the track there is a catch car that would hook up to the train. Once the launch occurs, the catch car pulls the train all the way down the track. Once the train reaches the end of the launch track, it releases and the ride continues by itself.

The launch track features magnetic brake fins. These slow down the car if the launch is unsuccessful (also known as a rollback). Storm Runner does not have a very tall top hat like Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka, and usually does not have a problem clearing it. After a rocky first season, the ride's launch element is generally considered reliable.

Storm Runner is also a coaster available for construction in the video game "Rollercoaster Tycoon 3" with the "Soaked!" expansion pack.

Gallery