Rugrats Runaway Reptar

Infobox roller coaster
name=Rugrat's Runaway Reptar


caption=
type=Steel
type2=Inverted
manufacturer=Vekoma
model=Family Suspended
length=1121
height=48
drop=23
inversions=0
speed=26
duration=1:30
lift=Wheeled lift hill
length=1013
capacity=650
acceleration=
gforce=2.2

Rugrats Runaway Reptar is an junior inverted roller coaster designed by Vekoma. It was the first inverted coaster designed specifically for children. The roller coaster is a standardised design operating at seven amusement parks, sometimes under the alternate names Silver Streak, Swamp Thing, or Bat. [ [http://www.rcdb.com/ir.htm?model=99&page=1 Roller Coaster Search Results (Model = Suspended Family Coaster (342 m))] , "Roller Coaster Database", August 12, 2008]

Ride Description

The ride has one train, which has 10 cars with two seats on each car. The safety system consists of over-the-shoulder restraints that lock into place and then a belt-type connector that attaches the seat base to the over-the-shoulder restraints.

Riders are taken up convert|14|m|ft by a wheeled lift hill, and go through a tight helix, followed by a series of small turns and drops. Upon approaching the station, the ride is slowed by a magnetic brake run.

Often two staff members are required to operate the ride. One is designated as the ride operator and is responsible for checking the restraints on the first six rows and operates the ride and safety mechanisms. The other employee is designated as a ride attendant and is responsible for letting guests into the loading platform, ensuring the guests are of the proper height, making seat assignments, and checking the restraints on the last six rows of the coaster. In order to launch the coaster both the ride operator and attendant must verify that the coaster is ready to launch. However, some parks require three staff members. One person checking restraints on the Load side, one to check restraints on the Unload side, check for proper height and operate a dual dispatch function, and one stationary driver. In such cases, all three operators must verify that the coaster is ready to launch.

Appearances

Rugrats Runaway Reptar (Kings Island)

Rugrats Runaway Reptar at Kings Island, installed in 2001, was the first inverted kids' coaster in the world. This is the park's fourth kids' coaster.

ilver Streak

Silver Streak at Paramount Canada's Wonderland opened at the same time as the identical coaster at Kings Island.clarifyme The height restriction for riders is between convert|44|and|77|in|cm. It is rated as a Type 4 or High Thrill ride.

Bat

The Bat debuted at Lagoon Amusement Park on April 16, 2005. [http://www.farmingtonstar.com/thebat.html] Lagoon had hoped to open the Bat on the opening day of the 2005 season on April 9, but the opening was delayed a week. [Arave, Lynn: "Lagoon to open its gates, unleash new 'Bat' coaster", "Deseret Morning News", April 8, 2005.] It was built on the site of the Lake Park Terrace, a pavillion moved to Lagoon from the park's original location on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The Terrace was removed on October 12, 2004, to make room for the new roller coaster, as the structure's deterioration had passed the point of feasible maintenance.Arave, Lynn: "'The Bat' a different kind of fun", "Deseret Morning News", January 14, 2005.] It was one of four roller coasters added to the park in a 10-year span, and the first to use a magnetic braking system.

The Bat was the third 'family-friendly' ride, allowing both adults and children, to be installed in the park, following the "Kontiki" and "Dragon Fly" flat rides installed in 2004. The minium height for riders of the Bat is convert|42|in|cm with an adult companion, or convert|50|in|cm to ride alone; a smaller minimum height restriction than most of the other roller coasters located in the park.

The ride themeing is based on bats. The ride facade and queue area resembling a cave with roosting bats, and the light coverings in the station area are decorated with images of bats. The ride track is painted green and purple, and the train is black and purple with orange restraints. As of 2008, The Bat is the only ride at Lagoon with over-the-shoulder restraints.

References