Much Needed Blog Post (Wing Coasters too!)

Sorry for not posting much lately, but I was in Band Camp (yes I'm back in band) and school just started recently. I unfortunately was tangled up in all this (still had fun though) and I totally forgot to post updates on recent new 2012 coaster announcements (a bunch of Six Flags park announcements, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Kings Dominion, Dollywood, Kings Island, and Cedar Point).

Now it is time to discuss the evolution of the Wing Coaster from B&M. We all know about Thorpe Park with Swarm, but now Dollywood in Tennessee and Six Flags Great America (two possibilities that I posted about) have announced America's first two Wing Coasters (with Dollywood's opening first). I'll post about them later, but I can at least give you the names:

WILD EAGLE for Dollywood
X-FLIGHT for Six Flags Great America

I have a lot to post later, so just hold your horses! ;)

Where and When Will the next B&M Wing Coaster go up?

Raptor is now open at Gardaland. Since then, I have been thinking the past few days... where and when will the next B&M Wing Coaster go up? Now, I know that Thorpe Park (in England) is building the next Wing Coaster for 2012, LC12, but I mean after that (I understand this might be too early, but I'm still curious).

Before we go through that, I believe it is best if we look at the parks that are getting coasters in 2012 or 2013, as well as the Merlin parks.

I'll first start with the Merlin parks that do not have (or have announced) Wing Coasters (that means Gardaland and Thorpe Park can be ruled out... and obviously the Legolands can be ruled out too)...

Heide Park:

This can obviously be ruled out because they are getting Krake this year, unless they pull a Kings Dominion and open a coaster two years from now (Dominator - 2008, Intimidator 305 - 2010).

Alton Towers:

I believe this is most likely the next Merlin park to get a Wing Coaster. Remember that rumor last summer of Secret Weapon 7 being under development? It seems to be confirmed:

TOP-SECRET plans are being drawn up for the most expensive ride yet at Alton Towers.

The new ride is set to open for the 2013 tourist season and will top the £15 million spent building the Th13teen ride which opened last year.

News of the ride comes as Alton Towers revealed it attracted more than 2.7 million visitors last year – a 17-year record.

General manager Ian Crabbe told The Sentinel: "We are going to be working extremely hard to make sure this ride is the only one of its kind in the world.

"It will draw people in from across the UK."

About 2,700 people are employed at Alton Towers. More than 120 of them have been preparing the park for the new season.

New attractions for this season include:

An entertainment show devised by Mike Stock, of Stock, Aitken and Waterman fame;

BMX stunt riders;

Britain's biggest fireworks display outside of London's New Year show;

Opening the theme park for Christmas celebrations for the first time.

Mr Crabbe added: "The really exciting thing for me is our ability to be a successful business.

"It gives me a real buzz that we can employ 2,700 people, especially when you look at a third year of recession.

"Last year was the most successful year we have had since 1994 when Nemesis was launched.

"This business has grown over the last two-and-a-half years and we have seen an increase of between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors."

Many of the 2,700 Alton Towers workers live in North Staffordshire.

Student Hayley McNutt, aged 20, of Stoke, who is starting her first season, said: "I've been excited. I'm doing face-painting for children, so I've been doing a lot of practising."

Amy Plant, aged 18, of Cheadle, said: "This is the second year I've worked here and I really enjoyed it last year.

"I love Alton Towers anyway. Rita, Queen of Speed is my favourite ride."

Kirsty Beattie, aged 31, of Blythe Bridge, who visited the park on Saturday for the first time in more than 10 years, said: "I've been looking forward to going on Th13teen and Air."

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/PARK-PLANS-NEW-ROLLER-COASTER/article-3379002-detail/article.html

I have gut feeling that Alton Towers may actually get the first rotating version of the Wing Coaster (if B&M still supposedly wants to do so).

Chessington's Worlds of Adventures:

This seems to be the only Merlin park not building a new coaster. Their last coaster was built in 2004, which increases the possibility for a 2013/2014 coaster, possibly as a Wing Coaster.

Who else (non Merlin)...?

Dorney Park:

This park is building a 2012 coaster, but it seems all but confirmed that this is the old Invertigo coaster from California's Great America.

Port Aventura:

The park could be building a 2012 coaster. However, this will probably not be a Wing Coaster, due to the presence of Furius Baco, an Intamin Wing Rider.

Hersheypark:

While I still have this feeling the 2012 coaster project could be the first Wing Coaster in America, I'm starting to believe that Attraction 2012 could be an Intamin Hypercoaster (which would still be cool).

Now onto the good ones...

Six Flags Great America:

This park could be building a 2012 coaster in the old Splashwater Falls site. However the latest rumor is that this will be an Intamin ZacSpin like Green Lantern at SFMM, but with a different theme (according to Screamscape). Still, I wouldn't rule out a B&M Wing Coaster just yet. Also, the last big coaster in the park was installed in 2003 (Superman), they have been adding family coasters (Rajun Cajun - 2005, Dark Knight - 2008, and Little Dipper - 2010) and they took out a big coaster in 2007 (Deja Vu). Not to mention, Chang, which was supposed to be their 2011 coaster, was taken away at the last minute last summer (in the planning) and sent to SFGAdv instead. This park could certainly use a great coaster. Also, if this is a Wing Coaster, it could be the only coaster in the area.

Dollywood:

Recently, Dollywood in Tennessee has been planning something big for the 2012 season, possibly a new coaster. While one of the articles says 11 feet, it could very well be a typo. It could be 110 feet... which certainly matches up the height ranges of the current B&M Wing Coasters (Raptor - 108 ft, LC12 - 127 ft). And Dollywood doesn't have a B&M coaster yet either.

Cedar Point:

Cedar Point has gone 5 years without a new coaster, and now that SFMM took their coaster crown, CP will probably want to take it back.

Kentucky Kingdom:

While the reopening of Kentucky Kingdom has apparently been delayed to 2013 recently, this hasn't stopped rumors of Ed Hart ordering a B&M coaster as a replacement for Chang (though technically, Chang's spot is becoming a water park). I wonder if this could be a Wing Coaster.

Canada's Wonderland:

There are rumors that for 2012, Canada's Wonderland could be receiving its second B&M coaster. And Canada lacks a Wing Rider/Wing Coaster and a 4D coaster. This does make me wonder...

California's Great America:

I'm honestly considering this, however I have my doubts. Chances are, if this park were to do anything within the next few years (given how things are going with the 49ers and Invertigo's removal), it would close forever. However, I wouldn't rule this out just yet.

Islands of Adventure:

Okay, this park is not building a 2012 coaster, but I've always felt that the Jurassic Park section of the park could use another ride other than JPRA. I've always liked the idea of converting Pteranodon Flyers into Canopy Flyers (as seen in Singapore, with new trains), and building a Pteranodon-themed coaster (either a B&M Flying Coaster or a B&M Wing Coaster). Of course, with Harry Potter Phase II all but confirmed, this might have to wait a few more years, but hey, I can always dream. =D

Recently...

I came back from California recently, so I'm going to be looking at the things that have happened since my last update.

Cheetah Hunt:

Vertical construction has restarted, as they recently put up the third launch, some of the airtime "parabola" after it, the rest of the midcourse, and part of the heartline roll.

I got to see this beast for myself on Jan 2, and oh my, it is looking very impressive! =D Unfortunately, I've ridden Rhino Rally and it has been degraded due to the recent removal of the wet portion... =( But at least we're getting something worthwhile! I hope once the coaster is done, they will redo Rhino Rally with a new thrill portion (with a more reliable manufacturer this time), new Rally cars, and new animal displays.

But one thing that interested me during my ride on Rhino Rally, was that right before the fork that used to go to the wet portion, I saw a backhoe and orange line fences. Now, this could be anything, but hmmm...

Anyways, from what I read on the forums, it seems that the reopening date for the Skyride is locked in as APRIL 22! If this is the case, I'd be willing to bet the ride will be nearly ready by then, with a Memorial Day opening.

Gwazi:

Just a day after I left BGT, Gwazi was reported to be down until the end of the month, with retracking occurring on one of the camelback hill. Recently there have been rumors that the supposed Millennium Flyers are ready to be added. On January 7th, Screamscape Twitter reported this:

Anyone @ BGT? Word is they were unloading new green coaster cars this morning near GWAZI. Millennium Flyers at last?

Yesterday, they were installing the anti-rollbacks supposedly from when they were tested the borrowed Millennium Flyers back in March of last year. As of today, the retracking seems to be complete, and an interesting sign and banner has appeared in front of Gwazi:

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bgt1.11.11/index1.shtml

If this involves the Millennium Flyer rumor, we may be seeing the new trains in a matter of days.

Krake:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56511&start=80#p983938

Vertical construction has begun on the Krake Dive Machine at Heide Park. I gotta say, "so far, so good." =D

I can't wait to see how this turns out...

Ocean Park Stand-Up:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48745&start=1210#p982627

Looks like Ocean Park, China, is getting the first B&M Stand-Up since Georgia Scorcher at SFOG in 1999. And from the looks of it... it looks exactly like the mysterious yellow B&M track that appeared in 2009, and has been in the speculation station ever since. I've got to say I'm pretty impressed! =D I've recently ridden Riddler's Revenge at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and I thought it was so fun! It's great that stand-ups are back in production! =D

And from the looks of things, this may be B&M's first attempt at a zero-g-roll on a stand-up. Okay, so first a vertical loop on a flyer (Starry Night Ripper), a dive loop on an invert (Parc Asterix 2012), a 4D coaster (X Raptor), and a zero-g-roll (?) on a Dive Machine (Krake). Now this! =D

I pray a stand-up comes to Florida... =D So in short... NOW the mystery of the yellow B&M is history...

SeaWorld San Diego 2012:

From Screamscape:

2012 - Manta Coaster Attraction and Exhibit - In Development - (1/10/11) One of our readers has dug up a little more info on the 2012 Manta themed coaster project going in. According to this link the project is out for bidding through to Jan. 21st and is officially listed as “Sea World Manta Exhibit & Ride Attraction 2012”.
(1/7/11) I received a strange e-mail today that contained a few very wonderful images that claim to be what SeaWorld California has in store for 2012. If I had to guess, it looks like the former 2010 coaster project that the park once had in development (Project: Abyss/ Project: Reef Runner) with Premier Rides has went in a new direction with a new company. Judging from the one drawing of the train itself and the indications of two separate launches on the layout drawings, I’d say without a doubt we are looking at the next Mack Launched Coaster. Though in this case, a much smaller sibling to the amazing BlueFire coaster system that premiered at Europa Park in 2009. It also looks like they’re adding a small little “Manta” style Sting Ray decoration piece to the front of the train, so at least we know the theme they are going for as well.
The layout has two clearly labeled launch zones, one right after the train turns to the right out of the station area, and the other about half way through the ride. I’m not sure if there are any inversions on this ride or not, though I see a spot that could be a zero-g roll or corkscrew possibly, though the old 2010 concept did not have any inversions. And like the old concept, I’m assuming that this new ride may feature both indoor and outdoor elements, but I’m not sure if they will attempt a splash-down effect at some point or not.
Looking back at the old artwork and layouts I had for the former coaster project, if we assume the park is still looking to locate this new coaster in the same basic location, I can plop down the layout drawing over an aerial picture of the park to get a pretty good idea of just about where the 2012 coaster project will be located. As before, putting the old empty ‘bowl’ site across from the Skyride to good use, as well as seeming to involve the demolition of the park’s very old former Japanese Village building, about the only thing remaining from the old Pearl Dive show from the 70’s to mid 80’s. The location of the nearby Forbidden Reef Ray and Eel caverns also fits right in with a Manta style theme as well. Of course this is all assumption that they are using the same site as the cancelled 2010 coaster project from Premier Rides, but given that these two projects share numerous design similarities, I’d say it’s a pretty good bet I’m on the right track. More as I dig it up and keep your eyes open in the park, as I assume they’ll have to begin construction on a project this size within the next 3-4 months to get it open in time for 2012.

BTW, I found the link to the Manta exhibit permit! =D

Anyways, this also seems interesting... I would love to see another MACK Launch coaster like Blue Fire! =D BTW, I just want to point something out, the SeaWorld parks are really getting into multi-launch coasters:

1. Cheetah Hunt (BGT) (Intamin Blitz) (2011)
2. Manta (??) (SWSD) (MACK LSM) (2012)
3. ?? (BGW) (??) (2012)

Just wanted to point it out...

So yeah, I find this interesting. =D Here are some older updates, to give you a general idea:

(3/1/10) Remember that coaster that indoor/outdoor launched coaster project that was put on hold for SeaWorld San Diego? I’ve heard that “Project: Reef Runner” may be back on the 5 year Masterplan, but not to look for it until around 2014 at this point. Given the amount of time involved and the fact that there are new owners in charge too, I’d look for the track layout to likely be modified as well from the drawings that were previously leaked for this adventure ride down into a deep abyss…
(7/18/08) Bad news from SeaWorld San Diego for the coaster enthusiasts. That wonderful looking 2010 themed coaster project has been put on hold while all the InBev issues are settled and we find out about if they will attempt to sell off the Busch parks to a new owner. Instead in 2010 the park will apparently bump up their plans to renovate the long running Dolphin show instead. Given the changes that the SeaWorld parks have already made to their Dolphin shows in Texas and Florida in the last few years (Viva in Texas and Blue Horizons in Florida) where try to mix a little Cirque with their Dolphin fun, I’d say to look for this new show to move along this same basic concept.
(6/3/08) Today we get to sneak a peek at the new thrill ride that SeaWorld has planned for 2010 with the aid of a proposed layout for the new attraction. From the look of things it appears to be an indoor and outdoor coaster attraction as previously rumored. Given that our last rumor indicated that Premier Rides may be behind this attraction, the design seems very similar to what we’ve seen Premier do for Universal’s Mummy coasters, including what I’m guessing are slow dark ride sections, a backwards drop and at least one LIM launch. I’ve also included a current aerial image showing off the area of the park where this attraction will go.
(10/25/07) Another name has also dropped into the swirling rumor pot for SeaWorld’s 2010 thrill ride... and this one comes with a reputation - Premier Rides. Yes... Premier Rides, the company known primarily for their LIM launched steel roller coasters. From more family oriented rides like the Italian Job coasters, to the indoor unique Revenge of the Mummy coasters up to your standard outdoor unthemed giant launched coasters (Mr. Freeze, Speed: The Ride). The common trait for virtually every Premier Ride coaster however is a magnetic LIM launch system... something they really wrote the book on. Given the land issues involved at SeaWorld California, a LIM coaster would be the perfect space saving solution.

BGW 2012:

From Screamscape:

2012 - New Multi-Launch Coaster - (1/6/11) A meeting about the new coaster took place with the local planning commission. From what I’ve been told, the park confirmed that the coaster would reuse the old Big Bad Wolf station building, and the first of several launches would be inside the ‘event building’. The coaster itself was described as following a similar pattern as Big Bad Wolf towards the end. The large themed bridge part of the project will also go in near the old BBW brake run. The meeting took place on January 5th and I’m told we can expect to see a video of the meeting posted here in the near future.
(1/5/11) Busch Gardens Williamsburg sent out a survey earlier today that asks a question about their big 2012 coaster plans. The survey first gives a brief theme description of the coaster: “See if you can brave the Black Forest on Busch Garden’s all-new roller coaster in the Germany area. What starts as a nice ride through the countryside quickly launches into a lightning-fast, multi-sensory dash through crazy turns, hidden hazards and heart-pounding drops. Inspired by the famed autobahn, the ride combines fast launches, special effects and indoor and outdoor elements to makei t a one-of-a-kind coaster experience.”
They then ask for the guests to vote on the following four names: Revenge of the Black Forest, Uber Bahn, Black Forest Turbo or Verbolten. Maybe it’s me, but other than Verbolten, the other names just leave me cold. Maybe Uber Bahn would work too, but it sounds more like the next album from Rammstein. Hmmm… I think I stumbled onto something. Wouldn’t Rammstein make a great coaster name too?

I prefer Verbolten as a name.

Anyways, I think it is a pretty safe bet that this may be similar to Cheetah Hunt, except with indoor portions, which will be cool! =D

EDIT: Looks like the yellow B&M will be a floorless coaster and be called "Hair Raiser."

B&M Track Plant Trivia

Maybe it's the new blue B&M track, but I'm starting to look back at the B&M track reported late last year. From Screamscape (for more info):

(12/21/09) One of our readers has posted a few new pictures taken outside the plant that makes all the world’s B&M coaster track. While there wasn’t all that much to see in the snow, there were a couple of pieces of Blue-ish track in the background here, as well as some small support pieces on the ground here.

And it seems to match this pic (a little) from Gutterflower at ThemeParkReview of the new Starry Night Ripper (B&M Flyer) at World Joyland, China:



















So I guess that track was for this new coaster (BTW, this B&M flyer is the first to have a regular loop). I gotta say, this coaster looks cool! =D

Guess This Solves the Yellow B&M Mystery...

Haha, looks like I was wrong about it and X-Raptor being the same. From Screamscape:

(2/1/10) I don’t know much about this rumor, but we’ve heard that B&M maybe actually be building a brand new Stand-Up coaster for Ocean Park as early as 2011. Anyone know more?

From Nosferatu at ThemeParkReview:

It hasn't been confirmed yet, but First Drop reported it was for the expansion of Ocean Park in Hong Kong!

And this pic looks to be the expansion of this park:



















And that track looks yellow... which matches the color of the yellow B&M spotted last year (this pic is from ThemeParkReview):



















So guess this exposes the mystery... cool! =D

Parc Asterix 2012

Looks like B&M is getting pretty busy in Europe within the next two years. First Gardaland's prototype (X-Raptor), Heide Park's Dive Machine (Krake)... and now this (from Screamscape):

2012 - B&M Inverted Coaster - Rumor - (11/15/10) The latest issue of First Drop magazine confirms the long standing rumor that Parc Asterix is ready to build a B&M Inverted coaster the 2012 season. According to the article the ride will have an Egyptian theme and be the anchor for a new themed area. You can find a picture of the layout the posted here, which looks to have a unique layout as well as a reported “underwater tunnel” feature. You can even find a NoLimits coaster layout preview of what the ride may be like here.
(3/27/10) Screamscape sources have confirmed to us that Parc Asterix will be adding a new B&M Inverted coaster for their 2011 season, and not an Intamin ride.
(3/1/10) Its been awhile since we’re heard much from Parc Asterix, but I’m hearing that a new themed serious thrill coaster is in the park’s future for 2011. Lord knows that the park is long overdue for a new coaster as the last one installed was way back in 2001, which was the Trace Du Hourra bobsled coaster from Mack. So far Intamin’s name is dropped most often, so I’ve got to wonder if perhaps they are looking to build their own version of Maverick.

And is that a dive loop I see... on an Inverted coaster...???

This looks incredible! It also looks like there will be an underwater tunnel! =D

And as for the theme... hmmm... blue-ish paint, yellow supports, and an Egyptian theme... doesn't that sound familiar to us BGT fans... =P **cough**Montu**cough**

And from Screamscape (today):

B&M - (11/22/10) One of our readers went by the B&M track production facility this week and found a whole yard full of new mysterious Blue track for an unknown project. Nothing odd to see about this track, as it all looks to be fairly standard B&M track size and style.
While the exact nature of the B&M Track Tags are somewhat of a mystery, I’ve been working on trying to break the code for some time and have a few speculative hints I can share. I’ve come to believe that when the Customer section reads “X-WORKS” it means that the track is for an international destination. I still believe that the letter codes at the start of the “Part No.” are also an indication of what kind of coaster this will be. This track is coded as “IC” which I believe stands for Inverted Coaster. Since this track does not match the color used for the only 2011 Inverted Coaster project known, Starry Night Ripper in China, then I can only assume that we are looking at a 2012 coaster project. The latest issue of First Drop magazine mentions that Parc Asterix is planning a new B&M Inverted coaster for 2012, so this could be it.

These next pics are coming from Screamscape:
































This, I gotta say, looks like it is indeed for an inverted coaster... and it even gets us closer to solving the B&M Mystery Yellow Track that was spotted last year... =D

Hersheypark Update

From Screamscape:

2012 - Attraction 2012 - (10/20/10) The latest rumor about Hersheypark’s 12th coaster project seems to indicate that the station for the new ride may be located near or even on the site of the old skyride station near the front entrance. Speaking of the new coaster, I had a thought. Given the questions asked by the RIT labcoats were all about the role water plays in a ride and drop ride sensations, could we be seeing a new B&M Dive Machine here?
(10/19/10) The crazy Hersheypark marketing team is at it again with what seems to be another Nantimi style viral marketing plot. Over the weekend there were a few people in white lab coats approaching guests to conduct surveys invoving questions about Airtime, water elements in rides and questions about freefall / drop rides. Fortunately for us, the staff of Keystone Thrills were one such group of guests surveyed, and have reported on the event.
Each of these lab coat staff members were wearing nametags, claiming to be staff from the “Ride Institute of Technology”. And the end of the survey, guests were given some exit passes and another small envelope with puzzle pieces in it. If you put the puzzle together it featured the RIT logo, website address and a message, “See u in the spring. Ride on!” Looking at the picture of the puzzle you’ll also notice that two of the puzzle piece are shaped like backwards numbers, so if you looked at the back of the puzzle it would make the number “12”. 12… not only as coming in 2012… but also because this will likely be the park’s 12th coaster. Now I wonder if there was a message at all on the back too… mirror writing, black-light writing, anything…
As for the website, there is a short interesting story, but no hard clues I could find… nor did I really expect to at this point in the game. No kissing on the first date after all, though they do provide an e-mail address to write into as well. Don’t bother looking to see who registered the site either… it’s been protected to cover up the owner’s identity. Nothing jumping out at me in the html code either I’m afraid, but feel free to poke around yourself as well.
While you ponder all this, Keystone Thrills has also sent us a link to their latest construction update at the park, showing off the various markings now in place.

So now we know the following rumors/facts:

*2012 opening
*Going up in Comet Hollow
*Station in either Tilt-a-Whirl (which may be removed offseason) or old Skyway station (however, I doubt the Skyway rumor).
*Either B&M or Intamin
*Survey markings in Comet Hollow
*Creekside Catering removal
*Possible punch through Comet's structure
*212 ft.
*Possible new path from Rhineland to Comet Hollow.
*32 columns on the lake
*Possible Spring 2011 announcement
*Airtime
*Possible water elements
*Possible freefall-style drop
*Intamin Mega Lite or B&M Dive Machine

This project gets more interesting...

UPDATE: I found this on the Ride Institute of Technology website (I'm bolding up an interesting point):

In April of 1911, one year after Comet Halley blazed across the night sky, two of the nation's leading research scientists quietly handed in their resignations and founded the Ride Institute of Technology (RIT).

Working from a nondescript laboratory outside Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Jeffrey Clayton and Dr. David Austin initiated a series of cutting-edge experiments under complete secrecy. These tests were known as Project Alpha, and would forever change the nascent theme park business.

For eight years, Dr. Clayton and Dr. Austin worked on Project Alpha in isolation and obscurity, endlessly rerunning experiments, testing hypotheses, and establishing the standards of an industry they were building from the ground up.

In the fall of 1918, RIT rented the penthouse suite of a downtown New York City hotel. Here, they invited the world's foremost ride engineers, ride operators, and theme park executives for an exclusive look at the results of Project Alpha.

The reception was astounding, and those in attendance recall pandemonium as the presentation concluded. Well-dressed executives stood on chairs shouting, and in their frenzy, offered fantastic sums for exclusive rights to the findings.

RIT turned down every bidder, and Dr. Clayton and Dr. Austin left New York under cover of darkness. They soon rented a new laboratory in a new state, where they began to hire additional scientists, physicists, and engineers.

As RIT expanded, its founders gradually removed themselves from day-to-day operations. In time, a new generation of scientists moved into leadership positions, and in their bid to grow further, they placed RIT firmly in the public eye.

Today, RIT stands as the undisputed leader in the advanced research and testing of theme park rides and attractions. We are the first and largest firm within our industry, and our clients include every iconic theme park in the world.

It's been nearly 12 years since we've released a major new study, but in the spring of 2011, we will unveil our most ambitious undertaking yet. We look forward to sharing our results with the world, and our forthcoming website will explain these findings further.

Thank you for visiting the Ride Institute of Technology.

So it has been 12 years. Well, if they count 2010, that makes their last project occur in 1998... which was when Great Bear, the B&M Invert of that park, opened. Hmmm...

So after reading that, I'd be willing to bet that this will be a B&M coaster. Like Lance, I think we could be seeing a Dive Machine in that park (hopefully so =D). But IMO, this isn't the only possibility that came to mind.

There's also a flying coaster possibility, as Manta at SeaWorld dips in a pond of water, with a splash effect. Not to mention, a 212 ft. flying coaster would be AWESOME (especially with an Alpengeist-style drop)! =D And then there is one last possibility:



I know it's too early to tell, but if X Raptor is successful in Gardaland, B&M can build something similar at Hersheypark for 2012. Busch expanded the Dive Machine design; Hersheypark can possibly expand this design. With the ride possibly having some water effects (which X Raptor is possibly having), I can also see this happening, as well as an expanded design, with some possible airtime, rotating seats, 212 ft. vertical drop, a tunnel, and a zero-g-roll.



A hyper coaster also seems possible, but I'm not sure with all that small land (for an out-and-back hyper at least).

So yep, those are my possibilities as of now.

Are The Yellow Track and X-Raptor Track the Same???

Remember that mysterious yellow B&M track at the Ohio Plant last year. I remember on the backside of those track pieces, it said "X-WORKS."

And that black B&M track which appeared in the plant in July also said "X-WORKS."

And some interesting theory was brought up by Ledgy at Theme Park Review:

Maybe it is this X-Works Track, but repainted. It could be that the B&M prototype wasn´t planned to build at gardaland first and they use now a different theme. For example, there was an announcement for Thorpe Park for 2010 in the past and now Merlin decided to built at first the Gardaland Project.

If this is true, this may finally solve the mystery of the yellow B&M track. And it seems that B&M might have been working on a 4D/WingRider design for years.

As some people say... sometimes the world does get weird...

Anyways, on the subject of Gardaland, X-Raptor's crown has arrived according to this pic by Danysan95 at TheParks (on September 6, 2010):



Still waiting for trains/vertical construction...

EDIT: Here's an article from Gardaland (translated by Google Language Tools):

Work continues to Gardaland: Once the first track and first columns for the massive and extreme roller coasters, novelty of the season 2011

They're coming the first track and first columns that will contribute to the majestic, impressive and extreme roller coasters, novelty of the 2011 season at Big Ben. You begin to reveal some characteristics on the track so that - remember him, covers an area of over 16 000 square meters - the equivalent of 60 tennis courts - a very large extent when you consider that Blue Tornado occupies 10 thousand, the equivalent of eight Olympic swimming pools!

The overall length of the route arriver to nearly 800 meters said Chris McCormack, Project Manager of Merlin Entertainments, project supervisor. The dramatic and extreme roller coaster, definitely much more fast adrenaline Blue Tornado, reach the top part 30 meters high with an inclination of 40 degrees above the ground path propose two reversals in head downwards, turns 90 and a series of exciting and special technical escamotages by literally leave you breathless

The manufacturer has already done to cut, weld and calendering over 1,500 meters of steel pipes of various sizes that will make the tracks, most of them heavy reaches 10,000 pounds! But much will total 76 items, the average length of 10 meters each, grouped together, to compose the entire path - continues McCormack. Over 10,000 bolts allow the assembly of the whole structure and to better understand the grandeur of creation, we can say that one component of pre-assembled, consisting of two main structural elements, reaches a total weight of 22,000 kg

Meanwhile, inside the park, the activities continue to involve the guests after the shocking discovery of a mysterious egg enormous, found a few days ago just inside the yard, continuing the frenzied activity in the mobile laboratory. Scientists are working tirelessly in mapping DNA, the object has features never seen before and not comparable with any genetic material so far known. A scan of the site in more depth revealed the presence of other eggs

The curiosity of the guests and fans of the Park can be met by surveillance camera (on site www.gardaland.it) that allows you to monitor periodically the area of the site and update on the progression of work as a countdown keeps track of time that separates us the first fast and wild ride on this incredible roller coaster.

http://www.gardaland.it/news/press.php?lingua=it&azione=Com&id=573&offset=0&archivio=F

New Coaster for Hersheypark?

From Screamscape:

2011/2012 - New Coaster - (6/2/10) I’m told that small white triangle looking survey markers can be found around the Comet Hollow area. One is even said to be placed right under a section of Great Bear’s track. Anyone have pictures?
(6/1/10) The latest rumor sent in about Hersheypark claims that they may be looked at obtaining a new B&M coaster creation in the next two years. While nothing is set in stone yet, I’m told that the rumor going around is that the station may be placed in the Comet Hollow section of the park, which is also expected to see the Tilt-A-Whirl removed after this season. More when we find out.

And track (possibly for this) has been reported:

(5/31/10) A Screamscape reader went by the steel plant where all the world’s B&M track is produced. While there was no bright freshly painted track on site, there was a few pieces of unpainted track laying around. There is no telling what this is for yet.

So that leaves one question... which B&M will it be? Hyper? Dive? The new 4D prototype? Flying? Stay tuned!

Examples of 4th Dimension Coasters and Intamin Wing Riders

X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California (Coasterforce), an Arrow (S&S) 4th Dimension coaster. This was Arrow's last coaster, before merging with S&S Power.



Furius Baco at PortAventura in Spain (Coasterforce), an Intamin Wing Rider.

So look for the B&M prototype to be kinda like that. =)

A New B&M Design

2011 - Roller Coaster - Rumor - (3/27/10) B&M sure are going to be busy in Europe for the 2011 season, as they are also rumored to be installing their new top secret coaster project into Gardaland next year. While we don’t have a name for the design yet, it was described as being a B&M version of S&S’s 4th Dimension coaster concept… however the seats will not spin. Without the spinning seats however, I’m more inclined to say that the experience may be more like Intamin’s Wing Rider design used so far only once as Furius Baco at PortAventura. I’m told that Gardaland may place this new coaster where the former “jungle” themed ride used to be.
(3/1/10) Screamscape sources tell us that Gardaland is working with B&M on a top secret new coaster project for 2011. Little is known at this point, but I hope to find out more soon.

Gardaland is in Italy.

Ummm... WHOA!!!! =O

EDIT: I also remember these updates late last year and early this year:

(1/7/10) Early rumors are starting to drop here and there indicating that B&M is hard at work on some kind of new coaster design. I suppose it’s about time anyway since B&M haven’t really invented a new design since we saw the first Flying coasters open back in 2002. So I guess the real question is… what’s left? We’ve got Standing, Sitting, Flying, Floorless, Inverted and Diving… so perhaps they are ready to full embrace the Launched coaster concept, as Incredible Hulk was a special one-shot only creation.
(11/24/09) If you take a listen to the Season Pass Podcast with John Wardley, he mentions near the end of the interview (aprox 56:40) that he is “working with B&M on their next new product.” Hmmm… let the speculation begin!

Interesting, interesting...