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Kings Dominion | Rapterra | B&M Launched Wing Coaster | 2025

Something about it doesn't really inspire me and some of the elements, especially that helix, are really bizarrely (ugly) shaped. It reminds me of a first draft FVD++ layout that needs refinement.

BUT I do like how large some of the elements are, which will add to the feeling of flying. But also the speed looks pretty good at the moment, and if it's only going to get faster I think it'll be a solid experience. The only thing I'm concerned about it whether it'll rattle over the layout like most modern B&Ms, if that's the case it'll be such a shame for such a graceful flowing layout.
 
Doing a quick look at the numbers, Rapterra will reach 65 MPH, one of the fastest B&M wing coasters at that. It's launch however is 0-65 in 4 seconds, while Thunderbird's (60 MPH) reaches speed in 3.5 seconds. Rapterra by all accounts will take it's launch at a rolling start, while Thunderbird starts from a stand still.

My hunch is Rapterra's launch will actually feel some fun punch (think Cheetah Hunt's 60 mph second launch, for instance), but the opening stall and other non-inverting elements may feel a tad tamer, versus Thunderbird's amazing Immelmann and vertical loop opening combo that is, in fact, slower than Rapterra!
 
Current state of affairs at Rapterra, they're now in theming and landscaping mode.
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Flight of Fear is looking a little brown these days as they attempt to explain why a Sci-Fi box coaster is located within Jungle X;
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Source
 
Park have shared another construction update:


Towards the end of the video, you see the train launch, and the train has a rather noticeable bounce, and some noting that the launch track isn't completely level.

Whether there's a level of camera trickery with regards to this, something which is being tweaked, or a sign of things to come, is currently unclear.
 
JoshC. said:
Park have shared another construction update:


Towards the end of the video, you see the train launch, and the train has a rather noticeable bounce, and some noting that the launch track isn't completely level.

Whether there's a level of camera trickery with regards to this, something which is being tweaked, or a sign of things to come, is currently unclear.
Click to expand...
From off-ride, that rattle looks almost Furius Baco-like, which would be rather concerning from a brand new B&M Wing Coaster built 18 years on from Baco…
 
Holy... how is that even possible? I know that B&Ms aren't as smooth as they used to be, but not even having a level straight track is incredible.
Maybe King's Dominion accidentally ordered a Chinese knock-off instead of a B&M?
 
Parks pay a lot of money for smoothness and reliability, which is one of B&M's unique selling points. If B&M is not going to fix their issues there's a good chance it is going to hurt the brand in long term.
 
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