Universal IOA | Incredible Hulk | B&M Retrack
- Thread starter The Hedgehog
- Start date
The Hedgehog
Mega Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
For what it's worth
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQDM_j7PbKY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
I still don't know if this is going to be an entire re-track, or maybe a 2nd half re-track, or new layout at this point.
For what it's worth
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQDM_j7PbKY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
I still don't know if this is going to be an entire re-track, or maybe a 2nd half re-track, or new layout at this point.
GuyWithAStick
Captain Basic
Re: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi new Expansions
Furie might need the chart, this is a really tough one.
It does look RMC-ish...
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Furie might need the chart, this is a really tough one.
It does look RMC-ish...
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jay37415
Mega Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
Actually one of the reasons Steel Phantom at Kennywood had to be overhauled was because the turn after the drop was that the steel was showing signs of fatigue and thinning due to the stress of the coasters and Pittsburgh winters on the steel. So it is plausible that the salty humidity coupled with the stress of the launch and how often its run could fatigue the steel.
Hyde said:
Actually one of the reasons Steel Phantom at Kennywood had to be overhauled was because the turn after the drop was that the steel was showing signs of fatigue and thinning due to the stress of the coasters and Pittsburgh winters on the steel. So it is plausible that the salty humidity coupled with the stress of the launch and how often its run could fatigue the steel.
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
^ Steel Phantom's announced removal and eventual retrofit was due to comfort and maintenance cost incurred by the trains, not track. However, Shockwave at SFGA did develop a fracture in its track, and was closed in 2002. This also caused GASM at SFGAdv to see added supports.
So let me rephrase my original statement:
No, probably not. Steel is one of the most durable materials man has ever built with - and we have yet to see an honest case of a [strike]steel[/strike] B&M roller coaster needing retracking due to wear and tear.
So no, until there is proof, I do not see the track replacement as being due to wear and tear, but rather a layout redesign.
^ Steel Phantom's announced removal and eventual retrofit was due to comfort and maintenance cost incurred by the trains, not track. However, Shockwave at SFGA did develop a fracture in its track, and was closed in 2002. This also caused GASM at SFGAdv to see added supports.
So let me rephrase my original statement:
No, probably not. Steel is one of the most durable materials man has ever built with - and we have yet to see an honest case of a [strike]steel[/strike] B&M roller coaster needing retracking due to wear and tear.
So no, until there is proof, I do not see the track replacement as being due to wear and tear, but rather a layout redesign.
GuyWithAStick
Captain Basic
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
^Well, Shockwave wasn't intended to close in 2002(as far as I know). It closed because the GP was smart for once, and saved a fantastic family coaster(Whizzer) from a B&M Flyer, and they took out Shockwave. I'd think they would've done what GAdv did, and added supports and maybe also replaced some track. But I see what you're saying.
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^Well, Shockwave wasn't intended to close in 2002(as far as I know). It closed because the GP was smart for once, and saved a fantastic family coaster(Whizzer) from a B&M Flyer, and they took out Shockwave. I'd think they would've done what GAdv did, and added supports and maybe also replaced some track. But I see what you're saying.
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CoasterCrazy
Giga Poster
Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
Whilst it's very unlikely there are defects in the B&M track, weathering and stress will certainly have caused some extent of deformation. I think we all agree that Hulk didn't exactly need this treatment, but it was beginning to get rough around the edges - and Universal feels it makes financial sense to to do it now, before the ride experience deteriorates further. As Hyde mentioned, there may be some layout changes, but I can't imagine they'll be anything major, given the space constraints. I personally love the layout as is!
Let's be clear that it won't solely be track replacement - as I said earlier, they may have just extended what may have already been a lengthy period of refurbishment. There's little wrong with the track - it just could be better.
Also, isn't that launch ridiculously power hungry? Now B&M have perfected an electromagnetic system on Thunderbird, it might save them a healthy chunk of money too (especially when you consider all the moving parts which need replacing)
And yes, I agree with rcdb...this is totally a new cred
Whilst it's very unlikely there are defects in the B&M track, weathering and stress will certainly have caused some extent of deformation. I think we all agree that Hulk didn't exactly need this treatment, but it was beginning to get rough around the edges - and Universal feels it makes financial sense to to do it now, before the ride experience deteriorates further. As Hyde mentioned, there may be some layout changes, but I can't imagine they'll be anything major, given the space constraints. I personally love the layout as is!
Let's be clear that it won't solely be track replacement - as I said earlier, they may have just extended what may have already been a lengthy period of refurbishment. There's little wrong with the track - it just could be better.
Also, isn't that launch ridiculously power hungry? Now B&M have perfected an electromagnetic system on Thunderbird, it might save them a healthy chunk of money too (especially when you consider all the moving parts which need replacing)
And yes, I agree with rcdb...this is totally a new cred
Youngster Joey
Strata Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
Uhhh
http://www.screamscape.com/html/islands_of_adventure.htm#Hulk
That's disturbing. I never got to ride Hulk :/
Uhhh
http://www.screamscape.com/html/islands_of_adventure.htm#Hulk
That's disturbing. I never got to ride Hulk :/
GuyWithAStick
Captain Basic
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
I want to kill my 10 year old self for missing out on Hulk, when I was able to. WHY WAS I SO **** ING STUPID BACK THEN?!??!?!
RMC Monorail anyone?
I want to kill my 10 year old self for missing out on Hulk, when I was able to. WHY WAS I SO **** ING STUPID BACK THEN?!??!?!
RMC Monorail anyone?
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
Wait... what? :lol:
I'd love it to be an RMC Monorail (mostly because I want to see what they can do with it), but in Jerry's video he sounded like they weren't going to be doing any next year and they already seem to be pretty up against it for 2016 (Wildfire, Storm Chaser, Lightning Rod and Joker), so I'm quite sceptical of that idea.
Wait... what? :lol:
I'd love it to be an RMC Monorail (mostly because I want to see what they can do with it), but in Jerry's video he sounded like they weren't going to be doing any next year and they already seem to be pretty up against it for 2016 (Wildfire, Storm Chaser, Lightning Rod and Joker), so I'm quite sceptical of that idea.
CarolinaRider
Mega Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
As an enthusiast, it makes me sad that the first defunct B&M might be a coaster of this magnitude and not one of the standups. Hulk is one of the most iconic coasters B&M has ever designed, not only to the enthusiast community, but to the general public as well. I don't want to believe this, but then again, I didn't want to believe Thunder Road was leaving either, and look how that turned out...
As an enthusiast, it makes me sad that the first defunct B&M might be a coaster of this magnitude and not one of the standups. Hulk is one of the most iconic coasters B&M has ever designed, not only to the enthusiast community, but to the general public as well. I don't want to believe this, but then again, I didn't want to believe Thunder Road was leaving either, and look how that turned out...
spicy
Giga Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
I really hope this isn't true. Hulk is an awesome coaster, would hate to see it completely on the scrapheap and never get to ride it again. Makes me feel better that I rode it a fair few times last year.
This is turning out to be one of the strangest things I can remember as far as coasters go.
I really hope this isn't true. Hulk is an awesome coaster, would hate to see it completely on the scrapheap and never get to ride it again. Makes me feel better that I rode it a fair few times last year.
This is turning out to be one of the strangest things I can remember as far as coasters go.
andrus
Giga Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
Can I just ask how rough is/was Hulk?
It seems strange to just tear down and replace a big B&M coaster like this. But then there are some B&Ms that have developed a significant "character" over the years. Take Dragon Kahn for example: it is one of those coasters that used to be in my top 10, but that has turned so rough that I (unfortunately) rather avoid riding nowdays.. Worst of them all has to be Vortex (CGA) though! Rode it a couple of weeks ago and it was definitely comparable to the SLC Kong at it's neighbouring Six Flags park in terms of unpleasantness.
Can I just ask how rough is/was Hulk?
It seems strange to just tear down and replace a big B&M coaster like this. But then there are some B&Ms that have developed a significant "character" over the years. Take Dragon Kahn for example: it is one of those coasters that used to be in my top 10, but that has turned so rough that I (unfortunately) rather avoid riding nowdays.. Worst of them all has to be Vortex (CGA) though! Rode it a couple of weeks ago and it was definitely comparable to the SLC Kong at it's neighbouring Six Flags park in terms of unpleasantness.
Martyn B
CF Legend
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
I never found it rough, as in banging my head rough, it just felt like it was grinding along the track. Similar to Khan IMO.
There's posters on the walls around the Hulk, just saying "Hulk coaster returns in 2016". No teasers, just straight to the point. Now I'd have thought that if it's to become a completely new coaster and experience, they would want to start drumming up the interest with teasers, or NEW HULK coming soon etc etc.
I never found it rough, as in banging my head rough, it just felt like it was grinding along the track. Similar to Khan IMO.
There's posters on the walls around the Hulk, just saying "Hulk coaster returns in 2016". No teasers, just straight to the point. Now I'd have thought that if it's to become a completely new coaster and experience, they would want to start drumming up the interest with teasers, or NEW HULK coming soon etc etc.
Intricks
Strata Poster
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
If memory serves me correct, every tunnel the ride has is quite roomy, so if this were indeed getting a new styled train that would be further width than normal that would also require the track to be slightly wider than normal - wouldnt this all fit in with that?
If memory serves me correct, every tunnel the ride has is quite roomy, so if this were indeed getting a new styled train that would be further width than normal that would also require the track to be slightly wider than normal - wouldnt this all fit in with that?
GuyWithAStick
Captain Basic
Re: Universal IOA to close Hulk for new enhancements
^Or could this mean vest restraints?
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^Or could this mean vest restraints?
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