Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)

Loch Ness Monster
The interlocking vertical loops
Location	Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Park section	Scotland
Coordinates	37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W
Status	Operating
Opened	June 6, 1978
Type	Steel
Manufacturer	Arrow Dynamics
Designer	Ron Toomer
Model	Custom Looping Coaster
Track layout	Terrain
Lift/launch system	Two chain lift hills
Height	130 ft (40 m)
Drop	114 ft (35 m)
Length	3,240 ft (990 m)
Max speed	60 mph (97 km/h)
Inversions	2
Duration	2:10
Max vertical angle	55°
Capacity	2200 riders per hour
Max G force	3.5
Height restriction	4 ft 0 in (122 cm)
Loch Ness Monster at RCDB
Pictures of Loch Ness Monster at RCDB
Amusement Parks Portal

The Loch Ness Monster is a roller coaster located of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Designed by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics, the Loch Ness Monster was the world's tallest roller coaster when it opened in 1978. It was the first continuous circuit coaster and is a coaster to contain interlocking loops. In 2008, the ride celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The ride, located in the Scottish themed area of the park, also features a helix tunnel, two lift hills and a 114-foot (35 m) drop, is classified as an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Landmark.

Layout

Interlocking loops of the Loch Ness Monster.

As the train starts to move, a voice recording says, "Thank you, and enjoy your ride on the legendary Loch Ness Monster!" After departing from the station, the train reaches the 130-foot (40 m) lift hill with a small and tight turn (with views of Apollo's Chariot's huging chain lift hill and first drop) bringing it to a 114-foot (35 m) drop towards the park's Rhine River' below. A large upward hill crosses over the park's 'Land of the Dragons' and trim brakes bring riders to the first of the two interlocking loops. After the loop, the train makes a turn and to a block brake, which then leads into a covered tunnel/helix.

Inside the tunnel, the train makes 2.75 circular turns before coming to the end of the tunnel. The tunnel has had various lights and special effects over the years, including a light up picture of the cartoon Loch Ness Monster, and now has one strobe that goes off at about the beginning of the second revolution. The on-ride photo was once taken inside the tunnel, but has since been changed to a position after the second loop. As the train exits the tunnel at the end of the helix a small brake run slows the train to ascend a smaller second lift hill.

The train makes a wide turn after the lift and drops downward into the second loop. The train then goes uphill again before being brought to a stop by the final brake.

External links

• Pictures
• Loch Ness Monster: Detailed Review
• POV Video of Loch Ness Monster

Preceded by Revolution

World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster 1978 - 1983

Succeeded by Dragon Mountain