Storm Runner
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| Storm Runner | |
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| Location | Hersheypark |
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| Type | Steel - Launched |
| Status | Open |
| Opened | May 8, 2004 |
| Manufacturer | Intamin AG |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Model | Accelerator Coaster |
| Track layout | custom |
| Lift/launch system | Hydraulic Launch |
| Height | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Drop | 180 ft (55 m) |
| Length | 2,600 ft (790 m) |
| Max speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 |
| Duration | 0:50 |
| Max vertical angle | 90° |
| Capacity | 1200 riders per hour |
| Cost | $12,000,000 USD |
| Acceleration | 0 − 72 mph (116 km/h) in 2 seconds |
| Max G force | 4.2 |
| Height restriction | 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) |
| Storm Runner at RCDB Pictures of Storm Runner at RCDB |
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Storm Runner is a steel launched roller coaster at Hersheypark. It was constructed in 2004 and was the third Intamin AG Accelerator Coaster. It reaches a height of 150 ft (46 m) and catapults riders from 0 to 72 mph (116 km/h) in 2 seconds. It features a top hat and three inversions, a dual loading station and a magnetic braking system.[1] It was built to interact with three other Hersheypark rides: the Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, and the Trailblazer.
Storm Runner is the first accelerator coaster to utilize over-the-shoulder restraints and the first to have a dual-loading station with switch tracks. Likewise, it was also the first accelerator coaster to feature inversions; Kanonen at Liseberg was the second.
When Storm Runner first opened in 2004, the queue line would often be extended with ropes due to the ride's popularity. In 2005, the park added an overflow queue line located next to the Trailblazer's first drop.
[edit] Ride experience
As the train leaves the station, it moves slow and eerily onto the launch platform. As it is rolling to its launch , a pre-recorded sound of a heart beat is heard. A voice says,"All right riders, sit up right with your head back, hold on tight to the grab handles at all times, and keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times." Then they hear Storm Runner's mascot, a mustang, make a loud screaming neigh. After a few seconds, the trains rolls back as the magnetic brakes drop and riders hear a voice saying "Now get ready, here we go", and then the train launches from 0–72 mph in 2 seconds (just when the voice says the word "go"). Riders are photographed by the on-ride camera a short way down the launch track. In 2004 during the wait, riders would listen to a heart beat then a count down from five before hearing the voice. After traveling down the take-off runway and hitting a top speed of 72 MPH, the train climbs straight up the 170-foot tall "top hat" element providing some airtime, and back down again, 185-feet down the side of a hill leading down toward Spring Creek. The train next climbs and rolls left through the first-ever "Cobra Loop". The train then speeds up and into into a straight line barrel roll which then leads to the first-ever "Flying Snake Dive" which consists of a heartline roll followed by a half Immelman roll that makes a vertical plunge back down toward Spring Creek. The train shoots back up and to within 10-feet under the park's Monorail track, over a portion of the Trail Blazer, quickly twists to the left and to the right, then back above the treetops for one last dose of airtime. The train hits the magnetic brakes at fast speed, and then slowly glides back into the station. The duration of the ride is 40 seconds from launch to the brakes.
[edit] Launch System
To launch the trains, Storm Runner utilizes a system invented by Intamin that launches the trains using hydraulics. This system is similar to blowing up a balloon and then releasing the air, but instead of using air, they use liquids. On the track there is a catch car that would hook up to the train. Once the launch occurs, the catch car pulls the train all the way down the track. Once the train reaches the end of the launch track, it releases and the ride continues by itself.
The launch track features magnetic brake fins. These slow down the car if the launch is unsuccessful (also known as a rollback). Storm Runner does not have a very tall top hat like Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka, and usually does not have a problem clearing it. After a successful (although slightly rocky) first season, the ride's launch system is generally considered reliable.
Storm Runner is also a coaster available for construction in the video game Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 with the Soaked! expansion pack.
[edit] Gallery
.JPG) Launching |
.JPG) Top hat |
 First drop off the top hat |
 The 135 ft. Cobra Loop |
.JPG) The 135 ft. cobra loop from another angle |
 "Flying snake dive" |
 Twist finale before brakes |
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Coordinates: 40°17′23″N 76°39′13″W / 40.28972°N 76.65361°W
