Loch Ness Monster (roller coaster)
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| Loch Ness Monster | |
|---|---|
 The interlocking vertical loops | |
| Busch Gardens Williamsburg | |
| Location | Busch Gardens Williamsburg |
| Park section | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 37°14′03″N 76°38′46″W / 37.234277°N 76.646°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | June 6, 1978 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Designer | Ron Toomer |
| Model | Custom Looping Coaster |
| Track layout | Terrain |
| Lift/launch system | Two chain lift hills |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Duration | 2:10 |
| Max vertical angle | 55° |
| Capacity | 2200 riders per hour |
| G-force | 3.5 |
| Loch Ness Monster at RCDB | |
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.[1] It was the first continuous circuit coaster and remains the only coaster with interlocking loops.[2] 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
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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.