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Outlaw Run

Coordinates: 36°40′05″N 93°20′24″W / 36.66806°N 93.34000°W / 36.66806; -93.34000
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Outlaw Run
Silver Dollar City
LocationSilver Dollar City
Park sectionThe Great Barn at Wilson's Farm
Coordinates36°40′05″N 93°20′24″W / 36.66806°N 93.34000°W / 36.66806; -93.34000
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateMarch 13, 2013 (2013-03-13)
Opening dateMarch 15, 2013 (11 years ago) (2013-03-15)
CostUS$10 million
($13.1 million in 2023 dollars[1])
General statistics
TypeWood
ManufacturerRocky Mountain Construction
DesignerAlan Schilke
ModelTopper Track – Custom
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height107 ft (33 m)
Drop162 ft (49 m)
Length2,937 ft (895 m)
Speed68 mph (109 km/h)
Inversions3
Duration1:27
Max vertical angle81°
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)
Trains2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
Must transfer from wheelchair
Outlaw Run at RCDB

Outlaw Run is a wooden roller coaster located at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The ride was the first wooden roller coaster designed by Alan Schilke and built by American manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and the first wooden roller coaster with multiple inversions, in which riders are turned upside-down and then back upright.[2][3][4] The 2,937-foot-long (895 m) ride features three inversions and a top speed of 68 miles per hour (109 km/h), making Outlaw Run the sixth-fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. The 162-foot-tall (49 m) first drop of the ride is the fourth steepest in the world among wooden roller coasters, at 81°.

Planning for Outlaw Run began in 2009, three years before its official announcement in August 2012. Rocky Mountain Construction were contracted to manufacture the ride as their proposal best suited Silver Dollar City's available space and budget. The ride's track layout was designed by Alan Schilke. Outlaw Run opened to the public on March 15, 2013 to generally positive reviews. Today, it is considered one of the best rides at Silver Dollar City.

Planning, marketing, and construction

A train going through a banked turn

Planning for a new 2013 attraction in the Silver Dollar City amusement park began in 2009 with the owners, Herschend Family Entertainment, approaching Rocky Mountain Construction and other manufacturers for ideas for "a ride with marketing appeal".[5][6] Joel Manby, CEO of Herschend, wanted a "world first", to have a wooden roller coaster that would be "the first to do a double barrel roll", which is when the train goes twice through a combination of a loop and a roll.[6] In 2011, Rocky Mountain Construction showcased their new steel roller coaster, New Texas Giant, to park executives. This demonstration secured the contract.[6]

Marketing began in 2011 when the public were made aware at the 2011 trade show of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions that Rocky Mountain were working on a wooden roller coaster;[7] it being later revealed that this roller coaster would be built at Silver Dollar City.[8][9] Following the beginning of construction at the park, Silver Dollar City launched a teaser website for a new attraction to open in 2013.[10] The website featured a public notice indicating that the ride's theme would be stagecoaches and the wild west.[11] The teaser website also stated that an announcement would be made on August 9, 2012.[12] As part of its teaser campaign leading to the announcement, the park released two clues; the first clue was a handwritten letter, while the second was a photo of the park's Powder Keg: A Blast into the Wilderness attraction and the nearby Table Rock Lake.[13][14] On August 9, 2012, Silver Dollar City officially announced that Outlaw Run would open in the second quarter of 2013.[15] At its opening, the ride would be the only wooden roller coaster to feature inversions and would feature the steepest drop on a wooden roller coaster.[5][16] At a cost of $10 million, the ride would be the most expensive Silver Dollar City attraction in more than a decade.[17]

On September 26, 2012, the last piece of track was installed on Outlaw Run.[18] The ride opened to a limited audience on March 13, 2013, with a public opening two days later.[19] Official opening celebrations were held in April.[20]

Characteristics

Outlaw Run was Rocky Mountain Construction's first wooden roller coaster.[2] It is the sixth fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of up to 68 miles per hour (109 km/h). Throughout the course of the 2,937-foot-long (895 m) ride, riders go through three inversions, including a double heartline roll.[9] The park's existing terrain (the park is located in the Ozark Mountains) is used to allow a 107-foot-tall (33 m) lift hill to be translated into a first drop stretching 162 feet (49 m).[9][21]

Lift hill

The 2,937 feet (895 m) of track is made primarily of layers of laminated wood, with a steel plate located in the upper layers of the track.[22] The steel plating is known as Topper Track and is found on many roller coasters that Rocky Mountain Construction has renovated.[23][24] This track style is designed to reduce the maintenance typically required for a wooden roller coaster and to provide a smoother ride experience.[24][25] Rocky Mountain Construction spent four years developing technology to allow them to twist beams of wood, that make up the lower layers of the track.[26] This track configuration allows for more dynamic roller coaster elements to be performed on a wooden roller coaster.[23]

Outlaw Run consists of two trains, each featuring twelve pairs of riders.[9] Riders, who must be 48 inches (122 cm) or taller to ride,[9] are restrained in their individual fiberglass seats with a U-shaped lap bar.[22] Unlike most roller coaster trains, which have polyurethane wheels, Outlaw Run features steel wheels.[7][22]

Outlaw Run features a Western stagecoach theme. The ride's station is themed as a stagecoach depot located in the outskirts of Silver Dollar City. According to the ride's storyline, stagecoaches depart daily heading west, where they are intercepted by outlaws who want to steal the riders' belongings. Outlaw Run riders are law enforcement personnel tasked with stopping the outlaws. To keep their family-friendly image, Silver Dollar City uses a variety of theming to advertise that the "good guys" will always win.[6]

Ride experience

One of the inversions

The train exits out of the station and ascends the chain lift hill. The track then goes through a small pre-drop, similar to that on Bolliger & Mabillard steel roller coasters, before dropping 162 feet (49 m) at an angle of 81°. The train then ascends into the first element, an outside banked turn, where the track is banked over to 153° before rolling back out of the bank. After going around a low-to-the-ground curve, the train enters a 100-foot-tall (30 m) double down followed by a 70-foot-tall (21 m) double up. This is followed by a left turn into a "twist and turn" element, which is then followed by a "wave turn" that drops to the right into a small airtime hill known as a high-speed float. Outlaw Run's final two inversions are heartline rolls, where the rotation axis occurs at approximately chest level. The train then enters the brake run and returns to the station.[17][22][27][28] A single ride cycle is completed in approximately 1 minute and 27 seconds.[9]

Records

Outlaw Run debuted with the steepest drop, 81°, on any wooden roller coaster in the world at the time.[17][22] Although the creators of Outlaw Run originally planned to claim the record for the only operating wooden roller coaster to feature inversions,[22] the announcement of Hades 360[29] at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, forced Silver Dollar City to modify their claim; they now cite Outlaw Run as the only wooden roller coaster to feature multiple inversions.[30] It is also tied with Colossos at Heide Park as the second fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, with a top speed of 68 miles per hour (109 km/h).[22] The speed, height, and drop angle records were broken by Goliath at Six Flags Great America in the first half of 2014. Goliath is another Rocky Mountain Construction roller coaster.[31] Outlaw Run retains the record for the wooden roller coaster with the most inversions.

Reception

Outlaw Run's brake run

Following the announcement of Outlaw Run, the ride's layout received favorable reviews.[21][32][33] Arthur Levine of About.com said that "the coaster appears to have a great layout and should provide the kind of ride that fans adore".[21] Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times ranked Outlaw Run in his top 13 most anticipated new theme park attractions in the United States for 2013.[32]

Outlaw Run received largely positive reviews following the ride's opening in 2013. Marcus Leshock of WGN-TV was among the first to ride Outlaw Run. Despite his high expectations, he described it as "a great ride; an incredible ride".[26] Brandy McDonnell of The Oklahoman described Outlaw Run as the highlight of Silver Dollar City: "it's a speedy and spine-tingling ride worth waiting a few hours to take".[34] Tim Baldwin of Roller Coaster Magazine described Outlaw Run as "exhilarating but not intimidating" and "satisfying to the thrill seekers and fun for moms as well".[35] Justin Garvanovic of First Drop Magazine, after describing pacing as an important characteristic of a roller coaster, said "So many coasters get it wrong. Outlaw Run gets it right."[35]

In its debut year, Outlaw Run ranked highly in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. The ride won the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride with 45% of the vote.[36][37] It also ranked at position 7 for the world's best wooden roller coasters.[38]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ranking 7[38] 9[39] 8[40] 8[41] 9[42] 7[43] 8[44]

References

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Marden, Duane. "Roller Coaster Search Results  (Rocky Mountain Construction)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  3. ^ Marden, Duane. "Son Of Beast  (Kings Island)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  4. ^ Marden, Duane. "Record Holders  (Inverting wooden roller coasters)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Silver Dollar City announces new roller coaster". News-Leader. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d Olson, Devon (2013). Outlaw Run: From Dreams To Screams. Branson, Missouri: Devin Olson Media. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  7. ^ a b Schilke, Alan (16 November 2011). "IAAPA 2011". Theme Park Review (Interview). Interviewed by Robb Alvey. Orlando, Florida.
  8. ^ McLean, Mike (19 January 2012). "North Idaho roller coaster maker expands to accommodate innovations". Journal of Business. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Marden, Duane. "Outlaw Run  (Silver Dollar City)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  10. ^ Silver Dollar City (23 June 2012). "Something bold is..." Facebook. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  11. ^ "Silver Dollar City 2013". Silver Dollar City. 2012. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  12. ^ "Silver Dollar City 2013 - Thank you!". Silver Dollar City. 2012. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  13. ^ "Clue 1". Silver Dollar City. July 2012. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  14. ^ "Clue 2". Silver Dollar City. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  15. ^ "Silver Dollar City rolls out new wooden coaster". The Sacramento Bee. 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 12 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  16. ^ "Silver Dollar City Announces World's Most Daring Wood Coaster". Silver Dollar City. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  17. ^ a b c "Outlaw Run: Silver Dollar City plans upside down woodie". Park World Magazine: 6–7. September 2012.
  18. ^ "Milestone Reached–Last Piece of Track Set In Place". Silver Dollar City. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  19. ^ Wright, Larry (March 13, 2013). "Reporters Take On "Outlaw Run" Today". KTTS-FM. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  20. ^ "Outlaw Run's official grand opening set for this weekend". Branson Tri-Lakes News. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  21. ^ a b c Levine, Arthur. "Outlaw Run Coaster Coming to Silver Dollar City in 2013". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g "Fact Sheet" (PDF). Silver Dollar City. August 9, 2012. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  23. ^ a b Baldwin, Tim (April 2013). "Outlaw Run charges into Silver Dollar City" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (1): 1, 4. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  24. ^ a b "Georgia Cyclone: A Classic "Woodie"". Six Flags. Archived from the original on 6 November 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  25. ^ Coasterholic14 (16 February 2011). "Rocky Mountain Construction Company". Coaster-Net. Archived from the original on 6 December 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ a b Leshock, Marcus (15 March 2013). "Outlaw Run: Record breaking wooden roller coaster opens at Branson's Silver Dollar City". WGN-TV. Tribune Broadcasting. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  27. ^ "Layout". Silver Dollar City. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  28. ^ "Outlaw Run Official POV". YouTube. March 13, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  29. ^ Levine, Arthur (27 November 2012). "Going off the (Wooden) Rails on a Crazy Train". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  30. ^ "Outlaw Run". Silver Dollar City. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  31. ^ "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  32. ^ a b MacDonald, Brady (14 November 2011). "Top 13 for 2013: Most anticipated new rides at U.S. theme parks". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  33. ^ MacDonald, Brady (25 October 2012). "Looping wooden roller coasters are about to become a reality". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  34. ^ McDonnell, Brandy (12 May 2013). "Video: Branson for the whole family – Riding the Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City". The Oklahoman. OPUBCO Communications Group. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  35. ^ a b Burlingame, Linda (June 27, 2013). "Outlaw Run...The World's Most Daring Wood Coaster". Shepherd Gazette. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  36. ^ Baldwin, Tim (September 2013). "Silver Dollar City, Dollywood win Best New Rides" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  37. ^ "Park and ride winners" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 4. September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  38. ^ a b "2013 Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 40–41. September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  39. ^ "2014 Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 38–39. September 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  40. ^ "2015 Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 45–46. September 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  41. ^ "2016 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  42. ^ "2017 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  43. ^ "2018 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  44. ^ "2019 Top 50 Wood Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
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