Lecture Notes: The Bat Roller Coaster at King's Island

Introduction

• The Bat: An innovative roller coaster at King's Island, opened on April 26, 1981.
  • World's first permanent suspended roller coaster installation.
  • Riders seated below the track; cars swung side-to-side during turns.
• Failure: Despite innovation, it was poorly designed and operated inconsistently until closure in 1983.

Background

Roller Coaster History

• Suspended roller coasters date back to 1902 with Bisbee’s Spiral Airship.
• Alpenflug (1975): Another early suspended coaster, closed due to structural damage.
• King's Island: Opened in 1972, initially featuring the Racer, a wooden roller coaster.

Aerodynamics

• Company History: Started in 1945 as Arrow Development.
• Key innovations: Tubular steel tracks (1959), mine train coasters, and looping coasters.

The Bat's Development

• Prototype: Kings Island visited Arrow's facility in 1978 and decided to build the Bat.
• Construction: Took over 18 months to design and two years to build; over $3.8 million cost.
• Features:
  • State-of-the-art computing system for ride monitoring.
  • Trains sculpted to resemble bat wings.

Operational Challenges

• Safety System Sensitivity: Ride frequently shut down due to oversensitive safety system.
• High Speeds: Trains moved faster than intended, causing excessive swinging.
• Mechanical Issues: Frequent replacement of shock absorbers, brake system flaws, lift hill misalignment.

Attempts to Fix

• 1981 Adjustments: Frequent shutdowns to address mechanical issues; modifications made to shock absorbers and trains.
• 1982 Overhaul: Additional structural support and mechanical replacements.
• Continued Failures: Persistent operational issues, including structural wear from unbanked turns.

Final Outcomes

• Closure: Closed indefinitely in 1982 due to safety concerns; dismantled in 1984.
• Legacy: The Bat’s issues informed future suspended coaster designs.

Successors

• Arrow improved designs, leading to successful installations like Big Bad Wolf.
• Newer versions featured banked turns and improved braking systems.

Conclusion

• Lessons Learned: Arrow's innovations came at the cost of King's Island's financial and operational challenges.
• Impact: Although a failure, The Bat paved the way for safer and more reliable suspended roller coasters in the future.

Additional Notes

• Operational Data: The ride had the potential for high capacity but rarely achieved it due to frequent downtime.
• Public Relations: Despite issues, the ride was popular among those who managed to experience it.

• For More: Check related videos and merchandise links for further support and information.