The Loch Ness Monster

[Merboy]

Dang, Nessie still photographing like Bigfoot after all these years.

 

[warfelg]

Gut feeling here nothing to back it up:

I think some of the roughness with the new trains is the wheels not perfectly matching up. I think there’s a little too much space there, and the old wheels/wheel assembly fit the track much tighter. Might be an offseason project to adjust or get new wheels.

 

[luseendesi]

[split] Loch Ness Monster

June 6th, Media day for Loch Ness's 40th anniversary!

 

[halfabee]

I think the roughness is a result of her new trains, unfortunately. I have only ridden Nessie twice this year and I must have ridden the "good" train both times since I thought the ride was exceptionally smooth, but it's tragic to hear that the ride experience has been ruined by an apparently brutal new train. Before 2018, Nessie never had more than a mild Arrow bounce to her, so that an attempt to smooth her out with new trains made the ride experience dramatically rougher is tragic.

This is pretty subjective, really... the old trains could be pretty bad too. I stopped riding in the last row of the old trains 10 years ago because the vertical "chiropractic bounce" back there through the loops was uncomfortable to the point of sapping the enjoyment from the experience. In the front row of the old trains, the climbing turn out of the first drop was exactly as described up the page a bit... threw me to the right and into the restraint jaw-first. I tried the front seat twice and never rode up there again, particularly since the drops are so damned good near the back anyway.

I'm 6'-4" and therefore was not at all accommodated by those trains due to my height -- the restraints stopped at a comically high position when I pulled them down, though I was always allowed to ride anyway. As a result, my experience may be a corner case. But it really gives me pause to hear that at least one of the new trains doesn't seem to be too great vs. the old, because my experience on the old trains was already causing me to be judicious about seat choice.

(And I rode DF with no complaints back in the day... honestly Anaconda was rougher overall!)

 

[Lord Robert]

That is so freaking cool that Nessie will have a roar and eyes in the cave! I remember back in 2002 where the cave had mist and a lit up Nessie on the side of the cave as you exit it. Happy 40th Anniversary you legendary coaster you!

 

[sereniv]

...In the front row of the old trains, the climbing turn out of the first drop was exactly as described up the page a bit... threw me to the right and into the restraint jaw-first.  I tried the front seat twice and never rode up there again, particularly since the drops are so damned good near the back anyway.

this is where I rode; the second set of seats in the first car. are the middle seats safer to take? I thought the front would be the smoothest, as thats how it is on most other rides (e.g: alpengeist)

 

[Nicole]

Apparently, we forgot to post the pictures of the new Nessie merch.

[instagram=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbeWKNFxSp/]

 

[halfabee]

...In the front row of the old trains, the climbing turn out of the first drop was exactly as described up the page a bit... threw me to the right and into the restraint jaw-first.  I tried the front seat twice and never rode up there again, particularly since the drops are so damned good near the back anyway.

this is where I rode; the second set of seats in the first car. are the middle seats safer to take? I thought the front would be the smoothest, as thats how it is on most other rides (e.g: alpengeist)

Personally, I've found that the middle of the train delivers the smoothest overall experience on Nessie. No front-seat lateral slam and no backseat jackhammering.

Still, I get that little twinge of regret each time I ride anywhere other than the last car of the train. Those three drops in the backseat are very nearly worth the spinal realignment I get through the loops...!

 

[b.mac]

Personally, I've found that the middle of the train delivers the smoothest overall experience on Nessie.  No front-seat lateral slam and no backseat jackhammering.

Old school Arrows were designed with the middle of the train as the Center of Gravity, there was no heartlining when Nessie was made.

 

[halfabee]

Old school Arrows were designed with the middle of the train as the Center of Gravity, there was no heartlining when Nessie was made.

Two different issues there, but sure -- I mean, there was no CAD at all when Nessie was made. Literal hand calculation, drawing, and lettering.

 

[Nicole]

abacus?

 

[halfabee]

Slide rule.

 

[lightninlady]

If at all possible, could someone pm me or just post a picture of the lochness logo inside of the station? The one on the wall near the back row where the turnstiles used to be?

 

[warfelg]

Still, I get that little twinge of regret each time I ride anywhere other than the last car of the train.  Those three drops in the backseat are very nearly worth the spinal realignment I get through the loops...!

I always ride back there! Saves me a trip to the chiropractor.

 

[Zimmy]

Slide rule.

Design phase would have been in early to mid 70's. While there were digital transistor and even early 8bit systems at the time, it was not until the late 70's that pocket sized calculators became affordable. (affordable being only several hundred 1980 dollars) For most of the 70's these early calculators were limited to big dollar science projects, NASA, DoD, and the petroleum industry.

All this is to say, that it is entirely possible and in fact likely that most of the calculations for Nessie, and for that matter most large coasters at the time were done with tried and true slide rules!

 

[UncleDuncan]

Apparently, we forgot to post the pictures of the new Nessie merch.

[instagram=https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbeWKNFxSp/]

Looks more like the John Deere Monster from here.

 

[halfabee]

Design phase would have been in early to mid 70's.  While there were digital transistor and even early 8bit systems at the time, it was not until the late 70's that pocket sized calculators became affordable. (affordable being only several hundred 1980 dollars) For most of the 70's these early calculators were limited to big dollar science projects, NASA, DoD, and the petroleum industry.

All this is to say, that it is entirely possible and in fact likely that most of the calculations for Nessie, and for that matter most large coasters at the time were done with tried and true slide rules!

Precisely. I wasn't kidding about slide rules!

 

[jtrothrock]

RE: Loch Ness Monster

June 6th, Media day for Loch Ness's 40th anniversary!

Is this true?  We will be there the 6th and thru the weekend so hoping they have something special planned that we will be there for.

 

[luseendesi]

RE: Loch Ness Monster

June 6th, Media day for Loch Ness's 40th anniversary!

Is this true?  We will be there the 6th and thru the weekend so hoping they have something special planned that we will be there for.

I just know that there will be media coverage being shot between 10:30am - 1pm roughly. Not entirely sure what it will consist of.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Loch Ness Monster

We received some information on BGW's plans for celebrating Nessie's 40th:

BUSCH GARDENS® WILLIAMSBURG CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY OF NOSTALGIC ROLLER COASTER

Five-Day Anniversary Celebration Planned for Nessie and Her Fans

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (June 1, 2018) – The iconic Loch Ness Monster roller coaster at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg has thrilled more than 58 million riders over many years. The park will commemorate the coaster with a five-day, 40th anniversary celebration June 6 – 10.

Busch Gardens will feature a number of special activities and offers marking the celebration including a $40 single-day admission ticket in honor of the Loch Ness Monster. The Busch Gardens Thrill Ticket is available to purchase online only June 1 through June 10, and will be valid for a one-time use through July 1.

The anniversary festivities include a variety of in-park deals like a summer drink special as a nod to the park’s rich heritage, Loch Ness Monster pretzels, doughnuts, Dippin' Dots, a souvenir cup and unique photo opportunities. Guests also can experience a smoother ride on refurbished coaster trains and see the renovations made to the Loch Ness ride station.

The world’s only interlocking, double-looping roller coaster hurls passengers along more than 3,200 feet of steel track into the air, over water and through a dark cave. Dormant for years, the mountain cave will come alive again as Nessie’s anniversary gift to park guests.

“The Loch Ness Monster is one of the most iconic roller coasters in the world, and it deserves a worthy celebration,” said park President Kevin Lembke. “The legend of this magnificent coaster has only just begun. This celebration sets the stage for an incredible summer filled with all-new events and experiences.”

“Nessie” also is celebrated by the American Coaster Enthusiasts club (ACE). This thrill-seeking club, made up of more than 5,000 members, was founded in 1978 at the base of the legendary roller coaster. The club recognized the Loch Ness Monster as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark in 2003.

Busch Gardens’ oldest roller coaster still excites thrill seekers from around the country, just like the day it opened four decades ago. For more information on the Loch Ness Monster’s 40th anniversary, consumers can visit buschgardens.com/lochnessmonster40.

Busch Gardens wants guests to share their favorite moments about the iconic coaster. Loch Ness Monster photos and memories can be shared on the park’s social media channels by tagging @buschgardensva and using #sharemyBGWstory and #LochNess40.

Key Dates:

- June 1 – June 10: $40 Busch Gardens Thrill Ticket available online only (visit by July 1)

- June 6 – 10: Loch Ness Monster in-park festivities

- June 6 – Aug. 12: Busch Gardens summer retro drink special.