How do magnetic launch coasters work? | LSMs & LIMs explained

[@overdramaticpan]

Wake up, new Coaster Bot video just dropped

[@coasterbot]

🤭

[@randomkidafrucan]

No

[@5MadMovieMakers]

If peopke ever think old stuff is always better, just remind them that the LIM system on Superman The Escape took months to get working properly, compared to the reliable launch coasters of today

[@coasterbot]

Yeah, launch tech has come a long way since the beginning!

[@matthewramirez4678]

Superman the Escape has an LSM system.

[@5MadMovieMakers]

@@matthewramirez4678 oh whoops

[@easyenetwork2023]

And EMALS was developed off the principle of this system. Though any magnetic launch system probably goes back to the early 1900s even.

[@Roboseal2]

bro i love ur channel

[@CZsWorld]

Best explanation of this I've seen. Never realized the magnetic field itself had motion.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! Yeah it's really interesting engineering, especially how precise LSM controller must be to make sure everything is in the right place, with the right speed

[@easyenetwork2023]

Induction created by electric motors could launch the coaster with small magnets.

[@KurtandElaine]

Nice video! Just a little correction.... Although not a roller coaster, Disney first used LIMs on the Tomorrowland PeopleMover at Walt Disney World. And the first use of LIMs on a coaster was Big Thunder at Disneyland in 1979 - that's the same system that was later applied at WDW and Paris. I worked on the Disneyland BIGT project (my first career job!) designing the control system operator panels, PLC racks, and overall control system wiring diagrams.

[@adam_nathan]

Parks also like how they usually have a smaller footprint since you don’t have to have a massive lift hill to get to quite a high speed, the lack of a lift hill being particularly attractive to parks like Phantasialand who have issues with height restrictions. Great video!

[@CatsnCoasters]

LSM launches certainly seem to be the future and I'm all for it...however, you cant beat the intensity of a hydraulic launch. Coasterbot - quickly becoming the encyclopedia for all things theme park related. Superb content. 👍

[@ICU306]

As time goes on, I think LSM can advance up to the level of forcefulness of a hydraulic launch.

[@BlueZirnitra]

@@ICU306 I don't think that's the case. It may come close, but generally complex electrical systems like this require orders of magnitude more power (to the point of impracticality) when you try to scale them up beyond a certain point. Hydraulic launches were always fast, all you need is a bigger accumulator, bigger pistons and more fluid. Different mechanical solutions to generate power always differ in what they are best at, and I believe LSM's strong point is efficiency and flexibility when when you're not trying to break acceleration records. There never has been a replacement in industry for the inherent power of hydraulic pressure. Heavy machinery, industrial robots etc, use them almost exclusively for a reason. A magnetic launch is unlikely to ever achieve the same *force* as a direct mechanical connection to a massive ram. Top speed over a distance though, sure, because you can just add more motors after the hydraulic would run out of steam.

[@nickallen13]

@@BlueZirnitra Increasing the voltage and duplicating the electrocmagnetic setup on the train. Most of the motors we use at our factory are 480VAC 3-phase, however when we need quite a bit more power 4160VAC works quite well.

[@The_Tedstar]

I'm using all your videos to teach my mum about rollercoasters!

[@Dannyjones1]

Very good video. Certainly did your research and explained it extremely well. Great editing to suit the audio too.👌🏼👏🏻

[@coasterbot]

Thanks Danny, we really appreciate the kind words :)

[@RollerbazAndCoasterDad]

Hooray for this Coasterbot video on the best noise in Theme Parks. I love a hydraulic launch, I know it's harder and more forceful but that NOISE of a magnetic launch is amazing.

[@RevNoch]

I was fortunate enough to ride Pantheon at BGW earlier this summer. You're absolutely right, the SOUND of the magnetic motor as it launches you simply adds to the experience. It's now one of my most favorite sounds.

[@Coasterdude02149]

RIP Wicked Twister...one hell of a fun ride. Had many good times on that

[@chazgames3690]

On lsm launch coasters and velocicoaster especially, you can really feel the train almost being held back against the tension caused by the magnetic field, when it reaches the holding section

[@keyswitches9269]

that feeling when coaster bot puts your home coaster footage in his videos

[@coasterbot]

What's your home park? :)

[@keyswitches9269]

@@coasterbot oh shoot this is the wrong video i tried commenting on your seatbelt video my home park is wonderland and doesn’t have great launch coasters with its collection being only a backlot clone with LIMs but hopefully the new 2023 family double launch will be decent! it uses tire launches i believe also that feeling when coaster bot comments on your comments🤩

[@chadmichael_]

I like the sound of the magnet launches.

[@coasterbot]

Me too!

[@eddienhp]

LIMs & LSMs are both popular magnetic systems used for roller coasters when the train launches! Some coasters used this when the train hits the brakes when the ride ends! Great video Coaster Bot! You help us learn about roller coasters more than ever! Please keep it up! 👍👍👍

[@aleksthevoyager1260]

Mack rides: precisely calculates launch technology to guarantee that every train hits the exact same speed every cycle. Intamin: lmao yeeet

[@chloe_louise123]

I love the explained series, you have taught me much of what I now know about rollercoasters! Thanks for this series :)

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the kind words Chloe! I'm glad we've helped you learn more about roller coasters ☺️

[@Fluster]

Thanks, always wanted to know more about these magnetic launches, awesome video and explanation. Please keep making more of these explained videos, I love them.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the really kind words ☺️

[@vortexluigirosalina5557]

Glad most parks are using LSMs now a days

[@drewking666_]

I craved a new "explained" video for months. So glad you posted one

[@pizzapuntthomas]

Thank you for this video! I've been watching you other video about launches, but I couldn't really understand the difference. This video helped me a lot!

[@spacepowerofficial1187]

I literally looked up that topic 2 days ago, thank you :)

[@coasterbot]

Hey that's awesome, thanks for watching!

[@spacepowerofficial1187]

@@coasterbot Was a pleasure, so interesting. You always make very good content!

[@thrill_riders]

I honestly had no idea how these worked until now! Great video!! 😁

[@caleb.butlin]

You know it’s a good day when coaster bot gives you a brand new video!

[@coasterbot]

Too kind

[@puppydragon4862]

Out of all the launch coasters I've ridden, Velocicoaster is by far the best. It's fast, thrilling, and very smooth. The launches were my favorite part, not only because of how sudden they were, but it was funny watching and listening people scream.

[@coasterbot]

I can totally get behind that!

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Nice one Harry 🤙🏾🤙🏾🧱👍🏽

[@SoyiNoodles]

great day when you guys upload a new explained video 😊

[@coasterbot]

Way too kind!

[@leonardosegura9729]

BRILLIANT Video / Explanation! Subscribed to all your content.

[@TexasSoCalRailfan9021]

I Like This I Feel Like A Coaster Nerd!

[@tombull89]

Came back from Phantasialand a couple of weeks back - FLY will be my favourite coaster for a long, long time.

[@coasterbot]

FLY looks fantastic, so does the entire area too!

[@tombull89]

@@coasterbot Honestly, it's worth the trip. Rookburgh is a great area, and if you stay in the hotel you can walk around after hours which is great for taking in the extxra themeing.

[@Achti171]

I love your Videos you explain all so good to understand.

[@triplexity.]

these vids are so cool!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks!

[@crazybird199]

This video is fascinating! Superb explanations!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@bertorrrr]

Thanks for educating me. Love your channel, wish to meet you soon!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! I visit UK theme parks a lot so you might see me :)

[@seriomarkj]

Great episode guys

[@coasterbot]

Thanks!

[@CodyMadveric]

Thanks!

[@QueenOfPessimism]

Funnily enough the slow climb of a lift hill scares me so badly that i wont ride them (unless bribed heavily); launched coasters, however are fine and i love them

[@coasterbot]

I'm sure many people would agree and also say they don't like the anticipation of the drop after the lift hill.

[@HushHushFamily]

Loved the video! New subscribers over here 😁

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the kind words, and for subscribing! :)

[@giannabruce7174]

Xcelerator is my favorite coaster of all time!! I would love to see a video about hydraulic launches:)

[@coasterbot]

Xcelerator is an awesome ride! This video explains how hydraulic launches work with extreme detail, it's worth a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipuoZYaBpbNrr5Y&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@giannabruce7174]

@@coasterbot Sweet!! I’ll check it out thank you so much!!!!

[@thekewldude5443]

video helped a lot with an essay thanks

[@coasterbot]

No worries, thanks for watching!

[@aidenstanley]

Thank you coaster bot

[@coasterbot]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@chxlaw8588]

Fantastic video!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks!

[@radbricks8298]

the most reliable coaster in Australia now is steel taipan which uses a LSM triple launch. I guess that shows how good the tech behind them is getting!!

[@louryder9692]

I didn't know i needed to watch this

[@gharrison2595]

LIMs could be making a comeback (though only on smaller roller coasters). Vekoma used LIMs on two of their 2023 family roller coasters: Big Bear Mountain and Lightning. Since permanent magnets (for LSMs) are heavier than aluminum fins (LIMs), I'd be curious to know how light a train (not including the fin/magnet) has to be for LIMs to use less electricity than LSMs.

[@Robert-vw3od]

Superb video

[@coasterbot]

Thank you 😊

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

3:40 Wasn't that ride also produced by intamin? Or am I trippin.. 🤔

[@DJWezzyK]

How do you explain the catch cars on the Vekoma LSM Launch Coasters: Rock N' Rollercoaster (and Xpress: Platform 13, which is the same ride, but outdoors with a few less blockbrakes). ? Since now it seems like the Catch Car is not needed with LSM technique?

[@coasterbot]

Great question! I'm honestly not too sure. I imagine they benefit from removing the permanent magnets from the train and placing them somewhere else. This could mean more powerful magnets on the catch-car, and a reduced train weight (which I imagine would already be heavy due to the sound systems).

[@DJWezzyK]

@@coasterbot The magnets are on the side of the track, the catch car is like the Intamin Hydraulic Launch Coaster attachted to a steel cable. There is a seperate car running over these magnets

[@DigitalAndInnovation]

3:45 I am gonna stop you right there. It is California Screamin'. Just because they slapped a new name on there- does not mean the name sticks.

[@MattA-nz9ze]

Omg is this Lenz's Law?? A-Level Physics actually being useful lol Anyway thanks Harry, very informative!

[@BlueZirnitra]

It's pretty useful if you actually go on to be a physicist or an engineer. Not so much if you decide to be an artist.

[@MrGoat-cd8lt]

I’m making a list of all of my favorite/the biggest coaster KZbinrs current credit counts, so can you let me know what yours is?

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

Nobody does these videos better than you. Just nobody.

[@coasterbot]

You're too kind!

[@Howlingburd19]

And now Top Thrill Dragster (or Top Thrill 2) has an LSM launch system

[@coasterbot]

Exactly!

[@billclinton984]

Now i wanna know what happens when I bring a magnet on velocicoaster

[@coasterbot]

Good luck getting one through the metal detectors!

[@aleksthevoyager1260]

Any operations videos coming soon?

[@Cam_0.8.2]

What about lsms with a catch car?

[@cojadmin823]

They should try to make Top Thrill Dragster a LSM... The ride were more down than running and now after the incident, it's only the park's point of reference.

[@coasterbot]

Perhaps, though I'm not sure whether they could. LSM launch coasters require longer launch straights than hydraulic launch coasters, because the magnetic launch is less powerful. I'm not sure TTD's straight is long enough!

[@RokieDeMonkor]

Can we use this for mass transit purpose?

[@701983]

Not exactly the same system, but maglev trains also use linear motors. And the Vancouver Skytrain (though on steel wheels) uses a linear induction motor (LIM) for propulsion. But not electromagnets on the track and an aluminum fin in the vehicle, but the other way round: Electromagnets in the train and an aluminum reaction rail in the middle of the track. And the train gets the power for the electromagnets by a power rail.

[@pictureus]

6:27 Liseberg

[@tractorgt]

Man awesome video! Was curious as to why you didn't mention a bit more about the unique launches of top thrill dragster and kingda ka however. It seems dragster may be going to the LSM launch next season.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! Those rides feature hydraulic launches which don't use magnets, but a whole separate launch system, so it didn't feel right to include it in this video.

[@zdawg__gaming]

Cincinnati Mentioned!

[@skylerarcala2863]

Is it possible to have lsm's in a single rail coaster?

[@coasterbot]

I don't see why not, it all depends on the design of the train. RMC raptors use flatter, wider magnets to slow the trains down. Perhaps a similar design could be used to launch them?

[@skylerarcala2863]

@@coasterbot Oh, I did not think about that! What a great idea

[@N9197U]

LSMs are cool, but nothing beats an Intamin hydraulic launch for absolute power, except for S&S air launches (which are a lot more rare)

[@svis6888]

Long live LSMs!

[@smith9808]

I thought Space Mountian (1995) was the first launched coaster?

[@coasterbot]

Space Mountain didn't feature a magnetic launch, but a strange hybrid winch / flywheel launch system! :)

[@michaelsuk6440]

Steel Venom, Valley Fair

[@easyenetwork2023]

FOF is sweet.

[@TKOfromJohn]

We need more hydraulic/pneumatic launches

[@catterpitter]

"Although, coaster with launch tend to be more reliable than their traditional lift hill counterparts." *shows Wickerman* this didn't age well...

[@kaiden4119]

I was riding the ice breaker and it broke, causing it to close.

[@egsuk3034]

Launch coasters are why I hate lift hills, I prefer cutting straight to the point

[@coasterbot]

That's fair enough!

[@AnthonyWolf-rt1iv]

Like but not good and recognition seek u out and uses North magnetic pole it is gravity and attacking from Texas or Oklahoma some one spot for them 🤔

[@sk8r839]

Sup everyone

[@jjknot5625]

gob wake up i’m hau

[@joshgutierrez7380]

My creating a magnetic field… lol

[@aussierhino8535]

Peok

[@Dominik-mj8ie]

100

[@benjaminjo]

Sounds good but, there's something special about the ANTICIPATION of the climb UP the hill before the drop. Launch coasters are hella' fun, but it feels more like a quickie than a long, intense sex session, if you konw what I mean. That feeling in my stomach as I hang in the balance as the coaster slowly begins to drop over, or the beautiful view on the way up, that feeling that you can touch the sky and overlook the scenery. The calm before the storm, than BOOM! There's a place for launch coasters, no doubt. BUT BUT BUT! Theme parks mustn't be so tempted to make EVERY coaster a launch coaster. It's the same reason wooden coasters have a special place in my heart next to steel coasters. That "rikety rikety" feeling is unmatched. Fun is fun, and the "build up" coasters as well as the "fast paced caosters" are both neccessary additions. Some parks realize that variety is best, not a one-size-fits all kind of coaster, such as Cedar Point. They just "get it".

[@billsauer3164]

Its a-lu-mi-num... Not al-lu-min-i-um 😂😂😂

[@coasterbot]

Don't visit any English speaking country outside of the US if you aren't a fan of that pronunciation 🤣

[@748813592415]

Another big advantage with launch coasters, the largest element and most intense parts of a ride doesn't have to be at the start, e.g. Velocicoaster