The History of Launched Roller Coasters

[@SEEKINGTHETHRILL]

This video reminds me how young the modern coaster industry still is

[@coasterbot]

It's surprisingly young!

[@imperialbagel]

@Adam Fazari crazy to think how many bangers we can get in the next few years. It only gets better and better... hopefully

[@anaz5918]

@Adam Fazari Flight Of Fear is older than 26 years old and still very popular among people who visits Kings Islands.

[@Mattia_Genuardi]

I love how at 7:24 the guests are on the train and at 7:28 the train is empty... that launch must have been intense!

[@ruediix]

Flight of Fear actually did this. They hid the unload platform from the load platform for effect. It was a cool little trick.

[@clxudzYT]

That's actually exactly what I wanted to comment right now… Guess I'm a bit too late! xD

[@MelorTGBD]

I actually work at Kings Dominion and have operated the Flight of Fear before. That's about how the unfamiliar guests act when the empty train pulls up only a few seconds after launch, if anything it adds a cool effect to the ride's theming.

[@plushxwx]

He made it, he got the skillshare sponsorship

[@coasterbot]

Ha ha thanks for the support :)

[@walkingelf6836]

Visualizee I was about to comment the same thing!

[@caitlynking2660]

My personal favorite launch coaster is Xcelerator. My friend forced me to ride it, and I am so glad she did!

[@coasterbot]

Awesome choice!

[@tomwakley5719]

17:33 Rita is not just my favourite launched roller coaster, but my all-time favourite roller coaster in the UK! The feeling you get during the launch is absolutely out of this world!

[@DJGAMING-ev8zr]

When the world is about to end and roller coasters will be extinct Coaster Bot will make a video titled “what is a roller coaster”

[@DJGAMING-ev8zr]

FrankTheSpider true

[@dintadoba4808]

Roller coasters open again here and I just rode one with mask on

[@hydrauliclaunch]

“complete the entire layout backwards” the layout: _____O__/

[@caseyclark1153]

\ You dropped this.

[@shane9245]

\____0____/

[@txbrizastar]

( ( 0 _//

[@kneesurgerytomorrow]

| | ______/

[@fadbob_]

____OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO_/

[@mischiefmanaged5757]

Fascinating whether you’re a coaster geek, a science fan or just intrigued by roller coasters in general.

[@Timr2]

Kings Island: Gets the first launch coaster, the first backwards launch, the worlds first multi launch and gets the first LIM coaster. Kings Dominion: Gets the first launched coaster that has the launch break the train, the first LIM coaster and the first air compressed air coaster. The Kings parks have very significant launchers!

[@johnfoltz8183]

And Kings Dominion also had the first launched inverted coaster

[@rileylippitt]

Blackpool pleasure beach has one of the first launched coasters (revolution) and the biggest rollercoaster in the uk and also one of the top 10 oldest coasters in the world so I think the kings parks are equal with Blackpool pleasure beach

[@sezziek1]

@@rileylippittwas just thinking about the Revolution at Blackpool, then I saw your comment 👍🏻

[@dennisfischerjr5643]

Thank you for one of the most comprehensive LIM vs LSM comparisons I've yet seen. Even after getting to see Maverick in the shop for Cedar Points WCO I still had some questions that this video put together and answered perfectly. It's a fascinating technological history.

[@coasterbot]

No problem, glad we could help! It definitely is a fascinating history :)

[@triple7marc]

It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that Maverick was such a pioneer of LSMs. Intamin really hit it out of the park with that one.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

I understand.

[@DZstudios.]

5:48 it was called Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune at that time...

[@coasterbot]

I may or may not have called it Mission 2 be because I didn't want to attempt to speak French 👀

[@rct3isepic]

COASTER BOT it translates to from the earth to the moon

[@DZstudios.]

Bien

[@svis6888]

@@coasterbot haha 😂 you should of tried! That would be funny! Allez harry!!!

[@coasterbot]

Yeah, I know the translation but I often try and say the rides name as it is in its home language, instead of English-ifying everything ha ha :)

[@Alex-wn5rc]

The Arrow shuttle loops are my favorite Arrow coasters. They are very smooth, have insane airtime, and the loop is really intense and fun.

[@coasterbot]

They are great!

[@maximecretton383]

Same! Revolution at Blackpool was a surprise hit for me!

[@rickpontificates3406]

Launch coasters are definitely a great advancement in coaster technology. While lift hill coasters build anticipation, launch coasters are thrilling right out of the station.

[@joseftrogl6565]

You are right. However for some people the anticipation boosts the final feeling. The fact that your mind and body are getting ready to "what comes" makes the feeling more intense.

[@ScrewyLoops]

Amazing video as per usual! 👌 Also those animations were most immersive, this video must have taken forever! 🔥

[@SirDella]

I heard about all these types of launches but having all of them packed in one video really made me realize the sheer amount of ingenious and different techniques that were developed to accomplish the exact same task, amazing video

[@dprslegacy]

I would have to say that a hydraulic launch like on top thrill dragster is my favorite. That initial snap of acceleration is amazing, and inside the hydraulic shed is probably cooler then riding the ride especially when the coaster is launching and seeing everything working.

[@alkankondo89]

Wow! This was EXCELLENT! The most comprehensive history I've seen on launched coasters. And those diagrams, illustrating the different launch systems REALLY helped and were well-put-together!

[@CoasterHour]

Awesome video! Launch coasters have certainly come a long way from the older electric winch, weight drop, and flywheel Systems, used for the first launch coasters. LSMs definitely look like they will be used in the future a lot as they have been used a lot more recently, but it is nice to see the compressed air launch return with Maxx Force and with some of the newer Asian S&S coasters. My favorite kind of launch I have experienced is still the Hydraulic launch on Dragster and it is a shame that those have died out but hopefully the LSM can improve even more over time and maybe Intamin could try out a compressed air launch system, would love to see what they could do with it!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks, they really have! Dragster looks awesome, I'd love to ride it one day :)

[@rockrollangel1972]

I did an insider roller coaster tour at busch gardens in Tampa and we went behind the scenes for 3 coasters and one is a launch one. We got to learn more about how the launch happens, what happens when it over heats it can go backwards (which I have seen at Velocacoaster) how strong the magnets are, etc. Was so cool to see up close

[@henrydrakeselftape]

Hydraulic is my favourite, all the way ;) . That feeling is just so unique and intense! Although I’m sad they are no longer being made, I’m glad s and s are making coasters like max force to continue giving that intense launch experience.

[@coasterbot]

Hydraulic launches are awesome for sure!

[@coasterkeychain6852]

I hope Intamin creates more hydraulic launch coasters! They have some of the most intense launches out there.

[@jannick247]

but the maintenance of intamin has its price. LSM's are not that maintenance needy and more cost efficient

[@andykillsu]

Air launches are more intense.

[@dakotamurray7184]

​@@jannick247 Sounds like their reliable.

[@Benthetrainkid]

1:01 The first Arrow launch was actually the defunct Afterburner at Fun Spot Indiana (originally built as Zoomerang for Circus World/Boardwalk and Baseball)

[@f1-mag]

I tried my first launch coaster yesterday it was Juvelen at Djurs Sommerland

[@Alex-kf7tm]

My first launch was Taron at phantasialand :) (Second is Anubis at Plopsaland)

[@imbnz2424]

Mine was Kingda Ka lol

[@coasterbot]

What did you think? :)

[@MrCollerRoaster]

My first was Stealth at Thorpe Park

[@azertycraftgaming]

The second tire launch is surprisingly powerful

[@isaaccutlip5815]

Launch coasters are the only ones I enjoy for some reason

[@slopesgameroom]

I really appreciate these sort of history vids

[@katiewennerberg210]

My favorite launch I’ve experienced is Stealth at Thorpe Park! It’s the only hydraulic launch I’ve done, and it blew me away by the speed. It’s absolutely insane!

[@skstonesmith]

My favorite launches coaster is Maverick! It’s wild!

[@mkxpro55]

7:15 Flight of Fear at KI is my favorite ride as of November 2020. Fun fact, I live less than 30 minutes away from Kings Island. Also, I rode FoF before I rode DiamondBack at KI, and my reaction on Diamondback was: "This is boring". Still, both are very fun rides. Also, that beginning shot, the blue ride is called Orion, and is the newest ride to be there. It replaced a Superman type ride called Firehawk. I wish I would have rode that more often before it got taken out, but I was little, so. I also wish I would've rode Vortex more than I did. I actually kissed the train on Vortex bc I was the last in line for Vortex the day it was closed. I also got to ride in the front with my cousin. My 2 other cousin's were in the row behind. If u go to KI next season, idk if they will still have the piece where it is, but if u ride Windseeker, u can see a piece of track from Vortex. If u have read this far I hope u have a good day. Leave a comment saying "hi" if u did read this far so ik if u did. Thx.

[@andimason3370]

I know hydraulic and compressed air coasters are expensive to run but I think big parks should try to keep a few. LSM's are fine and all, but a hydraulic launch is just something else. The sheer force a powerful hydraulic launch accelerates with is outstanding, far better than the magnetic systems. My favourite launch I've experience so far is Stealth at Thorpe Park. That launch track may be short but it gets you moving in a hurry. Never felt acceleration like it. When it becomes possible to safely travel again I'm heading to Fuju-Q to ride Do-Dodompa, looks too awesome to miss.

[@technoandrew]

You can tell a lot of work went into this video, really well done guys. It was interesting to see when the different launch technologies each came into use.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@jvcolddayinhell2761]

Mine is LSM and LIM launches look. The scream of the some LIMs (Wicked Twister), the humming of the launches (Back Lot Stunt Coaster, Flight of Fear), and the mild sound of the magnetic field engaging with the train (Maverick)... Ughhhhh love it every time

[@bamber123]

Busted! Your conspiracy to push Skillshare subscriptions to promote their "converting distance and speed units" class by not adding km/h to mph and feet to metres conversions on this video 😉

[@coasterbot]

You got me, of course that was the reason! In all honesty I ran out of time and didn't get chance to put them in :)

[@ultimateparkmasters4735]

Great to see a coaster channel sponsored! Love the channel, launch coasters have a fascinating history!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, that means a lot. They really do! :)

[@lyssa.mp3]

amazing video i loved it and the new animations are so spot on

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! :)

[@rct2nerd]

I think my favorite launch of all time is Stormrunner's launch, but Kingda Ka's launch is my 2nd favorite. Also, I'm surprised that you didn't mention Galeforce at Playland's Castaway Cove in this video. It's the world's first Triple Launch El Loco Coaster.

[@coasterbot]

There's too many launch coasters to mention in a single video honestly!

[@Timesocussa]

Such a brilliant amount of information, presented so well. Thank you man, look forward to the next 👏

[@coasterbot]

Thank you very much! :)

[@chrisshort4121]

Solid work Harry! This was a pleasure to watch/listen to

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@cookode]

I never thought I’d hear Harry talking about skillshare. Let’s give the man a round of applause on such a big sponsor

[@coasterbot]

ha ha thank you! We appreciate the support :)

[@astros4547]

my personal fav launched coaster is defo red force, its just... so amazing, nothing beats the amazing view you get from the top 🥳 great footage of it btw🤪

[@coasterbot]

Red Force definitely looks awesome, glad you loved it! :)

[@SkyrushFanboy]

I’m so glad I got front seat at night on volcano in 2017 while I was able to. Dang I miss that ride, the only invert in my top ten

[@uweklonker3799]

And now we have a flying launched coaster wow

[@coasterbot]

We do indeed!

[@halcyondaystunes]

Absolute perfect video mate. you out did yourself on this one.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, that means a lot :)

[@connoryancey3261]

Omg, When I saw Mr. Freeze (Six Flags Over Texas) I was like “I HAVE BEEN ON THAT”

[@nellingwood2]

Loved every launch I've ridden (Mr. Freeze, Flight of Fear, Italian Job, Wicked Twister, Maverick, Top Thrill Dragster, and Kingda Ka). Hydraulic launches are the most thrilling to me.

[@coasterbot]

Most launches coasters are fantastic! :)

[@Coasterlocity]

That was the clearest explanation of the hydraulic launch I've ever heard. Of all of them really.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, that really means a lot!

[@Coasterlocity]

@@coasterbot You're welcome. I like when i watch a video that teaches me things i didn't know with cool technical details and history. Your videos tend to do that.

[@CoasterConnection]

Brilliant Video Man! Beautiful Animations. 🔥

[@coasterbot]

Thank you my dude, that means a lot :)

[@gerdemannfpv5113]

Why do the fins of the LSM move up after the launch on some coasters ( 21:17 ) ?

[@coasterbot]

Great question! These fins aren't actually launch fins, but brake fins. You can tell the difference because they're made from a different material and are thinner. The fins move up after the launch to stop the train from re-entering the station. If the launch fails, the train could rollback down the first hill, and roll backwards along the launch. The fins that go up would stop the train if this happened. :)

[@gerdemannfpv5113]

@@coasterbot ohh 😯 that makes sense! Thank you for answering, love your channel! :)

[@coasterbot]

No problem, thanks for watching and for the kind words. It means a lot :)

[@sjet88]

coaster bot is a legend for using katapul footage

[@anouk5231]

I haven't been in many parks yet and also haven't been on many lauched coasters, but I feel very happy to have experienced Taron! So magnetic launch for me. But hopefully I'll make a trip to GB next year and try out a serious hydraulic launch (Stealth).

[@mikedevine1620]

Your VFX work in this video is absolutely awesome

[@coasterbot]

Thank you that means a lot :)

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I was a ride operator @ the now defunct Six Flags AstroWorld. Greezed Lightnin' was a shuttle loop type 2. Flywheel clutch. By the tine the park closed. GL (1978-2005) did one MILLION launches. Knott's Berry Farm MR is STILL in operation. Houston's clutches were made in Canada & were replaced twice a year. You could tell when they started to wear. But, when they were in "rare form" was the sweetest "whirllll" you'd ever hear. LOL!!! 8 bars of compressed air per clutch! That ride consumed a LOT of air.

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Another superb video Harry and the animations were superb 👌🏼. Man I miss The thunder looper 😢🧱👍🏼

[@coasterbot]

Thank you very much! Thunder Looper looked great :)

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

COASTER BOT . It was so good 🤩👌🏼

[@harrisondavis2003]

Great vid Melvin

[@coasterbot]

Melvin? Who's that! Ha ha thank you :)

[@Archman155]

Well done! You got a sponsor! Proud of you harry!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the support :)

[@lancehutch]

He's done it! He got a sponsor!

[@coasterbot]

ha ha yeah!

[@DJKiske2]

I am glad that you pointed out the history of these different styles of launches, really interesting to see where we were and how far we've come.

[@coasterbot]

The industry definitely has come a long way!

[@DJKiske2]

Now I wonder if someone will invent an even more thrilling and efficient launch in the future.

[@freemusicforvlogs6133]

I find watching launch coasters launch so satisfying

[@coasterbot]

They are very satisfying to watch!

[@ben.04f]

U already know im from notif gang :D

[@Autumn-pr8ve]

Xcelerator packs such a punch, I can only imagine what kingda ka is like, hopefully one day I will get to ride it

[@Leooofelix]

I'm quite a new enthusiast so I haven't been to many theme parks around the world but as soon as traveling is safe I'll be sure to go to many theme parks in Europe But I would say my favorite launched coaster must be Taiga at Linnanmäki

[@coasterbot]

Taiga looks awesome!

[@zachs8033]

You did a great job on the pneumatic launches. They’re extremely complex, and very expensive to maintain, but no other launch type touches the acceleration you get from an S&S. Do Dodonpa pretty much proves it, as it has held the fastest acceleration record for 20 years.

[@shawnspencer8766]

Compared to hydraulic launches, the air launch system is actually fairly simple. A breath of fresh air to fix and work on lol

[@CrazGaming564]

My favorite launch coaster is Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America. It's so forceful with that new generation compressed air launch and the inversions are lots of fun

[@broadwayblueshirts6160]

Great video! So much information, you can really see the evolution of the technology that goes into it.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks :)

[@Deilwynna]

18:52 - i recognize those shades of green and inclined launch into vertical... 18:54 - yep... its helix from my local amusement park; liseberg (i live ~5km from it)

[@coasterbot]

Helix is an awesome coaster, you're lucky to have it so close to home :)

[@Deilwynna]

@@coasterbot all 4 of the larger coasters on liseberg are awesome but in different ways. lisebergbanan the old school steel coaster, balder the compact and intense intamin prefab, helix the green beast and valkyria the vertical drop coaster

[@Goxiq]

20:58 Finland spotted!

[@vapoet]

I still love the old LIMs that Kings Dominion had. Volcano the Blast Coaster was the smoothest coaster I've ever ridden. I also enjoyued the air launched Hypersonic XLC, but trying to catch it when it was running was nearly impossible.

[@maximecretton383]

Intamin's LSM launches are my favourites! Perfect mix of intensity and sustained acceleration!

[@coasterbot]

Great choice :)

[@Logan-hb7uf]

can you do a vid on what makes the sound on lsm launches

[@SamTAnderson]

from Reddit: "Had an electrical engineer friend explain this to me. Basically what you are hearing is the metal conductors (all of those little fins running down the middle of the track) flex and vibrate as a massive amount of power is dumping into them."

[@Logan-hb7uf]

@@SamTAnderson ok. every time i looked it up, i could never find an answer lol

[@Joypyf]

One of your best videos! 👍🏼 Do you know where the part of Lightning Loops that had the accident was moved to? Did that section become Diamondback?

[@ebrbrbrbrbr]

Awesome video mate! Been following you since the beginning and just amazed by how consistently quality the uploads are. A day with a 23 (!!!) minute upload is a good day Slight correction--it's St. "Lewis" not St. "Louie" haha

[@coasterbot]

Thanks, we really appreciate it! Sorry I'm from the UK and that's how we say it, I didn't consider it at all :)

[@Operateur]

Great video man! one of your best for sure

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@Crypt1cmyst1c]

I've only ever ridden magnetic launch coasters, but i have to say the LIM coasters have a more immersive launch. the humming of the magnets being energized and the lights dimming as it draws all that electrical current just gives the ride such a powerful feeling. the LSM's are cool from a technical standpoint, but it feels like it's holding back. the LSM's feel like they're a bored god, pushing the train forward with his finger, whereas the LIM's feel like a roaring beast pushing with every bit of strength it can muster.

[@darwinfraudez7804]

Nice vid Harry really enjoyed it 😀

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@darwinfraudez7804]

COASTER BOT your welcome :)

[@brianmacdonald7297]

Great video, and excellent animations! I remember riding Flight of Fear in its first season at Kings Dominion. Watching the trains accelerate out of the station was like nothing I'd ever seen before. It seemed like the trains were perfectly still one moment, and gone the next. Of course, the original restraints in that first season also produced head-banging like I'd never experienced before either, but that's another story.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you Brian! I bet FoF was something completely different when it opened :)

[@GutGut_3]

My favorite launch type is the LSM. My favorite coaster with an LSM launch is definitely Taron at phantasialand

[@chrisbaete5842]

What a great and informative video as always. I had never thought of revolution being one of the very first launch coasters. I can’t pick a favourite launch as they all feel and offer a very different experience. I still find it hard to pick a favourite between stealth with its intense launch and red force with its longer launch. I love the launch on Taron and Icon in which a laugh can transform a standard ride into something quite incredible.

[@Guoenyi]

Launch is so different from lift hill. I like both though. All very scary and fun. The rest of the track plays a major role in the whole experience of a ride too.

[@filetofish7688]

2:36 What’s the name of that coaster. I didn’t know there was a schwarzkopf themed to Superman

[@coasterbot]

It's called Katapul and is at Hopi Hari :)

[@filetofish7688]

@@coasterbot thanks

[@nikora2626]

Congratulations on getting a sponsor :)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@adrsk8]

Xcelerator is the best launch coaster I rode !

[@cadesaucemusic7370]

Epic. We all gotta wait for a 4d launch coaster if S&S decides to build one again (or a 4d freespin will do kekw). I do know that there is possibly another hydraulic launch coaster being made but I forgot where.... There's also Max Force and the possible return of the S&S air-compressed launch (which I hope to god returns cuz it is badass). Besides that though, amazing stuff! and congrats on getting the sponsorship by Skillshare!

[@coasterbot]

I hope S&S do build their launched 4D coaster! Thanks that means a lot :)

[@Fluster]

Really good videos, I love the diagrams you put.

[@themrwinston9570]

it took 1 ride on cheetah hunt to make me a lifelong fan of multi-launch coasters. cant wait to try Hagrid's!

[@HiAnonym]

It's really unfortunate that the era of hydraulic launches is over 😭😭😭

[@torezcoasters6043]

True but air compressed launches are more intense and more reliable

[@HiAnonym]

@@torezcoasters6043 Yeah but the hydraulic launch has a pretty intense acceleration that is much more sustained than that of the pneumatic launch...I've never ridden an air launch coaster but I think hydraulic launches have a few advantages over the air launches...the air launches are described by some people that it feels like being rammed by a truck so I really want to experience this one day

[@revimfadli4666]

@@HiAnonym do hydraulic launches maintain their force along the length, while air launches gradually lose their force?

[@Beatboarder66]

@@torezcoasters6043 air compressed launches are not reliable. They are only six pneumatic launched coasters operating right now and only two of them are located outside Asia. Honestly, I think these systems are maintenance nightmares and not very safe (just read about the Ring Racer: Twice the compressed air escaped explosively from the system and once the catch-car somehow got shot with no train attached, so that it rammed the stop at full speed. Even distant windows burst by the bang and six workers suffered an acoustic shock from it). I think hydraulic launches are a bit more reliable and safer, but of course nothing comes to LSM, in this regard.

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Long live formula rossa.

[@YoullHaveSome]

Being from Ohio my favorite launch is Top Thrill Dragster. Although Flight of Fear is one of my favorite coasters as well! Great video!

[@Gijsinator]

I only rode 3 coasters with launches: express platform 13, formule x and hyperspace mountain. hyper space mountain is my favorite because of the angle, music and just the power of the launch. the power thing can also be said and that coaster adds alot of hype to the launch with its flashing lights (my opinion over which launch is better changes alot XD). and formule x was just fine

[@Internet-Police]

Great video and nice animations :)

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! :)

[@KaspersetzSlideStudios]

Great video, as per the usual. Thanks for the skillshare as well!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, that means a lot :)

[@lukehauser1182]

When the Who sang "Hope I die before I get old," they were afraid they'd live to see this!

[@SethDU]

If I am not wrong, you are from the UK, right? I really like how you, despite of this, are using the metric measurements as "standard" or at least "first mentions" in your videos. Very good job with this video, I finally understood the difference between LIM and LSM. :D

[@coasterbot]

I am from the UK and feel it's important to use metric from a scientific perspective. Usually I provide on-screen conversions but sadly I didn't have enough time to do those for this video. Thanks though, glad we could clear that up for you :)

[@InfinitePlaylist909]

Amazing vid!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks!

[@robertliput2419]

I love the hydraulics and LSM

[@WeylandProductions]

It's so weird not seeing a massive red giga coaster at 2:00 lol

[@CoasterJawn]

Gotta go with the LSMs on Intamin Blitz coasters, those are amazing, with the Hydraulic on the strata coasters being my second favorite

[@badjokes4ever905]

I live near Denver and my home park is Elitches and sadly one of the last aro (sp) loopers might be closing as it has not been running for a long 3-4 years and I guess I’m fortunate to have been able to ride it before then

[@wiljantoonen3324]

I went on the schwarzkopf shuttle at Walibi Belgium... It was for me one of the first times that I went on a loop.

[@coasterbot]

That's awesome to hear!

[@NorthernRidesYaBoi]

There is also the very unique hydraulic dual-chain launch used on the lift hill on Tornado at Bakken. A one-of-a-kind experience.

[@coasterbot]

It looks one of a kind honestly!

[@nolimitsluke]

12:33 that just sounds like hydraulic with extra steps