Timberliners Take Off 15 Apr 09 - Posted by Korey
Can anyone guess what ride was the first to host our beloved Timberliner prototype train? Timberliners came to life a few weeks back at an undisclosed park that is known to be #1 for Family Fun.
It was a historic time for our industry as the most advanced wooden coaster trains successfully completed the rigors of testing on a roller coaster.
There is no “maybe” or “might” when we talk about how much better our trains are. We have data. LOTS of data. Engineers like data. Timberliners outperform the typical coaster train in so many ways. It is time to usher in technologically advanced wooden coaster cars – the old millenium is over.
Besides Timberliners navigating the track better than anything else, there is a lot to love about these trains:
- Ergonomics – These cars are comfy (suspension, padding, and better tracking)
- Track Maintenance – These cars are lightweight and distribute forces better to the track
- Car Maintenance – These cars are easy to work on and take apart
There are a lot of other great features about the cars too – like the bright orange bodies! We are excited to share more details about these great wooden coaster cars. They are truly unique and special. Here are some photos that we took during the testing.
 A Timberliner crests a hill and experiences airtime (click to enlarge) |
 Korey & Mike take a break from testing and relax in a Timberliner (click to enlarge) |
 Another Timberliner train action shot (click to enlarge) |
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has will made a purchase yet? or is he waitin for different colors to come out for his coasters?
The trains look great guys! Kings Island should consider buying these for Son of Beast, it would make the coaster a whole lot smoother.
Congratulations guys. I’ve been following you from the first day TGG was announced, and business-wise this is bigger than any coaster you’ve built this far – not that I don’t absolutely LOVE every delicious moment of TGG trackage. It’s a big day for the company, and you should all be extremely proud of what you’ve built. Not just coasters, or trains, but a company that provides thrilling entertainment for the 21st century.
Clearly far and away the most exciting coasters being built today. Again, congratulations on all your success. Nobody deserves it more. Truly yours…the gator
So as a ummm…..larger than average man…..how do the interior dimensions of the Timberliner compare to the Flyers or PTC trains?
Rarely would I call a mass of machined steel sexy…. but this thing is sexy
KenniB,
They should be quite accommodating.
Not a fan of gravity group per say because old cars slam me in the body, but if Hades gets these trains I may just like gravity group a lot more.
I noticed that these trains actually have steering bogies. It’s very surprising that they have never been utilized on full sized wood coaster trains before(None that I’m aware of anyway). Really nice work! Do you guys plan to post pictures of what the finished product will look like anytime soon? I think that would be awesome.
These trains look amazing, it’s really become painfully obvious how woodie train design has lagged behind coaster design… until now! I do have a few questions about them…
1. Will the lapbars use hydraulic or ratchet based locking systems?
2. Do the guide and upstop wheels hug the track? In other words, do they remain in contact with the track at all times, similar to most modern steel coaster trains?
3. Theoretically speaking, how would Timberliners compare to Intamin’s trains for their prefabricated wooden coasters?
Thanks in advance for your time!
Adam,
Those are quite a few questions! Thanks for asking them. Here are some answers for you:
1) We have not revealed the lapbar locking mechanism, but we’ll keep you posted.
2) Unfortunately, wooden coaster tracks don’t typically keep as consistent of gauge as that of steel coasters. The wheels will not remain in contact, although they are adjustable to remain closer to the track than other trains.
3) In comparison to the Intamin trains, they are quite different. The biggest differences are the following:
a) Timberliners steer unlike any other regular wooden coaster train.
b) They have one bench 3 bench Intamin cars.
c) The seat compartment is considerably different.
They are plenty more differences as the Timberliners and the Intamin trains are the least traditional of them all.
“the old millenium is over”
I see what you did there.
I know what the park is! Holiday World! Going there tomorrow. The ride has to be one of the three: The raven, The legend, or the voyage.
Yah, It’s the Voyage! I got it! (this is an addition to my previous comment)