Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Manufacturer: Gravity Group, LLC
Cost: $6 Million
Length: 2900 ft.
Height: 80 ft.
Drops: 119', 80+', 60+'
Speed: 57MPH
Ride Duration: 1 minute, 30 seconds
First drop: 60 degrees
Maximum banking: 90 degrees
Train: Six cars per train in 2x2 layout

http://xs320.xs.to/xs320/07410/RavineFlyerCAD.jpg


Official Site: http://www.waldameer.com/RavineFlyer2.html

[Dan]

This looks like another great coaster from GG...they just keep crankin' them out!

It's Ravine Flyer, by the way, Ryan :P

[Michael]

I have a feeling that bridge is going to become an instant classic. Just look at this photo:

Imagine the finished track, swooping down from the crest, then bouncing back up, pulling massive g's and then up over the bridge while you hit the top of your restraints, incredible... wow :D This is going to be a sweet ride my friends.

http://www.waldameer.com/images/RFconst2.jpg

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

It's Ravine Flyer, by the way, Ryan :P
Haha, I can't hide the fact you guys know what's on my mind... :o

The recreation (forgot who made it) really impressed me with the potiential of the layout. One point of the layout really concerns me: the turnaround climb across Peninsula Drive. I've got a feeling it might 'pull a Hades', how after Hades' first tunnel section the train comes to a creep over the crest of the left climb and right dive.

[crZythrill3r]

I can see it already, drivers are so going to be distracted by this lovely "constructed woodie erection." :o

[Comet]

6 Tunnels

10 Cross-Overs

Am I missing this somewhere?

[Matt]

Tunnels are not shown in the rendering. The cross overs are there though.

[Mike T]

The interesting thing about this roller coaster is the extensive re-designing that the ride has gone through in the past decade. Folks you have to remember that this ride was intended for a late 90's/ 00' opening date, but all of that was put to the side thanks to the battle they fought with the city of Erie. Lets just hope that those design modifications don't take away from what this coaster could of been...

[Voyage100]

Seems like Ravine Flyer 2 is really inspired by the Voyage at Holiday World, I mean it will have some double-down elements as well, to gain the top speed. Wonder how the difference in elevation will be like, which I know the Voyage has 100 foot difference in this.

[Steve K]

I believe Gravity Group has another hit on their hands. This coaster looks amazing and that bridge is just brilliant. If this ride was meant to open back in the late 90's, I wonder who they had working that project as GG wasn't around then.

Either way the design looks great and I can't wait to see this thing in action.

[Jake]

I would assume CCI, but that's just a guess.

[Mike T]

Yes, CCI was contracted for the original project, then they split and reformed as The Gravity Group. Good thing for Waldemeer is that The Gravity Group is essentially the same engineers from Custom Coasters. In the original design (if you refer to Ryan's image) there was another large dive into the ravine that ran adjacent to the first drop, just to the left. I don't know what came about with the modification of the design, but from my opinion, I believe the original design was a bit more wild, while this newer one seems to carry the very "signature" style of TGG, and that being a very well paced ride with a lot of smaller runner hills....

[Mike T]

The Website is now up!

http://www.waldameer.com/RavineFlyer2.html

And here is a nice view of the Logo...


http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/mike2008t/flyertopcopy.jpg


Also, yes the ride will have 6 tunneled elements, but they are not pictured in the rendering. The rendering is just there to show the track's configuration. I think that the tunnels will really add some serious enhancement to this ride...

[Jake]

It looks like an amazing ride, and these tunnels are going to seriously enhance the experience.

Do we know where the tunnels are going to be?

[Michael]

Freaking sweet! :D

But in all honesty, the bottom of the first drop looks taim, maybe if the banking were a bit higher it would be more intimidating... :rolleyes:

But the rest of the ride looks incredible, high speed turns, bunny hops, ejector air, sweeping turns, and a f***ing bridge! This is just insane, gotta get on this baby next year! :cool:

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Wow, no one really bothered to read all of my original post? :confused:

[Mike T]

They added a few new photos to the site since I last looked, and I hadn't seen the logo since today. Sorry...

I don't know about you guys, but I'm excited to see how the 90 degree banking into the 60 foot dive is going to feel. Thats definately a first in design for The Gravity Group. It should provide a unique feel and I think it will really distinguish itself from the 90 degree banks found on Voyage and Hades, due to the diving effect. In fact, it kind of looks a bit similar to the second Big drop on The Beast...

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Waldameer has posted a bunch of new construction photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIConstructionPhotos

[Michael]

^Thank you for that link Ryan :cool:

Wow, this ride is incredible. I am stunned at how graceful the layout is, very unique effect as it swings and screams through the hills and through it's own supports toward the middle of the ride. Very impressive, and probably one of the most important coasters appearing for the 2008 season :cool:

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

More pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster

Looks like they're getting some of that MidWest snow storm.

[rollercoasterfreek]

This ride does seem pretty interesting.

[jolash]

More pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster

Looks like they're getting some of that MidWest snow storm.

Ha, snow storm. Nothing but green grass here.

All weather aside, this ride looks spectacular. A real shame the new PTC articulated trains won't be used on it though.

[Steve K]

Yea, might wanna look at the date of the pictures before pointing something out thats not entirely accurate... ;)

http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster/photo#5141297650085022146
^Obviously theres snow there...lol.

Anyways, the ride is coming along very nicely and I think that it is a splendid addition to the park.

[Tom]

This is a coaster that I really wish was closer to me so I could ride it. Everything about it looks amazing. I woke up to a fresh coat of snow for the first time in my life yesterday, and it seems that same storm has gotten to Erie. I think the drop will be one of the things that makes this coaster what it really is, which hopefully will not be a disappointment.

[Zonga]

It could just be me, but it seems as though there are a lot of left turns on this ride. A lack of direction change looks a tad bit boring. Granted it is a Gravity Group, and it will still probably be amazing, the layout just seems repetitive. Left, left, left, left.

[Voyage100]

It could just be me, but it seems as though there are a lot of left turns on this ride. A lack of direction change looks a tad bit boring. Granted it is a Gravity Group, and it will still probably be amazing, the layout just seems repetitive. Left, left, left, left.

You don't need to worry about it, since Japan has the unique coaster that only goes hit the right turn. Yes, just repetitive as, right, right, right, and done with right turn before hitting the final brake. Plus it's quite short.

[Comet]

^Yeah, it's possible to do, but will it make a good ride is the real question.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

A few new photos. The bridge is starting to go up! http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster

[Jake]

It's looking pretty sweet. I'd love to get on this..

[chris]

I would like to get on this coaster. I would like to get a picture of the train going through the bridge with cars under it. (sunset)

[Voyage100]

You can do it soon. The day as Ravine Flyer will be launched out, is coming really close. I am hoping you could make it to Waldameer, and would ride it on. =)

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Some new weekend photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

The bridge is coming to fruition: http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster/photo#5178355573182713826

[p0tat0]

Nice n clean bridge. Good idea of using the arch.

[tycooner55]

The whole bridge thing makes this coaster so unique and awesome. I love it.

[Michael]

Looks like a classic woodie :smile: Epic layout, one of my new favorites.

Who was the designer for this? Like the architect?

[Mike T]

The primary engineer for the project was Larry Bill.

[Brandon]

I have to say, while I love the bridge, I do not like the covering being placed on it. It just looks, so, out of place. When was the last time you saw a arch bridge with a cover over it? Anyone know the official reason for the cover?

As for my thoughs on the ride as a whole, I think it will give riders bang for their buck, and will certainly pack a punch. It certainly looks to give a smooth, but not too smooth ride, something I'm sure most riders will enjoy. One of the things I must say I am dissapointed about is that the park chose not to use PTC's new articulated trains. I suppose I will have to wait to see how they peform later on down the road. I just hope that time comes sooner, rather than later.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Anyone know the official reason for the cover?
I'm sure the obvious intent, or at least some, was the reason of having the tunnel element to add some dynamic to an empty hill. There could've also been a clause somewhere, or ideal, that a cover would prevent motorist from slamming on their brakes in the middle of the highway, "Hey look, it's a roller coaster!"

[Dan]

Also, it will prevent anything from falling from riders onto the highway.

[Voyage100]

For the best safety out, it must be done. I would say as, 'always to be safe' is the bottom line to have roller coasters operate.

[Ultimate Coaster]

It's the same as the nets on Goliath. It's safety more than anything else.

You should also note that wooden coaster typically require a bit more grease than their steel counterparts. A nice glob of that on your windshield wouldn't be very fun.

[Michael]

Looks like it's nearing completion. Trains have arived as well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster


http://lh4.ggpht.com/Waldameer/SBNXQTCHOCI/AAAAAAAABOE/rXC0H2lD6yA/DSCN26730009.JPG?imgmax=800


http://lh6.ggpht.com/Waldameer/SBNXWzCHOHI/AAAAAAAABOs/xNm21O11G44/DSCN27000001.JPG?imgmax=800


http://lh6.ggpht.com/Waldameer/SAt52HMu0-I/AAAAAAAABL8/HbhpzsXuL9c/DSCN26230003.JPG?imgmax=800

[Mike T]

http://yourerie.com/media_player.php?media_id=8641

Here's the attraction testing. The guys at Gravity Group are saying its outstanding, which is good news to hear. From the looks of it, I don't think GG was just trying to satisfy the customer with those remarks. It looks like it flies through the first part.

[Youhow2]

Looks like it's nearing completion. Trains have arived as well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Waldameer/RavineFlyerIIRollerCoaster








http://lh6.ggpht.com/Waldameer/SAt52HMu0-I/AAAAAAAABL8/HbhpzsXuL9c/DSCN26230003.JPG?imgmax=800




:love: Omg... That turn...:w00t:

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Those two turns really remind me of Avalanche. :biggrin: http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p9727.jpg

I'm really looking forward to hearing how this attraction turns out, and that it luckily wasn't plagued with the same woes Boardwalk Bullet had.

[Mike T]

I can see this being a back seat ride with some really fantastic forces in the first half. I can't wait to take a few spins on it.

[mayoki]

Man that looks fast... The air over the bridge looks awesome! I hope it ain't as rough as Boardwalk Bullet, though. BWB was great but it was rough in spots, but once in a while you'll get on a train that will just beat the heck outta ya.

[Tom]

Those turns are b-e-aaaaa-ufitul!

[SnooSnoo]

http://www.erietube.com/kickapps/_Ride-the-Ravine-Flyer-II/video/206382/3766.html (http://www.erietube.com/kickapps/_Ride-the-Ravine-Flyer-II/video/206382/3766.html)

[Michael]

^ Wow... very unique, that's all I have to say :tongue:

I thought the first drop was very tame, but the bridge was awesome. Tons of air on this ride, I loved the direction changes too.

[Jake]

Looks like this ride is going to bang you around quite a bit.. Looks more aggressive then Voyage even.

[mayoki]

Looks like this ride is going to bang you around quite a bit.. Looks more aggressive then Voyage even.

That's what I thought... I don't think it will be as rough as BB though, but that short left turn after the first crossover on the bridge looks really painful. I will admit that the first drop is a dissapointment, though, unless it's better in the back. BB's was insane in the back, it's slow and then there is a 'POP' and all at once it feels like your going vertical.

[Michael]

I think the roughness of the ride will attract more than detract. It's not quite vicous, but it does have some pretty agressive areas. I'd love to ride this. :cool1:

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Looks like this ride is going to bang you around quite a bit.. Looks more aggressive then Voyage even.
I think that's a little presumptuous from a video that looked like it was taken at 15FPS on a digital camera.

[Jake]

Did you see the way it shuffled back and forth on the track? Defend it if you will, but Gravity Groups coasters are starting to remind me more and more of their CCI brothers.

[Michael]

Did you see the way it shuffled back and forth on the track? Defend it if you will, but Gravity Groups coasters are starting to remind me more and more of their CCI brothers.

And... is that a bad thing? :confused1:

[Tom]

I think it looks beautiful and will be fun. Wooden coasters are not supposed to resemble anything close to B&M's. They are supposed to throw you around, give you a rough ride, and essentially say, lets see how you can take a real ride. As much as I love smooth steel coasters, this looks great. Wait to make assessments until either reviews come in, or you ride it, but I think its going to be an awesome coaster.

[Arez]

Looks like an amazing ride to me. The first half was very strong and fast paced, looks like it will have a ton of ejector air. The pacing sort of died during the last half, I was expecting more of a Voyage-like start to finish pace to the ride, but I guess not.

-Alex

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Did you see the way it shuffled back and forth on the track? Defend it if you will, but Gravity Groups coasters are starting to remind me more and more of their CCI brothers.
Not defending anything, just exposing the logic.

Go watch a video of an Intamin prefab and the train shuffles back-and-forth too. That's just the tolerance of a wooden coaster without articulating bogies.


It's like saying Fahrenheit is bad because the NoLimits looks bad.

[Jake]

And... is that a bad thing? :confused1:

You have obviously never been on Ghostrider.. ;).



It's like saying Fahrenheit is bad because the NoLimits looks bad.

It isn't at all like that. No Limits is a simulation, this is the real thing. I'm just saying that it looks like it's going to bang you around. You can't know any better then I how smooth or rough it will be, so lets just wait till the reviews come in to see which it is.

[SnooSnoo]

Well hey, lets do this.. I'll be at Opening Day this Saturday, and I'll tell everyone how it is. :)

Anyone else plan on going.. Matt?

[Tom]

Jake, GhostRider is my favorite wooden coaster to this day. Ya its rough, but if I want smooth I will ride Silver Bullet, and maybe get a nap in on that with how forceless it is.

[Jake]

Jake, GhostRider is my favorite wooden coaster to this day. Ya its rough, but if I want smooth I will ride Silver Bullet, and maybe get a nap in on that with how forceless it is.

Hey, if you want to pay thirty dollars to go on a coaster that beats the crap out of you, more power to you. Some of us don't enjoy paying to get the crap kicked out of us.

[tycooner55]

^ That's why the Villain holds a special place in my heart. Not a good place, but a place nonetheless.

[jolash]

^^I sure wouldn't mind. It's sure better than a ride than feels like nothing more than a train ride.


I checked out the POV of RFII. Wow! That's a great looking coaster. Very smooth looking, and some excellent turns. I'm thinking about making the 5 hour drive out there (or meeting Matt half-way).

[Matt]

Well hey, lets do this.. I'll be at Opening Day this Saturday, and I'll tell everyone how it is. :)

Anyone else plan on going.. Matt?

I would, but work calls for me and I couldn't get off both that weekend and next weekend for Holiwood Nights. I do plan on going sometime this summer with Joel, when exactly... idk, haha.

[Curly]

First half=Yeah, look at this incredibly forceful ride we built!
Second half=Yeah...we're just looking for a way to end this ride now.

[SnooSnoo]

Well I got a chance to ride Ravine Flyer yesterday and it was quite the ride. It wasn't even close to rough at all like some have been suggesting, which was a true surprise. The airtime was fantastic all throughout the ride, the only part which truly brings the ride down is the last quarter of the ride, where the pacing does drop off a tad bit.

The dives into the ravine, drops, turns.. all magnificent. Definitely a 10/10 in my book.

New Top 10:

1. El Toro
2. Maverick
3. S:RoS (SFNE)
4. Voyage
5. Griffon
* Sheikra
6. Alpengeist
7. Montu
8. Storm Runner
9. Ravine Flyer II
10. Top Thrill Dragster

By the way.. ride it at night, in the back row.. you will LOVE it.

[Jake]

After seeing a decent POV from Robb Alvey it looks much smoother, sorry I ever doubted it.

We still need a Gravity Group on the west coast..

[Matt]

Man, I sure do heart the gravity group.

Next month I might be out to ride this baby? :D

[jolash]

Just got to ride this gorgeous ride. It's one hell of a ride too.

I'd like to also note that the lift is pretty fast and extraordinarily steep. Also, the POV that was posted earlier does not do justice to the ride by any means. You have to take their word when many others claim it to be a mini Voyage, as it very well may be (I've never been on Voyage).

[MAXimum88]

I just got back from Waldameer, this coaster is insane its such a great GG coaster. The airtime is awesome and the view of the lake is great from the top of the hill.

Sry I haven't posted a while I've been busy going to a lot of places (mostly Parks).

[SnooSnoo]

Just got to ride this gorgeous ride. It's one hell of a ride too.

I'd like to also note that the lift is pretty fast and extraordinarily steep. Also, the POV that was posted earlier does not do justice to the ride by any means. You have to take their word when many others claim it to be a mini Voyage, as it very well may be (I've never been on Voyage).

You speaketh the trutheth.

:)

The airtime is the same as Voyage, just in a different format.. an a lot less brutal format too.

I really love this little ride. It just gives ya such a great feeling to ride it. Its kinda like Storm Runner to me.. just has a little place next to my heart. :love:

[yDp]

The airtime is the same as Voyage, just in a different format.. an a lot less brutal format too.
But I like the brutalness of Voyage.:stick_tongue:

[SnooSnoo]

I also like the smoothness of El Toro.. :P

[Matt]

Yeah, Ravine Flyer II was good, but its not quite up to par with Voyage. The first few snaps and directional changes are awesome, but after you cross the bridge the second time it just kinda pitters out from there.

And only 2 hours away! :D