[Vekoma HT-STC] Orbital Plunge // 2021 Super-SLC Concept Showcase // Cinematic + POV // NL2 Pro 2K60
Channel: Kadske Design
Date: 2021-04-11

To condense this project into a few sentences: The HT-STC is a semi-compact, and moderately reworkable, efficiently designed and mechanically simplified, mass-production model (or series of near identical models). It features an original sequencing of elements, blending high speed low inversions with gliding sky-high rolls as well. The ride crosses itself a few times to retain the footprint, and ends before the call for a mid course brake check could be needed. 
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Train Model Credit: Serming @ NoLimitsCentral
https://nolimitscentral.com/forum/topic/34?page=8#c15858
I should have gone the extra step, since Serming already did, and put on the new wider track profile. Unfortunately Blender is a mystery to my parametric CAD using self.
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Vekoma has already rejuvenated their inverted coaster sales and have peaked the interest of just about every major and minor amusement park. The current state of the STC model line is a bit of a custom, but reproducible and non-exclusive. This isn't a bad thing, but it may mean that the first group to place an order may not be receiving the most standard price after the ride has been manufactured for the third, fourth or fifth time. What works in favor of small parks as an intended, but unintended consequence, is when a large group or groups in temp financial partnership come together and approach a manufacturer to do an up-front purchase agreement for multiple reproductions of the same ride--all at once, or on a tight, production-based schedule. This keeps the price low for everyone since the engineering is mostly pre-done for every new installation, tooling need not be changed for ~95% of the total unique installation, and leaves these fun, midscale designs open for smaller parks to get their hands on a fresh model and to keep for many years to come (or as we've seen, obtain, or have dumped on, relocations of the original builds).


If this somewhat sounds familiar, that means I did alright! A next generation SLC is an important step. Repeatability and promise of many orders of similar or the same models is a very lucrative venture. Vekoma knows this (which is why *all* of their MK1101 models can be purchased by anyone who asks for them, and why we see multiples of the exact same new MK1101 or otherwise models being erected simultaneously.) 

So, what Vekoma could *really* use, is a cost-effective, impressive looking and riding--upgraded, 2.0 SLC model and variations to offer to chains and customers with a lower initial profit margin but a far fuller production schedule, and increasing profitability every time a model is created without any major changes. I don't believe the current STC models will fill this void. They're wonderful looking rides, but don't have an "X," "Y," or "Z" series of hype/selling factors. Such gimmicks (whether the ride be good or bad) are fairly common to see... manufacturers and park operators jazzing up the details, and adding bits of extrema to their otherwise midscale thrill ride projects.

A concise, efficient, but objectively fulfilling layout is what would get the Vekoma (SLC-type) sales-train started again, globally. Nearly a hyper coaster with a near vertical drop, followed by a easy to over-advertise speed roll, and a fun balance of sustained posi-Gs, tall elements, low-down speed moments, and unique for the class: airtime.

No MCBR, No Trims--just a grand, steep drop, a world-record "High Speed, Zero-G Wind-Up" Speed-Roll featured element, and collectively, a highly normal G intensive string of impressive angles, views and smooth riding feature attraction.
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Height: 180ft
Drop: 175ft
Length: 3368ft - 1025m
Max Speed: 68mph
2 Train Operation

Elements:
Overbanked, Sustained High-G Turnaround
Speed (0G) Roll (High Speed, Zero-G Wind-Up)
Flared Roll-Over
Delayed Exit Sidewinder
Ejector Switchback