Gravity Group Announces "Timberliner" Trains

[robbalveySite Admin]

Timberliner - The Next-Generation Wood Coaster Train

Here is the press release from The Gravity Group:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Korey Kiepert, (513) 948-8400, info@thegravitygroup.com

Gravity Group Engineers Unveil Next-Generation Wood Coaster Train
Cincinnati, Ohio —- The engineers at The Gravity Group started with a blank sheet of paper and ended up with the next generation of trains for wooden roller coasters.

“Timberliners incorporate new technology - such as magnetic braking and restraint monitoring - that wasn’t even imagined when wooden coaster cars were first developed,” says Michael Graham, lead engineer for the project. “When it comes to wooden coasters, The Gravity Group has more experience designing rides than anyone. We’ve applied that expertise in designing trains that addresses every facet of roller coaster performance and function - from maintenance and safety to rider enjoyment and capacity.”

Timberliners are designed to be compatible with existing wooden coasters, allowing a park to upgrade their roller coasters with Timberliner trains.

Key features of the trains include:
• Single-bench design
• Shock absorption and ergonomic styling
• Unparalleled ability to smoothly navigate the track for decreased train & track maintenance
• Innovative restraint system for unsurpassed safety and security
• Restraints designed for higher throughput
• ASTM F2291 Class 5 restraint with integrated monitoring
• On-board sound system capable
• Magnetic braking capable
• Launch system capable

Timberliners are available for purchase in time for the 2009 operating season through The Gravity Group’s sister company, Gravitykraft.

Additional information about The Gravity Group, LLC and the Timberliner coaster trains is available at their website: www.thegravitygroup.com.

Some additional artwork:


And the train image (the only one available so far) blown up:


POST COMMENTS! (Remember TGG do read this forum and I'm sure they value your feedback!)

--Robb

[sobriderI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Looks awesome, I wonder what kind of lap bar will they use?

[odene497Bonafide Donkey Expert]

These sound awesome, and look super open. I'm excited to see what becomes of these.

And, LAUNCH SYSTEM CAPABLE?? I'm interested in seeing what happens with that.

Coolio.

[jamesdillamanFlight of James: Ride of Steel the Revenge]

I think it will be great as you won't feel as much car around you. And if they cut down on the weight of the trains, there should be less stress put on the track of the coaster, which should help them stay smoother longer for less money... One can only hope...

-James Dillaman

[KennyweirdI play Metroid every day!]

^^^If by that your asking if it's going to use buzz bars, then the answer is probably no.

As for the trains, I like them! They kind of remind me of the trains Intamin uses on their prefab woodies. Definitely a good move on the Gravity Group's part.

[Kalepi_KoneiI think the Title Fairy is a virgin]

Launch system capable

Say what? Do I see launched-woodie-inverted-aquatrax, becoming a reality!

[DenDenFabulously FIERCE!]

Without a real picture (that i can actually see on my higher-than normal resolution screen) I'll wait. From what I can see, I can just say "interesting".

[coolhandlukeWhen I grow up, I want to breed donkeys!]

Judging by those dummies in the train, you will have to ride them with your hands up. Awesome.

These do look very open, which is always a good thing. Boy, PTC is suddenly getting some more and more competition. BTW, does the "single bench" mean one row per car, a la Millennium Flyers and the new PTCs? If so, cool.

[BDG“Fear can make a donkey attack a lion”]

Launched woodies, with on-board audio.

What an age we live in.

[hyyyperHard Rock hyyyper]

This all looks like the GG version of GCI's Millennium Flyers, which in theory should also be launch-compatible, as some for their tracks also feature mag-brakes.

And the front of the train in that picture looks very very ugly.