originally posted on 7/12/2019
Photo: Courtesy Intamin. View full-sized image.
For coaster fans who still lament the tragic loss of the Bolliger & Mabillard masterpiece Dueling Dragons (later Dragon Challenge) at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, slight comfort comes in the form of the defunct coaster inspiring a new, innovative coaster. A new Dueling Dragons has taken flight at Guangzhou Sunac Land.
While the original pitted two inverted coasters in an intertwined battle, this new version cleverly offers an inverted coaster paired with a sit-down coaster. Even more ingenious, the two share the same first inversion — a vertical loop.
Here’s how it works. After being dispatched from the station, the trains turn 90 degrees onto the launch track. After pausing there, a section of switch track behind the train moves into position allowing for passage up a vertical reverse spike. Everything is now in place for the complete circuit.
Photo: Courtesy Intamin. View full-sized image.
As has been seen on various coasters in past years, the source of speed comes from a triple linear synchronous motor launch. A mild forward launch sends both trains partially into the iconic signature loop. Losing momentum, trains roll back and receive a second launch sending riders up the reverse spike. Rolling forward once again, full speed is reached, sending both the inverted and sit-down trains through the same loop together.
The rest of the duel comes from the track separating into divergent tracks mirroring similar elements. Four inversions in all — a dive loop, zero-G roll and Immelmann (along with the first vertical loop) — combine with high-speed curves and an underground tunnel.
Photo: Intamin. View full-sized image.
Top height of the ride inches above 183 feet for both sides, but track length varies between the two. The sit-down (red) track has a slightly longer course of 2,723 feet. The inverted (green) track closes in on 2,592 feet of track.
In some duels, trains twist and flip over each other. In another, trains head toward each other with the inverted track flying up and above the sit-down train. Netting separates the two trains in this duel, much like that stretched between the inversions on Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California).
Nothing can ever replace the legendary monster in Orlando, but the essence of the original just might find reincarnated breath in this Chinese sibling.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
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