The Stand-Up roller coaster model made its debut in 1982 at Yomiuriland in Tokyo, Japan when stand-up style coaster trains were added to the existing Momonga Standing & Loop Coaster. The following year, this revolutionary model was introduced to the United States when stand-up trains were added to the existing Extremeroller roller coaster located at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO. In 1984, King Cobra, which became the first ground up designed standing coaster model (TOGO), made its debut at Kings Island in Mason, OH.
What initially seemed like a revolutionary and exhilarating new coaster riding experience, quickly proved to be a rather uncomfortable ride experience for guests. This was especially true for male coaster riders, who often complained of a painful ride experience due to the forces of the coaster pushing them downward onto the very uncomfortable bicycle style seat between their legs. Leading these riders to question whether or not they would ever be able to impregnate a woman after experiencing such trauma to the nether regions.
As years past and these coasters became less popular with park guests, B&M introduced a solution to bring new life to these dying coasters. The solution was to convert the coaster from a stand-up style coaster to a seated floorless coaster by swapping out the coaster trains. Next, add a fresh coat of paint, new theming and a new name. Voilà, your park has a "new" coaster at a relatively low cost. May not be a perfect solution but seems to have helped revive some of these forgotten about coasters and increased popularity among guests.
What are your thoughts of Stand-Up roller coasters? Let us know in the comment section!
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