Here’s a piece I published on TPBD comparing Thunderbird at Holiday World to Rapterra at Kings Dominion. 

https://themeparksbydon.com/why-thunderbird-soars-over-rapterra/

8 minutes ago, DonHelbig said:

Here’s a piece I published on TPBD comparing Thunderbird at Holiday World to Rapterra at Kings Dominion. 

https://themeparksbydon.com/why-thunderbird-soars-over-rapterra/

Really liked this piece Don! Couldn't agree more!

I will always remember the "Thunderbird is clear for launch!" and then hearing the thunder and rumblings of the barn...and the delightful screaming from guests as they launch down the track. So many good memories with this ride, can't wait to hopefully get back on it later this month!

I haven't ridden Thunderbird in ten years.  Plan on going this month or next.  I was at Holliwood nights, had just become an enthusiast the year before (learning so much thanks to my early coaster friends!) , and T-bird got me over my fear of inversions.

I had a very bad experience on FOF in or around 2009 and swore I would never go upside down again.  It literally ruined my day at KI.

My friends convinced me to ride Banshee, which was a year old, at the very first Coasterstock during ERT.  I jumped to the exit side after chickening out.  

During ERT at Holiwood nights, I just watched it  launch from the plaza and station over and over and finally rode it...haven't  looked back, except FOF, which I can only  tolerate  with lights on.

I have not ridden Rapterra yet, but I have ridden the other B&M wing coasters in North America and I do think Thunderbird is the best of the four.

I haven't been out to HW, but I did ride Rapterra. I don't know what it is about it, but something is off about the way it traverses the track. It isn't rough like old-gen B&Ms, but something feels wrong. It's a great ride, though.

This ride is great in front and bordering on painful how much vibration it has in back. Its BAD for a brand BRAND new coaster.