Dodonpa

Dodonpa was the fastest thrill ride in the world until Cedar Point opened Top Thrill Dragster in 2003.  Thanks to three 800-horsepower air compressors, Dodonpa's 11,000-pound train goes from zero to 107 miles per hour within a scant 140 feet.  Acceleration forces average 3.5 Gs, but briefly hit 4.25 Gs during the 1.8 second launch.

Think 107 MPH is fast?  S&S repeatedly tested it at 120 MPH!  The limiting factor is that the rubber tires used on the trains are rated only to 120.

©2008 Joel A. Rogers Rogers.