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Son of Beast
Son of Beast's track layout with the loop
Kings Island
Location	Kings Island
Park section	Action Zone
Coordinates	39°20′46″N 84°15′53″W / 39.346101°N 84.264686°W / 39.346101; -84.264686
Status	Removed
Opening date	May 26, 2000 (2000-05-26)
Closing date	June 16, 2010 (2010-06-16)
Cost	$20,500,000 USD (approximately)
Replaced by	Banshee
General statistics
Type	Wood
Manufacturer	Roller Coaster Corporation of America
Designer	Werner Stengel
Model	Steven Spielberg
Track layout	Terrain roller coaster
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	218 ft (66 m)
Drop	214 ft (65 m)
Length	7,032 ft (2,143 m)
Speed	78.4 mph (126.2 km/h)
Inversions	1 (2000–2005) 0 (2006–2010)
Duration	2:20
Max vertical angle	55.7°
Capacity	1600 riders per hour
G-force	4.5
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Trains	2 Gerstlauer trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
Son of Beast at RCDB

Son of Beast was a record-breaking wooden roller coaster located at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. Built and designed by the now defunct Roller Coaster Corporation of America, it opened to the public on May 26, 2000, and was themed as a sequel to one of the park's other signature attractions, The Beast. In addition to breaking the world record for speed, Son of Beast was the first wooden hypercoaster in the world with a 214-foot (65 m) drop and was the second wooden coaster to feature an inversion; Flip Flap Railway was the first, but was long defunct before the ride's opening.

Son of Beast is also known for two major, non-fatal accidents. In 2006, damage to the track caused one of the trains to stop abruptly. Another setback occurred in 2009, when a woman claimed to have suffered a head injury. The ride was closed indefinitely, with the only reference of its existence appearing on a tombstone outside the new Banshee coaster (showing a simple logo of the ride and the dates 2000-2009). On July 27, 2012, the closure was made permanent, as Kings Island announced that the roller coaster would be dismantled and removed from the park.

History

The Roller Coaster Corporation of America discussed the idea of a building the world's first wooden hypercoaster with Kings Island in 1997. The park announced plans to build Son of Beast on May 11, 1999. As part of a marketing campaign for the ride before its debut, a box was placed next to a footpath in the park. Beastly growling and snarling noises came from inside the box as it shook violently. During the announcement, the box was revealed to the audience along with a model of the roller coaster and a list of seven world records that would be broken when it came into operation. The sign at the ride's entrance featured a large wooden box covered with chains, rope, and metal straps. The front was ripped open with the name "Son of Beast" centered inside the box. Problems plagued the ride from the start and as a result, Paramount Parks, the park's then-owner, fired RCCA before construction was completed. The park had to make several design corrections during Son of Beast's initial year.

The ride originally operated with three trains designed by Premier Rides. Each one consisted of six cars for a total capacity of thirty-six. The trains were shortened to five cars before the 2006 season. After the ride's first major incident, the trains were replaced altogether with lighter models before the ride reopened the following season. The loop was also removed during this time.

After another major incident occurred in 2010, it was announced that Son of Beast would be closed indefinitely. References to Son of Beast were removed from the park's website and map in early 2011. All signage, including the box at the entrance, was also removed.

On March 15, 2010, the General Manager of Kings Island, Greg Scheid, stated that the park had spent nearly $30 million on the ride to date, and that it would not reopen for the 2010 season. Another Kings Island spokesperson, Don Helbig, announced in 2011 that the ride would again be closed for the 2011 season, and that the ride's future had not yet been decided. "No decision has been made concerning the ride's future," spokesman Don Helbig said. "It would be inappropriate to speculate on when a decision might be made. There's nothing else to talk about." Kings Island announced on April 24, 2012, that there are no plans to operate Son of Beast in 2012, and they're still evaluating options.

On July 27, 2012, following a thorough evaluation of the roller coaster, Kings Island announced that Son of Beast will be removed from the park to make room for future expansion. Demolition began in mid-September 2012. On November 20, one of the last remaining parts of the structure, the lift hill, was demolished. A new roller coaster called Banshee was completed in April 2014 and is now in the same location previously occupied by Son of Beast. A tombstone with a plaque honoring Son of Beast was placed in the mockup graveyard near the entrance of the new roller coaster.

In 2018, Kings Island released posters that referenced Son of Beast's station, Outpost 5, leading some to speculate that a possible revival might be announced by the park. However, these rumors were unsubstantiated, and no such announcement was Made. In 2019 Son Of Beast Remake is Opened In May 25,2019

Layout

After loading the train, riders left the station making a 51-foot (16 m) left-hand drop into a series of short hops before turning into the 218-foot-tall (66 m) lift hill. At the crest of the lift hill, the track made a left-hand turn over to the first drop, where it dropped 214 feet (65 m) to the ground followed by a 70-degree banked turn to the right. Riders then descended 164 feet (50 m) down a second drop into a left-hand double helix. Coming out of the helix, the train passed through a mid-course brake run dropping 130 feet (40 m) into a straight section of track (where the vertical loop was prior to 2005), before entering another helix, riding a series of short hills. and ending at the final brake run. One cycle of the ride lasted about 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

Materials used

• Main Structure: Southern Yellow Pine
• Track Piles: Douglas Fir
• Loop Structure: Steel (removed December 2005)
• Loop Track: Wood
• Timber used: 2.5 million board feet
• Acres of land used: 12
• Footers: 2,414 footers, 11 feet (3.4 m) into the ground
• Bolts: 225,000 21" steel bolts
• Nails: Over 22 short tons (20,000 kg) of nails

World records

At the time of its introduction in 2000, Son of Beast was the only wooden roller coaster nationally ranked in the top 10 for track height, track length, drop height, and speed. It set several world records becoming the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, as well as becoming the second longest following its predecessor, The Beast. Son of Beast was also the only wooden roller coaster to feature a vertical loop. The loop was removed prior to the 2007 season. Prior to its removal, the vertical loop also made Son of Beast the longest roller coaster in the world to contain one. Following its removal, California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure acquired the title.

The seven world records held at its introduction were:

1. Tallest wooden roller coaster
2. Longest wooden roller coaster drop
3. Fastest wooden roller coaster
4. Only looping wooden roller coaster (2000–2005)
5. Longest looping roller coaster (2000–2005)
6. Most wooden coaster track at one park (22,612 feet or 6,892 metres)
7. First and only wooden hypercoaster in the world (over 200 feet or 61 metres high)

Incidents

2005

On July 9, 2005 at 4:45 pm, a structural failure in the 'Rose Bowl' section of the ride created a bump on the track that caused a train to come to an abrupt stop. Twenty-seven injuries were reported in the accident and rescue units were required to evacuate the riders. Most of the injuries were of the chest or neck. Seventeen people were released from the hospital within five hours of the accident, and two were admitted. None of the injuries were life-threatening. After an inspection the following day, the park stated that the accident was caused by a crack or split in the wood. The ride was shut down for an extended period of time, while the park worked with the State of Ohio to complete a full investigation. The park completed repairs of the ride but the state asked for extensive testing to be done to ensure it would not happen again. The park indicated that the ride would not reopen until the 2006 season.

Two trains designed by Gerstlauer from the demolished Hurricane: Category 5 coaster at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion were purchased by Kings Island to serve as lighter replacements for original Son of Beast trains. The lighter trains were used to reduce the overall load on the wooden structure. The loop was also removed during this time to assist the lighter trains in completing the circuit. The park also claimed that the changes helped make the ride more comfortable.

In late June 2007, reports circulated that the park was testing the new Gerstlauer trains. Eyewitnesses reported red and blue trains running on the track with test dummies in the seats. On July 4, 2006, Son of Beast reopened for the first time since the accident the year before. Despite the lack of the vertical loop, the coaster continued to hold the record as tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.

2010

On June 16, 2010, a woman claimed to have suffered a head injury from riding Son of Beast during her visit to the park on May 31, 2010. She did not report the incident to Kings Island officials prior to June 16. She claimed to have suffered from a burst blood vessel in her brain, after riding Son of Beast, that required admission to an intensive care unit at a nearby hospital. "The first we heard of this was on June 16. Her visit was on May 31 and there's no record of going to first aid for anything here at the park," said Don Helbig, public relations manager for Kings Island. Helbig also pointed out that there were no other reports of injuries on the ride that year. The Son of Beast was shut down as a precaution, however, during the investigation. "At this point it would be inappropriate to speculate on an exact date when the ride may reopen. We're going to do a thorough maintenance review. We're going to work with the state of Ohio on that," said Helbig.

An investigation followed, and no irregularities were found with the ride. A summary of that investigation was released later, on July 29. Despite the findings, the roller coaster remained closed and never reopened.

See also

• List of former Kings Island attractions
• The Beast (roller coaster)

References

1. "Archive of RCCA Site - History". Archived from the original on February 24, 2006. Retrieved March 4, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
2. Flaharty, Sean (May 11, 1999). "Son Of Beast announcement – (Paramount's Kings Island -May 1999)". YouTube. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
3. Fudge, Mike. "Son of Beast | Flickr – Photo Sharing!". Flickr. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
4. Tan, Lot (August 8, 2013). "Kings Island introduces roller coaster for 2014". Middletown Journal. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
5. ^ Schwartzberg, Eric (July 2, 2009). "Son of Beast's history rough for park riders". The Oxford Press. Archived from the original on July 5, 2009.
6. "'Son Of Beast' To Remain Closed, Possibly For Good – Cincinnati News Story". WLWT Cincinnati. August 10, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
7. "Thrill Rides". Kings Island. Archived from the original on March 30, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
8. "2010 Park Guide" (PDF). Kings Island. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 1, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
9. John (April 26, 2010). "Son of Beast Signage Gone". Coaster101. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
10. "Son of Beast a no-go for 2010". Business Courier. March 15, 2010. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
11. "What's next for Son of Beast". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
12. "Kings Island looking new at 40". Cincinnati.com. April 24, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
13. McClelland, Justin (July 27, 2012). "Kings Island to tear down Son of Beast". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
14. ^ "Son of Beast roller coaster to be removed to make room for future park expansion". Kings Island. July 27, 2012. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
15. McClelland, Justin (October 4, 2012). "Dismantling begins on Son of Beast". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
16. Richardson, Rachel (October 5, 2012). "Want a piece of Son of Beast? KI answers question". Retrieved October 8, 2012.
17. Richardson, Rachel (November 20, 2012). "Final section of Son of Beast comes down". Retrieved November 21, 2012.
18. Tan, Lot (August 8, 2013). "Kings Island to offer new coaster for 2014". WHIO-TV. Cox Media Group. Archived from the original on August 9, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
19. Matarese, John (August 9, 2018). "Kings Island making 2019 season announcement; teases new coaster may be coming". Retrieved November 23, 2018.
20. "Son Of Beast POV". YouTube. December 20, 2006. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
21. "Son of Beast Fact Sheet". Ultimate Rollercoaster. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
22. ^ Marden, Duane. "Son Of Beast  (Kings Island)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
23. ^ "Son of Beast Layout & Stats". Home.fuse.net. July 15, 1999. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
24. ^ Marden, Duane. "Paramount's Kings Island Fact Sheet: Son of Beast". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
25. ^ "Son of Beast". 2001. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
26. Condie, Todd (April 2004). "Records". Cincinnati Magazine. 37 (7). Emmis Communications: 168. ISSN 0746-8210. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
27. "Son of Beast – Review". Coaster Grotto. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
28. ^ "Disney Top 10 Disneyland Unique Rides". Disney Top 10. 2011. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
29. ^ "Roller Coaster History Timeline | Significant Milestones". Ultimate Rollercoaster. 2005. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
30. "Extreme Rides and Wooden Roller Coasters Reviews". Zuko. June 18, 2007. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
31. "Son of Beast Article". COASTER-net.
32. "Kings Island: A Leader in New Ideas for Years". COASTER-net.com. December 29, 2010.
33. Niles, Robert (July 9, 2006). "Son of Beast coaster accident sends dozens to hospitals". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
34. "Ohio roller coaster mishap injures 27 riders". MSNBC. July 9, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
35. Latta, Tiffany Y. (December 13, 2006). "State: Son of Beast accident caused by design flaw". Middletown Journal. Archived from the original on December 16, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
36. "Son of Beast Reopens Today". Local12.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011.
37. "Tallest Roller Coaster in the World". Coastergrotto.com. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
38. "'Son Of The Beast' Closed After Injury Complaint". WLWT. June 22, 2009. Archived from the original on August 18, 2011.
39. Whitaker, Carrie (July 29, 2009). "Report Clears SOB". Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
40. "Kings Island won't reopen Son of Beast this year". Columbus Dispatch. August 10, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2011.

External links

• Son of Beast Preview and Construction Photos of the construction on Ultimate Rollercoaster.com
• Son of Beast news and pictures from Coastergallery.com
• Kings Island Central information – Alternate source of details and stats
• Son Of Beast Video – Coasterimage.com

• Removed roller coasters
• Roller coasters introduced in 2000
• Roller coasters that closed in 2010
• Wooden roller coasters
• Roller coasters manufactured by Roller Coaster Corporation of America
• Hypercoasters
• Kings Island
• Roller coasters operated by Cedar Fair
• Former roller coasters in Ohio
• Buildings and structures demolished in 2012
• Demolished buildings and structures in Ohio