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Xcelerator is an Intamin launched roller coaster located at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Xcelerator opened as Intamin AG's first Hydraulic-launch roller coaster. The ride is located in the same area of the park where Windjammer Surf Racers once operated. It is currently Knott's tallest coaster.
Design[]
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Elements |
Trains[]
The ride features 2 trains with 5 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows in each car for a total of 20 riders per train. Different color schemes have been used over the years. As of February 2025, an additional train is being assembled from Top Thrill Dragster parts.[1][2]
Rollbacks[]
Occasionally, the hydraulic launch system will be unable to propel the train over the top hat element. The train will then roll back towards the station, as is known to happen on other Accelerator coaster models, like Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka. After each launch, retractable magnetic brakes are deployed to slow down the train in case it rolls back to the station.[3]
History[]
Incident[]
On September 16, 2009, the launch cable for Xcelerator snapped, splitting the lead car of the train and injuring Russel Wheeler and his 12-year-old son. The son's leg was lacerated by the snapped cable, requiring surgery and rehabilitation. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health determined that the 6-month inspection of the launch cable was 19 days late and should actually be conducted monthly. Confusing instructions from the manufacturer were cited. The cable is entirely replaced annually.[4] In August 2011, the park reached an undisclosed settlement with the Wheeler family.[5]
Trivia[]
- The final round of the 2009 Cartoon Network game show, BrainRush, took place on this coaster. The final contestant would have to spit out answers fitting under a certain category (e.g. American Idol winners) while riding. They would then gain the option to double their money in a final round where they would be asked only one question. If contestants answered their question correctly, the coaster would launch, but if they didn't, they would be forced off without getting to ride. In addition, contestants would always receive the opportunity to earn extra money by eating some type of meal before the ride. Only 2 episodes were produced, both featuring Xcelerator.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Boxes with "TTD" on them spotted near [Xcelerator] brake run at [Knott's] Trains? Donor Parts? by OldIdeal9393, Reddit. 2024-11-02.
- ↑ [Xcelerator] Second Train Progress by Murphando, Reddit. 2025-02-02.
- ↑ Xcelerator Xplained - How Knott's Launch Coaster Works by Will Pemble, YouTube. 2014-07-29.
- ↑ The INFAMOUS Xcelerator Disaster | The Fate of Kyle Wheeler by Disasterthon - True Horror, YouTube. 2024-06-06.
- ↑ Knott’s settles with family over Xcelerator coaster accident by Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times. 2011-08-26.
External links[]
- Xcelerator official webpage at Knott's Berry Farm
- Xcelerator at the Cedar Fair Parks Wiki
- Xcelerator at Knott's Wiki Farm
- Xcelerator at the Roller Coaster DataBase
- Xcelerator at the Six Flags Wiki
- Xcelerator at Wikipedia