Kings Dominion

One of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. That’s right…Since April 2, 2010, Intimidator 305 has been exciting race fans at Kings Dominion!

Back in February, we shared what the process was like to maintain the rides during the off-season. We caught up with the rides maintenance teams to highlight how this special ride gets tuned up each offseason.

Just like many of our rides, the trains must be completely disassembled, inspected and most parts must go through NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) before the ride can be rebuilt, have any necessary parts replaced and put back on the track. For Intimidator 305, this process takes place right after the park closes for Haunt and wraps in the Spring for opening.

Annual maintenance on I305 also includes removing and inspecting the catch car – the 40’ feet long device that carries the train to the top of that massive lift hill. And, just like with any pair of shoes or car tires, any of the road wheels side or stop wheels that are worn will be replaced or resurfaced to be just like new. That’s 108 wheels per train!

With this massive 305-foot tall coaster, there are certain parts that are required to be replaced every 5 years.

Last season, the front cars got a fresh coat of paint and new decals. This year, the restraints got some extra love with new locking cylinders, a total of 88 pins. And you may notice some extra comfort next time you ride with all-new over the shoulder restraints.  

What makes this coaster different from the other rides? The sheer size. At 305 feet tall, more than 5 thousand feet long and two trains that conquer cycle after cycle with thousands of guests each day, Intimidator 305 has a lot of parts and track to cover. Luckily, this world-class ride has a world-class team working to keep it in tip-top shape so guests can race again and again!