Ron Toomer appears at Coastermania

In response to a question about LIM coasters (linear induction motor, electromagnets that propel the coaster trains), Toomer confirmed that S&S Sports Power is developing a launched coaster system based on similar pneumatic technology as used on Power Tower.

Without revealing details, he said a 300-foot or higher coaster was in development for a foreign park, but said he wasn't sure if it would be built. He added that the only true limit to coaster size is the amount of money the customer is willing to spend.

Toomer continued along that line saying that the coaster design industry is customer driven. When asked why a designer has never [insert coaster element here], he responded that it is indeed a business. He cited the example of Drachenfire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where the coaster was exactly what the client asked for, and was later modified and eventually closed because it was too intense for most riders. He gave Arrow's "pipeline" coaster, a prototype that the trains sat between the rails, as another example of an idea that did not have a market. The project died because they ran out of money to research it and the low capacity of the trains was not something anyone would buy into.

When asked to predict the future, Toomer said he couldn't imagine he would ever build the coasters on his resume, let alone imagine what the future holds. Still, he felt that coasters with multiple inversions were a trend, and that sheer height and "up and down" elements would rule. "Raptor was good for the park," he said, "but Mantis wasn't as good." It almost felt like he was not much of a Bolliger and Mabillard fan (designers of Raptor and Mantis).

Though retired, he said if asked he would return to work to help design a new coaster.