DD: 1st/2nd Generation Freefall?

Is DD considered a 1st or 2nd generation Intamin Freefall? I just rode Freefall at SFMM and there are many differences in the ride's structure, station, control booth, cars, etc. I understand SFMM's version opened in '82 and also did not originally include exit stairs. Is Freefall a 1st generation and DD a 2nd generation?

I'm pretty sure both FreeFall and DD are 1st generations. 2nd Generations are completely different, like Kennywood's tower and a few of the Paramount Drop Zones (Carowinds, Wonderland, and PGA). 3rd generations are the newer "gyro" Drop Zones at PKI, PKD, and Acrophobia at SFoG. Someone correct me if Im wrong.

There are only two first generation Freefalls. They are the Freefalls at Magic Mountain and Six Flags Over Texas, both constructed in 1982.

The second generation freefalls did not appear until 1983. The most noticeable difference is the base of the tower on the different versions. First generations use a wide angular supported base. The second generation have a straight support at the base of the tower. Example found at SFMM (Freefall) is a first generation and at CP (Demon Drop) is a second generation.

The third revision to come along is the Giant Drop (Pitfall at Kennywood). The neweest tower design (referred to as the third generation above) is technically named "Gyro Drop." These would include Drop Zone at PKI and PKD.

Thanks for clearing that up LustyLil. I definitely noticed the wide angular support base on Freefall at SFMM, so I figured there had to me modifications made between it's '82 and '83 versions.

Most people consider all of the non-tower (has forward and backward motion) freefall rides as 1st gen. Most folks also consider rides such as Pitt Fall and Hellivator as 2nd gens with the Gyro Drop rides being 3rd gen.

Actually, "most people", have no idea what a drop ride even is.

MrScott

I thought the removed edge at Great America Chicago the first Free fall tower? or what about the old parachute towers wouldnt they be considered the first free fall ride?

MrScott said:
Actually, "most people", have no idea what a drop ride even is.

Geeze... picky picky.

I'll say "most people who care" instead. Is that better?