Baron 1898 3.98

Baron 1898 is a steel Dive Coaster at the Efteling theme park. The first test ride was held on 8 May 2015, after construction of the track was completed, and the first manned operation was conducted on June 18, 2015. Music was created by the Brussels Philharmonie symphony orchestra and several producers, under the direction of René Merkelbach. The ride opened on July 1, 2015. It is the first dive coaster manufactured by B&M that doesn't feature a turn between the lift hill and the first drop.Efteling's YouTube channel posted infrequent informational videos on the progress made on Baron 1898, with 10 full-length videos uploaded to date. Each video carefully details and outlines the processes used in each step of the construction of the roller coaster, including features such as aesthetics and track layout.StoryIn 1898, the wealthy baron Gustave Hooghmoed is led to discover a nearby cave that is rich in gold deposits by a spirit known as the Witte Wieven ; however, this spirit gives Hooghmoed the admonition that if he disturbs the gold in any way, he will suffer terrible consequences for the remainder of his life. In an attempt to circumvent the spirit's threat, Hoogmoed presses the destitute locals into working in his newly opened gold mine, where many of the workers suffer catastrophic accidents or are chased out of the cave by the "Witte Wieven" and her supernatural cohorts.After the Baron is called out of his office to tend to an emergency in the mine shaft, mine overseer Laars will help guests into his specially designed mine elevator vehicles that are capable of traveling both vertically and horizontally. After the guests board the special mine cars, Laars and the machine shop are suddenly attacked by vengeful spirits of miners who have previously vanished under the influence of the "Witte Wieven". Before Laars's office apparently explodes, he sends the miners out of the mine; as the car ascends, a giant fireball bursts from the opening of the machine shop and almost reaches the rear car of the train. As the train is about to leave the mine, it stops as the "Witte Wieven" can be heard singing from the pit, from which smoke pours and lights can be seen. After a few seconds, the "Witte Wieven" scream, "You shall not evade my curse! Prepare to forfeit your lives!" as the miners plunge down the exit of the mine.