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EAS Special: European Star Award 2012
U2_Vekoma
01.10.2012
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012 &
Revue
ISSN 1436-6525 appears 12 x per year
For this year’s award we have had exclusive handmade glass sculptures
■ Gemi Verlags GmbH
created as prizes for first place winners
Pfaffenhofener Straße 3 85293 Reichertshausen Tel.: +49 (0) 84 41/40 22-0 Fax: +49 (0) 84 41/718 46 info@gemiverlag.de www.kirmesparkrevue.de ■ Managing Directors Gerd Reddersen Rudolf Neumeier ■ Editoral Manager EAS-Special Frank Lanfer ■ Responsible According to the Press Law Frank Lanfer
INTRODUCTION
■ International Representative Translation, Advertisements Agi Reddersen Phone: +49 (0 ) 84 41/8 10 57 Facsimile: +49 (0 ) 84 41/8 61 05 www.ag-advertising.de Kirmes.A@t-online.de
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■ Representative Great Britain
ing Düsseldorf (2002) and Munich (2008). And for the first time, Europe’s leading trade
Michele Emmett Phone: +44(0)7811 915118 michele.emmett@googlemail.com
magazine, the Kirmes & Park Revue, is awarding the independent European Star Award – a
his year’s Euro Attractions Show in Berlin with over 360 exhibitors from 80 different countries is the largest in its young history, and it is the third event to take place in Germany follow-
prize specifically applying to the European theme park industry.
■ Editorial Assistant Heike Genz ■ Production Westner Medien GmbH ■ Printing
The prize has come about by the assistance of an international team of experts voting their rankings in 10 different categories, which acknowledge the efforts within the European amusement park branch, and brings attention to entrepreneurial courage and exceptional innovations.
Kössinger AG Schierling ■ Advertisements
The European Star Award is as independent as our monthly trade magazine, and with that can
GEMI Verlags GmbH
be considered without a doubt as opinion-forming. For this reason it was important to us that
■ Sales and Marketing
there was a clear and straight voting system: each member of the expert jury could award
Gerd Reddersen
three, two, and one star(s) simultaneously for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placing. Finally the stars were
■ Subscriptions
counted together – and the winning theme park or alternatively attraction, was chosen by the
DataM-Services GmbH Postfach 91 61 97091 Würzburg phone: +49 (0) 931/4170-178 (Mo-Tu 8-17, Fr 8-15) Facsimile +49 (0) 931/4170-179 services-abo@verlagsunion.de
majority of stars received.
■ Photo Credits
were not up for selection. In the three main categories “Europe’s Best Parks”, “Europe’s Best
We like to say thank you to all parks and our authors
Family Parks” and “Europe’s Best Water Parks” (indoor or outdoor) there was a focus on the
Please visit our new website: www.kirmesparkrevue.de
meals/refreshments, value for money.
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Choices could be made from all theme parks throughout Europe (including Russia and Turkey) with minimal criteria of at least one (ride) attraction in the park. As a result experience worlds with a representative or museum character such as Autostadt, Zoo Hannover, or Puy du Fou
following criteria: attractions, attractiveness, theming, landscaping, friendliness, cleanliness,
We are also planning our second free voting for the European Star Award at the end of the 2013 peak season. Are you an unprejudiced and objective expert, do you know the European park scene well, and are you interested in taking part next year as jury member? Then please
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be duplicated or published without written permission from the publisher. This prohibition also pertains to the commercial duplication by copying, input into an electronic database, and duplication onto a CD-ROM.
forward an email to: frank.lanfer@gemiverlag.de We are pleased to congratulate all top 5 parks and wish all visitors to the Euro Attractions Show a great time in Berlin, together with many stimulating inspirations for future attractions!
Certified active member of the
Warm greetings to you all Frank Lanfer
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THE EXPERT-JURY OF THE EUROPEAN STAR AWARD
Without him many developments would never have been possible: Dr. Werner Stengel
schaft und Kulturarbeit IFKA e.V. (translation: Department of Leisure Studies and Cultural Work), a recognised institution of leisure and tourism research at the Bremen university. It has been in existence for more than 25 years, and orientates on social science. Recreational research for museums, experience worlds and events are important focus points. Furthermore, concepts are developed and tested with partners in the practice of informal learning in experience worlds, and qualification of employees. Regular international congresses and workshops take place covering the themes amusement branch and leisure studies.
Francis Stokkel (USA) For the first time we are awarding
Dr. Werner Stengel (Germany)
Since 1996, the native-born Dutch has been involved in the amusement industry as project developer, and
the European Star Award for which we have asked 18 experts
There’s hardly a second person who has characteris-
has directed a vast number of projects in the industry
for their votes. We introduce
ed the amusement branch as strongly as Dr. Werner
areas of hotel, retail, entertainment, recreation and
them to you on the following
Stengel, who these days is 76 years old.
theme parks. Additionally he was also employed by a
pages.
In 1964 the first German steel coaster was build ac-
number of leisure companies as department head for
cording to his plans. In 1976, thanks to his ingenuity,
design and construction, amongst others, the
the first modern coaster in the world with vertical loop-
European projects of Warner Bros. and Six Flags. As
ings was realized. In 1978, he invented the principle of
architect and project developer, his assignments are
twisting the tracks around an imaginary heart-line,
all facets of project development right up to completion
which made a comfortable ride experience and faster
and hand over of the projects.
speed possible. In 1982 the first coaster with a para-
His broad knowledge and know-how in the areas of
bolic hill was realized, that offered zero-gravity for the
project management, implementation of US-design
first time. From 1984, the Stengel-team constructed at-
and theming in projects, budgeting, control and
tractions according to the Space-Curve principle. In
management flows into his German company Leisure-
1992 with the encouragement of two Swiss engineers,
Cert, which has already worked for clients like Lego-
the first Inverted Coaster came into being. And since
land, Parques Reunidos, Bobbejaanland and many
1974, Werner Stengel has been a working member of
others.
the German standard committee for DIN 4112 (amusement rides) and parts DIN 1055 (wind loads).
Victor Cavaller (Spain)
In the meanwhile Dr. Stengel had stepped back from Francis Stokkel
Dr. Dieter Brinkmann
active office work, however... in 2005 the Faculty of
He is a founding partner of O-partners, the Spanish-
Science at the Göteborg University awarded an honor-
based design and production firm that specializes in
ary doctorate to Werner Stengel, in recognition of his
conceiving and bringing to life the entertainment ex-
enormous creativity in connecting physics and design
periences that each venue requires. Victor’s focus is
with the experience of the human body in roller
on media production and project management.
coasters and other rides. And in 2009, Dr. Stengel was
Prior to the starting of O-partners in 2009, he was part
awarded the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of
of Thinkwell Europe, serving as Show Producer for the
Germany, for his outstanding achievements.
2007 “Furius Baco” coaster at PortAventura, as Pro-
Over the past decades Ingenieurbüro Stengel has de-
ducer for the 2006 “Batman Begins & Police Academy
veloped the design of over 600 coasters plus roughly
Stunt Shows” at Parque Warner Madrid, as well as
600 other ride attractions worldwide. And Stengel
being Project Manager for “Ice Age Adventure!” at
GmbH has been significantly involved in around 70%
Movie Park Germany and Ski Dubai’s Snow Park (the
of all existing roller coasters.
first indoor cold play area of its kind in the world) at the Mall of Emirates in Dubai. Victor was also a part of the
Dr. Dieter Brinkmann (Germany)
team responsible for the award-winning “FiestAventura Nighttime Spectacular”, the “Templo del Fuego” at-
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Since the end of the 1980s, Dr. Brinkmann has re-
traction, as well as the “Sea Odyssey” simulator at Port
searched and taught at the Institut für Freizeitwissen-
Aventura.
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Victor Cavaller
Victor Cavaller has a degree in Audio/Visual Com-
Dr. H. Jürgen Kagelmann
Dr. Sacha Szabo
Stefan Zwanzger (VAE)
munication from the University Autonoma de Barcelona, and has produced many Spanish feature films,
After the 33-year-old had founded the Online-Market-
documentaries, industrial films, made-for-TV movies,
ing portal affiliate.de and earned a small fortune, he
and commercials for television. His credits in Spain
also became active in film production. In 2005 the
include the feature films “Cravan vs. Cravan”, “La ley-
German separated himself from all his companies and
enda del tiempo” and “La maleta mexicana”.
emigrated to Abu Dhabi. Since 2007, Stefan Zwanzger does nothing else other than travel the world and visit
Dr. H. Jürgen Kagelmann (Germany)
theme and water parks. His experiences, reviews, construction updates and photography – including ex-
Already during his course of studies in Regensburg
clusive aerials – can be viewed on:
and Freiburg, he had written about the subject social
www.thethemeparkguy.com
science research of mass media and tourism. This was followed by many publications about the phenomena
Jochen Peschel (Germany)
of comics. Since 1987 the certified psychologist is occupied with tourism research. Dr. Kagelmann is lec-
The patent attorney in a Munich lawyer office is
turer at various universities, among them Munich, Mag-
occupied in the area of Intellectual Property and other
deburg, Zurich, Ravensburg and Bremen, and in 2009
themes, as well as questions concerning commercial
was appointed Professor for Tourism and Recreation
legal protection in the amusement branch. Already as
in Chur/Graubünden. Additionally he is the founder of
student he was able to take a look behind the scenes
the Profil Verlag and publishes social study specialist
of the Pützchens Markt, with his interest in fairgrounds
literature and documents on the subjects tourism and
and theme parks being awakened during his electric-
recreational research.
al engineering studies in Aachen. Since then he is
Stefan Zwanzger
responsible for the contents of the online magazine
Dr. Sacha Szabo (Germany)
Coastersandmore. A career as engineer at a ride manufacturer never came into question, and instead
Born in Freiburg, he was already fascinated by the
he concentrated on being a part-time specialist-jour-
Europa-Park from his earliest childhood. During his
nalist in the area of technical aspects of roller coasters
studies of sociology, German philology, philosophy,
and co.
Jochen Peschel
and cultural management, he also undertook an academic view of recreational worlds such as theme parks,
Marcus Gaines (Great Britain)
showmen, cinemas, and even computer games. This led to the promotion of amusement attractions (Title
Graduating from university in 1999 with an honours de-
“Rausch und Rummel”). And these days? Naturally he
gree in Media Production and Technology, his first job
delights in testing new attractions, but Sacha Szabo is
was as a show technician for Disney Cruise Line.
just as enthusiastic about putting his nose into the la-
These days he works for one of the UK’s largest broad-
test research. All in the name of the science of pleas-
casters as cameraman and satellite engineer. Over the
ure – or perhaps a pleasurable form of science?
past 12 years he’s worked on several documentaries and news features about the amusement industry.
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Marcus Gaines
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Tim Herre
Wolfgang Payer
Marc Spies
And pleasure is also combined with work in his private
accounting at the Vienna airport for many years. His
life: on his countless tours through the parks of the
first contact to theme parks was in 1989, when he
world, radio features are prepared for his employer. For
visited Disney World with his two daughters. Since then
a few years now, Marcus Gaines also writes exclusive
his interest in theme parks and in particular coasters
reports for the Kirmes & Park Revue.
has continually increased. He is a member of various fan-clubs and a master in photography.
Stefan Rothaug (Taiwan) Marc Spies (Germany) Already during his studies of economic sciences he was from time to time employed in the marketing divi-
Following his course of studies in social work, he is
sions of Fort Fun, Panoramapark and Phantasialand.
mainly occupied in stationary youth welfare, and also
After he fell in love with the Asian continent through
occupied in adult education consultancy as well as
countless trips to Japan and Korea, he moved to Tokyo
being a freelancer for medium companies. He has
in 2006 and later to Taiwan, from where he observes
been interested in fairs, parks and water parks since
the Asian park scene to this day. With the development
his early childhood, and with increasing age and
of the branch, Stefan’s focus has changed: whilst in the
mobility travels often inland and abroad, in order to test
early years he was mainly travelling in Japan, the first
novelties and to experience the classics. For the
and foremost in his calendar in the meantime is
Kirmes & Park Revue he is mainly occupied in the
Chinese parks. Stefan has been actively working for
areas of water parks and water slides.
the Kirmes & Park Revue as author for ten years, and has during this time written more than 50 articles. He
Matteo Crepaldi (Italy)
enjoys connecting his enthusiasm for Asia, theme parks, and travelling to his journalistic activities.
He already has a Bachelor Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, but that wasn’t
Stefan Rothaug
Tim Herre (Germany)
enough for the young Italian, and he decided to pursue further studies, and now he’s very close to his
Matteo Crepaldi
Following his studies at the School of Audio Enginee-
receiving his Master of Science in Space Engineering.
ring and various other stations in life, the man with the
He wants to enjoy the weightlessness of outer space
clever comments and charming patter is mainly oc-
on earth as well, and for this reason he travels to parks
cupied as an advertising copywriter. These days he’s
in Europe and North America. He has been active for
senior copywriter in a leading US-advertising agency.
the Kirmes & Park Revue since 2010.
Born in Hamburg and by choice Düsseldorf resident, he has been on the KPR-team for 15 years now, and
Olaf Esser (Germany)
has been enthusiastic about the amusement branch since he was ten years old. He’s particularly taken with
The social security specialist has worked as software
American, Asian, and Scandinavian parks.
developer for the statutory health insurance for 15 years, and has as freelancer written for our magazine
Wolfgang Payer (Austria)
for many years. He has made many USA tours in the past to ride the largest coasters in the world, however
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The electrical engineer with ten years professional ex-
he travels the theme parks in Germany and Europe as
perience in field service as engineer for EDV-equip-
well, and the Benelux countries especially for our
ment, has been responsible for controlling and cost
magazine.
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Olaf Esser
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Karl Ruisinger
Ralf Schmitt
Frank Lanfer
Karl Ruisinger (Kirmes & Park Revue)
Frank Lanfer (Kirmes & Park Revue)
He studied German Philology and journalism at the Mu-
He has a diploma in architecture and began his main
nich university. He has been Chief Editor at Gemi Ver-
occupation as editor for the KPR end of 2001. Part-time
lag since 1988 not only the Kirmes & Park Revue, but
he is occupied with theme park planning. Projects up
also for all other magazines of the firm. Karl by the way
until now were: Space Park Peenemünde (competition
was the founder of the Kirmes & Park Revue in 1989.
for the re-use of a military airport), Jura Park Germany (recommendation for the use of a stone quarry), Family
Ralf Schmitt (Kirmes & Park Revue)
Fun Park (Master planning for a family park in Morocco), Tabaluga World (development plans for a
Ralf studied Management in Kaiserslautern and later
theme park on behalf of Peter Maffay), and Tabaluga
moved south and has worked as Editorial Manager for
Bad Griesbach (concept design for a region).
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the “Kirmes“ section of the magazine.
We congratulate Heide-Park and Tripsdrill for winning the European Star Award
Colossos, Heide Park Soltau Germany, 2001 Wood Structure + Assembly
Mammut, Tripsdrill Germany, 2008 Overall Responsibility
Ing.-Holzbau Cordes GmbH & Co. KG Waffensener Dorfstrasse 20 D-27356 Rotenburg / Wümme Telefon: +49-(0)4268 933-0 Telefax: +49-(0)4268 933-20 info@cordes-coasters.com www.cordes-coasters.com
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST THEME PARKS
EUROPA-PARK
or those who already know the Europa-Park, this
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Additionally the five park-owned theme hotels make
award comes as no surprise. There’s not another
Europa-Park a top class multiple-day resort. Europa-
park that can be defined by its innovations and
Park has a large array of attractions, and with that
willingness to invest, its family led forthrightness, as
caters to the taste of all target groups. Moreover, the
well as its impressive thematic and architectural image
choice of themes used, relate the cultures of various
in Europe.
countries to visitors.
EFTELING
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his year, the famous Dutch park
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celebrates its 60th anniversary.
And since ever Efteling stands for fairytales, fun and entertainment for the whole family, as well as breathtaking ride attractions for the younger public, some of which do not exist a second time. The thematic implementation at Efteling can only be described as spectacular, and the themed vacation resort Bosrijk as amazing.
DISNEYLAND PARK PARIS
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aturally the French Disney
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dependance is not missing,
when it’s all about the best theme parks in Europe. There’s no other park that has a brand name as strong as Disneyland, and no other park has so many satisfied visitors as in the land of children’s dreams. No wonder then that the Disneyland Resort has also been awarded first place in the category of family parks.
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY PARKS
DISNEYLAND PARK PARIS
here’s no doubt that there is no other park in Europe
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The well known
that causes as many shining children’s eyes (and
Disney charac-
adults) as Disneyland Resort Paris. This park with its
ters that have
hotels and entertainment possibilities is not only a
spanned over
huge vacation destination, but simply a universe for all
generations accompany visitors on a fantastic trip into
children with its mainly family orientated attractions.
the world of fantasy – lasting more than a day. ■
TOVERLAND overland is a distinctive feature of the
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European park scene. Here, family
recreation can be enjoyed even in rainy weather and during winter: in addition to the constantly extended outside area over the past years, the indoor area entices children into a beautifully designed magical world, which indeed also includes a number of larger attractions such as a coaster.
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TRIPSDRILL he original themed park offers original
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attractions that the wishes of the whole
family extremely well. The special characteristic is the overall theming in Swabian atmosphere, which can’t be found anywhere a second time. Due to the large attractions that have been installed over the past years, Tripsdrill has also become very interesting for adolescent visitors.
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST WATER PARKS
SIAM PARK
GALAXY ERDING
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he water park that opened in 2008 on Tenerife not
features, is the first “Green Water Park” in Europe. The
only has an unusual concept and exciting theming,
18.5 hectare sized grounds themed in a Thailand style,
but it also has the largest variety of slides in Europe.
contains the longest Lazy River, a wave pool with the
Additionally the park, due to its exemplary water
highest artificial waves, and the highest Thai building
management with its own desalination plant and other
in Europe.
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he Galaxy Dome is part of a
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huge water and thermal par-
adise
called
Therme
Erding,
where experience is not only centred on thrill, but also on flow. In addition to the outside area and the very generous sauna-world, there are also thermal pools and rest areas. However, the Galaxy by its own is a huge and compactly arranged slide world that offers something for every taste.
TROPICAL ISLANDS
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he combination of a breath-
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taking and over 100 metre high
hall structure, the abundant subtropical vegetation and aroundthe-clock swimming can be found nowhere else in the world. There are additional overnight accommodation possibilities in exclusive suites or simple but adventurous tents, as well as restaurants, bars, and a huge sauna-world – and all this within an artificial firmament.■
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST NEW RIDES 2012
SHAMBALA
But “Shambala” is also more than convincing due to its comfortable
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ith a track difference of 78 metres, it’s the high-
generosity in seat distance, intensive airtime on the
est steel coaster in Europe – and it has a con-
parabolic shaped hills, and the nearly never-ending
vincing setting on the Mediterranean Sea, because the
1,564 metre long track, which as is usual for B&M con-
location is PortAventura, right in the centre of the tourist
structions, uncoils smoothly. It is the new and majestic
stronghold Salou/Tarragona/La Pineda.
figurehead of the European coaster scene.
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WODAN TIMBURCOASTER his almost 40 metres high and 1,050 metre long
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wooden coaster from Great Coasters Inter-
national can well be considered as the company’s masterpiece: perfect engineering, a very varied layout, and never before combined ride-gimmicks vibrate the track bed from beginning to end – a successful new interpretation of wooden coasters at Europa-Park. “Wodan” allows guests to experience the elementary power of physics.
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POLAR X-PLORER he new type of track attraction from
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Zierer is something totally different to
other coasters: It contains not only a speedy coaster ride, but also a Darkride sequence and a real freefall! This also takes place in the dark section and simulates the breaking into arctic ice. The 500 metre long and up to 20 metre high “PolarX-plorer” is the new highlight at Legoland Billund.
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST STEEL COASTERS
EXPEDITION GEFORCE
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oliday Park Plopsa was able to
In addition to a smooth course thanks to the perfect
secure this category for itself
pliability and a varied layout with parabolic hills, air-
with its 52 metre high and over
time hills, and steep curves, the first drop carries all
1,200 metre long steel coaster
responsibility. It offers an 80° steep drop with a simul-
from Intamin, erected in 2001.
taneous quarter turn on its own axis.
SHAMBALA
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his steel roller coaster
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voted as best new at-
traction for 2012 attained second place in this category – a good placing for a new construction that not everybody knows as yet. However due to its imposing appearance and maximum airtime, it will without a doubt be right in front in the upcoming years.
STUNT FALL
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here are only five “Giant Inverted Boom-
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erangs” from Vekoma worldwide – and
this is the only one in Europe (2013 will see another example at Sochi, Russia). So it’s not any wonder that this unusual coaster creation at Parque Warner Madrid has made a jump onto the Top 5 list. As is usual for normal Vekoma-Boomerangs, the train travels the course forwards and backwards within a minute and in the process goes through six inversions. But with a height of 58 metres, ”Stunt Fall” is simply giant!
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST WOODEN COASTERS
COLOSSOS
and a spectacular minimum gforce of up to – 1.5 g. Since
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his gigantic wooden coaster from Intamin (general
2009 – after the “Son of Beast” was shut down in the
contractor) and Cordes (wooden construction),
USA – “Colossos” is the highest wooden coaster in the
was erected at Heide-Park in 2001. Since then the 52
world! And this woodie simply has to be experienced,
metre high and 1,344 metre long attraction offers all
as it most probably has the most consistent airtime
passengers a maximum acceleration of up to + 4.5 g,
interpretation.
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TROY he 31 metre high and 1,070 metre long wooden
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attraction doesn’t quite fit to the general pro-
duct range of Toverland that is basically designed for families with children. However, the indoor and outdoor park has become significantly more interesting for adolescent visitors. ”Troy” from Great Coasters Int. doesn’t only offer a great ride experience to its passengers but also an attractive look for all other visitors.
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TWISTER he fact that wooden coasters don’t always
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have to be big in order to provide a lot of fun is
proved impressively by the “Twister” at Sweden’s Gröna Lund, which opened in 2011. Airtime, lateral forces, delusional curve radii, nearmisses, and a fantastic setting on the waterfront make this Hybrid Coaster (it has in fact wooden tracks on steel supports) from The Gravity Group unique.
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST WATER RIDES
POSEIDON
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his ride construction from Mack Rides is something
With its well designed layout and a successful inte-
very special as it connects up real coaster ele-
gration in the Greek theme area, the 836 metre long
ments with a final and wet drop, which even has an
and 23 metre high “Poseidon” has enriched Europa-
intensive built-in airtime hill (a kind of a double drop).
Park since the 2000 season.
VALHALLA
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leasurebeach Blackpool erected
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this indoor water ride with a length
of 610 metres and a height of 20 metres in the year 2000. The steepest drop has a 70° angle, and is 10 metres deep. However, it’s the bombastic effects (for example change of temperature from -20° to +40° Celsius), the overall thematic experience and a delusionary moisture level that gives the feeling of absolving a boat ride without a boat, is what makes “Valhalla” from Intamin (design from Sarner, effects from Technifex) unusually different. ■
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
he water attraction from
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Disney is an unequalled
classic with excellent theming and elaborate storyline at all parks within the group. And in the case of the Disneyland Park Paris, the hardware of the 1992 erected attraction comes from Intamin and has a vertical lift as one of its many features. The exciting water ride with drops in the dark is open to riders of all (!) age groups.
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EUROPE’S BEST ATTRACTIONS
THE TWILIGHT TOWER OF TERROR
waiting area is a part of the whole experience. The excellent overall hose who claim that a freefall tower cannot be
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design, the fantastic inside architecture and the per-
themed will learn differently here. Fantastic ride fun
fectly attuned scenes and sequences make the 55.8
with multiple drops is nothing for those with weak
metres high “Tower of Terror” (lift system from Otis) the
nerves, but here everything is simply right – even the
best designed attraction in general.
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SYNKOPE larger version of a swing con-
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struction with rotating discs is
rare at European theme parks. “SynKope” from Mondial is one of them and has been located and operated at Terra Mitíca since 2004. This attraction reaches a flight height of 35 metres and a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour.
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TALOCAN he inverted version of the sales
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hit “Top Spin” from Huss Rides
has received a grandiose theming at Phantasialand, and is considered – justifiably – as one of the best attractions in Europe. The looping attraction erected in 2007 is equipped with water and fire effects, and even the setting that encloses the 18 metre high attraction is simply impressive.
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EUROPE’S BEST KIDDIE RIDES
MAIBAUM
distinctive feature among the many kiddie ride constructions is the 13
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metre high viewing tower from abc rides, in which the ride guests can
determine the height themselves by using a joystick. In addition to the rotation of the mast on its own axis allows the eight gondolas to swing out correspondingly. Passengers can already partake of the ride from the age of three years, accompanied by an adult. Erlebnispark Tripsdrill erected ■
the “Maibaum” in the 2006 season.
SCHLANGE VON MIDGARD
he nine metre high and 200
T
metre long kiddie coaster
from
Gerstlauer
is
very
convincing due to its lively layout, good ride features, and a great theming in indoor and outdoor sequences. For this reason the child-orientated coaster at Hansa-Park offers a lot of high standard action, not only for small park guests with a minimum height of one metre, but also adults.
MEDITERRANEA
■
he Splash Battle type of ride
T
produced by Zamperla is a
good addition for Minitalia Leolandia and a great ride for the whole family. The theming, which will be completed for the next season, is already impressive: the ride vehicles are perfect representations of the Marine Republic’s ships, and the Mediterranea castle includes a small dark ride section.
16
■
08_17_Gewinner
01.10.2012
14:49 Uhr
Seite 11
EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2012
EUROPE’S BEST WATER SLIDES
LE KING COBRA
T
he unusual colour scheme of this water slide from
prisingly weightless drop
Polin alone deserves a prize. However the attrac-
into a sidewinder-element
tion offers much more: “Le King Cobra” at Aqualand
follows, to present all slid-
Fréjus is the first of its type in Europe and offers two
ers with a dangerous look-
parallel running lanes, so that sliding couples on tubes
ing snake head spewing
can race each other. After passing a type of figure-8-
water on them on the other
sequence that is partly covered over, a deep and sur-
side.
DRÁGON
■
CANNON BALL
iam Park, which has been voted best water park,
ctually the 2010 erected construction from Wie-
S
A
“Drágon” from ProSlide is not only one of the very few
of a ride on a cannonball a la Baron of Lies Münch-
funnel slides in Europe, but is also fantastically themed
hausen. Here at Area 47 water park, bathing guests
■
are catapulted per water pressure a number of metres
also contains the third best water slide in Europe.
with one of the largest sized dragon statutes.
gand-Maelzer is no longer a water slide, but more
in a high arch into the pool – an effective, clear and very refreshing water slide.
■
17
18_24_Interview
01.10.2012
15:31 Uhr
Seite 2
INTERVIEW He is Park Manager and manufacturer in personal union: the successful entrepreneur Roland Mack
Roland Mack is Owner of the Europa-Park and Owner of the manufacturing company Mack Rides... and he is the first German Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). We met up with him for an interview.
Text:
Frank Lanfer
Photos:
Europa-Park, Mack Rides
Interview: Roland Mack Mr. Mack, you are the first German Chairman
The theme “going green” is in actual fact a sub-
of the International Association of Amusement
ject that has become very important over the past
Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Your one year per-
years, even if it isn’t in the foreground of our efforts. As
iod of office ends in November 2012 at the IAAPA
a family business, the term sustainability was actually
exhibition in Orlando. What were your main object-
a major aspect in all areas from the word go. I am also
ives?
convinced that there is the possibility of a good balance between amusement and environmental com-
As President of IAAPA I had set myself four im-
patibility. For this reason we are working with TÜV Süd
portant goals. Already during the past year I had re-
on the certification of Europa-Park (Green Amusement
quested, together with my Board colleagues, that IAA-
Parks Certification) to make further approaches that
PA strategies be aligned in the long term. Another ob-
promise an improvement in this area. Currently we are
jective, and without a doubt the most important topic
also working on a programme for increase in energy
in our branch, was my focus on the subject safety. But
efficiency, and are convinced that new standards can
the themes sustainable development and an improve-
be set for the branch here as well.
ment in the cooperation between the individual regions were also very important to me.
Do you consider also manufacturers as duty bound to produce ride constructions with lower
Which targets were accomplished?
energy consumption? Is this at all possible and effective?
Together with the team at IAAPA Washington, the offices in Brussels, Hong Kong and Mexico, as well as
On the subject optimization of energy consump-
with Board colleagues, we have been considerably
tion, I also consider that manufacturers should be duty
successful in bringing all these themes a lot further. In
bound in the future. For ecological as well as eco-
many areas we were even able to make a lot more pro-
nomical reasons, it is sensible to optimize energy con-
gress than originally expected.
sumption with regard to new constructions. Naturally it’s difficult with some attractions, but attaining further
18
One of your most important concerns is the
improvements in this aspect is possible by co-
conservation of resources. But a theme park lives
operation between manufacturers, suppliers, and the-
from emotion and needs much energy for move-
me parks. As already mentioned, our own Europa-Park
ment, lighting, and amusement. How do you master
will be the first amusement park that is certified by the
these divergences at your own park?
TÜV, with the objective of improving energy efficiency.
18_24_Interview
01.10.2012
15:31 Uhr
Seite 3
Mr. Mack, you are, as is generally known, a pro-
managed by concerns. Europa-Park is without a doubt
ducer of amusement rides and operator of a theme
a prime example of the fact that family operated com-
is a mechanical engineer and
park. Both companies are firmly in family hands. In
panies can function by attaching great importance on
likes to check if everything is in
your opinion, what advantages and disadvantages
quality, and not solely on shareholder value consider-
order personally; here super-
does this form of business model have, in compa-
ation. A deciding factor for success is also an attrac-
vising the wheel suspension of
rison to private equity managed companies?
tive value-for-money ratio. I consider it wrong to at-
the “blue fire” coaster
Safety First: Roland Mack
tempt to convince guests of the attraction of the range The synergies out of the simultaneous operation
with discounts. My opinion is that it’s a lot more import-
of Europa-Park and Mack Rides are a huge advantage
ant to present a great park with convincing attractions.
for the development of our company. Being an over
Experience has shown that price marketing does not
230 year old family tradition that is not goal-orientated
result in a long-term successful strategy. The basic
on the next quarterly report but on the next company
prerequisite is the quality of the range on offer.
generation, is of significant advantage. This long-term strategy was positively proven, particularly during the
How do you as manufacturer and IAAPA-Pres-
crises periods of the past. We could adjust to gener-
ident view the many almost true to original copies
ally changed conditions more quickly, and survive
of European ride attractions in China? Is there a
difficult times. In the area of planning and developing
safety risk here, or only unpopular competition?
new attractions, we are in the position to react a lot quicker after a short decision-making period. On the
Naturally no manufacturer is happy to see their
other hand there is no room for making big investment
own concept being copied in other countries, infring-
mistakes for medium-sized enterprises. For this reason
ing on patent rights. This is not acceptable and,
we must make very careful decisions.
together with my colleagues at IAAPA, I have set in motion that infringement of patent rights be pursued
Do you see a basic danger in the fact that there
consistently, and supported by IAAPA, to instigate
are fewer family managed theme parks in Europe
arbitration proceedings, in order to protect the rights
now? And is it possible that larger park chains and
of the manufacturer. In actual fact there are resulting
their price politics threaten individual medium-
safety risks that are a huge problem, as a number of
sized companies?
incidents have shown in the past. IAAPA will pay even more consistent attention at all exhibitions in the future,
The market in Europe has indeed changed con-
so that this development counteracts the problem. We
siderably. There are an increasing number of parks
have prosecuted quite a number of exhibitors alone
that are operated by large concerns. It remains to be
from China due to patent rights infringement, and
seen what affect this process of concentration will have
some have even been banned from the exhibitions.
in the long-term. I welcome every positive development, but do see also the definite advantages of family managed operations in comparison to those facilities
Didn’t it take IAAPA far too long to react to patent rights violation?
19
18_24_Interview
01.10.2012
15:31 Uhr
The regular evening illumination at Europa-Park
Seite 4
The subject unfortunately is much more complex
And how do you see the future of the amuse-
as it looks at first glance. There were initially a number
ment branch in general? Will it become more im-
of difficult legal question to clarify. However, together
portant, or will the recurring economic crises over-
with our team, we have made sure that there wasn’t
take it sometime, as well as operators and visitors?
only talk but also action taken, and this to the advant-
Will the boom in the Asian countries continue?
age of the German as well as international manufacturers. In the future there will be specialist lawyers
It is naturally difficult to predict the future of our
onsite at the exhibitions, who will persue patent rights
branch exactly. We will have attractive, high quality,
Among others a hydro-
infringements thoroughly. This has already caused
and in particular technically highly developed proto-
electric power station and a
bewilderment to a number of exhibitors in Hong Kong,
types on offer for our guests in the future as well. And
huge solar collector provide in-
who had not worked correctly.
so we – parks as well as fairs – can count on good re-
house power at Europa-Park
sonance even in economically difficult phases. Theme parks have also developed into short-holiday destinations over the past decades. I see a continuation of this trend, and with that, new chances for the development of theme parks. Basically however, good quality has to be on offer – a deciding criteria in international competition. And it’s particularly in the Asian countries that we see a dynamic growth. Alone in China it is presumed that the visitor numbers in the upcoming twenty years will increase six times. The Mack company and the showman industry – this is an association that has been in existence for centuries, and is inseparable. After all Mack Rides had delivered attractions and mobile homes to all international showman and circus enterprises until the 1980s, before focusing on stationary operator. What were the reasons? The showmen were the most important clients of the Mack enterprise for decades. There was hardly an important circus company or well known showman that had not been associated with Mack at least once. We had built in addition to attractions and caravans, also sales booths and all types of power-driven and special vehicles. However the market changed significantly. Eventually the high quality caravans from Mack had hardly any buyers who were willing to buy vans of this quality. And even in the area of ride attractions, the demand changed radically. This led to the fact that these days it’s almost exclusively theme parks that are Mack Rides customers, and that the business has become more international. The changed investment behaviour of the showman and the increasing importance of the theme parks worldwide are without a doubt the most important reasons for the change.
20
21_abc
01.10.2012
14:29 Uhr
Seite 1
18_24_Interview
01.10.2012
14:53 Uhr
Seite 6
INTERVIEW The extension of a standard “Wild Mouse” was done for a German showman company Eberhard & Sohn
Earlier, many inventions came from the show-
have their own character and complement each other.
men themselves, who went to their trusted manu-
Countless fairs have developed to be a well known
facturer with their ideas.
Has this innovative
brand, and are an appreciated and familiar event well
strength declined, or do German manufacturers no
over national boundaries. The deciding factor for both
longer dare to take the risk of a new development?
is to adjust to the changed requirements of the guests, and for each to develop its own success strategy.
The history of the Mack Rides firm was always dependant on new designs, and in the past years there have been new attractive projects such as the water
s there still a bond between showmen and Europa-Park?
coaster “Poseidon” and the looping coaster “blue fire”.
Every now and again
Although there were many ideas from showmen ear-
Even these days there is still a bond between
lier, the fact is that these days, the design demands
countless showmen and Europa-Park. Showmen are
considerably more time and other resources. A pro-
welcome guests, and I very much value the inter-
found knowledge of the branch was always the suc-
change. I am impressed by the entrepreneurial
cess factor in the cooperation with showmen. The
achievements and the pragmatism with which show-
close interconnection between client and manufactur-
men run their companies – hats off to them! I have en-
er is still a deciding factor for success in the building
joyed many years of friendship with many showmen,
of a new construction. To design really new attractions
and I’m always very happy about a personal meeting
is becoming more exacting and more difficult. Never-
with them.
theless, Mack is still open to ideas from showmen.
showmen are engaged by Europa-Park, here the Traber Group
Would you recommend this type of coEven the founding of Europa-Park, as is the case with other parks in central Europe, is based
operation to other park operators as well, or is this a phenomenon of only Europa-Park?
among others, on the impulse of the showman essA meeting of Albert Ritter and Roland Mack
ence. With the increased success of the theme
I view fairgrounds and parks as a complement to
parks however, fairs
each other, both of which can be more successful
are often considered
when each utilizes their own individual strengths. The
as second class enter-
effort to offer high quality entertainment for our guests
tainment. How do you
is what bonds us together.
see the situation? In your function as IAAPA-President you have On the occasion of
also met Albert Ritter, President of the German
the founding of Europa-
Showman Association (DSB). Are there any con-
Park, showmen were a
crete examples of cooperation?
force standing behind
22
us. Even today I am full
As IAAPA President, I have naturally also had talks
of respect and hold the
with him. We met and exchanged and followed up the
achievements of show-
objective target of a closer cooperation. There are also
men in high esteem. I
subjects here that have to be taken into hand in the fut-
find it incorrect to be
ure. But we are open with each other at all times.
contemptuous of the
Incidentally I am also very pleased about the good
fairs.
interexchange between the DSB and the VDFU.
Both
facilities
23_Huss
01.10.2012
14:29 Uhr
Seite 1
18_24_Interview
01.10.2012
14:53 Uhr
Seite 8
INTERVIEW Up into the 1990s Mack produced attractions predominantly for the showmen; here the one-track “Meteor” for Bornhäuser & Christ (1955)
The relationship between IAAPA/EAS and
cept for the European market, which due to successful
DSB, which until 2002 was the organiser of the larg-
numbers, has resulted in the largest EAS since its com-
est amusement trade exhibition in Europe at that
ing into being. It was an important matter for both the
time, certainly appears to be, putting it politely,
European members of IAAPA and me personally to fur-
somewhat cool. Since the entry of IAAPA into the
ther strengthen the European region, and this has re-
EAS, many members, especially from Italy, Great
sulted in positive feedback from our colleagues in the
Britain and Germany, complain about the increased
USA. I think we can talk about a successful European
influence in European matters. Would a stronger
exhibition, which through its positive development will
regionalization be sensible here?
further strengthen the region of Europe. But naturally once again it’s all about rigorously keeping on the ball
Undoubtedly, talks between IAAPA and the DSB
here.
were not successful in the past. In my view the EAS in the meanwhile offers an exceptionally interesting con-
ANNOTATION
Thantk you very much for this interview. ■
H
ere stood one of the last four existing Salon
Palladium” from Ecomusée d’Alsace was built in 1909
carousels in the world. This actually means a horse
and has a front length of 24 metres and a height of 9.5
carousel of the luxury status that is operated indoors –
metres, with a diameter of 11 metres. After a detailed
Michael Mack, the eldest son of
in a tent – with the construction being festively framed
restoration, the attraction will be located in the
Roland Mack, is also committed
by two mirrored parlour wings, where guests can eat
entrance area of Europa-Park from the winter season
to the roots of the traditional
and drink at a sophisticated level. Before the First
2012/2013.
company. A matter of the heart
World War, these types of
led the member of the Europa-
Salon-carousels
Park management to Ecomusée
and
d’Alsace
showman attraction at Euro-
in
spring 2012.
Ungersheim
in
therefore
were a
rare,
welcome
pe’s grand events. The “Eden
Michael Mack taking over the historic “Eden Palladium”
24
■
an Star Europed 2012 r Awa BEST COASTER WOODEN
Europea Star Award n 2012 BEST STEEL CO ASTER
26_33_Technik
01.10.2012
15:25 Uhr
Seite 2
TECHNOLOGY The “Hullámvasút” in Budapest is one of the very few originally retained roller coasters with cable lift in the world
Coasters are only machines. And for this reason they require energy to do what they do – namely to ply the human body with g-forces, and as a sideline according
to
predisposition,
generate either fear or fun. The drive that delivers this energy is the subject of this article. Even if many variations are examined, this report cannot cover all types
Coaster Drive Systems
completely.
Text & Photos:
Jochen Peschel
Views of the cable lift and motor of the “Hullámvasút”
26
s it’s all about up and down on a roller coaster, the
A
In a theoretical loss-free system without friction, the
decisive energy forms are potential energy and
train can travel from standstill at the highest point along
kinetic energy. The potential energy has plural com-
a track of arbitrary length and return exactly to the
ponents, but in this article we only address the energy
original height by its kinetic energy. Naturally, in reality
that results from height and weight – or more precise-
a coaster train has friction that generates warmth, just
ly: the mass – of an object. The higher it is, the higher
as the remaining kinetic energy in the final brakes is
is the potential energy. Kinetic energy is also termed
converted into warmth (or in rare cases won back
as movement energy, and is dependent on the speed
again).
and the weight of the object.
At any point throughout the track the train needs new
The law of conservation of energy implies that energy
energy. It typically receives it at the beginning of the
is neither generated nor destroyed, but rather convert-
ride. The classic approach is the lift hill where the train
ed. And this is exactly what happens on a coaster:
is pulled upwards, through which its potential energy
potential energy is converted into kinetic energy when
is increased. Thirty-five years ago the catapult start
the train travels down a drop, and during the ascent
was introduced, which accelerates the train, therefore
reverts back to potential energy again.
increasing its kinetic energy.
26_33_Technik
01.10.2012
15:25 Uhr
Seite 3
In the case of the first coasters, real manual work was
In the year 2000, Intamin brought new life to the cable
required in order to bring the vehicle to its initial height.
lift when a cable was used again for the “Millennium
cable lift: “Millennium Force” at
That changed in 1826 when M. Lebonjer installed the
Force” at Cedar Point. A very speedy cable lift was
Cedar Point (left) and to the right
first mechanical lift with a cable, which pulled the cars
installed for WSkyrush” at Hersheypark in 2012.
the Chain-Dog on “Skyrush”,
upwards. From the six remaining Scenic Railways with
However it didn’t circulate, but pulled an adaptor, the
both built by Intamin
brakes, five still use this principle – the exception is the
so-called Catch Car that engages the train. When the
construction at Great Yarmouth. A clamp on the train
train reached the highest point, the drive direction of
engages the cable slightly slips during the process,
the cable is reversed, and the Catch Car is driven back
and that makes a jerk-free transition onto the lift
to the station.
possible. Very soon after, a circulating chain was used
The drives described until now have the disadvantage
instead of a cable. A so-called Chain Dog was affixed
that they require a straight ascent. In the case of larger
to the train that latched into the chain. Normally during
lift heights, there must be a lot of space available. The
the process there is a jolt through the train, which
barrel lift does not have this problem, as the lift tracks
travels quicker to the lift entrance than the chain,
are formed like a spiral. A barrel rotates in the centre
becoming slower on the lift, with the chain then taking
of the spiral with a carrier that pushes the train up the
the train with it. In order to prevent this happening,
lift. Well known examples of this variation are “Eurosat”
friction drive wheels were applied, which, synchronis-
and “Euromir” at Europa-Park. Alternatively there are
ed with the chain speed, pushed the train onto the lift.
vertical lifts that basically function like an elevator.
Complex technology resulted in an effect, which was
There is also a prominent example at Europa-Park,
cable lifts: left “Millenium
common over hundreds of years, by other means.
namely the “Wilde Maus Matterhorn Blitz”.
Force” and right, the Chain-Dog
Two modern examples with
A closer look at modern
on “Skyrush”
27
26_33_Technik
01.10.2012
15:25 Uhr
Seite 4
TECHNOLOGY An earlier example of a coaster with chain lift can be found at Skyline Park (here a Wild Cat from Schwarzkopf)
The modern “Huracan Condor” from Gerstlauer (at
Another approach was made by Anton Schwarzkopf
Belantis) also uses a chain for
for his mobile coasters. He placed friction drive wheels
the amazing 90° lift
on a curved ascent, which transported the train from the station on the front side of the construction to the highest point on the rear side. In order not to have to equip every friction drive wheel, or at the very least each friction drive wheel pair, with its own motor – that
An inverted example of a chain lift: the transportable “Eurostar” from Giovanola
28
would have been difficult to build up – a cardan drive
and grip a functional surface in the form of a blade,
ran under the lift tracks that supplied all friction drive
which runs perpendicular lengthwise underneath the
wheels from a central motor. This was simultaneously
vehicle. In the case of the variant using only one friction
very cunning, because in instances of a lift being long-
drive wheel, this wheel is built in vertically, with the
er than the train, the rolling stock does not cover all fric-
functional surface being parallel to the floor of the veh-
tion drive wheels at the same time. The central motor
icle. This principle is reversed for Powered Coasters,
didn’t need to be as strong as the allotted motors to-
which are a continuously power driven attraction: the
gether, but only as strong as the motors of the maxi-
friction drive wheel together with the motor are located
mally overlaid friction drive wheels by the train.
on the vehicle, and the functional surface is located
Friction drive wheels were already used earlier on
along the track.
straight lift hills. The most well known and most widely
Lift hills with a chain or cable have the problem that
spread coasters with a friction drive lift have to be the
they always have to be pre-stressed. Normally a
“Tivoli Coaster” from Zierer in various sizes. The dis-
tensioning device with a moving weight or a spring
advantage however is certain moisture sensitivity that
system is used. It’s particularly during a heavy load, in
reduces the friction, resulting in the friction drive
other words when the train is moved, that the chain or
wheels slipping through, especially on heavily loaded
the cable lengthens. When the lift is long, then the
trains. Friction drive wheels are more popular for posit-
lengthening is of corresponding size. This is manage-
ioning and manoeuvring of the vehicle, particularly in
able by using an appropriate tensioning element, but
the station area.
with the 97 metre high “Steel Dragon” at Nagashima
Friction drive wheels are normally used in pairs. Both
Spaland another solution was chosen in 2000: two sep-
wheels lie in a plane parallel to the floor of the vehicle,
arate chain drives were built in one after the other.
29_Zamperla
01.10.2012
14:30 Uhr
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26_33_Technik
01.10.2012
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Seite 6
As described initially, the interaction of potential and
the cable sheave by a friction clutch that transmitted
kinetic energy is a deciding factor for the ride dynam-
the stored energy to the train. As spectacular as the
ics. At the end of the lift the train has a certain kinetic
launch effects were in those days, the more complex
energy due to the lift speed, with an additionally in-
the maintenance, which was the reason that the con-
creased potential energy. From standstill a train would
cept could not be established permanently. Although
“Gipfelstürmer” from Gerstlau-
reach a 113.84 km/h top speed on a 50 metre drop
Zamperla still uses this principle on its current “Moto-
er uses friction drive wheels
when frictional losses are ignored. In this case how-
Coaster” constructions, the trains are significantly
ever one cannot simply add the lift speed to this speed,
lighter than those of the Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loops,
because the law of conservation of energy must be ap-
which disburdens the clutch considerably.
plied. When the train begins to roll into a drop not from
Shortly before the turn of the century B&M did on the
still stand, but at a 10 km/h speed, the top speed is
“Incredible Hulk” at Universal Studios Islands of
minimally increased to 114.28 km/h. Even at 40 km/h,
Adventure not use friction drive wheels for the constant
which currently is the highest lift speed, not more than
transport of the train up the lift hill, but increased the
120.53 km/h is reached. The lift speed has almost no
rotating speed during the ascent – the first hybrid of
influence on the highest speed attained, particularly in
lift and launch was born. The armada of friction drive
the case of high coasters.
wheels is impressive owing to the heavy trains. Since
In 1977 Anton Schwarzkopf revolutionised the coaster
then the principle of friction drive wheel launch is used
world in that he did not transport the train upwards per
rather in the case of lighter vehicles, but the system
lift, but accelerated his Shuttle Loop from a standstill.
also did not really become established. Noteworthy
A cable was used leading over two cable sheaves with
are only three constructions from Intamin, because the
an added carrier. One of the cable sheaves was then
friction drive wheels on these attractions are hydraulic-
powered and catapulted the train onto the track via the
ally powered.
carrier. With his first installation, the drive was still
The success story of the catapult start began firstly
attained by a falling weight that dropped inside an ap-
with the magnetic drive, which is basically contact free
proximately 20 metre high steel pipe, setting the cable
and thus works almost wear-free. So called stators are
sheave in rotation over a cable drive, but he later
arranged along the launch tracks and are controlled
changed to a flywheel. Acceleration was achieved by
so as to generate a wandering magnetic field, which
a relatively weak electric motor that produced the
in turn drives the vehicle. There are however two
rotational speed. Finally the flywheel was connected to
different subtypes.
The friction drive system of the “Olympia Looping”
Even the Shuttle Coaster
LIMs from Vekoma: ”Xpress” at Walibi Holland and “Big Thunder Mountain” at Disneyland Park Paris (right)
30
31_Mack
01.10.2012
14:30 Uhr
Seite 1
Builders of the highest Quality Wooden Coasters in the World! Turn-Key Design and Existing Ride Improvement!
Contact: G端nter Engelhardt GmbH Bischofsholer Damm 77 D-30173 Hannover / Germany info@guenter-engelhardt.de
26_33_Technik
01.10.2012
15:26 Uhr
Seite 8
With the LIM (Linear Induction Motor), stators build an
The general advantage of magnetic drives is, apart
with LSM-drive: “Anubis” from
air gap in which a copper or aluminium blade mounted
from the low wear and tear, the fact that vehicles don’t
Gerstlauer at Plopsaland De
on the vehicle moves. The roaming magnetic stator
have to be hooked up to a catch car, and with that can
Panne and “Freischütz” from
field induces an eddy current of moving electrons in
be accelerated whilst in movement. Therefore one
Maurer Rides at Bayern-Park
the blade. Moving electrons on their part generate a
wonders at first glance about the Vekoma decision to
magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic stator
use a magnetically accelerated catch car on the LSM-
field. More precisely the magnetic fields repel each
driven coasters “Xpress” at Walibi Holland and the two
other and thus push the vehicle forwards.
“Rock’n’Roller” coasters for Disney. However, through
The induction of a magnetic field in the blade and
this system the already available trains could be used
therefore the propulsion power, depends on the re-
without having to carry out adjustments caused by the
lative speed between the blade on the vehicle, and the
weight of the magnets. On the other hand Vekoma
roaming stator magnetic field. If both are at the same
used for example the LIM-module on the “Big Thunder
speed, then there is no forward propulsion. The control
Mountain” as a luxury friction drive wheel set, for
of the stators must prevent this situation and should
manoeuvring the trains in the station and maintenance
generate an ideal relative speed. However as the stat-
area.
or magnetic field induces its own magnetic field in the
The next development was the pneumatic drive, which
blade, the demand on control isn’t particularly high.
was made popular worldwide by S&S, when the com-
Nevertheless the energy conversion efficiency of ap-
pany transferred it from freefall towers to coasters in
proximately 50 % is not optimal; a lot of energy is lost
2001. Air is compressed in a number of large tanks,
due to the warming of the blade caused by the eddy
and led one after the other into an acceleration cylin-
current. The LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) doesn’t
der. The cylinder runs along the track, and is divided
have this problem, as permanent magnets are affixed
into two parts by a piston. The piston in turn is connect-
to the vehicle instead of a blade. Therefore no energy
ed to a steel cable that is led into the launch track over
from the magnetic stator field is used for induction,
pulleys and is connected to the train via a catch car.
which is partly converted to heat loss. Through this,
When the air streams into a chamber in the cylinder,
energy conversion efficiency from 60 to 90 % is reach-
the piston is pushed like a syringe and accelerates the
ed, nevertheless at the cost of an obviously complex
catch car together with the train. During this process
control system, due to the stator magnetic field having
counter pressure is built up in the second chamber that
Two coaster examples
to always keep a certain relative position to the
decelerates the piston and with that the catch car as
Rossa” at Ferrari World is at
permanent magnets. Additionally the position of the
well. The achieved acceleration of over 4g is almost
240 km/h the fastest coaster in
vehicles during the start has to be well established,
brutal. However a high final speed and a longer launch
the world and functions with a
down to the exact millimetre.
track require a longer cylinder.
Intamins “Formular
hydraulic launch
32
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15:26 Uhr
Seite 9
In 2002 Intamin produced a new drive technology for the “Xcelerator” at Knott’s Berry Farm: the hydraulic launch. As the system from S&S, a medium was compressed in a pressure accumulator over a certain period of time. In this case however it’s nitrogen that is housed in the chamber of a piston cylinder. Pumps lead oil from a storage tank into the other chamber so that the pistons move continuously, and with that compress the nitrogen. Finally valves in the oil circuit are opened, so that the oil shoots back through the hydraulic motors into the storage tank, driven by the compressed nitrogen.
lift hill, and that by using a chain drive. Whether a cable
The hydraulic motors propel a cogwheel that is
with a catch car pulls the train slowly up the hill or ac-
at Happy Valley Beijing is
connected to a winch. Two steel cables are wound up
celerates it to its maximum speed is merely a matter of
operated with pneumatic
and down on the winch, which in turn drive a catch car
providing the required energy. Appropriately controll-
launch
for the train. The constructions reach a maximum
ed, a pneumatic or hydraulic launch system could
acceleration of 2g, although higher values can be
easily be used for a “regular” lift, which actually is the
reached with more hydraulic motors. In contrast to the
case, as launch tracks are normally upwards inclined
Liseberg functions with a hy-
system from S&S, the launch can more easily be
so that the train doesn’t have to be collected on the
draulic start/ photos down:
designed to be considerably longer, and so “Formula
track after a false start. The launch
nitrogen storage and oil tank
Rossa” holds the record for being the fastest coaster
in the case of “Furious Baco” is
in world with a speed of 240 kilometres per hour. The
particularly near to a lift, as the
speed of the Motorbike coasters from Vekoma is still
track plunges directly after the
somewhat distant in comparison, even though they are
launch – a type of first drop.
also operated with a hydraulic system and a cable with
One way or another the actual
an adaptor.
simple energy supply is often a
Even though there is a clear difference shown between
highlight
the classic lift hill and catapult starts in this article, the
Whether one builds up a sense of
transition is smooth. Strictly speaking the station fric-
excitement through a never-en-
tion drive wheels of the train accelerate the train from
ding lift hill, or prefers the kick of a
a standstill to the lift. In the case of the spinning coaster
catapult start is, as most things in
“Tornado” at Bakken, the vehicle is accelerated on the
life, a simple matter of taste.
on
a
coaster
S&S’s “Extreme Rusher”
Intamin’s “Kanonen” at
ride.
■
33
It’s exciting. It’s funny. It’s amazing.
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It’s coming to you. www.IAAPA.org/EAS
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tes a l u t a r g n o c l Mondiaitica for receiving Terra uMropean Star Award the E
Creative
&
Innovative
• • • • • • •
High capacity. Extreme ride experience. Fast acceleration. Very smooth swing. Low maintenance costs. Easy access for inspection and service. Main axle accessible from the inside.
Please feel free to contact us for further information on our rides or visit our website.
Aengwirderweg 57, 8449 BA Terband. Holland Tel.: +31 (0)513 61 01 70 • Fax: +31 (0)513 62 24 12 • E-mail: info@mondialrides.com
www.mondialrides.com
U4_Polin
01.10.2012
14:30 Uhr
Seite 1