originally posted on 10/12/2019
Photo: Courtesy Vekoma. View full-sized image.
Vekoma is beginning to build not only a formidable lineup of highly acclaimed new coasters, but also a name for itself. Once known for rather aggressive rides, the company’s new system of creating smooth layouts is making it a big go-to manufacturer of some highly sought-after rides.
Celestial Gauntlet is one more to Vekoma’s credit. The latest installation from the coaster supplier brings to mind the old adage “Good things come in small packages.” While the coaster stands at 88 feet — somewhat diminutive by modern standards — the ride is still the high-profile attraction at the brand-new Oriental Heritage park (Ningxiang, Hunan, China).
Photo: Courtesy Vekoma. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy Vekoma. View full-sized image.
Celestial Gauntlet falls under the Hyper Space Warp model name from Vekoma. The coaster features three inversions. Following a first drop, riders rush into a sidewinder maneuver. It is what follows that might be of most interest to enthusiasts. Rather than just a string of inversions, the layout has some noticeable close-to-the-ground high-speed curves among its moves. The influence of design features that were once somewhat exclusive to Rocky Mountain Construction is now becoming more commonplace with other coaster manufacturers. This project exhibits slithering directional changes intermixed with airtime hops. The other two inversions are corkscrews that interact with two below-ground tunnel features. Celestial Gauntlet boasts a solid mix of elements and maneuvers to make for a signature ride in a compact space. A top speed surpassing 48 mph offers good thrills.
Photo: Courtesy Vekoma. View full-sized image.
Big Top Photo: Courtesy Vekoma. View full-sized image.
Two trains that seat 16 riders are used on the coaster. According to Vekoma, a theoretical capacity of 960 riders per hour is possible. Restraints are of the vest nature, which provide a more comfortable ride than older over-the-shoulder harnesses.
Coaster fans can also be excited about another exhilarating ride at Oriental Heritage. Big Top is a Vekoma family suspended coaster with a layout familiar to those who have enjoyed Dragonflier at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee). Like that well-received new coaster, the first drop on Big Top also plunges into a tunnel under a shallow pond.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
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