originally posted on 9/25/2020
Rendering: Courtesy Silverwood. View full-sized image.
Just when the coaster community had settled into the mindset that 2021’s crop of coasters would be primarily delayed rides from 2020, Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho, became the second park to announce something significant for next season (Iowa’s Adventureland had already announced Dragon Slayer for 2021). Coaster fans were delighted to see another Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) coaster added to the list. Of more interest is that it is from the company’s newest product line — the Raptor track coaster.
At first glance, Stunt Pilot appears to be quite similar to its cousin 15 hours away at California’s Great America (Santa Clara). The new installation has the same layout as RailBlazer but also features some differences to help give the coaster its own personality.
Logo: Courtesy Silverwood. View full-sized image.
The ride is themed around the old air stunt shows that Silverwood hosted until 1996. When the park opened in 1988, its roots were based around airplanes and the 1915 steam train.
“I always enjoyed the adrenaline rush of opening our airshow with a 350-mph low pass down the runway in my P-51 Mustang, followed by a steep pullup and roll,” said Gary Norton, founder. “Stunt Pilot will allow our guests to experience that ‘Need for Speed’ sensation of being an air show performer.”
One thing coaster fans will note is that in contrast to RailBlazer and Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ (San Antonio) Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, Stunt Pilot will sport 10-car trains instead of eight. While that will inch capacity up a notch, more importantly it will make that back seat outrageously insane. (Sign us up!) Like those two rides, Stunt Pilot will feature three inversions.
Other differences will be props and theming within the ride layout, such as diving through hoops and other “near misses.” The park is currently developing those details.
Red and white is the selected color scheme to match the look of vintage planes. The train design has yet to be revealed. Silverwood officials have confirmed to ACE that the park will be using a moving station. It will also be the first coaster at the park to operate with two trains — a nice step that will be warmly received.
Rendering: Courtesy Silverwood. View full-sized image.
The location of the ride will be between the log flume and the wooden coaster Tremors. This will help spread the thrill seekers throughout the park, as the larger coasters are clustered in “Roller Coaster Alley” at the far end.
Speaking of locations, RMC manufactures its products just a short distance down the road, making this new ride the shortest delivery for the company. RMC was used in the erection of selected rides at the park, as well as installing Topper Track on some of Tremors’ wilder sections.
An opening for Stunt Pilot — at this point — is simply stated as summer 2021.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
Video: Courtesy Silverwood.
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