originally posted on 11/11/2022 1:47:00 AM
All images courtesy of Maurer. View full-sized image.
Leading into the IAAPA Expo, Maurer Rides — a manufacturer that has produced spinning coasters, the Sky Loop, wild mouse coasters and custom installations such as Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rocket at Universal Studios Florida (Orlando) — announced a new concept. In recent years, Maurer has championed its Spike Coaster, a powered coaster-like ride that allows passengers to adjust the speed as if riding a motorcycle. Now, the latest evolution of that is called Spike Fun, which seats more passengers and introduces an element called the Omega Loop.
The Omega Loop is the signature element of the Spike Fun concept.
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According to information provided by Maurer: “[The Omega Loop] is a high-energy element that would be impossible to ride on a gravity coaster. The Spike Fun’s powered drive can do it without any problems.” The element slightly resembles the more-common top hat element, but with its twisting entrance and exit, the shape of the structure mimics that of the Greek letter “omega,” thus the naming of the maneuver.
The Omega Loop is designed to be the first element on the ride after launching from the station. While the most dramatic-looking moment on the attraction, it doesn’t technically go upside down. However, the concept layout does have two inversions — a zero-G roll and a corkscrew. It’s all wrapped up in a tangle of twists, turns and dives.
According to information supplied by Maurer Rides, the concept is designed to run five vehicles.
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And there’s more. The seats tilt back at the rider’s discretion, depending upon on the track elements. A joystick allows them to accent the moment, whether it be during the launch, camelback or the impression of doing a wheelie. The seats can tilt back as much as 45 degrees. While this is under the control of “the pilot,” the trains can be programmed to tilt automatically.
Riders will be able to tilt their seats back 45 degrees for a “wheelie” sensation.
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To get a better understanding of what the ride is like, this video illustrates the system:
Although Spike Fun and the Omega Loop are currently in concept phase, the Spike Coaster system is in place in a few locations, including onboard a cruise ship (see RollerCoaster! #162).
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
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