originally posted on 8/5/2024
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
It’s no surprise to find ACE members who are fans of Anton Schwarzkopf and his renowned lineage of coaster creations. As one of greats among coaster designers/manufacturers, Schwarzkopf’s glory years were the 1980s. With the Wildcat models and Jet Star series being his most prolific line, Schwarzkopf mastered the looping craze of the 1970s and ‘80s with a fluidity and power that still marvel riders today.
All American Triple Loop is a survivor among a dwindling number of Schwarzkopf coasters, and an even-fewer number of his traveling creations.
Photo: Dave Jackson. View full-sized image.
Unfortunately, according to Roller Coaster Database, of Schwarzkopf’s 146 coasters created, only a third remain. Thankfully, one of the designer’s most-loved coasters was saved.
Manufactured in 1984, it was originally named Dreier Looping, German for “Triple Loop.” It traveled the German fair circuit for more than a decade. Eventually, it found permanent homes in various countries. First, it landed at Sunway Lagoon (Subang Jaya, Malaysia, 1997-1999), where it was known as Triple Loop Coaster. Its next residence was Flamingo Land (Malton, England, 2000-2005), where it was renamed Magnum Force. The coaster’s third home was the site of an incident that had devastating consequences. La Feria Chapultepec Mágico (Mexico City, Mexico) operated the coaster as Quimera (as well as other names) from 2007 to 2019. Attendees who were a part of ACE South of the Border in 2017 can attest that the ride was running at breakneck speed in that location. That, combined with a lack of proper maintenance, resulted in a tragic accident. With fatalities involved, not only did the coaster close, but the park was forced to shut down as well. Dreier Looping could have ended its story there.
Indiana Beach’s new coaster traveled the globe before finding its current home in the corn fields of the Midwest, and leaves no mystery as to its new name.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
In the years that followed, Indiana Beach and Owner Gene Staples saw an opportunity to acquire something special. After the coaster was inspected and purchased, the task of getting the ride ready to operate in the United States was underway, but it was a multiyear process.
At Indiana Beach, the coaster retains its unorthodox tire-driven lift hill.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
Since Schwarzkopf’s company closed its doors in the 20th century, acquiring parts is a challenge. The tire-driven lift has numerous motors. It’s a complex ride for a small park with a small staff to get ready.
While there is nothing to be celebrated about the demolition of a classic Schwarzkopf coaster, the loss of Galaxyland’s Mindbender resulted in its trains becoming available for Indiana Beach.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
But there was a bit of luck. Mindbender at Galaxyland in West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) ceased operation in 2021. It sat dormant for a couple of years, so the Indiana Beach team was able to acquire needed parts and received the trains as well. This was a boon for getting all the motors up and running.
Finally, after many years, Dreier Looping lived again. It began operation in May of 2024.
The convoluted track that began life as Dreier Looping in Germany is once again available to enjoy, this time on the other side of the ocean.
Photo: Dave Jackson. View full-sized image.
However, there is a “but” that comes with that. This act of preservation is wonderful but double-edged. The intertwined histories of two incidents have an impact on the resurrection of this ride.
Early in Mindbender’s history, a tragedy prompted the park to redesign the cars with over-the-shoulder restraints. While cumbersome, they seemed to work on Dreier Looping’s bigger brother fairly well. (Mindbender stood 145 feet tall compared to Dreier Looping’s 108 feet. It was also an expanded mirror image.) That incident in 1986 now affects All American Triple Loop at Indiana Beach.
All American Triple Loop features the hallmark of Schwarzkopf’s coasters, including dramatic twists and banking.
Photos: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
Dreier Looping’s layout is still strong and powerful with its three vertical loops, swooping dives, 6 Gs and 3,379 feet of compact track. The trains roar along the rails at 53 mph. It’s a thrill that this legendary ride has been saved. Its design is sheer genius.
Unfortunately, its salvation comes with — if there is a proper way to say it — the wrong trains. Or, more specifically, the wrong restraints. Maybe it was because Mindbender was larger and more expanded. Maybe it is because All American Triple Loop is more compact or was transported numerous times. But the restraints cause some harsh head-bopping that is sadly unfortunate.
Indiana Beach deserves credit for the years-long effort put into getting the coaster operational, which gives the park another thrilling ride.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
But that doesn’t mean that it is the end of the story. This is hopefully only the most recent step in the full journey. Indiana Beach has the opportunity to make this a legendary coaster once again. Perhaps the other operating looping Schwarzkopf coasters in the United States can serve as an example. Perhaps a redesign of the restraints with belts and lap bars would serve as the logical solution. The potential is there — and kudos to the park for saving the coaster.
It should also be noted that the name, All American Triple Loop is a bit of a chuckle. It was designed and manufactured in Germany, found homes in three other countries. It was purchased in Mexico and uses trains from Canada. So … “All American” Triple Loop?? The park is aware of all that and gives a wink in response. Staples just liked the name. The red, white and blue color scheme helps make it fit. Now if only the right restraints can bring the glory the ride deserves.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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