originally posted on 12/2/2022 1:06:00 AM
Prairie Screamer.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
With the closure of the Scandia Amusement Park (Ontario,
California) in 2019, it could have been assumed that one of the notable
attractions at that park would be lost forever.
Screamer (sometimes referred to as Scandia
Screamer) was the largest coaster design ever produced from E&F Miler.
It opened in 1995 and impressed enthusiasts with its deep drops. Compared with
the typical moderate drops of fairground-type coasters, the likes of these
major plunges had not been seen since the days of Anton Schwarzkopf’s Wildcats.
Screamer was fierce.
Until it was lost.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
In late 2020, Traders Village in Grand Prairie, Texas,
purchased the coaster. Another Texas operator had considered the purchase
but passed because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Traders Village saw it
as an opportunity. Tim Anderson, president, had experience at Kemah Boardwalk
and saw revenue increase dramatically when the waterfront property in Texas
added Boardwalk Bullet. He saw the COVID-19 situation as a time of
opportunity. There are three Traders Village locations in Texas, each with a
rides area. However, first and foremost, the Traders Village properties are
flea markets. A few buildings had to be relocated. Once the coaster was erected
on site, it looked massive.
Relocating the ride didn’t come without challenges. The ride
was stored in pieces in the desert. While this reduced the chances of rust and
corrosion damage, some refurbishment was necessary. Anderson said there isn’t a
part of the ride that hasn’t been touched. He feels it is like brand new.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
“It is hard to express how proud I am of Traders Village for
saving this coaster,” said Steve Thomas, amusement park director,
Traders Village. “It is a historical ride that should be saved for future
generations. And it has been improved upon without losing the original feel. It
is a smoother ride, [with] more comfortable seats and better restraints, but
you still get the traditional coaster feel when riding it.”
Although the pandemic was “a time of opportunity,” it was
also an era of delays. The refurbishment and relocation process took months
longer than expected.
Fred Miler, president of E&F Miler, was called upon to become
involved in the project. He spent extended periods in Texas getting the ride in
prime condition. In addition, the two trains have been completely overhauled
with new parts and noticeable new padding.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
When the coaster was initially disassembled, the supports at
the footers were harshly sliced; therefore new ones had to be created. This
change makes the ride 88 feet tall today, instead of its former 90-foot height.
The track length of 2,600 feet remains intact. And it still screams.
For those who have never experienced this wonderful ride, it
is full of big drops and major airtime, and each curve gets progressively
tighter within the structure. It’s mad fun. With new controls, the park can now
adjust random trims in specific places. Testing went well, but the park
determined it was running “too fast” (This is a bad thing?) and is able to
adjust it accordingly with three settings. ACE did ask, and it was confirmed
that it is possible to run all out.
Photos: Courtesy of Prairie Playland. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
“There are so many great things about this ride. It is
simply majestic looking as there is a lot of coaster in a fairly small
package,” smiled Thomas. “I think my favorite thing about this coaster is the
guest experience. From the time you buy your ticket with the train going over
your head or when you are in line with the coaster flying around you, you are
immersed before even getting in your seat. It really builds up the excitement
and creates an experience that is hard to find. I also have to say our
animatronic buffalo greeting our guests as they board and sending them on their
way after the ride is something extra that will make this a fan favorite ride.”
An animated buffalo explains ride rules.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
This past spring, Traders Village gave the rides area a
sense of identity by renaming it Prairie Playland. While the flea market is
strictly a weekend-only operation, Prairie Playland opened for spring break and
several family nights during the summer. It is hoped that the wild success of
the new coaster will afford new opportunities for such additional operating
days.
An all-day wristband that includes all the rides is priced
at an amazing bargain price of $18.99.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
While Traders Village is only open during daylight hours, the coaster is strikingly lit at night.
Photo: Courtesy of Prairie Playland. View full-sized image.
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