originally posted on 7/27/2019
Photo: Chris Talone. View full-sized image.
It’s easy for any coaster manufacturer to slip into an avoidable trap. There aren’t really any exceptions. When a company bursts onto the scene with hit after hit, it almost seems a matter of time before well-traveled enthusiasts begin to say the creations — while outstanding — start to feel the same.
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) has enough years and successes behind it now that such flattering criticism is not something it can easily sidestep. It takes a masterpiece of such distinction (such as last year’s Steel Vengeance) to stand out from the pack.
Photo: Chris Talone. View full-sized image.
All indications are that RMC’s new Untamed is just that.
Untamed was created from the former Robin Hood wood coaster at Walibi Holland (Biddinghuizen, the Netherlands). Robin Hood was one of the few wooden coasters built by Vekoma. As far back as the European Coaster Odyssey in 2002, ACE members sang its praises as a fine woodie. But after 19 seasons, the coaster had run its wooden track for the last time. Walibi Holland gave notice for fans to give it another ride during its farewell season last year. The park then sought RMC to transform Robin Hood with a new steel Ibox major design.
Photo: Chris Talone. View full-sized image.
As RMC typically does, any wooden track-to-steel conversion tends to get taller. Robin Hood’s 105-foot height was raised to 119 for Untamed, with a 116-foot first drop at a familiar 80 degrees.
It all seems standard for the company, yet it’s not. The layout appears to be among the firm’s top tier. To describe each dip, curve and maneuver would prove pointless, but it seems to be spot-on from the dispatch to the break run.
Photo: Courtesy Walibi Holland. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy Walibi Holland. View full-sized image.
Two stats get things going: 14 moments of airtime and five inversions (more inversions than any other RMC conversion). A “270-degree double inverting stall” and “step-up under flip” don’t convey a clear description (just go with “twisty”), but barrel roll is easy to grab. There are two actually.
“I think people are really going to enjoy the last roll before the brakes,” said Jake Kilcup, COO of RMC. “It isn’t particularly new, but it’s so close to the ground, it’s going to surprise you.”
Photo: Courtesy Walibi Holland. View full-sized image.
Add to all that a string of speed hills, outward banks and directional changes, and the L-shaped, out-and-back coaster seems to check all the boxes with smooth finesse. A track length of 3,560 feet gives a full ride experience.
Something also notable is the quicker turnaround from the coaster’s former incarnation to its debut July 1, 2019. Park management wanted Robin Hood operational through the Halloween event, so Kilcup reported that pre-planning and an early manufacture of components to be pre-staged helped make the project expedient.
Photo: Chris Talone. View full-sized image.
It’s worth noting that the theming is a bit curious. Reportedly inspired by attending the Burning Man event (a festival of the creative indulgence dedicated to community, art, self-expression and self-reliance), the ride stands in the Wilderness area of the park. Vines hanging overhead inside the station and their attempt to overtake the exterior are juxtaposed alongside postapocalyptic debris. Slap the word LOVE in lights on the lift hill and it all makes sense. Okay. Sure. Add to that, the front of the train looks like a cross between a giant insect to be reckoned with and a Cirque du Soleil costume.
So what if that’s not crystal clear. The reviews from both locals and well-experienced international enthusiasts should put Untamed at the top of any coaster fan’s wish list. It seems to be that good. The caramel-colored track adds one more reason to say Untamed looks deliciously wicked.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
Take an Untamed ride:
Video: Courtesy Walibi Holland.
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