originally posted on 12/18/2020
Photo: Courtesy Luna Park. View full-sized image.
When Intamin Amusement Rides set the internet abuzz this past July with the announcement of four new coaster models, it was met with a certain degree of skepticism. Who would invest in a new prototype in the time of a pandemic? Gleeful surprise greeted the news that a park had done just that.
Luna Park in Sydney, Australia, is one of the city’s landmarks. An investment of AUS $30 million is intended to bring the park into a new era as a world-class destination. Nine new rides are being added to the park.
“We are going to make it even better than it is now, while still preserving its wonderful heritage,” said Managing Director Peter Hearne.
Headlining it all is the new Hot Racer model from Intamin. Similar in many respects to the seating configuration of the Raptor track introduced by Rocky Mountain Construction in 2018, this genre incorporates launches instead of lifts. In this case, two.
Luna Park management has decided to retain the name Big Dipper. In the past, two large roller coasters have held that name at the park: a wooden coaster from 1935 to 1979 and an Arrow custom looper from 1995 to 2001.
Full details on the specifics of the ride have not been released, and until the park does so, Intamin’s lips are sealed. An animation video shows the layout of the ride.
Video: Courtesy Luna Park.
Two tire launches will send riders close to 45 mph. The inversion count might vary between observers. The park notes a “noninverting loop” as one of the elements. Another park might count it was one or two inversions. The sidewinder and flatspin definitely count. But throw in banked turns, airtime hills and bursts of speed, and Big Dipper should be sensationally fun.
Trains are seven cars long, each seating an individual rider with the full complement riding single file.
Photo: Courtesy Luna Park. View full-sized image.
Better yet, artist renderings indicate two more coasters. A family shuttle coaster from Gerstlauer and a small kiddie coaster are represented.
The other six rides will be an assorted mix from Zamperla.
The new attractions will join the wooden Wild Mouse that has been operating since 1995.
Wild Mouse is one of the rare remaining wooden Wild Mouse coasters.
Photos: Richard Koppelman. View full-sized image.
To prepare for all this construction, the park will actually have to close for several months. The rides are expected to open in mid-June after the park ceases operation near the end of January.
In the past, both Big Dipper roller coasters were met with some disfavor from residents, most particularly owing to noise. This new installation is expected to be more acceptable. Hopefully for all parties concerned, it will be a great crowd pleaser. ACE will be watching.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
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