originally posted on 9/10/2021
Canobie Corkscrew
Photo: Alan Shick. View full-sized image.
Canobie Corkscrew Scheduled to Be Removed
As noted in the coverage of the regional event, ACE Plays at Canobie Lake Park, Canobie Corkscrew is scheduled for removal. The standard Arrow Corkscrew model found its third home at the Salem, New Hampshire, park.
It was one of the first original Arrow Corkscrew coasters to open in 1975. Originally built as Chicago Loop in a shopping complex in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the Old Chicago mall only survived to 1980 before closing. Prior to arriving at Canobie Lake Park in 1987, the coaster operated at the Alabama State Fairgrounds for several years.
Wicked Twister
Photos: Curt Schimmel. View full-sized image.
Top Thrill Dragster
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Two Coasters at Cedar Point Will Not Close Out the Year, Wicked Twister Leaving
Rumors had been pervasive for a year or two. Scuttlebutt indicated that Wicked Twister was coming out of Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio). In late summer, the park officially announced that the final chance to ride the 2002 Intamin impulse coaster would be Labor Day.
Opinions vary on whether the ride will be scrapped, sold or relocated at another Cedar Fair park. Currently there is no official word on the matter. Nor is there any confirmation of what (if anything) may be replacing it along the beach.
In other sad news, Top Thrill Dragster had an alarming accident on August 15. Upon reaching the brake run, a steel L-shaped bracket became dislodged from a train and struck a guest waiting in the queue. Investigations prompted the park to make the call to close the ride for the remainder of the season.
The 120-mph, 420-foot coaster is a huge fan favorite. Enthusiasts hope that off-season improvements will bring the ride to full operation once again.
Do-Dodonpa
Photo: Mac Rush. View full-sized image.
And … Do-Dodonpa Closes
Also in August, Fuji-Q Highland closed Do-Dodonpa. The park in Fujiyosida, Japan, is known for extreme thrills with several intense coasters. Do-Dodonpa launches riders from 0 to 122 mph in under two seconds. The S&S air-launched coaster opened in 2001 with a top hat element as its tallest point. In 2017 it completed a makeover that removed that element and replaced it with a 161-foot-tall vertical loop.
An incident involving four people suffering back and neck fractures resulted in the closure.
Although rain dampened the 2018 visit to the park on the East Meets ACE tour, most attendees enjoyed a ride on this exhilarating coaster.
Ice Mountain Bobsleds is Enchanted Forest’s unique roller coaster.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Skateboarding for Enchanted Forest
In more positive news, Tactics, a company that sells skateboards, snowboards, clothing and other accessories opted to make a limited edition run of skateboards and T-shirts to help support the Enchanted Forest park in Turner, Oregon. Enchanted Forest was devastated with damage from winter storms earlier this year.
One of the team riders grew up going to Enchanted Forest and now brings his own kids, one of whom can be seen skateboarding through the charming park at: https://www.tactics.com/info/enchanted-forest-collection.
Xolo Loca surrounds the Hot Tamales coaster.
Photo: Sue Nichols. View full-sized image.
Xolo Loca Nestles Into Casino Pier
On August 18, Xolo Loca, an SBF spinning coaster, opened at Casino Pier (Seaside Heights, New Jersey). This “Big Air” model features two flipping carriages that enthusiasts dub “hamster wheels.”
In addition to the flipping cars, another rare attribute is that Xolo Loca surrounds another coaster within its track. The Hot Tamales L&T minicoaster snuggles within the oval layout of the newer Xolo Loca. Both coasters have a Mexican theme. “Xolo” is the national dog of Mexico.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
@#$%&!
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