originally posted on 11/12/2021
The half-and-half nature of Mr. Freeze’s current look shows the before and after.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
A Light Freeze
Local fans of Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington) are delighted to see Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast getting a new paint scheme. When the launched coaster from Premier Rides was built in the late 1990s, it was all a monochromatic light blue. In later years, it was painted dark blue with a red track, which was a slightly curious choice when considering its namesake. In recent years, the paint has faded, chipped and looked noticeably dingy. Currently, the ride is being painted. The structure is returning to a light blue, and the track is a bright, creamy blue.
The episode of “Dinner Impossible” made for a great promotional piece for Cedar Point.
Photo: Courtesy of Cedar Point. View full-sized image.
Cedar Point Appears on The Food Network’s Dinner Impossible
The season premiere of this season’s “Dinner Impossible,” which appears on The Food Network, showcased Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio). In honor of the park’s 150th anniversary, the celebrity chef team had the challenge to feed 150 park fans using the ingredients found in the park’s kitchens. Further, the original dishes had to be inspired by three of the park’s attractions. Opting for one of the park’s coasters, a children’s ride and a daring thrill ride, the episode was filmed within a single day that included planning, riding and cooking. The rides chosen were Valravn, Kiddy Kingdom Carousel and Frontier Fling (Skycoaster). Cedar Point looked great in the episode, and it resulted in some wonderful publicity.
The episode is available On Demand.
The Riddler Mindbender.
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags Over Georgia. View full-sized image.
Georgia’s Mind Bender Is Now The Riddler Mindbender
A long refurbishment finally was completed in September. The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Mind Bender closed to the public following the end of the 2019 season. With more than four decades of operation, the coaster could have been reaching the end of its lifespan. Thankfully, Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell) didn’t give up.
While villainous touches had graced the 1978 Schwarzkopf classic for numerous years, the eventual takeover of the ride brought a completion to the Gotham City area that began with the addition of Batman The Ride. The revamped ride is now The Riddler Mindbender. New braking systems, lift, sections of track and a brand new paint job were all parts of the refurbishment process. In the past, two 28-passenger trains operated on the ride. Now three 20-passsenger trains are in use. The jury is out on whether the capacity will be improved, but fortunately the height requirement remains the same, and it is still just a lap bar in use for the restraint.
Lil’ Devil Coaster.
Photo: Joe Sturek. View full-sized image.
Lil’ Devil Sneaks Out Early at Six Flags Great Adventure
What’s old is new again. What was Road Runner Railway, a Zamperla junior coaster in the kiddie section of Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey), has reappeared. The former was removed for the installation of Jersey Devil Coaster.
Repainted a sharp red and orange, the coaster is seeing new life as Lil’ Devil Coaster. While actually a part of a children’s section overhaul for 2022, Lil’ Devil Coaster was ready early and opened on September 30. This brings the park’s coaster count to 14.
Thunderbolt.
Photo: Courtesy of Kennywood. View full-sized image.
Kennywood Loves Its Coasters
With so much talk about parks taking care of their coasters, Kennywood might be the champ with TLC given to four. The Phantom’s Revenge is enjoying a color change. The teal green track since its reintroduction in 2001 has been painted a brilliant purple — or is in the process.
But that’s not all. The park’s three famous woodies — all ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks — are enjoying new paint and some repair. The paint jobs are courtesy of Baynum Painting.
ACE can appreciate the love shown to the park’s most famous coasters. The lineup should look great for the hundreds of cameras attendees will have on hand at Coaster Con 44 next June.
Photo: Courtesy of Baynum Painting. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy of Kennywood. View full-sized image.
Thunderbolt.
Photo: Courtesy of Kennywood. View full-sized image.
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