originally posted on 5/20/2022
Image: Courtesy of Big Rivers. View full-sized image.
Big Rivers Opens New Spinning Coaster
Texas received a new spinning roller coaster for the 2022 season with Rolling Thunder. The SBF-Visa figure-eight-style spinning coaster can be found at Big Rivers (Caney, Texas). This model of coaster has already proved to be extremely successful with installations at many parks and family entertainment centers across the world. It offers a fun experience for both kids and thrill seekers alike because the spinning cars allow for a more dynamic and re-rideable experience. Those searching for roller coaster credits in Texas — and they seem to be all over — should make their way out to Big Rivers to experience the new Rolling Thunder. The included waterpark is a way to cool off too.
V2 Vertical Velocity is now The Flash.
Photos: Courtesy of Six Flags. View full-sized image.
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Six Flags Great America Changes in a Flash
Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois) announced a conversion of the former Vertical Velocity roller coaster to The Flash: Vertical Velocity for the 2022 season. The ride’s look is almost unrecognizable from that of past seasons, with a flashy red and yellow paint scheme and queue theming. The new motif will feature a more themed experience and updated colors when compared with the former name of Vertical Velocity. But don’t worry about a change in the ride experience; the same powerful launches and unique “shuttle coaster” design are here to stay. The retheme complements the new DC Universe section of the park, also new for 2022. DC Universe replaces the former Yankee Harbor section, featuring multiple ride rethemes and new DC Comic theming.
Image: Courtesy of Maurer. View full-sized image.
Maurer Snow
A new coaster concept from German roller coaster manufacturer Maurer Rides may be the future of alpine coasters. The concept is called the Spike Snow Coaster, using the company’s successful Spike coaster technology, just designed for a different terrain. The Spike coaster model features individual ride cars straddling a thin monorail-style track design. The model even allows riders to control the speed of their ride vehicle by using a motorcycle-style throttle. The Snow variation is intended for ski resorts or other hilly terrains. The concept is essentially a souped-up alpine coaster, which is currently the most popular option with ski resorts and, specifically, steep terrains. While alpine coasters often feature rider-controlled friction brakes to adjust the ride’s speed, those types of coasters are gravity powered, unlike the Spike Snow Coaster, which allows for rapid accelerations and decelerations. This concept is definitely one to watch as it may just be the future of alpine coasters.
The Phantom’s Revenge, Thunderbolt, and Jack Rabbit received fresh paint.
Photos: Aaron Lesko. View full-sized image.
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Kennywood Refreshes Classics
Kennywood (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania) debuted the 2022 season with numerous updates to the park’s classic lineup of roller coasters. Multiple coasters received new paint including one steel coaster, The Phantom’s Revenge, and a pair of the park’s vintage wooden coasters, Thunderbolt and Jack Rabbit. Following the theme of enhancing classic experiences, Jack Rabbit received a new entrance sign, a mural in the queue and new magnetic brakes. Thunderbolt benefited from a bright new paint job of familiar white with red accents, along with the same brake conversion as Jack Rabbit. The Phantom’s Revenge, a steel megacoaster, received new track color nicknamed “Petrifying Purple.” The track is a deep purple and supports are black. This color was voted on by fans last season when Kennywood held a contest between the ride’s classic light-green color scheme and the new purple color. Additionally, the ride’s station received new paint on the rafters and sides, adding to the fresh look of the ride. If you haven’t visited Kennywood for the 2022 season yet, some of the park’s roller coasters are looking better than ever! Those attending Coaster Con 44 should get their cameras ready.
— Compiled by Josh Brown
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