originally posted on 5/27/2022 1:06:00 AM
The men of the Mack family pose with the donation.
Photo: Courtesy of Europa-Park. View full-sized image.
For more than 28 years, the seven trains of the Eurosat roller coaster were speeding inside the metallic dome at Europa-Park (Rust, Germany), carrying more than 80 million passengers from 1989 until November 5, 2017. The space-themed attraction was a capacity machine, with quick dispatches between trains, not to mention seven (!) trains in operation.
In the 10 months that followed, the popular coaster inside the futuristic silver sphere was completely reimagined as Eurosat CanCan Coaster. While this is an unusual name, it is a delightful fit as the coaster is now themed around Moulin Rouge as an anchor attraction in the France section. Part of the domed sphere was removed, and the track was completely replaced and now offers a significantly improved riding experience thanks to technical progress in track engineering and updated coaster trains manufactured by Mack Rides.
Like many indoor rides, the sense of speed is enhanced in the dark. The top speed is less than 40 mph, and the height is almost 84 feet. The original ride’s spiral lift is still in place within the center of the sphere.
Photo: Courtesy of Europa-Park. View full-sized image.
One of the retired trains is now getting a new home, as the Mack family has donated it to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Plainview, Texas. The donated train vehicles have been restored to ensure they look their best.
“My father, Franz Mack, invented and engineered Eurosat with the help of self-made models,” said Europa-Park owner Roland Mack. “He immersed himself in the development of this ride for months. To see one of the Eurosat trains now exhibited in the National Roller Coaster Museum — showing visitors a piece of history of Europa-Park — is a special honor and a great remembrance of my father.”
Franz Mack.
Photo: Courtesy of Europa-Park. View full-sized image.
Since 2009, the museum has exhibited numerous collector's items, such as ride vehicles, designs and specialist literature as a reminder of the success story of roller coasters. This is the largest historical collection of its kind, which is now being expanded to include its first exhibit from Europa-Park and Mack Rides. Many ACE members have enjoyed tours of the facility, which is continually being expanded and completed, at the biannual West Texas Roundup event, or they have arranged for personal tours.
“We are honored to begin a relationship with Mack Rides and Europa-Park,” commented Jeff Novotny, NRCMA chairman. “The Mack family is a foundational cornerstone of our entire industry. Their ride designs, theming and attention to detail have made Europa-Park a benchmark for the world. We jumped at the opportunity to add a legendary Eurosat roller coaster train from Europa-Park to our collection. It will help us tell a more global story of the industry through the years.”
Funky space theming was the vibe for the original coaster.
Photo: Keith Kastelic. View full-sized image.
Eurosat could run up to seven trains at once.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The train is currently being prepared for transport. A sign is being created by Europa-Park. It will read:
“With its unique spiral lift hill and state-of-the-art-for-that-time design, Eurosat delivered approximately 80 million thrilling rides to Europa-Park guests during its 28-year run. Eurosat was reimagined and updated but still holds the spirit of the original ride but now as the Eurosat CanCan Coaster based on the Moulin Rouge of Paris, France.
The Mack Family, owners of Europa-Park and Mack Rides, proudly donates this section of Eurosat train to commemorate the 100th Birthday Celebration of Franz Mack and his amazing achievements.”
Ride stats will also be given.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor, with assistance from the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives
Photo: Jason Hammond. View full-sized image.
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