Last October, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced a temporary closure for the park’s iconic Loch Ness Monster roller coaster, noting a “full restoration” would take place through the winter of 2023 and spring of 2024, with the end goal of breathing...
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A Whirlwind 40 Years of Carolina Cyclone at Carowinds
According to meteorological data, since 1980, there have been more than 100 tropical or subtropical cyclones that have affected residents of North and South Carolina. But in these past forty years, there has only been one Cyclone that the people...
Continue reading...Chatting with Coaster Modeler Jonnie Rothfus
Jonnie Rothfus recently completed a custom-built, Arrow Dynamics-inspired roller coaster model in his apartment. I had the chance to chat with him to learn about the design process and construction of the incredible working model. UPDATE (8/16): Jonnie’s model is...
Continue reading...40 Facts to Celebrate 40 Years of Carowinds’ Carolina Cyclone
When thinking about the roller coasters at Carowinds’ roller coasters, your mind likely first thinks of the “new kids on the block,” Copperhead Strike and Fury 325. However, did you know that Carowinds is home to a true “Coaster Classic?”...
Continue reading...What’s the Best Arrow Looper Left?
With Vortex at King’s Island officially retired last month, I’ve been thinking about Arrow looping coasters. These days they’re generally regarded as pretty rough, and the popularity of the older coasters has dwindled. As they age it also gets harder...
Continue reading...40 Loch Ness Monster Facts to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary!
When you think of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, one of the first visuals that pops into your head is probably the iconic interlocking loops on the park’s oldest operating roller coaster, the Loch Ness Monster. In 2018, “Nessie” is celebrating its...
Continue reading...Behind the Scenes of Demon: Re-Ignited
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s Halloween Haunt at California’s Great America is the restoration of special effects to their classic Arrow looping coaster, Demon. Back in the day Demon included lighting, sound effects, and water features...
Continue reading...Ninja Derails at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Ninja coaster derailed Monday evening after striking a fallen tree branch, according to a statement by the park. Four riders received minor injuries, and up to 30 riders in total were stranded following the derailment. The...
Continue reading...A-Z Coaster of the Week: Vortex at Kings Island
This week’s A-Z Coaster takes us to Vortex at Kings Island. The 3,800-foot-long Arrow looper opened in 1987. Standing 148 feet tall, Vortex drops riders 138 feet at speeds of 55 mph before sending them through six inversions: two vertical...
Continue reading...Bat’s Rebirth Continues at Kings Island
Although Banshee is receiving much of the off-season attention at Kings Island, the park is also giving one of their older coasters a new look and new name for 2014. The park’s Arrow suspended coaster, Flight Deck, will reopen as...
Continue reading...The Bat Flies Again at Kings Island
Banshee won’t be the only new thing to see at Kings Island in 2014. The park announced today that the park’s Flight Deck coaster will be re-themed and renamed to “The Bat” for next season as a nod to the...
Continue reading...A-Z Coaster of the Week: Corkscrew
© Jon Roost I have a little story to go with this week’s A-Z Coaster of the Week, so go along with me here: In the mid 1970’s, you’re a representative of Arrow Dynamics and you’re approached by...
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