Cliff's Amusement Park to receive Greezed Lightnin'

[Dragon KhanWhen I grow up, I want to breed donkeys!]

^this combined to the fact that a lot of Schwarzkopf ex engineers and workers are now working for Gerstlauer, who seem to be responsible for a lot of former Anton projects (Sooperdooperlooper, Turbine... maybe Revolution ? , and then, why not the one at ex Kentucky Kingdom) Maybe they can rebuild an older type launch system or modify it and upgrade it with a more modern one. But I agree with Eric that it might not be easy and be a lil' costly for a ride that could only run further for a couple of years...

[QueerRudieFull Fledged Meat Enthusiast!]

This is great news indeed!

America going back to having, what, 3 Schwarzkopf shuttle loops again? (Assuming the other Greezed Lightnin' at Bluegrass Boardwalk reopens.)

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the launch system for the Bluegrass Boardwalk's Greezed Lightnin' is beyond repair and the spare parts were sold to the park in Brazil. Seems I remember R.D. or someone else mentioning that. With only two other weight drop launch shuttle coasters still operating, I can only imagine how difficult/expensive it will be to get the launch system up and running again.

It is good news.

Honestly, I don't think it'd be that hard to do. Schwarzkopf designs were fairly simple mechanically. If there's the will there's the way.

^this combined to the fact that a lot of Schwarzkopf ex engineers and workers are now working for Gerstlauer, who seem to be responsible for a lot of former Anton projects (Sooperdooperlooper, Turbine... maybe Revolution ? , and then, why not the one at ex Kentucky Kingdom) Maybe they can rebuild an older type launch system or modify it and upgrade it with a more modern one. But I agree with Eric that it might not be easy and be a lil' costly for a ride that could only run further for a couple of years...

In all reality, Gerstlauer IS Schwarzkopf's fourth edition- complete with using the same buildings in Munsterhausen, DE. Gerstlauer himself trained under The Master Himself, and learned quite a bit from Him.

As for Bluegrass Boardwalks' Greezed Lightning: There is some serious doubt towards the usability of the existing hardware for the ride- particularly the drop-weight mechanism, as well as the actual clutch assembly- both of which are the second set. The ride itself is actually two Drop-weight shuttle loops merged into one- ironically, the twin sister Tidal Waves from the Great America parks. Spares for this ride are not only rare- but not built by anybody. There were only a handful of the drop-weight models made in the first run.

One of the issues that I've been seeing pop up about it is this: Couldn't they replace the drop-weight with a flywheel version: The simple, non-complex answer is 'No' as Schwarzkopf refined the design greatly when the flywheel version was created. While the 'pusher foot' mechanism is the same, everything else, from the cable pullpoints and return mechanism are completely different, meaning they (BB that is) would have to replace the entire launch system- at a staggering cost.

Could Gerstlauer repair/renovate it? Possibly- but with a very high price tag. A new drop-weight mechanism would be the pricey part- as they would have to build one completely from scratch off of the blueprints, as well as building a new clutch-drive mechanism for the cable and mount. Or they could turn the ride into a LSM system- also expensive. The train, as we now know, could easily be replaced with a new model. However, the ride would need some -hefty- restoration to the track, supports and other facets as well.

Honestly, I don't want to 'lose' another Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop- but looking at BB's model, it would require considerable expense to get it to a fully working, reliable state first.

[johnychenWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

Great news. Astroworld (RIP) was my home park. It's nice to see good old Greezed Lightnin' coming back to life. It's one of the few flywheel driven shuttle loops and was one of my favorite rides.

Another plus is that it will in a state next door. Granted it may be a bit of a drive from Houston (about 885 miles away, Texas is just a really big state). This will definitely give me an excuse to visit Cliff's.

[coasterfreak101Gimme Some Candy!]

Great news! Glad to see more Astroworld (and Schwarzkopf!) classics living on.

[MayTheGForceBeWithYouStar Wars is gay.]

Good to hear this! Monte is no longer alone here!

[Six Flags AddictDid the donkey fairy give me this title?]

This is really good news. I actually was looking at some of the smaller US parks the other day and thought that Cliff's should get a Euro-fighter or something in the near future. I think that this will be a good, solid coaster addition. I'll definitely have to hit up the park if I end up in the area.

[jzooleI know more about donkeys than women!]

Oh my god!!! I have written emails to SO many small parks to tell them they should buy up Greezed Lightning!! (Lame, i know.) This is such awesome news!!!

[XIII prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

This is fantastic news!!! I never thought I'd see this ride run again, so hearing this news is excellent!!!

[XYZA village is missing its IDIOT!]

This is awesome news! Plus, I like how it's in close proximity to CA. Cliff's really needed a new coaster as the Rattler is 10 years old this year.

[odene497I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Very exciting news! I visit family in Arizona every so often, and have always wanted to go ride the Rattler. Now I'll really have to make the drive to New Mexico.