Knott’s Berry Ranch kicks off historic roller coaster renovation – Orange County Register

Knott’s Berry Farm undertook a major renovation of a roller coaster in 1978 that has been deemed a historic landmark as the last operational ride of its kind in the United States and the longest ride in the location. Its original.

Montezooma’s Revenge closes on Monday, January 10 to undergo a year-long renovation that will run until 2023.

“This flywheel-launched shuttle is the first of its kind and will be upgraded with exciting changes while retaining the unique ride charm that our guests have come to love. over many generations,” according to Knott .’s official Facebook page.

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Knott’s will have to strike a delicate balance with “major renovations” of the classic coaster to ensure that historic qualities are preserved while introducing just enough updates to justify the exclusivity. the freshness of the revived and reborn Monty.

Montezooma’s revenge is Mold status is granted in June 2019 by American Rollercoaster Enthusiasts when the classic Knott attraction was designated a roller coaster of historical significance and joined the outstanding list of thrill rides ever. Award winning has withstood the test of time.

The ACE Landmark plaque recognizes Montezooma’s Revenge as the last operating ride of its kind in the United States and the longest in its original location. Only 45 trips worldwide have been assigned Landmark of the ACE glider.

“Knott’s Berry Farm is proud to receive the ACE Landmark designation for Revenge of Montezooma,” Knott’s said in a statement at the time of the honor. “This glider was a pioneer in the industry at the time it was first launched because it was the first flywheel-launched glider. We take great pride in our heritage, our rollercoaster of innovation and by introducing industry firsts. ”

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Follow Roller Coaster Database. The Steel Shuttle Circle Roller features a flywheel launch that propels the train from 0 to 55 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The high-speed launch takes the racers through a 76-meter-high vertical detour. After climbing a 148 ft high dead-end tower, the train reversed course, flew over the station, and climbed another 112 ft high dead-end tower. The short but thrilling ride ends when the train returns to the station.

Montezooma’s Revenge was built by Germany-based glider manufacturer Anton Schwarzkopf based on a plan developed by renowned glider designer Werner Stengel.

“The 1978 Schwarzkopf flywheel-launched roller coaster has been around for a while,” according to Theme Park Insider. “Switching to a more modern starter and brake system could help the classic sled enjoy better uptime – at a lower cost to Knott – than the Fiesta Village attraction of years old. recently.”

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What upgrades are planned for Montezooma’s Revenge?

Buena Park amusement park did not say what changes are planned for the historic roller coaster.

Follow Screamscape.

In recent years, new trains have been added to classic Schwarzkopf coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Revolution), Six Flags Over Georgia (Riddler) and Hersheypark (Sooper Dooper Looper), according to Screamscape.

According to Screamscape, “New trains are always a possibility, although Knott’s has consistently kept the original trains in pretty good shape through a rotational program of ongoing maintenance,” according to Screamscape.

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German car manufacturer Gerstlauer has been working on updates to the Schwarzkopf flywheel-powered shuttle similar to Montezooma’s Revenge at Knott’s. Gerstlauer has transformed a Schwarzkopf flywheel glider at Walibi Belgium with a new linear induction motor and new trains, according to Screamscape.

Knott’s will have to walk a thin path while upgrading Montezooma’s Revenge. The new train, flywheel launch system and paint will likely preserve the ride’s historic status quo. Magnetic launch and brake systems could change Monty’s original nature forever.