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Ride Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
barrel roll, and our team tied
all of these fun aspects into
some very smooth and
perfectly timed transitions.
The pacing couldn’t be any
better."
Collins rides frequently,
and loves it: "I like all
aspects of the ride, however
the outward turn and roll are
my favourite part. Not only is
it a fantastic attraction, the
ride and structure is striking
and it is as much fun to
watch as it is to ride. S&S
delivered a first class ride
experience in a small "Indiana Beach wanted a coaster that would complement their fun
footprint.” personality and draw families to the park," concludes Checketts. "The
The very compact Steel ride itself was planned to contain as many exciting elements as possible
Hawg occupies a ground in a very small footprint and to provide a ride experience that was
space of just 90 by 200ft, thrilling but not too intimidating."
but rises 100ft into the air. At The choice of the name Steel Hawg, incidentally, does not refer to a
the top of the lift hill riders metal swine, but rather a large motorcycle, which is colloquially
briefly enjoy a postcard view referred to as a "hawg." Specifically, it pays homage to the late actor
of the park and lake. Since James Dean, born 70 miles east of Indiana Beach in 1931, and who
the first appearance of the famously loved bikes. Now you know.
Screamin' Squirrel in 2002,
S&S has worked to perfect its
version of a tower coaster, and El Loco is the answer. It is unlike any
other coaster anywhere.
The sleekly-styled orange and black cars seen at Indiana Beach are
reminiscent of those on the Screamin’ Squirrel, complete with a snug lap
bar and a redundant shoulder restraint. The biggest difference between
the Squirrel and El Loco, however, is the addition of so many different
elements. S&S let senior engineer Alan Schilke create something new
and different. Though the manufacturer made a name for itself with the
air-powered rides, air is used on Steel Hawg only to activate the restraint
system at the loading platform. The biggest challenge for S&S was to
complete the necessary design work, engineer the ride and produce and
install a world-class coaster in less than eight months from signing of the
contract.
Under New Management
passed away in 1946, Tom took over. A year later he introduced the
first permanent rides. The Spackman family vision drove Indiana
In addition to Steel Hawg, Indiana Beach also features over 30 other
Beach to grow from a swimming area in a cornfield to the largest
rides and attractions, a large sightseeing paddleboat, miniature golf,
amusement resort and vacation playground in Indiana, a destination
two campgrounds and a hotel. The adjacent
enjoyed by nearly 750,000 visitors annually. Several Spackman
waterpark features six slides, a
family members are still working for the
sprayground, and an action river, while
park, and in fact Tom Spackman
the boardwalk features a sandy beach,
continues to dine in the Skyroom
shopping, dining and dancing.
restaurant almost daily.
It was the campgrounds in particular
Since acquiring Indiana Beach
that encouraged new owner Morgan RV
Resort, Morgan has not only invested in
Resorts to purchase the property from the
Steel Hawg but also spruced up the park
Spackman family back in February of this year. The largest private
by painting various facilities, adding new sides to
owner and operator of RV (recreational vehicle) parks and resorts in
buildings, planting more flowers and introducing more landscaping.
the United States, Morgan’s destination resorts provides affordable
There are also new food and games locations throughout the park
family getaways combined with add-ons like swimming pools,
and a number of additional accommodation options. A range of
playgrounds and various other entertainment options. Why not an
fresh ticket options has also been introduced to enable guests to
amusement park too?
enjoy the park for two or three consecutive days at a reduced rate.
Indiana Beach was founded as Ideal Beach in 1926 by Earl
Indiana Beach remains open weekends until October 26.
Spackman with his son, Tom, working alongside him. When his father
www.indianabeach.com
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SEPTEMBER 2008
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