PW NOV08 P25.qxd:PW NOV08 P25.qxd 3/11/08 12:15 Page 25
Park News
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Over The Hill and full of thrills!
Adventure Island relaunches
dark ride
British seaside park Adventure Island, Southend, recently unveiled a new look
dark ride just in time for Halloween.
Over The Hill represents a £1 million (Euro.1861.27m/$1.67m) revamp of the
former Beelzee Bob’s Trail and is hosted by a creepy new character called The
Undertaker, who waves guests goodbye as they set off a fear-filled trip to an
abandoned cemetery.
The experience was designed and built in-house by Adventure Island’s head
of art and design Paul Clapp together with his brother Martin, who worked on
the Oscar-winning short animation Peter and the Wolf.
“Over The Hill has taken a year to complete,” says Paul, “but it’s well worth
the wait. It features CGI video projections, lighting special-effects, model
animations and a state-of-the- art audio system.”
Twenty-five-thousand-metres of cabling and over 100 gallons of paint were
used to create the thrilling new attraction.
Pleasure Island staff sample the new-look ride. From left to right: Head of
design Paul Clapp, general manager Robert Roberts, chief excecutive
Philip Miller and marketing man Mike Pressling
Reverchon goes bump
ROBOCOASTER 4D
Kuka, the German robot manufacturer, has added a new dimension to
Reverchon International Design, the French bumper car specialist, has
its Robocoaster ride by offering a 4D Simulator version. The attraction
ceased trading after more than 80 years in business. The firm shut the
includes a new enclosed “bubble” capsule. Inside riders watch a ride
doors at its premises in Samois, about an hour from Paris, earlier this year,
film as the robot arm completes a synchronised series of movements
citing “adverse trading conditions in the amusement business.”
wilder and more intense than any other simulator on the market.
Founded by Gaston Reverchon, the company split some years ago from
its ride manufacturing arm and appeared to be less risk adverse as a
A fan inside the capsule provides added wind effects to punctuate
consequence. Although its cars remain the preferred choice of many
the action on screen, and an onboard audio system is also
operators, it appears that some are now upgrading less frequently than they
included. At present only 2D images are available, but developers
did, and this combined with the economic situation in general all played a
are promising high definition 3D content in future – without
part in the company’s downfall.
glasses. A camera and microphone allow for passenger observation
In a notice to customers, Philippe Reverchon wrote: “I was always keen to
inside the capsule, and a smoke detector is also fitted. The front
manufacture a high quality product with an attractive design. I wish to express
cover is easily removable for evacuation purposes and panic lighting
my personal thanks and regards to all our clients, it has been a great
is installed.
pleasure working with you all and we will never forget this.”
Kuka director of sales Mike Beaupre says Robocoaster 4D allows
A new company, DPR Spares, has been
much more scope simply because riders are not thinking about the robot while they
established to offer parts and service for all
are riding. Nevertheless it still provides an arresting sight for spectators and passers-
Reverchon International Design
by. The capsule can also be retro-fitted to existing Robocoaster rides and a number
products.
of customers have already made enquiries about doing so.
The first unit has been operational since the start of the year at the Les2Aples ski
LEFT: Fear not bumper car
resort in France where it forms part of an avalanche exhibition. During the recent
owners, DPR will handle all Euro Attractions Show in Munich, Kuka demonstrated a new ride film based on
Reverchon spares! Maurer Söhne’s Abismo, a real life rollercoaster at Parque de Atracciones de
Madrid.
Märchenpark expands
The “Bubble” capsule design
After a successful jubilee season, in which the park attracted more than
300,000 guests for the very first time, Märchenpark Neusiedlersee in Austria is
to invest over Euro.1864 million ($5.2m) for the coming year.
Infrastructure improvements, including a new restaurant, new cashier
stations and increased parking will be added as well as three new rides: Sea
Serpent by Metallbau Emmeln, Crazy Scarecrow by ABC Engineering and
Waterfight by Künstlerische Holzgestaltung Jürgen Bergmann/interactives by
Hofmann.
The 2009 season starts on April 4.
NOVEMBER 2008 25
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