News from Germany

Maurer Söhne round the world

While the Munich firm submitted a model of the future X-Car Hollywood Rip Rock It Ride at EAS, planned for next summer at Universal Studios Orlando, the manufacturer does not stop there. It is also working on a large launched roller coaster with two dueling tracks for the Ferrari Park in Abu Dhabi. The two 1050-metre long courses will have four launches. Also ready to go, a Spinning Coaster for a Chinese amusement park 50 km from Beijing, and finally, another one for an indoor shopping mall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

























King Kong and Movie Base land at Huss


The German company Huss will finally see delivered, in 2009, its long-awaited family attraction: King Kong; which will first come to Bobbejaanland, Belgium, and then to Pal in France.
The other planned novelty is Movie Base. A simulator akin to Disneyland California Adventure’s Soaring over California. It holds 90 people (held by lap bars) spread over 3 stacked rows mounted on vehicles. They will move facing an image wall for a total immersion in the film. Three copies have already been sold: two in China (one in Shenzhen and one for a park that will open in Shanghai in 2010-2011). The third will be for the Ferrari Park in Abu Dhabi, which will also acquire two other attractions from the manufacturer.





A new roller coaster for Mack Rides in 2009


This will be the first launched coaster from Mack Rides (using an LSM catapult system). It will feature four inversions (looping, 2 Corkscrews and a Heartline Roll); a thrill ride that is quite new for the German supplier who, until now, has only manufactured family coasters. The 1,100-metre long by 38-metre high track will feature a near 45-second dark ride section, for a total duration of 3 minutes. Equipped with a lap-bar restraint system, the five trains will hold 20 riders each, yielding a 1,700 passenger/hour capacity.










What's new at Gerstlauer?

Various Gerstlauer projects programmed for 2009... The first will be Anubis. A large figure-eight LSM with catapult which will open for Easter in Plopsaland, Belgium. Though designed for the whole family , it is more intense than the previous ride to best suit the adolescents and young adult targets. The very compact 600-meter long by 34-meter high, circuit, will include three inversions (including an Immelmann and a Heartline Roll). In addition, Three Euro Fighters will open at Thorpe Park (UK), Hansa Park (Germany), and F1-X Park in Dubai. Other novelty: a 60-meter Ferris wheel at Nigloland in eastern France.






























Kuka modifies its robocoaster

The German firm Kuka had amongst others the robocoaster Dancing with Robots at Futuroscope (France). It returns this year with a new version of its product, which now features a closed cabin for two passengers. Inside, a film is shown on a monitor, the ride thus becomes a 4D simulator thanks to the addition of air effects. A first one is currently in operation at the French ski resort “Les 2 Alpes”, and a second one will be available at year’s end in Gex, a French ski resort.