Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
Steel track for wooden coasters
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), of Hayden, Idaho, reckons it has hit on something that will revolutionise wooden rollercoasters The company’s prefabricated steel track and support structure is currently being
fitted to the Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, where it will allow the ride to operate at higher speeds, plunge over steeper drops and bank more intensely. A smoother ride experience is also expected. RMC was established in 2001 by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon, who
between them have over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry. “Both steel and wooden coasters have their advantages. Why not combine the
best of both?” asks Grubb. “After rebuilding many tracks, the need became clear for something better. After three years of development and engineering, we now have the solution." RMC's innovative steel track
technology means there will be less construction cost than other pre-manufactured tracks for wooden coasters, as well as less maintenance and downtime. RMC can retrofit existing rides with the steel track.
As Six Flags Over Texas, park president is excited: “This ride is going to take the entire industry by storm," he declares.
Back Lot Stunt Coaster at Kings Dominion, one of Premier’s launch coasters
Premier Rides moves
Premier Rides has relocated its headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland, as part of plans for expansion. The company has purchased the former Baron & Co cigar factory and plans an extensive upgrade of the 35,000 sq ft property in the city’s Little Italy district. “Baltimore is a dynamic technology focused waterfront city with a highly educated workforce," notes Premier Rides president Jim Seay. “I am both excited to become part of the fabric of the city and honoured to have had the opportunity to oversee the restoration of such a historic building.”
Although built in the 1800s, the office utilises many state-of-the-art technologies. “As an example," explains Seay, "Premier deployed a fixed wireless internet connection which allows quick scaling of our Internet bandwidth. Additionally, we have a satellite connection displaying high- definition format on seven flat-panels around the office that allow video conference sessions to take place with our clients and the rest of the Premier Rides staff located around the world.”
The new track is fitted to Texas Giant Parks & Resorts Scandinavia
buys second animal park The Swedish operator Parks & Resorts Scandinavia (PRS) is to acquire the Furuvik animal park in the city of Gävle. The 110-year-old park, for many years owned by the Nygren family, was
last operated by Furuvik Management, a co-operative society. Furvik Management and PRS have agreed not to go public on the purchase price. Parks & Resorts Scandinavia's existing interests include Gröna Lund and
Aquaria in Stockholm, Skara Sommarland, Kolmården animal park and a share in the ABBA World exhibition.
www.furuvik.se
Best known for its high-tech magnetic launch coasters, Premier Rides is an international supplier of rollercoasters, observation wheels, tower rides, water rides and custom designed attractions. The company offers a comprehensive service division supplying engineering support, refurbishment and part supplies on a 24-hour emergency basis. Premier Rides acquired the historic Baron Co & building, which had been left vacant for several decades, in 2005. It has since carried out extensive structural and historic renovation to bring it in line with modern codes and practices. The company offers additional representation in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
www.premier-rides.com The new premises in Baltimore
18 JULY 2010
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