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Mr. Toshio Kamei


Great Coasters International says: “We offer the smoothest, most twisted, and highest quality wooden roller coaster attractions in the world. Our staff of engineers, project coordinators,


and field construction supervisors has earned the reputation of being the most conscientious in the business. Our attention to detail makes the addition of a GCI wooden coaster a solid investment. It is an investment with a company that views itself as your partner, offering a lifetime of service and support after the attraction is open.” “In 2021 we announced the next product in the


Mr. Masakazu Matsumoto


legacy: Titan Track. An engineering marvel, this weld free steel track now puts us in a new league of coaster manufacturing; able to create both wood and steel rollercoaster attractions. “Titan Track can be used for inverting, launching


and full or partial ride re-tracking. “The engineering behind Titan Track sets the


system apart from any other hybrid rollercoaster. The true wood to steel transitions, make for a unique ride experience and allows classic rides to retain the original layout. “Riding the transitions feels seamless. Riders will


smoothly transition from a wood track to a steel one without any rough spots.”


various other projects. Regina is the first project for us to realise together.


How far into the project are you and when do you anticipate it completing? Work on the new station and new steampunk design began in January this year. Due to current Covid-19 pandemic, there is a possibility of delay, but we are aiming to open new Regina in March 2023.


What kind of experience do you hope it will provide? We are sure that new Regina will be smoother and more exciting coaster than the original one.


Becci also spoke to Mr. Masakazu Matsumoto, manager of Tobu Zoo.


When did Tobu Zoo open? Tobu Zoo was opened on 28 March 1981. The Zoo was the major attraction at that time.


What is the history of your relationship with Sanoyas? A small ride was delivered by Sanoyas Rides Corporation in 2001, and after a while of absence, a ferris wheel (Emma’s Cheese Windmill) was delivered by Sanoyas in 2013. A ride was also delivered in 2014 and 2020. In


addition, Sanoyas also carries out some ride maintenance for us.


What is the ride’s history? Regina was opened as a wooden roller coaster installed over a pond, which was first in the world, on 18 March 2000. Total length was 1,334m and max speed was 90km/h. On August 9, 2019, it was closed due to deterioration


of trains but there was a strong desire for it to re-open from both our guests and our employees. After our inspection and verification of structure, the


track and columns were found to be sound, so we decided that we would re-open it.


What are your plans for Regina? What are you doing to the ride that will “bring it back to life”? New Regina will have a steampunk theme. The entrance and platform will be upgraded with the theme and themed figures will be installed around the ride to appeal to the sense of it being “re-born”.


How will the updates/technical elements enhance the ride? Originally 4 passengers x 7 coaches, the train will be upgraded to GCI’s 2 passengers x 12 coaches train. The 9 pry track will be fully replaced and the 2 pry rail


at the outside of curve will also be replaced. With these upgrades, we are aiming to make new


Regina more comfortable and smoother ride than the original one.


What kind of experience do you hope it will provide? We would like to provide more exciting and exhilarating ride experience to our guests while maintaining the identity of the wooden coaster.


Can you give me some fun facts about the ride? Regina is a unique wooden roller coaster installed over a pond. Especially at night with illumination, its ride experience is fantastic.


Regina, Tobu Zoo


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WINTER PART 1 2022


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