Python - Efteling (Netherlands)
Python 15/01/2018 14h11
No more loopings! The Python in De Efteling is de-looped in the afternoon of January 15th 2018. The tracks are fully renovated at the oldest steel double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster of Europe. After about 36 years it was time to renovate this famous roller coaster. Perhaps one of the first roller coasters in Europe that was considered cultural heritage. The last ride was made on the 5th of January and the demolition started on Monday 8th January. After one week more than half of the tracks were dismantled.
The new Python (lets call it Python verson 2.0) is sheduled to re-open the last week of March or early April.
Python
Python is a double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster in the Efteling amusement park in the Netherlands. When it started operation, it was the largest steel roller coaster on the European mainland.
With Python, Efteling started the implementation of a new strategy: development from a fairy-tale forest into an all-round amusement park. This change led to many problems with the local community. Environmentalists tried to get the building permit withdrawn, and the park's neighbors feared more problems arising from growing visitor numbers. Because of the likely noise pollution, the highest court of public justice ordered the construction to be stopped. After some time, construction could recommence, but legal problems continued for several more years.
In 2005 the trains were replaced by Kumbak Coasters designed by Karel Willemen and in December 2011 with Vekoma MK1212 trains. In mid January 2012, the python was fitted with new carriages. These new cars have a new set of restraints which accommodate the needs of riders large and small. There is a flexible over the shoulder strap which is not unlike those on accelerator coasters such as Kingda ka but slightly thicker. Over these are metal bars for riders to hold on to and to give support to the under straps. Also, the cars have been fitted with wheels that allow a smoother ride.
FACTS & FIGURES
Opening date: April 12, 1981
Type / model: steel double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster
Manufacturer: Vekoma
Lift/launch system: chain lift
Height: 29.00 m
Drop: 22 m
Length: 750.00 m
Speed: 75 km/h
Inversions: 4
Duration: 120 seconds
Capacity: 1400 riders per hour
G-force: 0 - 3.5
Trains: 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
[ Source: Wikipedia - Python (Efteling) ]
Python - Efteling (Netherlands)
Python 15/01/2018 14h11
No more loopings! The Python in De Efteling is de-looped in the afternoon of January 15th 2018. The tracks are fully renovated at the oldest steel double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster of Europe. After about 36 years it was time to renovate this famous roller coaster. Perhaps one of the first roller coasters in Europe that was considered cultural heritage. The last ride was made on the 5th of January and the demolition started on Monday 8th January. After one week more than half of the tracks were dismantled.
The new Python (lets call it Python verson 2.0) is sheduled to re-open the last week of March or early April.
Python
Python is a double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster in the Efteling amusement park in the Netherlands. When it started operation, it was the largest steel roller coaster on the European mainland.
With Python, Efteling started the implementation of a new strategy: development from a fairy-tale forest into an all-round amusement park. This change led to many problems with the local community. Environmentalists tried to get the building permit withdrawn, and the park's neighbors feared more problems arising from growing visitor numbers. Because of the likely noise pollution, the highest court of public justice ordered the construction to be stopped. After some time, construction could recommence, but legal problems continued for several more years.
In 2005 the trains were replaced by Kumbak Coasters designed by Karel Willemen and in December 2011 with Vekoma MK1212 trains. In mid January 2012, the python was fitted with new carriages. These new cars have a new set of restraints which accommodate the needs of riders large and small. There is a flexible over the shoulder strap which is not unlike those on accelerator coasters such as Kingda ka but slightly thicker. Over these are metal bars for riders to hold on to and to give support to the under straps. Also, the cars have been fitted with wheels that allow a smoother ride.
FACTS & FIGURES
Opening date: April 12, 1981
Type / model: steel double-loop Corkscrew roller coaster
Manufacturer: Vekoma
Lift/launch system: chain lift
Height: 29.00 m
Drop: 22 m
Length: 750.00 m
Speed: 75 km/h
Inversions: 4
Duration: 120 seconds
Capacity: 1400 riders per hour
G-force: 0 - 3.5
Trains: 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
[ Source: Wikipedia - Python (Efteling) ]