Big Apple (roller coaster)
| Big Apple | |
|---|---|
.JPG)
“Pomme” (French for apple) in Les Poussins, Parc de la Citadelle near Lille |
|
| Data | |
| Type | Steel - seated |
| model | Big Apple / Wacky Worm |
| category | Children's roller coaster |
| Drive type | Chain or friction wheel lift hill |
| Routing | Big Apple / Wacky Worm |
| Manufacturer | various |
| length | 132 m |
| height | 4 m |
| Dimensions | 28 × 13 m² |
| Max. speed | 15 km / h |
| Trains | 1 train, 4–6 cars / train, 2 rows of seats / car, 2 seats / row of seats |
| Inversions | no |
| Theming | Apple with worm and others |
Big Apple or Wacky Worm is a widespread type of roller coaster , both portable at public festivals and stationary in amusement parks . The rides are produced by various manufacturers, it is the most frequently built roller coaster type worldwide. Originally the track was designed by the Italian manufacturer Pinfari , then copied by many other manufacturers. The exact number of deliveries, partly also by the manufacturer, cannot be traced. The Rollercoaster Database alone - an Internet database that tries to record all stationary roller coasters - lists more than 500 systems.
The tracks are to be categorized as children's roller coaster, the footprint is compact at 28 × 13 meters and the track is therefore easy to transport. Many designs are named after a large plastic apple that the train has passed through on the rear right-hand side of the tracks as seen from the station. The train itself is usually designed as a caterpillar or "worm". There are various other designs of rail and train such as mine railroad, Speedy Gonzales or strawberry, some railways are completely untroubled except for the train .
Due to the short distance of around 132 meters, the systems only have one train with six cars for four people each in two rows. Exceptions are a few railways such as Kålormen (German caterpillar) in Tivoli Karolinelund or the Big Apple in Astroland on Coney Island . To increase the capacity, a turntable was installed on these railways, on which a second train could be loaded while the other was traveling on the route. The trains on these railways only have 4 cars. In contrast to other modern steel roller coasters, the chassis does not use wheels that grip the notes from the side or from below. The wheels of the trolleys are concave , which ensures lateral support. Plastic-coated metal bolts or claws attached below the rails secure the train against jumping out upwards.
The route describes an eight. After the station, the train makes a 180 ° right-hand bend to the chain or friction wheel lift . The lift is followed by another right-hand bend, which leads to a straight line running diagonally through the facility with small bumps. This is followed by a left curve over the first curve, which is followed by a small descent again crossing the facility diagonally. After the last right turn, the train reaches the station again. Many operators drive through the route several times due to the short journey.
A very similar roller coaster model that is often built is the Super Dragon by Pinfari. One representative is Beastie (formerly Dragon ) in Alton Towers, which is designed as a dragon with an implied castle. In contrast to the Big Apple, the lift runs diagonally through the facility, followed by a diagonal descent after the following curve. A second exit can be found on the back straight to the station. At 145 meters, the route is a little longer and at 32 × 13 meters the track takes up more space than a Big Apple.
The Pinfari model Circus Clown is also based on the same technology . This children's roller coaster consists only of a 50 meter long oval with a two meter high friction wheel lift and has a train with four carriages.
Family Coaster in Parc Saint-Paul , France with Pouzet friction wheel lift
The Family Coaster train designed as a “worm”
Turntable with trains from Kålormen in Tivoli Karolinelund
Transportable Big Apple with train in "Speedy Gonzales" design
Super Dragon Beastie in Alton Towers
Circus clown at the fair in Lüdenscheid (2005)
literature
- Ralph Latotzki et al. a .: Big Apple, Circus Clown, Super Dragon; Pinfari in Achterplan³ The standard work , special edition of the club magazine park + ride of the Freundeskreis Kirmes und Freizeitparks eV
Web links
- Big Apple on the Interpark / Pinfari website. Accessed May 31, 2020.
Individual evidence
- ^ List of "Big Apple / Wacky Worm" in the RCDB. Retrieved April 12, 2013 .
- ↑ Big Apple in Astroland on rcdb.com, accessed on September 23, 2010
- ^ Beastie in Alton Towers on rcdb.com, Retrieved September 23, 2010