Shockwave (Six Flags Great America)

Parts according to the deconstruction of 2004

Shockwave at Six Flags Great America ( Gurnee, Illinois) was a steel roller coaster model from Custom Looping Coaster manufacturer Arrow Dynamics, opened on 3 June 1988. In 2002 it was closed, however, was to expire in 2004 in the park.

With a height of 52 m and a maximum speed of 105 km / h it was at the time of its opening as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. With its seven inversions, including three loops, a batwing and a double corkscrew she broke the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster, the Vortex had previously in Kings Iceland.

Shockwave had three trains, each with seven cars. In each car could four people (two rows of two people) take place. The passengers had to be at least 1.37 m tall to ride allowed. As restraint system came shoulder strap for use.

Problems with the web

Over the years, there were repeated problems with the car. On the basis of the speed and the pressure in the first loop, there was a breakage of the rail. That's why they had to be examined regularly to ensure safety. The wheels of the trains had a high wear and often had to be changed, partly also during operation, so that the web had to be closed for a few minutes to replace the wheels. Shockwave was offered a particularly rough ride. The built-in shoulder strap injured shoulders and torso of some passengers. 2002 Shockwave has been closed to make room for Superman: Ultimate Flight, which was originally to replace Whizzer. However, since Wizzer was more popular than Shockwave, the decision was it to keep Whizzer and close Shockwave. The sheet was mounted behind the park and offered for sale. After the tests, the railway to sell or to another Six Flags park failed to move, it was decided to dispose of the car.

Again Recycling

Some parts of Shockwave were used again.

• The red train came to Six Flags Great Adventure for spare parts at the track The Great American Scream Machine.
• The yellow and the blue train came to Six Flags Magic Mountain for spare parts to Viper.
• The entrance sign came in the American Coaster Enthusiast Museum.
• Some bolts were auctioned at a roller-coaster session.
• Some posts are on the staff parking lot of Great America.
• The lift motor is used at Demon.
• The large metal gates from the entrance were painted black and can be found at Fright Fest as part of the entrance of the Seven Sins Cemetery.
• A compressor and a track piece to use when Fright Fest as a prop.
• The main building of the queue is now on the queue of Superman: Ultimate Flight used.