A new ride replacing LPS Ranger?

[T-Rex]

I forgot to add the url bit to the YouTube videos, sorry. No matter, here's a link to the Mondial Swinger I suggested. http://www.mondialrides.com/ie/products/swinger/index.html I hope I've done the coding of the onride video correctly. Let's see. Pardon the bad quality of the video.

Edited June 4, 2010 by T-Rex

[Jobe]

I forgot to add the url bit to the YouTube videos, sorry. No matter, here's a link to the Mondial Swinger I suggested. http://www.mondialrides.com/ie/products/swinger/index.html I hope I've done the coding of the onride video correctly. Let's see. Pardon the bad quality of the video.

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[T-Rex]

The Mondial Swinger looks like a good ride and would seem to fit LPS nicely. However the Swinger would appear to be too close to the Tumblebug in appearance and motion for the average punter so I doubt that it would make much of an impact. It also appears to have similar ride sensation to the Power Surge, a ride that has appeared at LPS a number of times.

Hmmm, similar to Tumblebug in appearance and motion? Not unless LPS does consider of removing that ride. In full honesty, the Tumblebug is a mediocre ride, and I find it rather misleading that the Big Dipper rollercoaster entrance leads you to it. This also leaves me wondering if the Rotor and Tumblebug are still popular. True that the Power Surge comes to LPS at times, but it isn't a permanent ride. We're talking about permanent additions for LPS and new rides to replace the unpopular ones, and I vote for the Mondial Swinger to be one of them. We already agreed that LPS needs Wave Swinger, Rainbow, and KMG Experience.

There are a number of small coasters that would be also be quite effective. I have always maintained that a Maurer Sohne Spinning Coaster or a S&S El Loco would be ideal to increase LPS's ride count and coaster list. Name the new coaster "The Wild Cat", with a nod to LPS's past, and you would have a winner! I have also maintained that a Zamperla Disk O Coaster looks like the ideal family ride to install at LPS. It would be a first for Australia and would have wide ranging appeal for its riders.

Personally, I agree that LPS needs another coaster. Since I already gave my honest opinion about Tumblebug, I think it should be replaced by a small coaster bigger than the Wild Mouse. "Wild Cat" doesn't sound like a bad name since we have Wild Mouse, though isn't the name "Big Dipper" heritage listed? LPS wouldn't change something that is heritage listed. A Zamperla Disk O Coaster could be another possibility for a second coaster, though personally I would prefer the already suggested Maurer Sohne Spinning Coaster. S&S El Loco coaster is too short, and the Disk O Coaster is just a bigger version of Rockin' Tug, another Zamperla ride. I'm with the idea of a second coaster to replace the Tumblebug, but the main problem is that the Big Top will get in the way of the new coaster. Edited June 4, 2010 by T-Rex

[Gazza]

though isn't the name "Big Dipper" heritage listed?

They were able to give the 1995 incarnation of that ride that name though weren't they?

Disk O Coaster is just a bigger version of Rockin' Tug,

That's a bit like saying a ranger is a bigger version of a pirate ship...In a way, yes, but the rides aren't comparable.

[T-Rex]

They were able to give the 1995 incarnation of that ride that name though weren't they?

Yes they have. That's why if we get a second rollercoaster for LPS it would be the next reincarnation of Big Dipper, even though the design will be distinctively different from the previous two Big Dippers.

[ads086]

Gonna be off-topic but the people who know the answer to my question will be watching this thread. Many years ago at a local town show, they had a ride there called Sidewinder. It pretty much followed the pattern of a Rainbow, but it had two arms, rather than just the one central one. Any idea who made this or what happened to it??

[Jobe]

Hmmm, similar to Tumblebug in appearance and motion? Not unless LPS does consider of removing that ride. In full honesty, the Tumblebug is a mediocre ride, and I find it rather misleading that the Big Dipper rollercoaster entrance leads you to it. This also leaves me wondering if the Rotor and Tumblebug are still popular. True that the Power Surge comes to LPS at times, but it isn't a permanent ride. We're talking about permanent additions for LPS and new rides to replace the unpopular ones, and I vote for the Mondial Swinger to be one of them. We already agreed that LPS needs Wave Swinger, Rainbow, and KMG Experience. Personally, I agree that LPS needs another coaster. Since I already gave my honest opinion about Tumblebug, I think it should be replaced by a small coaster bigger than the Wild Mouse. "Wild Cat" doesn't sound like a bad name since we have Wild Mouse, though isn't the name "Big Dipper" heritage listed? LPS wouldn't change something that is heritage listed. A Zamperla Disk O Coaster could be another possibility for a second coaster, though personally I would prefer the already suggested Maurer Sohne Spinning Coaster. S&S El Loco coaster is too short, and the Disk O Coaster is just a bigger version of Rockin' Tug, another Zamperla ride. I'm with the idea of a second coaster to replace the Tumblebug, but the main problem is that the Big Top will get in the way of the new coaster.

The Tumblebug (or more commonly know as the HUSS Troika) is a great family ride that is probably one of the most popular rides in the park due to its accessability-for example my 4 year old boy could ride with me-his first big ride!! The Big Dipper entrance was retained for history purposes however I will concede that it is a little confusing. The Tumblebug facade from the '95 incarnation should have been retained for this ride. The name Tumblebug refers to an original LPS ride from the 30's, which used to be quite common around the world. They were built by the Traver company (if you don't know Harry Traver's importance in Rollercoaster history you had better start researching!!)and it remained at LPS until the early 70's. The Disk 'O Coaster selection was not intended to be as another coaster, rather that it would be a great family ride and fun addition. I dont think you could look at these rides as true coasters. I do think that you need to look at what you are supporting more closely. LPS will never gain another coaster the size of Big Dipper. In fact I doubt they will attain a 2nd coaster period. However, if they do, a S & S El Loco would be a perfect solution for them as it has a relatively small footprint, has a drop of greater than 90 degrees and inversions, plus it would be unique in Australia. I am not positive but I reckon that it would almost fit on the slab next to Tumblebug. I agree that the Maurer Sohne would be a better preference, but then where to fit it?? Big Top is going nowhere, in fact it is a major contirbutor to the current park's success. Anything added must be built around it. I am not 100% positive, but I do think that LPS still has naming rights to call an attraction "Big Dipper"?? Anyone confirm this?? Cheers Jobe

[GoGoBoy]

The Big Dipper entrance was retained for history purposes however I will concede that it is a little confusing. The Tumblebug facade from the '95 incarnation should have been retained for this ride.

It's funny because the Big Dipper entry facade that exists at the park today is from the 1995 incarnation of the park (ie. it's only 15 years old). The design is however based on the original Big Dipper facade that was created in 1935 - although has a number of marked differences. I very much agree they should have kept the 1995 Tumble Bug theming!

[T-Rex]

I very much agree they should have kept the 1995 Tumble Bug theming!

I second that notion. The giant insect near the entrance to Tumblebug really is an important decoration for that ride to me. The Spider ride needs that spider at the centre of the ride too. What I'd like to know is - if we agreed that the Wave Swinger should be a permanent ride, along with Rainbow, KMG Experience, Mondial Swinger, and a smaller coaster to be the next reincarnation of Big Dipper as new additions for LPS, what could be the feasible solution to fit these new rides without removing the current popular rides?

[Spotty]

Sidewinder is a KMG Miami ride. It was actually the prototype ride of it's kind. It has since been renamed the Dominator. The ride mainly travels to fetes and the occasional show in Queensland and owned by P+C Amusements.

[T-Rex]

Sidewinder is a KMG Miami ride. It was actually the prototype ride of it's kind. It has since been renamed the Dominator. The ride mainly travels to fetes and the occasional show in Queensland and owned by P+C Amusements.

Isn't it the same Music Trip ride, or is it another ride altogether, because I know that Music Trip is a KMG Miami ride.

[T-Rex]

That's a bit like saying a ranger is a bigger version of a pirate ship...In a way, yes, but the rides aren't comparable.

The ranger isn't exactly a bigger version of a pirate ship. Yes, it swings up and down like it, except that it inverts like Wonderland's Bounty's Revenge (Intamin Looping Starship) as we all know that. Edited June 8, 2010 by T-Rex

[Gazza]

The ranger isn't exactly a bigger version of a pirate ship. It swings up and down like it, only that it inverts like Wonderland's Bounty's Revenge (Intamin Looping Starship).

<Bangs head against wall> That was my whole point... Remember what you wrote:

Disk O Coaster is just a bigger version of Rockin' Tug,

Saying a Disk'o' coaster is Rockin' Tug is wrong, one is larger, longer and faster, more intense/nauseating and has a completely different seating arrangement. Hence me making the Pirate Ship/Ranger analogy, they aren't alike, and neither is a Disk'o' Coaster/Rockin' Tug. Edited June 8, 2010 by Gazza

[Spotty]

Dominator IS the Sidewinder rethemed and the original KMG Miami Trip. Here is a list of the Miami Trip's in Australia Australian Built (Possibly Ferarri models) Music Trip - Bells Amusements Music Trip - Youngs Amusements Ultimate Party Machine - Unknown Owner Name La Bamba- Ex Wittingslow (Location Unknown) KMG Model (Prototype) Dominator - P&C Amusements Funlight Models Bad Boys - Dragon City Amusements Disco Show 2002- Phelan Amusements Wisdom Models Avalanche- Kay Dee Promotions Apparently there are another 2 Music Trip rides in Australia, but I don't know where.

[T-Rex]

Saying a Disk'o' coaster is Rockin' Tug is wrong, one is larger, longer and faster, more intense/nauseating and has a completely different seating arrangement.

Okay, I was probably a bit unclear about what I was saying about the Disk-O Coaster being similar to Rockin' Tug. True it is bigger, more intense and the gondola is different from Rockin' Tug, but it goes back and forth a singular track. Just take a look at this link. It backs up my argument, well almost. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk-O The link also points out that there are travelling models of the Disk-O coaster, so it would make a pretty good addition for Australia's lineup of rides. I might not say that it should be new addition for LPS, but Australia definitely needs one.

I do think that you need to look at what you are supporting more closely.

I agree with that Jobe. Although I stated what needs to be added to LPS, what I support more closely is the park to keep Wave Swinger, bring back Ranger, and replace some of the unpopular rides with Rainbow, Mondial Swinger, and KMG Experience. Edited June 9, 2010 by T-Rex

[Gazza]

Well, the regular Disko' is a larger version of a Rockin tug, but the coaster version is a significant step up again: One of these is clearly a kiddie ride, and one clearly isn't, plus they appeal to different people. Besides, its not like Luna Park already has something similar, do they?

[T-Rex]

Exactly. The two rides are similar in terms of rocking back and forth while spinning around, the only exception is that the Disk-O coaster falls into the thrill ride category. LPS has Rockin' Tug during the holidays sometimes.

Dominator IS the Sidewinder rethemed and the original KMG Miami Trip. Here is a list of the Miami Trip's in Australia Australian Built (Possibly Ferarri models) Music Trip - Bells Amusements Music Trip - Youngs Amusements Ultimate Party Machine - Unknown Owner Name La Bamba- Ex Wittingslow (Location Unknown) KMG Model (Prototype) Dominator - P&C Amusements Funlight Models Bad Boys - Dragon City Amusements Disco Show 2002- Phelan Amusements Wisdom Models Avalanche- Kay Dee Promotions Apparently there are another 2 Music Trip rides in Australia, but I don't know where.

So Australia has several Miami rides. I'm surprised that the Dominator is the only Miami ride Australia has which was manufactured by KMG, and I was beginning to think that XXXL, Sky Walker, and Speed were the only KMG rides here in Australia. Still, it would be great if we get more of them like the KMG Experience. Edited June 9, 2010 by T-Rex

[Spotty]

Yeah, youngs and bells are the most common ones to see around though. I personally would love Dreamworld or even Movie World to get a KMG Tango. They could paint it silver with red lights and do some apocalyptic theming and have it to do with Terminator or something along those lines

[Gazza]

I personally would love Dreamworld or even Movie World to get a KMG Tango. They could paint it silver with red lights and do some apocalyptic theming and have it to do with Terminator or something along those lines

PASS! If you're going to go the expense of getting the Terminator licence, you wouldn't waste it on some spin and spew...you could actually do something good with a storyline behind it (Since this is what Movie World tends to specialise in anyway...) Edited June 9, 2010 by Gazza

[T-Rex]

Sounds like a great idea! Now that you mentioned about recoloring a KMG Tango for either Dreamworld or Movie World, I did mention earlier about theming a KMG Experience and Mondial Swinger for LPS. Pretty similar to what was suggested above, and it did give me some ideas. For a KMG Experience, I suggest it to have a blue, aquamarine, green and yellow colour scheme. The backdrop could have a futuristic setting. I was going to include the choice of a space setting, but the Flying Saucer already has that. All it needs now is a name: something related to the setting, but at the same time sounding like a genuine Luna Park ride. I was thinking of "The Spinner" or "Mega Spin," but maybe there are better names for a ride like that. Suggestions, anyone? As for a Mondial Swinger, it wouldn't be difficult to give it the perfect theme, because Mondial designed some models with a circus theme under the name "Flying Circus." Surely LPS could have a Mondial Swinger model with that theme constructed exclusively for the park.

Edited June 9, 2010 by T-Rex

[Ranger Dude]

My contact at Luna emailed me a few pics of the Ranger being reassembled. I'm assuming the pics have been taken in the past day or so. There are a lot of missing pieces - apparently because the backdrop and the other panels are being rethemed. They didn't tell me what the new theme will be, other than "it's a throwback to the original Luna Park at Coney Island in New York". Hmmm I wonder what that means... They won't say when it's reopening though, I suppose it's best to keep an eye on the website and wait for an update. Here's a couple of the pics- I'll see if I can get any pics of the rethemed sections and share...

[Jobe]

Thanks for the great pics mate. Its great to see that LPS is at least interested enough to refurbish their existing attractions. And lets face it,Australia's only HUSS Ranger is well worth the effort!! Now if the management at LPS were a little bit broad minded in their approach to the fun park side of things we might actually get some new worthwhile attractions!! Bring on the S&S El Loco coaster and 2 or 3 new flats I say!! (Zamperla Disk 'O Coaster being my preference!!) Cheers Jobe

[T-Rex]

Looks cool. I only hope that Ranger will be fully operational soon since it's an awesome upsidedown ride. Still, we need another upsidedown ride in LPS, and I vote for a KMG Experience, considering that Australia needs one. I also vote for LPS to add a Mondial Swinger (Dutch rides FTW!), and a HUSS Rainbow. Maybe they could add a Chance Chaos if there's room for one more ride. A small coaster sounds cool too, perhaps Jobe's suggested S&S El Loco, though the Maurer Sohne coaster looks even better.

Edited August 9, 2010 by T-Rex

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

I personally vote for any rides which have height, and cause screaming. Block the residents views, and annoy them with noise all night... now that they've won the court case they should push the boundaries.

[T-Rex]

What a BRILLIANT idea! That would teach the residents to butcher LPS into a lifeless borefest-of-an amusement park. Rainbow and KMG Experience do induce a lot of noise (mainly from the screaming riders apart from the machine operating sounds), and let's make them build a big rollercoaster for good measure. I really like the sound of that.

Edited August 10, 2010 by T-Rex