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All American Triple Loop
View on Wikipedia| All American Triple Loop | |
|---|---|
All American Triple Loop in August 2007 when it was formerly located at La Feria de Chapultepec and also was named Montaña Infinitum. | |
| Indiana Beach | |
| Coordinates | 40°47′29″N 86°46′22″W / 40.79139°N 86.77278°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 11, 2024 |
| La Feria Chapultepec Mágico | |
| Name | Quimera |
| Coordinates | 19°24′50″N 99°11′46″W / 19.414°N 99.196°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 2007 |
| Closing date | September 28, 2019 |
| Quimera at La Feria Chapultepec Mágico at RCDB | |
| Flamingo Land | |
| Name | Magnum Force |
| Coordinates | 54°12′36″N 0°48′22″W / 54.210°N 0.806°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 2000 |
| Closing date | 2005 |
| Magnum Force at Flamingo Land at RCDB | |
| Sunway Lagoon | |
| Name | Triple Loop Coaster |
| Coordinates | 3°04′08″N 101°36′22″E / 3.069°N 101.606°E |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 1997 |
| Closing date | 1999 |
| Triple Loop Coaster at Sunway Lagoon at RCDB | |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Anton Schwarzkopf |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Lift/launch system | Booster Wheel Lift Hill |
| Height | 111 ft (34 m) |
| Length | 3,444 ft (1,050 m) |
| Speed | 53 mph (85 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 |
| Capacity | 1,500 riders per hour |
| G-force | 6.1 |
| Height restriction | 59–77 in (150–196 cm) |
| Trains | 3 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train. |
| All American Triple Loop at RCDB | |
All American Triple Loop (formerly Montaña Infinitum ["Infinity Mountain"] (2007–2014), Montaña Triple Loop ["Triple Loop Mountain"] (2014–2016) and Quimera[1] ["Chimera"][2] (2017–2019)) is a steel roller coaster at Indiana Beach theme park in Monticello, Indiana.
Manufactured by Anton Schwarzkopf, it was originally purchased by showman Rudolf Barth in 1984 who operated it as Dreier Looping for 12 years on the German fair circuit.
After this, it was the main attraction in three major theme parks: first spending 2 years in Sunway Lagoon as Triple Loop Coaster, next, it spent 5 years in Flamingo Land resort as Magnum Force, and finally at its third and most recent location at La Feria Chapultepec Mágico, as Montaña Triple Loop. In 2017 it was renamed Quimera. In 2024, it opened at Indiana Beach as All American Triple Loop.
Accident
[edit]On September 28, 2019, the derailment of the last car at an approximate height of 33 ft (10 m) resulted in two deaths and another five persons being injured. The entire park was shut down following the accident.[1]
History
[edit]The coaster first operated as Dreier Looping in 1984. Dreier Looping was one of many massive Schwarzkopf traveling coasters to make its debut during this period of time, alongside units including the famed Alpina Bahn, Olympia Looping, Doppel Looping, and Thriller traveling coasters. Dreier Looping, which is German for "Triple Loop", also became the first roller coaster to feature three vertical loops. It was purchased by showman Rudolf Barth, and operated on the German fair circuit for 12 years. Dreier Looping made its last fairground stop in 1996.
The coaster was then purchased by the recently opened Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia, where it operated as Triple Loop Coaster; a complete English translation of the German name "Dreier Looping". It was also outfitted with a pink and white colour scheme. Despite its renovations to fit in at the park, it was placed for sale during the 1999 season and promptly removed.
Its next stop would be at the Flamingo Land park in North Yorkshire, England. They had bought the coaster in June 1999, and was rechristened as the Magnum Force. It adopted a white and red paint scheme, although much of the ride's taller portions were painted completely white, presumably to blend in with the skyline a little more. It was put up for sale in 2005 alongside Bullet, another Schwarzkopf looping coaster in the park, and both were promptly removed after the 2005 season. They were replaced by Kumali, which debuted the next year and primarily utilizes Bullet's site. As of 2020, the Magnum Force plot of land has remained empty.
Magnum Force would then be sold to La Feria Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, Mexico. In order to accommodate it, the park's existing Ratón Loco had to be relocated to the park's lower level. It was outfitted with a brand new yellow-white-blue paint scheme and rechristened Montaña Infinitum (Mountain Infinitum). Around 2014, it would be renamed Montaña Triple Loop (Triple Loop Mountain), and later Quimera in 2017, receiving another repaint in the meantime.
2019 accident
[edit]On September 28, 2019, the derailment of the last car at an approximate height of 33 ft (10 m) resulted in 5 injuries and 2 deaths.[3][4][2] This accident was much like that of another Schwarzkopf looping coaster, Mindbender. This accident lead to government officials investigating the park, who found that design flaws and little-to-no maintenance on the ride were to blame. The coaster's track, supports, and trains had also deteriorated due to the coaster being run much faster than it was intended to be. On October 13, the Mexican amusement park authorities announced the indefinite closure of the park, and revoked their operational license. [5] La Feria reopened in 2024 as Aztlan, an urban park with less emphasis on rides.
Present
[edit]In late 2020, Quimera was reportedly being carefully dismantled for relocation from La Feria. The park's Ratón Loco and several other rides had already been removed from the site some time ago.[6] However, it wasn't until the days leading up to the announcement that individuals with inside knowledge had posted information online regarding Quimera's future, stating that it would find a new home at Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana. Rumors promptly began to circulate, but it was only days later, on November 24, 2020, that until Indiana Beach released a press statement confirming such. Alongside a used Polyp attraction, it was undergoing a complete refurbishment. On January 19, 2021, Indiana Beach announced that the new coaster would be placed in the gravel parking lot west of Steel Hawg.[7] The ride opened after 3.5 years in May of 2024.[8]
Following guest complaints regarding the shoulder pads, Indiana Beach announced on August 28, 2024 that the shoulder pads would be removed from the ride.[9] It is unclear if the height restriction for this ride will be lowered (was 4' 11" or 59" (150cm) due to the shoulder pads only holding riders of at least that size in its max position).
See also
[edit]- 1986 Mindbender accident, for a similar accident in Galaxyland, Alberta, Canada
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Atracciones" (in Spanish). La Feria Chapultepec Mágico. Archived from the original on May 29, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
- ^ a b McCleary, Kelly; Guerrero, Kay (29 September 2019). "Two riders were killed when a roller coaster jumped its track in Mexico City". CNN. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
- ^ "Accidente en juego de Feria de Chapultepec deja dos muertos". El Sol de México (in Spanish). September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- ^ "Two killed when rollercoaster car jumps rails at Mexico City amusement park". CBS News. September 28, 2019.
- ^ "EL FIN DE UNA ERA: LA FERIA DE CHAPULTEPEC INICIA SU DESMANTELAMIENTO" (in Spanish). June 9, 2020.
- ^ "Owner: Mexico City Amusement Park Seems Permanently Closing, Rides Being Dismantled". Latin Post. July 9, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ "January 19th Indiana Beach Park Update Announcement". YouTube. January 19, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ "Owner: Indiana Beach adding 2 new rides for 2021". Herald Journal. November 24, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=901310562032368&id=100064602977259
https://www.radioformula.com.mx/noticias/20191013/la-feria-de-chapultepec-anuncia-cierre-definitivo/ Archived 2021-10-04 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]All American Triple Loop
View on GrokipediaHistory
Construction and debut
The All American Triple Loop roller coaster was manufactured by Anton Schwarzkopf GmbH in 1984 as a portable traveling attraction for the European fair circuit.[6] Designed by engineer Werner Stengel in collaboration with Schwarzkopf, it represented a significant advancement in coaster engineering by incorporating three consecutive vertical loops, making it the world's first roller coaster to feature this configuration.[7] The design emphasized modularity to facilitate easy transport and assembly at seasonal fairgrounds, with a steel tubular track system supported by a lightweight, relocatable structure that could be dismantled and reassembled by a traveling show team.[8] Commissioned specifically for German showman Rudolf Barth, the coaster debuted under the name Dreier Looping in June 1984, touring various German fair circuits and drawing crowds with its innovative looping sequence.[1] It operated seasonally for 12 years, from 1984 to 1996, providing consistent thrills across multiple venues without permanent installation.[6] Key performance metrics included a maximum height of 108.3 feet (33 meters), a top speed of 53.4 mph (86 km/h), and a track length of 3,379 feet (1,030 meters), achieved via a booster wheel lift hill that propelled trains through the inversions with forces up to 6.1 G.[2] These specifications highlighted the coaster's efficiency as a fairground headliner, balancing intense elements with reliable operation on temporary setups.[8]Relocations prior to Mexico
Following its tenure on the German fair circuit, the All American Triple Loop was acquired by Sunway Lagoon in Selangor, Malaysia, where it operated as the Triple Loop Coaster from 1997 to 1999.[9] During this period, the ride underwent minor modifications for its permanent installation, including a repaint in pink to align with the park's aesthetic.[9] As one of the park's key thrill attractions, it provided riders with its signature three vertical loops, drawing visitors to the then-newly expanded theme park.[9] In June 1999, the coaster was purchased by Flamingo Land in Malton, North Yorkshire, England, and relocated there, reopening in 2000 under the name Magnum Force.[4] Integrated into the park's lineup of high-thrill rides, it became a popular draw for adrenaline seekers, operating alongside other looping coasters and contributing to Flamingo Land's reputation for extreme attractions. The ride ran successfully through the 2005 season, after which it was decommissioned and prepared for further relocation.[4] The relocations posed significant logistical challenges due to the coaster's portable design origins, requiring the disassembly and overseas shipping of its 3,379.3-foot steel track across continents—first from Europe to Asia, then to the United Kingdom.[4] Early signs of wear began to emerge from its initial fairground use and subsequent international transports, though it remained operational during these moves.[9]Operation in Mexico and 2019 accident
The All American Triple Loop was relocated to La Feria Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City in 2007 following its previous operation in Malaysia, where it underwent renovations including a fresh yellow paint scheme before reopening as Montaña Infinitum.[10] It operated under this name until approximately 2014, when it was renamed Montaña Triple Loop to emphasize its three inversions, and then to Quimera in 2017, drawing from mythological themes to align with the park's evolving branding under new ownership.[10] As Quimera, the coaster served as one of La Feria's premier thrill rides, complementing the park's mix of classic mechanical attractions and family-oriented exhibits in the historic Chapultepec Park, attracting visitors with its high-speed loops and reputation for intensity amid Mexico City's urban landscape.[11] The ride ran seasonally from 2007 until its abrupt closure on September 28, 2019, spanning over a decade of operation without major incidents prior to that date.[10] On September 28, 2019, during a routine cycle with 11 passengers aboard, the rear car of the Quimera train derailed mid-ride at a height of approximately 33 feet (10 meters) while navigating a turn near the end of the layout, causing it to detach, flip upside down, collide with a support beam, and plummet to the ground.[12][13] The accident resulted in the immediate deaths of two men, aged 18 and 21, from traumatic head and body injuries, while two women, aged 27 and 35, sustained severe injuries requiring hospitalization; four other riders on the train received minor injuries but were treated on-site.[14] Preliminary investigations by Mexico City's attorney general's office identified a mechanical failure—specifically, the detachment of the car's wheel assembly from the track—as the immediate cause, exacerbated by the ride's age and operational stresses. Further probes revealed broader maintenance lapses at La Feria, including inadequate inspections and non-compliance with safety protocols across all 47 attractions, which had been flagged in prior civil protection audits but not fully addressed.[15] In the accident's aftermath, La Feria Chapultepec Mágico was shuttered indefinitely the following day, with emergency services evacuating the site and authorities launching a comprehensive review that ultimately led to the revocation of the park's operating license by the Mexico City government.[16] The incident prompted lawsuits against park operator Ventura Entertainment and highlighted longstanding concerns over deferred maintenance funding, contributing to the park's permanent closure and eventual demolition in 2022.[15][16]Relocation to Indiana Beach
Following the fatal accident in September 2019 at La Feria Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, which led to the ride's closure, Quimera was placed in storage, making it available for relocation.[1] In November 2020, Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort in Monticello, Indiana, acquired the Schwarzkopf-manufactured triple-loop roller coaster with plans to refurbish and reinstall it as its first permanent U.S. installation.[1] Disassembly and transportation from Mexico commenced late that year, with components arriving at the park by the end of 2020.[1] The refurbishment process, overseen by Indiana Beach, spanned three seasons from 2021 to 2023 and included a complete rebuild to modern safety standards while retaining the ride's original design elements.[1] Key milestones involved installing the three vertical loops in late 2021, completing track assembly in early 2022, and conducting initial testing by the end of 2023, culminating in final preparations during early 2024.[1] This extensive restoration emphasized the coaster's engineering integrity, ensuring it could operate reliably after years of international travel and inactivity. Renamed All American Triple Loop to honor its American origins and the park's patriotic theme, the ride officially reopened to the public on May 11, 2024, coinciding with Indiana Beach's season opening day.[17] Preceding the debut, a media day on May 9 allowed journalists and enthusiasts an exclusive first ride, followed by a VIP preview for season pass holders on May 10, generating buzz about the coaster's return to operation.[17] Initial public response highlighted excitement over experiencing a rare surviving example of Anton Schwarzkopf's triple-loop design, with riders praising its intense, classic thrills and the park's commitment to preserving amusement ride heritage.[1] The addition integrated seamlessly into Indiana Beach's lineup of vintage and modern attractions, positioning All American Triple Loop as a centerpiece that celebrates the coaster's global legacy while attracting families and thrill-seekers to the resort.[1]Design and characteristics
Technical specifications
The All American Triple Loop is a steel roller coaster manufactured by Anton Schwarzkopf as part of their Triple Loop Coaster model, featuring design contributions from Werner Stengel that enhanced stability for multiple inversions in portable installations.[6][2] It stands at a maximum height of 108.3 feet (33.0 meters) and includes three vertical loop inversions, marking it as an early example of multi-loop engineering in the Looping series.[2][6] Key performance metrics include a track length of 3,379.3 feet (1,030.0 meters), a top speed of 53.4 mph (86.0 km/h), a maximum G-force of 5.6, a ride duration of 2 minutes, and a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,500 riders.[2][3] Rider height restrictions are set at a minimum of 59 inches (150 cm) to ride alone and a maximum of 77 inches (196 cm).[3]| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 108.3 ft (33.0 m) |
| Track Length | 3,379.3 ft (1,030.0 m) |
| Top Speed | 53.4 mph (86.0 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 (vertical loops) |
| Maximum G-Force | 5.6 |
| Duration | 2 minutes |
| Capacity | 1,500 riders/hour |
| Height Requirement | 59–77 in (150–196 cm) |