Wikipedia

Superman The Ride

(Redirected from Superman - Ride of Steel (Six Flags New England))

Superman The Ride (formerly known as Bizarro and Superman – Ride of Steel) is a steel roller coaster at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts. Built by Liechtensteiner manufacturer Intamin, the hypercoaster opened to the public as Superman – Ride of Steel in 2000. It features a 208-foot (63 m) lift hill, a 221-foot (67 m) drop, and a maximum speed of 77 mph (124 km/h). In 2009, the park changed the name to Bizarro, named after a DC Comics character portrayed as the antithesis of Superman. In accordance with the theme change, the coaster's track and supports were repainted with a purple and dark blue color scheme, and other special effects were added. In 2016, the Six Flags reverted to the original theme, but instead of restoring the name, it was changed to Superman The Ride. A virtual reality feature was added the same year, which created an optional 3D experience for passengers, but was removed prior to the 2017 season.

Superman The Ride
Previously known as Superman: Ride of Steel (2000–2008)
Bizarro (2009–2015)
Six Flags New England
LocationSix Flags New England
Park sectionDC Universe
Coordinates42°02′19″N 72°36′41″W / 42.03861°N 72.61139°W / 42.03861; -72.61139
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 5, 2000 (2000-05-05)
CostApprox: $12,000,000
ReplacedRiverside Park Speedway
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerIntamin
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelMega Coaster
Track layoutOut and Back
Twister
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height208 ft (63 m)
Drop221 ft (67 m)
Length5,400 ft (1,600 m)
Speed77 mph (124 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2:35
Max vertical angle72°
Capacity1300 riders per hour
G-force3.6
Height restriction54–76 in (137–193 cm)
Trains2 trains with 9 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 36 riders per train.
Flash Pass available
Single rider line Non-Participating Attraction
Superman The Ride at RCDB

Superman The Ride has been well received, consistently holding a high ranking among steel roller coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards published by Amusement Today. The ride has topped the list five times since its debut. It has also weathered criticism from two serious accidents that occurred early in its tenure with one resulting in a passenger's death. Several safety modifications were made in their wake.

History

edit

Prior to the 2000 season, Six Flags New England was known as Riverside Park. Six Flags purchased the park and added their own DC Comics theming. The site on which Superman The Ride operates is the former site of the Riverside Park Speedway.[1] The Speedway was closed and demolished after the 1999 season to make room for a new themed area, DC Universe (known as DC Superhero Adventure until 2020). As part of the $40 million expansion, the park built Superman: Ride of Steel.[2][3] A year before the Speedway's demolition, Six Flags had worked with Swiss manufacturer Intamin to build and design the ride. The final track piece of Superman was installed on March 27, 2000, about 40 days before opening day.[2] The ride officially opened on May 5, 2000 as the tallest and longest roller coaster on the East Coast of the United States.[4][5] The entrance and station were themed to Superman with Superman logos and a picture of him located above the entrance.[6] The second tunnel also had a mist effect.[7]

2009 theme change

edit

Superman: Ride of Steel was re-themed as Bizarro at the start of the 2009 season. Six Flags had to work with the Zoning Board of Appeals to file a permit for the new effects because the ride sits on the Connecticut River floodplain.[8] Although no changes were made to the track layout, a new theme highlighting Superman's evil clone, Bizarro, was added. The track was repainted purple with dark blue supports, and multiple special effects were added; including building structures that give riders the impression of speeding through a city, rings in the shape of Bizarro's S shield that the train passes through, and flame effects. The two trains were repainted purple with new on-board audio. Six Flags introduced an "alternate reality game" to market the newly themed ride.[9] Bizarro opened on May 22, 2009, at the start of Memorial Day weekend.[10] Since the transformation, some of the effects have been removed. The fire effects were relocated to the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas.

2016 theme change and VR experience

edit

On September 3, 2015, it was announced that Bizarro's theme would be restored to Superman The Ride for the 2016 season.[11] On March 3, 2016, Six Flags announced that the ride would be one of several rides at various Six Flags parks to feature a VR system. Riders have the option of wearing a Samsung Gear VR headset, powered by Oculus to create a 360-degree, 3D experience while riding. It is themed to Superman saving a city from Lex Luthor's Lex Bots who are causing chaos with an anti-gravity ray. This theming also came to the Superman: Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Superman - Ride of Steel at Six Flags America.[12] Starting July 25, 2016, the Virtual Reality experience was offered during the afternoons.[13][14] VR was removed for the 2017 season.[15]

Ride experience

edit

Track layout

edit

After departing from the station, the train climbs the 208-foot (63 m)-tall chain lift hill. To the left of the lift hill is the Connecticut River, which is parallel to much of the coaster. After reaching the top, the train drops 221 feet (67 m) into a fogged headchopper tunnel. The ride reaches its top speed of 77 miles per hour (124 km/h). After the train exits the tunnel, it climbs a second hill before dropping down into a 120 degree overbanked turn to the right. Riders then ride through cutouts of buildings and climb the third and fourth major hills. The third hill is where the on-ride photo is taken. After the fourth hill, the train drops through Superman's S shields. Riders crest a small hill, turning right into a clockwise helix, known as the spaghetti bowl. It then jumps over a bunny hill into a counter-clockwise helix. The train makes a right turn drop into a fogged tunnel followed by three bunny hills before banking right into the station.[16][17]

Trains

edit
 
Train in the station prior to the theme change in 2009

The roller coaster features two fiberglass trains with stadium-style seating.[18] Each train has nine cars with two rows of paired seats per car. When the ride was re-themed in 2009, onboard audio was added to the trains. On each one, the two rear seats of the fifth car have speakers mounted in the headrests of the seats that play a soundtrack. This reduced the capacity of the trains from 36 to 34.[4][19] Upon reopening following the change, a recording of various film quotes played while the train was in motion, ending with a loop of Bizarro and several other people chanting his name. Eventually, the audio track was switched to a compilation of clips from different rock songs, although the ending portion of the audio loop was kept due to popular demand. While on the final brake run waiting to return to the loading station, riders hear Bizarro chanting his name and "Bizarro #1".[16] The new trains paint scheme was changed from blue and red to purple.[9] Each seat originally had an individual hydraulic T-shaped lap bar restraints, but after several safety modifications, the restraints now consist of two metal bars on each side.[20]

Track

edit

The steel track is 5,400 feet (1,600 m) in length and the height of the lift is approximately 208 feet (63 m).[4] The track was originally painted red with blue supports, to fit the theme of Superman. In 2009, after the re-theme to Bizarro, the track was repainted purple while the supports were painted a darker shade of blue.[17] In 2016, the track and supports were repainted to their original colors but using more vibrant shades.[21]

Accidents and incidents

edit
Main article: Incidents at Six Flags parks

On August 6, 2001, one of the trains failed to stop at the ride's brake run, colliding with the other train in the loading station. 22 people were sent to hospitals, without any major injuries.[22] The ride reopened on August 18, 2001.[23]

On May 1, 2004, a 55-year-old man was thrown from the coaster during the last turn and was killed. An investigation later showed that the ride attendant failed to properly check and secure the rider's seat restraint, as the rider's large girth size was a factor in the T-bar restraint's ability to close.[24] The victim's family claimed that due to his various medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, he shouldn't have been allowed to ride. The park responded by saying the federal Americans with Disabilities Act forbids them from denying rides to persons with disabilities if the person is able to board without assistance.[25]

Safety modifications

edit

Superman The Ride has undergone numerous safety upgrades. After the 2001 incident, the PVC airlines were replaced with steel reinforced air hoses to prevent a similar accident from occurring.[23] After the 2004 incident, metal bars were installed on both sides of the "T-bar" restraint, encasing the rider's legs. Shin restraints were added to the lower portion of the restraint, preventing riders' feet from leaving the car. In addition, all of the seat belts on both 36-passenger trains were replaced with ones at a consistent length, as well as a "go or no go" belt for each seat and T-bar restraint. The "go or no-go" belt ensured the T-bar restraint was in an effective position before leaving the station.[20] During the 2009 rebranding, new trains were deployed with new restraints added. The new lap bars eliminated the center pole, leaving only the exterior poles. New seat belts provided more strength and were less likely to come undone unintentionally.[26]

Rankings

edit
 
Superman The Ride, as Superman: Ride of Steel, viewed from in front of a football field

Superman The Ride, along with Millennium Force, have held the top two spots in the Golden Ticket Awards poll every year from 2001 to 2015. Superman The Ride is praised by the roller coaster community, and the ride is noted for its smoothness and large amount of airtime.

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
Ranking 10[27] 2[28] 2[29] 1[30] 2[31] 2[32] 1[33] 1[34] 1[35] 1[36] 2[37] 2[38] 2[39] 2[40] 2[41] 2[42] 3[43] 3[44] 5[45] 4[46] 4[47] 7[48] 7[49] 12[50]
NAPHA Survey: Favorite Steel Roller Coaster
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008
Ranking
3[51]
4[51]
2[51]
2[51]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Nascar's Weekly Grind, With Women at Wheel". New York Times. September 2, 2001. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  2. ^ a b Stacom, Don (May 6, 2000). "The Debut Of Six Flags New England". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  3. ^ Stacom, Don (December 10, 1999). "Benefits Seen To Six Flags Traffic". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Marden, Duane. "Bizarro  (Six Flags New England)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  5. ^ Stacom, Don (April 13, 2000). "Work Is No Walk In The Park". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  6. ^ Souliere, Evan. "Entrance of Superman: Ride of Steel". CoasterBuzz. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  7. ^ "Superman: Ride of Steel POV". YouTube. 25 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  8. ^ Danko, Jim (January 28, 2009). "Superman ride to get wilder". The Republican. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Danko, Jim (April 5, 2009). "Six Flags roller coaster transformed". The Republican. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  10. ^ Danko, Jim (May 22, 2009). "Coaster thrills ride fans". The Republican. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  11. ^ MacDonald, Brady (September 3, 2015). "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2016". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "Six Flags adds VR roller coasters". Digital Trends. 3 March 2016. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  13. ^ Shaw, Keith; Butler, Brandon (July 20, 2016). "Virtual flying with Superman: How Six Flags New England added more thrills to its top coaster". Network World. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  14. ^ "Six Flags America's Superman: Ride of Steel to go Virtual Reality". ACE Mid-Atlantic. March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  15. ^ "Six Flags New England Presentation At The Great Nor'Easter 2017". All American Thrills. 20 February 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
  16. ^ a b "Bizarro POV". YouTube. 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "Bizarro at Coaster-Net". Coaster-Net. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  18. ^ Danko, Jim (March 21, 2009). "Six Flags New England in Agawam gives Superman roller coaster a makeover". The Republican (Springfield). Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  19. ^ "Bizarro at Ultimate Roller Coaster". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  20. ^ a b "Agawam park to reopen with modifications". Sun Journal. May 29, 2004. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  21. ^ "20 in 2020: Superman Hyper Coasters". Coaster101. December 24, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  22. ^ "Cars collide on Superman roller coaster at Six Flags New England; 22 injured". The Bryan Times. August 7, 2001. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  23. ^ a b "Superman Coaster Reopens at Six Flags New England". Ultimate Roller Coaster. August 19, 2001. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  24. ^ "New England: Massachusetts: Coaster Death Report". New York Times. May 8, 2004. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  25. ^ "Investigators Preparing Report In Roller Coaster Death". NBC30.com. May 4, 2004. Archived from the original on February 17, 2006. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  26. ^ Rodgers, Joel (2011). "Bizarro". Coaster Gallery. Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  27. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. August 2000.
  28. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. August 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  29. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  30. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  31. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 18–19B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007.
  32. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  33. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  34. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 36–37. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  35. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 12 (6.2): 36–37. September 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  36. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 13 (6.2): 32–33. September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  37. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (6.2): 34–35. September 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  38. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 15 (6.2): 38–39. September 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  39. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 16 (6.2): 36–37. September 2012.
  40. ^ "2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 34–35. September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  41. ^ "2014 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 46–47. September 2014.
  42. ^ "2015 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 49–50. September 2015.
  43. ^ "2016 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016.
  44. ^ "2017 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017.
  45. ^ "2018 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018.
  46. ^ "2019 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019.
  47. ^ "2021 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2021. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021.
  48. ^ "2022 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
  49. ^ "2023 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Amusement Today. 27 (6.2): 66–70. September 2023. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023.
  50. ^ "2024 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024.
  51. ^ a b c d "NAPHA 2005–2011 Survey Results". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Superman_The_Ride&oldid=1259149442"