Josef Wiegand, a family-owned manufacturer of toboggan runs, rail-mounted toboggans and stainless steel dry slides, has announced innovations with a new slide product.
Traditionally, the company has had a reputation for providing a wide selection of options for slide cosmetics, as a leader in dry slide manufacturing. Stainless steel exteriors can be mirror-polished, foiled or painted, even with graffiti patterns if requested by the operator. Inside, lighting effects can be used in the form of LED rings, coloured spotlights or star-filled skies as some of the options. For an immersive experience, sound effects can also be added.
New slide
Wiegand continues this trend of custom design with the debut of Wie-Glow, soon to have its first installation in Western Europe. Harz Tower, to be operated by Harzturm GmbH and the first of its type, is currently being constructed in Torfhaus, Germany.
Wie-Glow offers more options to create unique slide attractions, allowing artists to design the tube from the inside, providing UV effects with economical LEDs. Sound effects can be tied in with the experience
The new landmark will offer views of a distant Brocken Mountain, from a 180ft-tall glass viewing platform protruding over the edge of the tower. Guests will benefit from the location with a fantastic viewpoint of the surrounding nature of Harz National Park.
Surprise finale
Thrillseekers will enjoy the Wie-Glow installation, offering two different experiences in one 110 metre-long tunnel slide.
The preliminary and main section takes advantage of the nearby environment, providing guests with a clear view through a panorama acrylic upper shell. The final third of the slide, attached to the tower’s exterior, however, provides the stark contrast of an unexpected dark section.
In the midst of the pitch black, “Harz witches” suddenly appear on the slide, local characters from legend. The comprehensive climax is accompanied by a brightly coloured, audio experience surprise finale, with a photo opportunity for sliders.
Josef Wiegand has a history of towering dry slides. Its record-breaking slide on ArcelorMittal Orbit in London is 178 metres long, with a height of 240 feet.
Earlier this year Josef Wiegand celebrated a new Guinness World Record attempt for Continous Sliding, undertaken by a set of twins in Germany.
