S&S Worldwide (S&S), an industry-leading manufacturer of amusement park rides and roller coasters, has announced the launch of its latest family coaster, the RailRyder.
Inspired by the Steeplechase Coaster from Arrow Dynamics, RailRyder transforms the traditional concept for the contemporary amusement space.
Trever Dyer, executive director of sales and marketing at S&S Worldwide, says: "Our conversations with parks have shown that the roller coaster market is shifting.
"We’re finding that more parks are looking for a ride the whole family will enjoy, including grandparents, teenagers, and the youngest thrill seekers. RailRyder was designed to fit that need."
"We’re extremely proud of the RailRyder Coaster," says Jason Mons, CEO. "It showcases our company’s ability to provide creative engineered solutions for our customers.
"The unique combination of family-thrill and value engineering makes the RailRyder a perfect fit for smaller venues who have historically been priced out of the coaster market.
"We are so excited to be a part of the excitement supply chain for our established customers and this new, expanded market."
Shared ride experience
S&S Worldwide acquired specific assets of Arrow Dynamics in 2002.
Drawing inspiration from this rich legacy, S&S has reinvented the single-rail Steeplechase Coaster to fill a gap in today's family coaster market.
Its research and development team transformed the classic concept into a design with an elegant, ribbon-style single-rail track that offers both aesthetic appeal and a memorable ride experience.
Designed to be closer to the track and with seats in line, the vehicles place parents perfectly to interact with a first-time rider. Meanwhile, the open-air vehicle and seatbelt restraint give riders a greater sense of freedom and provide thrills for older children.
Preston Perkes, COO, says: "Get closer to the track with RailRyder, the single-rail family coaster that hugs the rail and brings everyone together for a truly connected ride experience.
"Inspired by legendary Arrow roots and powered by modern S&S engineering, RailRyder sets a new standard in family coasters with reliable performance, easy maintenance, and effortless operation.”
In October, S&S's family and friends were invited to try the first article coaster, built at the company's Utah facility.
Children of employees, friends, and neighbours gathered to celebrate this latest development, with both adults and kids queuing to ride multiple times.
As guests of all ages exited the ride, it was evident that RailRyder is set to become a new fan favourite and has met its objective of filling the gap in the family-thrill market.
"My eight-year-old self would never have believed I’d one day ride a real roller coaster I designed," says Chris Reynolds, PE, project engineer.
"Bringing the RailRyder from concept to reality, and sharing that experience with my children, has been an unforgettable fulfilment of a lifelong dream."
Earlier this year, S&S extended its congratulations to Hersheypark on the opening of the world’s tallest Screamin’ Swing, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity. This new ride is the result of a longstanding collaboration.
