Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, is set to debut a new collection of roller coasters at IAAPA Expo Europe this week.
The firm has revealed its new look Junior Shuttle family with two versions; a traditional model which will send riders forwards and backwards, and a second design version which rotates throughout the experience.
Described by Zamperla as ‘the world’s most marketable family coaster’, the new variant combines a switch, spike, and multiple launches to deliver the excitement of a larger coaster within a compact footprint.
Like all Zamperla rides, operators can benefit from endless custom theming options including unique designs and incorporating custom IPs.
Zamperla’s coaster department created its latest innovation with the cost of ownership in mind, a key engineering criterion it says plays a part in all its coasters. The Junior Shuttle Coaster in particular has features that keep annual maintenance and labour costs down for operators.
“The next generation of coasters”
The Junior Shuttle delivers 687 metres of experience from only 266 metres of track with the assistance of six launches. All guests 0.9 metres (36 inches) are safe to ride, enjoying special effects including forward and backward runs, a reverse spike, airtime hills and a flip turn s-curve. The ride is designed to serve up broad-appeal thrills that are fun for older rides and memorable for those on their first big coaster.
Combining acceleration with improved electrical efficiency, Zamperla’s new booster wheel launch system utilises powered tire units. Made from a high-efficiency motor connected to the tire wheel using a toothed belt, there are no gearboxes, and launch unit replacements now take minutes instead of hours.
The spinning version ensures no two rides are the same, as passengers rotate freely while accelerating through launches and reversing sections. At the end of the ride, an automatic alignment station gently rotates the vehicle and locks for disembarkation.
“The Junior Shuttle family encapsulates the next generation of our coasters,” says roller coaster sales & marketing director, Adam Sandy.
“We now include several key design features into every coaster: reduced cost of ownership, marketable features that make our coasters go viral, component typicality to maximize uptime, and of course, a smooth, exciting ride. All of these factors go into conceptualizing every Zamperla roller coaster.”
Zamperla will be showcasing the Junior Shuttle Coaster and popular attractions at IAAPA Expo Europe this week, at booth #1428 from 13-15 September 2022.
