Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, has unveiled its ride-ready Lightning train at IAAPA Expo, following the purchase of Canada’s fastest launch coaster – the Lighting LSM Coaster.
The new Lightning vehicle is unique in the industry: Zamperla’s engineers worked tirelessly to guarantee that its key design values remained at the forefront including safety, ergonomics, fun, and cost of ownership.
“This Lightning train, and the Lightning LSM coaster project in Playland at the PNE, is confirmation that the investments made in people and technologies over the past five years in our Roller Coaster Business Unit are bearing fruit,” says Zamperla Group CEO Antonio Zamperla.
“In every market segment we have entered [such as] kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, we have excelled because of our commitment to quality and innovation. I know our roller coaster division will see the same success. These will be two very important years for Zamperla Coasters business unit.”
PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost says: “We are very pleased to be part of today’s announcement at IAAPA, the leading industry event for our sector. Our Playland division is known around the world for our historic Wooden Coaster, and to be able to work with our long-time partner, Zamperla, to bring a state-of-the-art launch coaster is a very exciting addition to our park. Today’s announcement signals a new era for Playland.”
Light and swift
When it comes to the technical aspects of the Lightning vehicle, the most crucial element is the aluminium-milled chassis, which is critical for a few reasons. For starters, it is lighter than practically any other train of its kind on the market. Second, the chassis is a single-machined component with no welds. This functionality is a game changer for maintenance and NDT costs: clients spend less time and money on an annual basis taking care of their rides.
The Lightning vehicle, first showcased at IAAPA Expo, also includes modified road wheels that are designed to be low-maintenance and sustain extreme acceleration, and Zamperla says they will soon be seen on some of the world’s fastest attractions. Whether they choose a standard layout or a unique design, the engineering staff at Zamperla coasters can provide operators with a solution that fits every park’s budget.
The Lightning car was created with two major considerations in mind: comfort and cost of ownership. Zamperla conducted extensive research, design studies, and interviews with hundreds of amusement park operators worldwide. The idea was to incorporate feedback from end users into the vehicle design.
Zamperla will ensure that rider comfort remains a property with the new installation: “We worked to make sure it is extremely ergonomic,” says Zamperla’s roller coaster sales and marketing director Adam Sandy.
“Guests with a wide range of body sizes can comfortably fit in our seats. In addition, we moved the restraint tubing way outside the head line: this means the space is very wide and you will never have head banging like in a traditional, over-the-shoulder restraint. The lap bar fits right on the upper thigh, which allows for a comfortable ride.”
Zamperla was announced as an IAAPA Brass Ring Award finalist ahead of IAAPA Expo for its Big Wavez concept.
