Viper (Six Flags Great Adventure): Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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In 1990, Six Flags Great Adventure had 5 roller coasters, but due to ride rotation programs and the purchase of [[Batman the Ride]], the park was down to only three by the end of 1992. Batman's opening brought the park back up to four coasters in 1993. At that point a decision was made to buy a new coaster for the park. Because [[Ultra Twister (Six Flags)|Ultra Twister]], the ride that previously occupied the site chosen for Viper, was gaining in popularity at its new home park, [[Six Flags AstroWorld|Six Flags Astroworld]], [[TOGO]] was hired to design and build a new coaster to occupy the site that Ultra Twister once stood on. The company showed a new prototype sit-down coaster at their testing facility in [[Ohio]]. So, Six Flags decided to buy it and |
In 1990, Six Flags Great Adventure had 5 roller coasters, but due to ride rotation programs and the purchase of [[Batman the Ride]], the park was down to only three by the end of 1992. Batman's opening brought the park back up to four coasters in 1993. At that point a decision was made to buy a new coaster for the park. Because [[Ultra Twister (Six Flags)|Ultra Twister]], the ride that previously occupied the site chosen for Viper, was gaining in popularity at its new home park, [[Six Flags AstroWorld|Six Flags Astroworld]], [[TOGO]] was hired to design and build a new coaster to occupy the site that Ultra Twister once stood on. The company showed a new prototype sit-down coaster at their testing facility in [[Ohio]]. So, Six Flags decided to buy it and send it to their Great Adventure park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.greatadventurehistory.com/UltraTwister.htm|title=Ultra Twister At Six Flags Great Adventure|website=www.greatadventurehistory.com|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> |
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Originally, the new coaster was going to be themed to [[Clint Eastwood]]'s film ''[[Unforgiven]]'', but the name was considered too dark according to market research. Six Flags chose the name Viper instead.<ref name="Viper name">{{Cite web|url=http://www.greatadventurehistory.com/Viper.htm|title=Viper At Six Flags Great Adventure|website=www.greatadventurehistory.com|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> Later, the company requested that more steel rings to be added to the track to give it a snake-like appearance. The ride started construction in September 1994 and was finished in April 1995. |
Originally, the new coaster was going to be themed to [[Clint Eastwood]]'s film ''[[Unforgiven]]'', but the name was considered too dark according to market research. Six Flags chose the name Viper instead.<ref name="Viper name">{{Cite web|url=http://www.greatadventurehistory.com/Viper.htm|title=Viper At Six Flags Great Adventure|website=www.greatadventurehistory.com|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> Later, the company requested that more steel rings to be added to the track to give it a snake-like appearance. The ride started construction in September 1994 and was finished in April 1995. |
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Revision as of 18:32, 29 March 2020
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2017) |
| Viper | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Viper on the right with the now defunct Rolling Thunder (left) in 2003 | |
| Six Flags Great Adventure | |
| Location | Six Flags Great Adventure |
| Park section | Frontier Adventures |
| Status | Removed |
| Soft opening date | May 1995 |
| Opening date | June 1, 1995 |
| Closing date | September 6, 2004 |
| Replaced by | El Toro |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | TOGO |
| Model | Sitdown Looping |
| Track layout | Twister |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 88.6 ft (27.0 m) |
| Drop | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Length | 1,670 ft (510 m) |
| Speed | 48 mph (77 km/h) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Duration | 2:24 |
| Height restriction | 54 in (137 cm) |
| Trains | 3 trains with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders per train. |
| Viper at RCDB | |
Viper was a roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Manufactured by TOGO, the ride opened to the public in June 1995. The roller coaster closed at the end of the 2004 season and was demolished the following year for various reasons. It was replaced with El Toro.
Viper stood 89 feet (27 m) tall and reached a top speed of 48 mph (77 km/h). It had two inversions; a dive loop after the first drop and then a heartline roll. The ride ran three trains with four cars per train. Riders were seated two across and each train seated a total of 16 passengers. The trains resembled a snake and were colored light green and orange.
History
In 1990, Six Flags Great Adventure had 5 roller coasters, but due to ride rotation programs and the purchase of Batman the Ride, the park was down to only three by the end of 1992. Batman's opening brought the park back up to four coasters in 1993. At that point a decision was made to buy a new coaster for the park. Because Ultra Twister, the ride that previously occupied the site chosen for Viper, was gaining in popularity at its new home park, Six Flags Astroworld, TOGO was hired to design and build a new coaster to occupy the site that Ultra Twister once stood on. The company showed a new prototype sit-down coaster at their testing facility in Ohio. So, Six Flags decided to buy it and send it to their Great Adventure park.[1]
Originally, the new coaster was going to be themed to Clint Eastwood's film Unforgiven, but the name was considered too dark according to market research. Six Flags chose the name Viper instead.[2] Later, the company requested that more steel rings to be added to the track to give it a snake-like appearance. The ride started construction in September 1994 and was finished in April 1995.
In May 1995, Viper opened but shortly closed due to technical difficulties. It ran normally by June.[3]
In 1996, due to its uncomfortable restraints, Viper's popularity began to fade and as a result, the lines shortened. Plus, the steel ring track had to be constantly re-welded.
In 1998, the ride did not operate for a majority of the season due to Six Flags having difficulty procuring replacement parts as TOGO experienced financial issues due to problems with Windjammer Surf Racers. The ride was scheduled to reopen normally on Labor Day of 1998.
In 2001, Viper stood shut down throughout the season, being considered "Standing but not operating". Following the closure, Viper was withdrawn from the official website, the park guides, and map. Six Flags planned to remove Viper that year, but it was canceled because Six Flags had failed to find a replacement attraction to fit the land occupied by Viper.
After some modifications on the restraints and track, Viper reopened on March 29, 2002. The ride continued to be rough and the coaster frequently experienced mechanical issues.
In 2004, Viper operated with one train during normal operations. On Labor Day, Six Flags experienced failed attempts of fixing the ride due to the issues. They decided to cut financial losses and permanently shut down the ride.
In 2005, demolition for Viper began in May, leaving only the station. Multiple issues were found including frequent performance issues with the ride, mechanical issues, and big amounts of down time. Nearby rides including Rodeo Stampede and Taz Twister were removed as well to make way for El Toro.
In 2006, Six Flags utilized Viper's station for El Toro, currently being the only part of Viper still in use.
References
- ^ "Ultra Twister At Six Flags Great Adventure". www.greatadventurehistory.com. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
- ^ "Viper At Six Flags Great Adventure". www.greatadventurehistory.com. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
- ^ "Viper Roller Coaster Uncoils At Six Flags". Retrieved 2017-02-10.