Construction Thread Black Mamba

Can't wait...

I think the coasters next year are really pushing the boat out. Black Mamba and Tatsu seem to have more thought put into them than many coasters. They are "the full ride", especially Black Mamba.

(Not that I'd reject Goliath or Patriot!)

I'm sure it's been said, but seeing submerged corkscrews poking up near a monorail really reminds me of Nemesis.

Oh, that is a work of art.

It'll be interesting to hear ride reports. It must be remembered that coasters get significantly more intense a year or two after they first opened. Nemesis Inferno seemed tame at first, but now, it's really quite intense. I have a feeling Black Mamba will be more intense than that from the beginning...

Helix and "Immelmann" look quite interesting...

Black Mamba has given me a feeling I haven't had since I first saw Nemesis.

When I first saw Nemesis one morning on The Big Breakfast (TV show) in 1994, I just couldn't understand the layout. Loops and corkscrews seemed to stick out from the ground everywhere. I just couldn't understand it.

I've seen hundreds of coasters since that I've thought looked good, great or excellent, but they've all had one thing in common - the layouts have been clear. You can understand the whole ride in one photo.

Not this.

I think I've seen the layout of Black Mamba, but I honestly can't work it out from any of the constuction pics. It looks even more convoluted than Nemesis, with even more hidden bits. Could it even be BETTER?

I'm surprised it's only me and hatt in here! From reading around, I get the impression people think this is definitely going to be the best coaster in Europe next year. I think so too (with close competition only from Thunderbird)!

Do you think it will be better than Nemesis?

In Black Mamba's favour, it has more tall elements (such as the vertical loop and immelman). It also has much better architecture and seems to go underground more often (if not deeper).

In Nemesis' favour, it has exceptional pacing - The vertical loop, biggest drop and top speed are in approximately the third quarter of the ride. Black Mamba seems to have a more orthodox layout and pacing, with the big elements first.

Remember, Nemesis is voted the No.4 steelie and No.1 looping steelie in Mitch Hawker's poll. I just have a feeling this could be the one to better it!

I don't think Black Mamba's helix is as steep, but that's probably a good thing!

I have to agree it's hard to try and fathom what this coaster is going to look like when it's completed, which is a refreshing change, all too often we know too much about new projects which spoils the excitement of riding them for the first time and not knowing what's going to happen

Already it's clear to see Black Mamba follows on superbly from the high benchmark set by the indoor mouse contraptions of Winjas and Colorado Adventure, definitely the most elaborate themed (non disney) mine coaster of any park in the world

Phantasialand is an exceptional themed park, there's a real sense of imagination and lots of creative touches that make the rides that bit more individual and a special experience – definitely high on my "to do" list for 2006

> Do you think it will be better than Nemesis?

The inverted coaster seems to be one that's lent itself to having the very compact, but heavy terrain manipulated/themed experiences now we have Nemesis and a long awaited sequel in Black Mamba.

Do you think taking this concept but using a different style of coaster would work?

Personally it would be great to see floorless coaster in this style, though I think trying to do a water coaster like this could be interesting – making the ride less reliant on large drops for appeal

It really is a very beautiful and exciting looking coaster. I suspect that we might suddenly find certain enthusiasts getting "slightly jealous" of it and putting it down in favour of Nemesis!

The "Immelmann" looks brilliant...

> Personally it would be great to see floorless coaster in
> this style, though I think trying to do a water coaster
> like this could be interesting – making the ride less
> reliant on large drops for appeal

I used to build underground floorless coasters in RCT (the ratings were much better than inverteds). One trick was to have the top half of a loop sticking out from the ground, and threading path or track through it. Worked better than inverted.

I see what you mean about water coasters. You could have a big flume drop (not a coaster drop) and boat section, then, without a lift hill, it could just drop into a rocky pit and do a number of turns. A swift, vertical elevator could bring you back to station-level.

Yeah that coaster looks fab. I think it probably is better than Nemesis in the fact that it goes from an immense height into a trench. where as nemesis seems to be a bit near it trench before anything happens.

The Photo that stands out for me is the corkscrew with the double helix immediatly after it. Twisted!

~John./

If this is as good as it sounds, this may be like the first few batman clones that cmae out, a friend of mine said they're so intense that he could only ride it a few times before he had to say enough. I'd like to think that maybe Black Mamba will up the ante on inverts.

Tim, who is getting jealous.

I just finally checked out the construction pics, thank you to those who supply them for us, and I studied them for a good half hour, and am absolutely blown away by how entwined it is. This already looks absolutely amazing!

Tim.

The theming isn't really advanced yet and I guess they have to hurry now but the track is complete and it's looking really great.

Nice pics from the test run. Looks very nice and that themeing will be be magic when it's finished.

I guess we still have to wait a bit...

This coaster looks just awesome.

I've never seen such a shy coaster!

I wonder how it'll feel in all those tunnels. Will it feel dark, or will it feel as if you're in dimly-lit, underground passageways. This will probably be an advantage over Nemesis, as although that ride is set into the ground, and does pass under a few walkways and things here and there, you never really feel like you're in a tunnel (except perhaps the last one).

Definitely a fascinating coaster.

Such a great project - Looks amazing - Would love to ride it if I can get over there at some point.

I am just wondering how vicious that back seat is going to be. I can't wait for Mamba to open.

Tim.

Today was "preview day" for Black Mamba and the "Deep in Africa"-area.
First voices are very positive. The ride is smooth and not too intense. People claim that you really fear for your feet.

Here are pictures from today which show the new area from the ground for the first time:

http://freizeitparkweb.de/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=26&forum=DCForumID128&viewmode=all#16

More ride, theming and station:

http://freizeitparkweb.de/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=27&forum=DCForumID128

Official opening is tomorrow. Good news for those who will visit during the upcoming soccer-onslaught.