Valleyfair To Build Intamin Roller Coaster For 2003

Article written by:
Eric Gieszl, Editor

Shakopee, MN – Valleyfair, Minnesota's family amusement park, announced plans today to build an impressive roller coaster. This new $8.5 million, 185-foot tall "Impulse Coaster" named Steel Venom is the latest addition to the parks thrill ride collection.

Impulse Coasters use the latest in coaster technology, treating riders to amazing speed combined with incredible heights. The first Impulse Coaster debuted in the US in 2000. In its first season of operation the Impulse Coaster was named a "Top 25 Coaster" in a poll conducted by Amusement Today magazine.

"Steel Venom is unlike any other coaster we have at Valleyfair," said Valleyfair's Vice-President and General Manager Larry MacKenzie. "It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience that will thrill coaster fans with its combination of speed, height and twists."

This new roller coaster will use state-of-the-art linear induction motors (LIM) to propel the trains from the loading station to a top speed of 68 mph. The LIM's produce a powerful, but smooth boost of speed, for each of the five times the train passes through the station.

Steel Venom will travel forwards and backwards, up and down, the U-shaped steel track for a total ride length of 2,600 feet. The forward vertical tower features a spiraling 360-degree twist that spins the trains around the tower as they ascend and descend.

The rear 185-foot vertical tower is a straight shot up and down, but with an added thrill. At the top of the tower is a LIM brake that will grab and hold the train for a split second, dangling the riders who face the ground below before releasing them.

Steel Venom will feature one train with seven vehicles, carrying four passengers each, seated two abreast. The train is suspended from the track above and features a fail-safe, over-the-shoulder restraint system.

This new coaster is designed and built by Swiss ride manufacturer Intamin and will cost Valleyfair approximately $8.5 million. This new roller coaster at Valleyfair is one of several capital improvement projects planned for 2003 at parks owned by Cedar Fair L.P.

Steel Venom will debut on May 10, 2003 when Valleyfair opens for the 2003 season.

Steel Venom Ride Facts

Height: 185 feet
Length of drop: 175 feet
Ride length: 2,600 feet
Angle of track: 90 degrees
Angle of twist: 360 degrees
Top speed: 68 mph

Model: Single-Twist Impulse Coaster

Structure: U-Shaped Steel Tubular Track

Propulsion System: Linear Induction Motors (LIMs)

Colors: Periwinkle Columns, Bright Yellow Track

Speed:
First launch (forward): approximately 55 mph
Second launch (backward): approximately 55 mph
Third launch (forward): approximately 68 mph
Fourth launch (backward): approximately 68 mph
Fifth launch (forward): approximately 62 mph

Ride Capacity: Approximately 950 passengers per hour

Train: One 28-Passenger (Seven, four-passenger vehicles, with riders seated two abreast)

Restraints: Individual over-the-shoulder restraint with restraining belt

Investment: $8.5 million

Ride Manufacturer: Intamin AG (headquartered in Wollerau, Switzerland)

Opening Date: May 10, 2003

Location: Southeast corner of Valleyfair (near Challenge Park)

For more information visit Valleyfair.