Quassy Amusement Park Discussion Thread

[odene497]

A little tower like this is perfect for Quassy. Such a teensy park, but it was definitely a great time.

[jedimaster1227]

In what was only described as urgent news, Quassy has sent us the latest press release announcing that their wooden coaster is back on track!

 

“The roller coaster project is back on track!”

 

That simple statement, issued today by Quassy Amusement Park owners George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson, summed up months of behind-the-scenes negotiations to settle litigation that has stalled the construction of the highly-anticipated new ride at the lakeside park. “We can now move forward,” Anderson asserted, commenting on the agreement which allows for the historic property to build a wooden roller coaster geared toward families. “Our intentions were to break ground in 2009 after we announced our multi-year improvement plan last May,” he added. “The legal action prevented us from doing that, but now we can honestly say that the coaster will be built for the 2011 season.” “We’ll break ground most likely in September,” Frantzis said. “This allows us to concentrate on getting the heart of our season in before we put our combined efforts into the coaster’s construction.”

 

Even with a late summer or fall start, the coaster will be ready for Quassy’s 2011 season. “This is a family ride, not a mega-coaster that would take months on end to build,” Frantzis pointed out. As for the proceedings that held up the construction, the park officials would offer no further comment. “That is behind us – we can now focus on the projects outlined in our long-term plans,” noted Anderson.

 

The yet unnamed ride is part of a projected $5 million multi-year plan to update equipment and infrastructure at the lakeside park. In addition to the roller coaster, Quassy will add a 35-foot drop tower ride in the amusement park this year. The new “Free Fall ‘N’” tower ride was built in Italy and will be erected near the park’s new ticket booth.

 

“The new coaster will be a replacement for our aging steel ‘Mad Mouse,’” said Anderson. “The steel coaster will come down once the new ride is in place in another area of the park.” Quassy has received countless inquiries from throughout the world about the new roller coaster and the fate of the “Mad Mouse,” which has been a staple at the park since 1983. “It’s amazing just how closely enthusiasts have followed our news over the past nine months,” Frantzis noted. “They were not only excited about the new ride, then disappointed to hear about the delays, but also concerned about what will happen to the ‘Mad Mouse.’” “To say the least, the delay in construction has been a roller coaster ride for us,” he quipped.

 

As for the fate of the classic Allan Herschell “Mouse” coaster, the park hopes it finds a new home. “It’s still in great condition and has been property maintained throughout the years. In fact, we just painted the entire ride last spring,” Anderson said of the steel giant. “It looks and sounds scary, but that is what guests like about these old classic coasters. It has served us well.”

 

The three-phased plan announced last year is the largest in the history of the 102-year-old park, which is owned by the Frantzis family and Anderson. This marks the 72nd year the Frantzis family has been involved at Quassy. “It’s not so much an expansion plan as it is updating,” Frantzis said. “We’re investing in the future of the property. These projects are necessary for us to remain competitive, and in the amusement park business you have to feature a family roller coaster.”

 

First Coaster In Waterbury Area In Years

 

The last wooden roller coaster to operate in the Waterbury, Conn., area was located at the city’s Lakewood Park. Built in 1930, the coaster lasted only a few years before being dismantled and moved to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H. for the 1936 season. The ride continues to operate in New Hampshire today. “Our new roller coaster will be a family ride – one parents and grandparents alike can ride with children,” Frantzis asserted. “It will not be an extreme or white-knuckle experience – that is not who and what we are.”

 

Designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Quassy coaster will have 1,200 feet of track and be 35 feet at its highest point. Due to the topography where the coaster will be located, the ride will actually drop around 40 feet obtaining a maximum speed of 35 mph. One three-car train with a capacity of 12 persons will run the course. The coaster’s station will be located near the “Big Flush” ride with the incline constructed on the old entrance road to the park. The coaster will drop into the lawn area behind the “Grand Carousel” where it will make its turnaround and head up and over the park’s train tracks. Engineers from The Gravity Group were able to present a design which will not disrupt the tree line along both sides of Quassy old entrance.

 

“We didn’t want to take away from the natural beauty those trees provide as you enter the park,” Anderson said. “Fortunately, we’ll be able to preserve that feature and have this beautiful structure fit in.” “It’s a family coaster, but will be an exciting ride,” Anderson continued. “Adding to the excitement will be two crossovers on the train tracks, plus a series of airtime hops. This will be a great modern replacement for the steel coaster.”

 

The roller coaster will be constructed of all treated lumber. The vendor for the coaster train has yet to be named by the park. At least four other coaster manufacturers from around the world presented proposals to Quassy. “They (Gravity Group) came in with a couple of designs that immediately caught our eye,” Anderson noted. “These engineers have a real passion for their trade and The Gravity Group has designed and built some of the best rides of the genre.”

 

Community Service Event And Schools

 

Once completed, Quassy will host an auction for the first ride or series of rides on the new roller coaster. Beneficiaries of the coaster auction will be Connecticut Public Television (CPTV), Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut and the Connecticut Food Bank. “Part of our strategy since we started talking about the coaster project several years ago was to have an auction for the first ride,” Frantzis said. “Our initiative will support these great organizations which serve the communities that support the park.”

 

In addition, Quassy will hold a “Name The Roller Coaster” contest among local and area schools. The class that submits the name selected to be used on the coaster will be invited to the park for the grand opening. In addition, the winning school will receive a quantity of park passes to use for fundraising. That contest will officially take shape in the fall.

 

Time To Retire The ‘Mad Mouse’

 

The “Mad Mouse,” also known as the “Monster” roller coaster, has been operating at Quassy Amusement Park since 1983. The all-steel ride operated at Playland in Rye, N.Y., following delivery in 1967 from the manufacturer, the Allan Herschell Co., of North Tonawanda, N.Y. When Quassy purchased the coaster and moved it from New York, it replaced the “Wild Mouse,” a similar ride Quassy installed in 1960.

 

“The Herschell coaster is a great classic ride, and it will be missed,” Anderson said of the ride that will be replaced. “It’s becoming a challenge to keep the ride operating because of its age and Quassy greatly needs a marquee coaster to replace it.” “If you ask people what they like about visiting amusement parks, it’s roller coasters,” Frantzis said of the business. “Our new waterpark helped us remain competitive seven years ago, and this coaster will have the same impact in forging a future for Quassy.”

 

Quassy’s other roller coaster is the “Little Dipper,” a children’s ride that came to the park in 1952 from the Herschell firm. It is one of the oldest operating steel roller coasters in the world and has delighted generations of guests. It operates to this day in the three-ride Herschell Kiddyland adjacent to the redemption arcade.

 

Waterpark Project

 

The final phase of the multi-year plan will be the construction of a “Bullet Bowl” water raft ride, located where the “Mad Mouse” coaster currently stands. The new attraction will be part of the “Saturation Station” interactive family water play area and add yet another element to the popular waterpark. “It will be an attractive piece to have in that location and complement the beach and existing waterpark,” Frantzis said of the ride manufactured by ProSlide Technology of Canada. Riders will climb into rafts from a loading platform about 28 feet above the park before plunging down a trough into a huge bowl with swirling water. Rafters will spin around the bowl before being discharged through another trough to the landing area.

 

Economic Impact

 

Quassy’s plan is expected to have positive economic impact throughout the area as well. “Regional accommodations that package vacation stays with us realize the value of having modern attractions nearby,” Frantzis explained. “These partnerships have grown extensively over the past couple of years, and much of that can be attributed to the park’s progressive nature in updating, yet preserving a family atmosphere.” “The impact tourist attractions have on the business climate locally is very substantial,” the park owner added. “Visitors not only pay for accommodations, but also meals at restaurants, gasoline and a variety of other goods and services. We’re happy to recommend to our guests local places to go out to dinner and other places of interest – we do that on virtually a daily basis when we’re open.” “The unique thing here is that we have been careful to preserve the nostalgia of Quassy while making essential updates,” Anderson interjected. “Change has been necessary – especially over the past few years – to remain competitive. At the same time, we’ve continued with a good balance of the old and the new. Everyday we hear guests comment about the classic rides like the ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’ and ‘Little Dipper’ coaster, and at the same time compliment us for having the initiative to build ‘Saturation Station.’" “The improvements have also increased the value of the property, and that weighs heavily into tax dollars we provide to the town and state,” Frantzis added. “We also employ hundreds of students during the summer, which also feeds the local economy.”

 

The park has also attached another press release regarding its benefit causes.

 

It will be the ride of a lifetime for a select group of individuals. When Quassy Amusement Park’s new wooden roller coaster opens in 2011, the first rides will be auctioned off to benefit three not-for-profit agencies. Beneficiaries of the coaster auction will be Connecticut Public Television (CPTV), Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Connecticut and the Connecticut Food Bank.

 

“Part of our strategy since we started talking about the coaster project several years ago was to have an auction for the first ride,” Frantzis said. “Our initiative will support these great organizations which serve the communities that support the park.” “Auctions to be the first riders on new roller coasters have a strong history throughout our industry, and we anticipate our event will be equally successful,” he added.

 

About The Agencies

 

The parent company of Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) is Connecticut Public Broadcasting, the state's only locally owned media organization producing TV, radio, print and Internet content for distribution to Connecticut's wide-ranging and diverse communities. CPTV serves the entire state of Connecticut, reaching an estimated 750,000 television viewers each week. The company’s annual budget is funded in large part through community support from individuals, corporations and foundations.

 

The sole purpose of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut has granted over 1,700 wishes since our founding in 1986.

 

The mission of Connecticut Food Bank is to alleviate hunger. The agency strives to do this by supplying food products and resources to our member agencies, and promoting public awareness about the problem of hunger. Founded in 1982, Connecticut Food Bank is an affiliate of America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network. It is the largest centralized source of donated, emergency food in Connecticut.

 

“The roller coaster ride auction will certainly draw national attention as roller coaster and amusement park enthusiasts love to participate in these events,” Frantzis noted. “We have numerous members of coaster and theme park clubs living in the area, not to mention the interest the event will have among our dedicated fan-base.”

 

School Involvement

 

In addition, Quassy will hold a “Name The Roller Coaster” contest among local and area schools. The class that submits the name selected to be used on the coaster will be invited to the park for the grand opening. The winning school will receive a quantity of park passes to use for fundraising.

[Skycoastin Steve]

Well that's good to see. I'm skipping Quassy in my New England trip this year because this didn't get built, so I guess I'll have to catch it another time!

[megamatt]

Well thats good that its still gonna be built. I wonder where Monster Mouse is going...

[ginzo]

I've been planning on doing a North East trip: Quassy, Canobie, La Ronde, Great Escape, and Seabreeze. All new parks to me.

 

I guess it can wait until next year now.

[SharkTums]

^That sounds a lot like the TPR North East Trip 2011!!! See ya there!

[ginzo]

^Hurray for kiddie coaster ERT!

[Brandon4579]

^^so that trip is happening?

[jedimaster1227]

Quassy has sent us the latest press release about their new roller coaster model contest.

 

The American Association Of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and Quassy Amusement Park have teamed up to present a roller coaster model contest on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at the Middlebury, Conn., park.

 

Team categories for the event are: Grades 1-4, Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12. There is no fee to participate, but schools must pre-register by e-mailing a list of competing teams (maximum of four teams per school) to ron@quassy.com by May 15, 2010. Entry/scoring forms, which must be brought to the park the day of the event, may be downloaded from the Press Room page at http://www.quassy.com. Teachers are encouraged to view the complete rules and judging criteria on the Web site page.

 

Build A Working Model

 

Working roller coaster models may be constructed of wood, wire, string, twine, doweling, toothpicks, cardboard, construction paper, glue, tape or other low-cost items.

 

Commercially available roller coaster kits are discouraged, although ideas obtained while building them might profitably be incorporated in the final design.

 

Roller coasters are called "gravity rides" for a good reason: once the coaster has been dragged to the top of the first hill and released, it is the force of gravity that keeps the coaster going all the way back to the station platform at the end of the ride. As the coaster goes through its twists, turns, rolls, and loops, it gains and loses its initial potential energy (supplied by dragging it up the first hill). Energy changes from potential into kinetic energy and back into potential energy. Since some of this initial energy is lost due to friction, the roller coaster can never rise as high as the first hill.

 

Let Gravity Do The Work

 

The roller coasters students will design will also be "gravity rides". In the "Spirit of the Competition," the key ingredients are creativity and application of science principles. Doing a great job is encouraged over spending lots of money to complete the project.

 

Judging

 

Roller coasters will judged based on three categories: (1) Technical Merit; (2) Theme and Creativity; (3) Most exciting to ride. First and Second Place Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: (1) Grades 1-4; (2) Grades 5-8; (3) Grades 9-12.

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

 

The new ‘Free Fall ‘N’’ family drop tower ride started to take shape Tuesday at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn., as the lakeside property prepares for its 102nd season of operation. The new ride, built by SBF Visa Group of Italy, will carry 12 passengers to the top of the tower before releasing the gondola for a thrilling free fall. The installation of ‘Free Fall ‘N’’ is expected to be completed this week. The park opens April 24.

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

 

Quassy Amusement Park and Telemundo are teaming up to present a free day for moms at the Connecticut park on May 9. Mothers accompanied by a child will receive a voucher when entering the park for a free all-day ride wristband and lunch. The voucher may be redeemed only by mom. One voucher per visiting family.

 

While there is no admission fee at Quassy, special $15 all-day ride passes will be available for other family members on Mother’s Day. There will also be afternoon magic shows with Jim Sisti and Sandi at the Lakeside Theatre. In its 102nd season of operation, Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions.

 

Quassy opens weekends beginning April 24 and begins daily operation on June 14. The popular 50-Cent Fabulous Friday Nights – rides, Pepsi and cotton candy are only 50 cents - start May 28 with $25 carload Saturday nights kicking in for the summer on May 29. Free entertainment is provided at the Lakeside Theatre in the park and numerous special events and held throughout the season. Featured attractions at the stage this summer will be the “All American Thrill Spectacular,” July 4 -Aug. 1 and the “Kent Family Magic Circus,” Aug. 2-15.

 

A complete entertainment and special events calendar is available at www.quassy.com.

[jedimaster1227]

Quassy has sent us two new press releases about the upcoming wooden coaster project for their park.

 

What do you get when you put more than 140,000 board feet of lumber, 200,000 nails and 35,000 nuts and bolts all together? In this instance, a new wooden roller coaster. Quassy Amusement Park has officially started working on its highly-anticipated family thrill ride, which will be operational for the 2011 season.

 

In the planning stages for several years, the first signs of the new ride taking shape have become obvious over the past several days at the lakeside facility as numerous tractor-trailer loads of lumber and other materials have been arriving. “We’re poised to get the project off the ground,” said Eric Anderson, an owner of the family-owned amusement park. “Things came together more quickly than we had first envisioned and construction is starting a little sooner than we had anticipated.”

 

The project foreman and his assistants are now on location and have started preliminary surveying and other work to get construction under way. The yet-to-be-named roller coaster, designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, will be 1,200 feet long with a maximum height of 35 feet. With the natural topography of the park playing into the blueprints, the ride will drop more than 40 feet overall and cross over the park’s miniature railroad twice, adding additional thrills for riders on both attractions.

 

Not Since The 1930s

 

The last wooden roller coaster to operate in the Waterbury, Conn., area was located at the city’s Lakewood Park. Built in 1930, the coaster lasted only a few years before being dismantled and moved to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H. for the 1936 season. The ride continues to operate in New Hampshire today.

 

“Our new roller coaster will be a family ride – one parents and grandparents alike can ride with children,” park owner George Frantzis II asserted. “It will not be an extreme or white-knuckle experience – that is not who and what we are.” The ride will obtain a maximum speed of 35 mph with one three-car train with a capacity of 12 persons running the course.

 

The coaster’s station will be located near the “Big Flush” ride with the incline constructed on the old entrance road to the park. The coaster will drop into the lawn area behind the “Grand Carousel” where it will make its turnaround in a tunnel and head up and over the park’s train tracks. “It’s a family coaster, but will be an exciting ride,” Anderson continued. “Adding to the excitement will be two crossovers on the train tracks, plus a series of airtime hops. This will be a great modern replacement for the steel coaster (“Mad Mouse”).”

 

The roller coaster will be constructed of all treated lumber. The vendor for the coaster train has yet to be named by the park. At least four other coaster manufacturers from around the world presented proposals to Quassy.

 

“They (Gravity Group) came in with a couple of designs that immediately caught our eye,” Anderson noted. “These engineers have a real passion for their trade and The Gravity Group has designed and built some of the best rides of the genre.”

Community Service Event And Schools

 

Once completed, Quassy will host an auction for the first ride or series of rides on the new roller coaster. Beneficiaries of the coaster auction will be Connecticut Public Television (CPTV), Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut and the Connecticut Food Bank. “Part of our strategy since we started talking about the coaster project several years ago was to have an auction for the first ride,” Frantzis said. “Our initiative will support these great organizations which serve the communities that support the park.”

 

In addition, Quassy will hold a “Name The Roller Coaster” contest among local and area schools. The class that submits the name selected to be used on the coaster will be invited to the park for the grand opening. In addition, the winning school will receive a quantity of park passes to use for fundraising. The contest will be officially announced later in August.

 

Time To Retire The ‘Mad Mouse’

 

The “Mad Mouse,” also known as the “Monster” roller coaster, will be retired at the close of the 2010 season. It has been operating at Quassy Amusement Park since 1983. The all-steel ride operated at Playland in Rye, N.Y., following delivery in 1967 from the manufacturer, the Allan Herschell Co., of North Tonawanda, N.Y.

 

When Quassy purchased the coaster and moved it from New York, it replaced the “Wild Mouse,” a similar ride Quassy installed in 1960. “The Herschell coaster is a great classic ride, and it will be missed,” Anderson said of the ride. “It’s becoming a challenge to keep the ride operating because of its age and Quassy greatly needs a marquee coaster to replace it.”

 

“If you ask people what they like about visiting amusement parks, it’s roller coasters,” Frantzis said of the business. “Our new waterpark helped us remain competitive seven years ago, and this coaster will have the same impact in forging a future for Quassy.”

 

While Anderson and Frantzis are uncertain of what will become of the “Mad Mouse,” the fact is that the coaster will be torn down once the new ride is completed. “It might be sold to another park, but who knows?” Anderson added.

 

Quassy’s other roller coaster is the “Little Dipper,” a children’s ride that came to the park in 1952 from the Herschell firm. It is one of the oldest operating steel roller coasters in the world and has delighted generations of guests. It operates to this day in the three-ride Herschell Kiddyland adjacent to the redemption arcade.

 

Economic Impact

 

Quassy’s multi-year improvement plan is expected to have positive economic impact throughout the area as well. “Regional accommodations that package vacation stays with us realize the value of having modern attractions nearby,” Frantzis explained. “These partnerships have grown extensively over the past couple of years, and much of that can be attributed to the park’s progressive nature in updating, yet preserving a family atmosphere.”

 

“The impact tourist attractions have on the business climate locally is very substantial,” the park owner added. “Visitors not only pay for accommodations, but also meals at restaurants, gasoline and a variety of other goods and services. We’re happy to recommend to our guests local places to go out to dinner and other places of interest – we do that on virtually a daily basis when we’re open.”

 

“The unique thing here is that we have been careful to preserve the nostalgia of Quassy while making essential updates,” Anderson interjected. “Change has been necessary – especially over the past few years – to remain competitive. At the same time, we’ve continued with a good balance of the old and the new. Everyday we hear guests comment about the classic rides like the ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’ and ‘Little Dipper’ coaster, and at the same time compliment us for having the initiative to build ‘Saturation Station.’”

 

“The improvements have also increased the value of the property, and that weighs heavily into tax dollars we provide to the town and state,” Frantzis added. “We also employ hundreds of students during the summer, which also feeds the local economy.”

 

For more about The Gravity Group visit http://www.thegravitygroup.com. For more information about Quassy Amusement Park visit http://www.quassy.com.

 

It will be the ride of a lifetime for a select group of individuals. When Quassy Amusement Park’s new wooden roller coaster opens in 2011 the first rides will be auctioned off to benefit three not-for-profit agencies. Beneficiaries of the coaster auction will be Connecticut Public Television (CPTV), Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Connecticut and the Connecticut Food Bank.

 

“Part of our strategy since we started talking about the coaster project several years ago was to have an auction for the first ride,” Frantzis said. “Our initiative will support these great organizations which serve the communities that support the park.” “Auctions to be the first riders on new roller coasters have a strong history throughout our industry, and we anticipate our event will be equally successful,” he added.

 

About The Agencies

 

The parent company of Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) is Connecticut Public Broadcasting, the state's only locally owned media organization producing TV, radio, print and Internet content for distribution to Connecticut's wide-ranging and diverse communities. CPTV serves the entire state of Connecticut, reaching an estimated 750,000 television viewers each week. The company’s annual budget is funded in large part through community support from individuals, corporations and foundations.

 

The sole purpose of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut has granted over 1,700 wishes since our founding in 1986.

 

The mission of Connecticut Food Bank is to alleviate hunger. The agency strives to do this by supplying food products and resources to our member agencies, and promoting public awareness about the problem of hunger. Founded in 1982, Connecticut Food Bank is an affiliate of America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network. It is the largest centralized source of donated, emergency food in Connecticut.

 

“The roller coaster ride auction will certainly draw national attention as roller coaster and amusement park enthusiasts love to participate in these events,” Frantzis noted. “We have numerous members of coaster and theme park clubs living in the area, not to mention the interest the event will have among our dedicated fan-base.”

 

School Involvement

 

In addition, Quassy will hold a “Name The Roller Coaster” contest among local and area schools. The class that submits the name selected to be used on the coaster will be invited to the park for the grand opening. The winning school will receive a quantity of park passes to use for fundraising.

 

For more information about the Connecticut Public Television visit http://www.cptv.org. For more information about The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut visit http://www.ct.wish.org. For more information about the Connecticut Food Bank visit http://www.ctfoodbank.org.

Edited August 6, 2010 by jedimaster1227

[Canobie Coaster]

I can't wait for the park to open their new signature attraction. Not only will it probably be the park's best attraction, but it also will fill an empty patch of land quite well. Finally, the train won't seem so empty. Until the coaster is built, the park's Train will continue to simply navigate it's rectangular couse around an empty field. Once the coaster is finished, I should like their Train so much better since it will probably provide some amazing views of the coaster.

 

The Monster Mouse has definitely served the park well, but when I've visited the park the last couple of times, the Mouse has had some downtime. While the park definitely takes good care of the coaster, unfortunately the age of the coaster itself makes it incredibly difficult to find replacement parts.

[sros1fan]

Quassy’s New Coaster Will Have Timberliner Train From Gravitykraft

 

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – Quassy Amusement Park’s new wooden roller

coaster, scheduled to debut in 2011, will feature a state-of-the-art

Timberliner train of cars from Gravitykraft Corp., the sister company to

The Gravity Group – designers of the Quassy ride.

 

Park officials made the announcement today.

 

“This new generation of coaster cars is an ideal fit for our ride,”

said park President Eric Anderson. “We saw the prototype last year at

our annual trade show in Las Vegas and it immediately grabbed our

attention.”

 

The Timberliner train constructed for Quassy will be the first

Gravitykraft unit to be installed on a new ride in the United States.

 

“These cars will not only provide a smoother ride, but a more

exciting ride due to their unique design elements,” Anderson noted. “The

train will actually consist of six two-seat cars, which will corner much

easier than the traditional roller coaster trains in our industry.”

 

“We are thrilled to be able to supply the trains on Quassy's new

signature roller coaster,” said Gravitykraft President Mike Graham. “A

ride in the Timberliner train gives the rider a very smooth ride and

short wait times, but most of all they safely enable adults to be able

to ride beside children. Countless hours were put into the design of the

seats to accommodate this wide variety of riders, which is very

important for the park.”

 

Engineers from Gravitykraft say the Timberliner train’s design will

also reduce track maintenance on the roller coaster.

 

Each passenger will also have a separate seat and adjustable

restraint, providing a more comfortable ride than many existing roller

coaster trains.

 

The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, provided the plans for the

yet-to-be-named new wooden roller coaster. The family ride will

incorporate 1,200 feet of track in a unique configuration using the

natural topography at the 102-year-old lakeside park.

 

Construction of the ride began two weeks ago and is on schedule for

completion prior to the opening of the 2011 season next spring.

[phantomfan93]

I think this is goin to be a great addition to the park!!

[Skycoastin Steve]

Well the name of the new coaster was announced. It will be called the "Wooden Warrior."

 

I know they had a contest for it and all, but was that really the best name?

[Shavethewhales]

It's a unique name at least. I was expecting 'Wildcat' or some variation therof, as usually results from these contests.

[Skycoastin Steve]

They could have gone with "Splendid Splinter," since it ties in with the history of New England (Ted Williams), as well as a wooden theme. Eh, whatever. A name doesn't make a coaster. Still looking forward to trying this out on the NE Trip next year!

[jedimaster1227]

While we were in Wisconsin, Quassy sent us some official construction photos for the Wooden Warrior, and it is truly starting to look impressive!

Construction workers today on the last turn and brake run on the “Wooden Warrior,” the new roller coaster being constructed at Quassy Amusement park, Middlebury, Conn. The “Wooden Warrior” is the only new wooden roller coaster being constructed in the U.S. for the 2011 season.

“Bents” (framework) for the coaster incline are all in place while work continues to erect more than 200 more along the coaster’s run.

In the foreground is the framework for the coaster station. Once the track is finished, the station building will be erected. Coaster designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The incline is seen background at right, and station in background left. Foreground shows the turn-around for the “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster. The “bents” will be going up on this part of the ride soon. The turn-around will include a tunnel to add more thrills to the coaster, which also crosses the park’s train tracks twice!

[Synshine]

The “Wooden Warrior” is the only new wooden roller coaster being constructed in the U.S. for the 2011 season.

 

I guess they're just building an "old" new wooden roller coaster in Wisconsin.

[jedimaster1227]

Quassy has sent us the latest photo construction update for the Wooden Warrior.

 

The tunneled turnaround is being erected this week behind the park’s Grand Carousel. The track will be enclosed on this section of the run, adding more excitement to the family ride.

The final bunny hops and brake run are shown in this photo. The catwalk and handrails are also being nailed into place.

The incline and final cross-over are shown from the stairway on the Big Flush ride, which sits adjacent to the new roller coaster.

Edited November 13, 2010 by robbalvey

[Skycoastin Steve]

The “Wooden Warrior” is the only new wooden roller coaster being constructed in the U.S. for the 2011 season.

 

I guess they're just building an "old" new wooden roller coaster in Wisconsin.

Wooden Warrior is the only new wooden coaster being built in the U.S. for the last two seasons. The only other ones being built are two rebuilds (Little Dipper and Zippin Pippin) and Flying Turns (only the Flying Spaghetti Monster knows when that will open).

[jps294]

It's looking GOOD!!

[jedimaster1227]

Quassy has sent us the latest release, including the official ride logo for their new coaster, the Wooden Warrior.

 

Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, Conn., today unveiled the logo for its new “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster. The design has been in the works for several months within the park’s art department with management today approving the final version. The logo will not only appear on signage used in the park, but also on merchandise promoting the new family ride. The coaster was named by regional elementary students in a contest that had more than 90 entries. The coaster’s name reflects the Native American heritage of the 103-year-old property which is situated on Lake Quassapaug, which means “Great Pond” or “Rock Pond.” The 1,250-foot coaster is currently under construction at Quassy and on target for opening in the spring of 2011. The “Wooden Warrior” was designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio. Funding for the project provided by TD Bank.

[DarkStitch626]

Is anyone else reminded of the Wooden Indian on "Creep Show" that tried to kill people?