TPDave Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 That is a real shame, easily the best ride they had. It was pulling insane queue's when we were there in the summer. The line was well out the entrance! As said above, another blow for a suffering park... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 That is unfortunate. Turbine was easily the best coaster at Walibi (although my favorite attraction there was the shooting dark ride). At least they still have a very good mine train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BelgianGuy Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Damn it really was the best coaster toghether with Weerwolf Still Dalton terror was the coolest thing around Too bad the park is really poorly managed as it really needs some work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groteslurf Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Too bad. Last time I visited WB was in 2007. Next time maybe 2010 or 2011 I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Truly depressing and yet....hey I got that credit (thankfully) Never seen crowds like I did at that park and I guess it looks like those crowds will keep coming, regardless and for no particular reason that I can determine. Perhaps when the takings fall they may rethink (and this is a good year for a rethink for sure) Who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Thriller Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 ^ That's the problem. The park is built in a fantastic location so no matter what, French teenagers will continue coming on the train. The park will never run out of business... --James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krouvi Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 This park is going DOWN DOWN DOWN . First the fiasco with the Vertigo and now that ... . There is no good reason to visit this park at 2009. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Absimilliard Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Unfortunately, Six Flags back when they ran things never gave the park proper maintenance budgets and staffing, so all the rides deteriorated. Star Parks came in, tried fixing things and they sold to Compagnie des Alpes (Pleasurewood Hills in England, Parc Asterix, etc.) all the Walibi parks except Walibi Lorraine (now Walygator) and Movie Park Germany (still owned by Star Parks). Sadly, Compagnies des Alpes is the worst theme park operator in the world. They don't do maintenance until a complete rehab or train change is required. They don't add new rides. They invest on stupid things. All the profits from the park pay for new ski lifts at their skiing resorts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterke Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 (edited) Hello everyone A couple of months ago I heard that Walibi Belgium (former Walibi Wavre and Six Flags Belgium) was planning on refurbishing Turbine, the famous half-enclosed Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop. It has been SNBO for nearly 3 years now and they want to repair and replace/update all the broken parts to give the old girl another 10 year life-span. Best of all? They're serious! 2 weeks ago these pictures came up: The plan is to make the coaster fully enclosed, to ensure noise reduction for neighbouring residents on that side of the park (main reason it became half-enclosed in the first place). They're considering 2 plans for this: 1) Encasing both ends in flashy-coloured tubes, to match up with the neighbouring logflume FlashBack 2) Extending the building on both ends, changing the theme to and old coal-factory, and have 2 diagonal chimneys (like the tower of Pisa) to serve as casings for the 2 slopes Both will contain light and sound effects. Also the queue will now be in the front of the building, and indoors, to protect guests during rain or intense sun. The old queue was behind the building, in a very boring and very hot spot. Now maybe you're wondering: what if they can't fix it? After all, Schwarzkopf is gone, and these shuttle loops are slowly disappearing. Well, should it fail to save this monument, Walibi has a Plan B: a spinning rollercoaster, going by the project-name "Fabulous". In this case Turbine will be taken down, and a brand new spinning coaster will take it's place, using the building as a station, with the lifthill and first drop being in the area where Turbine's loop is. These pictures were also send out, showing a couple possible lay-outs and a comparison to where Turbine now is. This shows 3 possible lay-outs, although I think number 3 is the only "correct" one. Also a quick and rough translation of the French on that last one, covering the advantages of replacing Turbine with Fabulous: - Height only 21 meters instead of 42 - The attraction is more family based: no violent launch (buuuuh!), 2x4 cars instead of a 28 people train (how is this an "advantage"?), 55 km/h instead of 85 (again, what?) - It replaces a dated attracion, it opened as Sirocco (non enclosed) in 1982, had the accident were a full train was stuck upside down in 1998 (97? not sure), and opened again, half enclosed as Turbine in 1999. - Uses magnetic brakes - Takes less time to develop - Makes for a nice sight So yeah, I think my opinion on this one is obvious: go Turbine! It's allways been a fan favorite in this part of Europe and I would love for it to be completely indoors with special effects. On the other hand plan B isn't all that bad, but only, OOOONLY if all else fails please . Will keep you updated if this develops! Edited April 6, 2012 by larrygator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montezooma Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 This is very interesting, thanks for posting. Of course my vote goes to TURBINE also! I am looking forward to more updates as things progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texcoaster Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Fingers crossed. Turbine is the only Schwarzkopf shuttle that ever topped Astroworld's Greezed Lightnin' in my book. I'd hate to see it scrapped. Speaking of GL, Joyland is having trouble trying to sell it now that they don't plan to build it at their park... maybe they could sell it to Walibi for parts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samisthabomb Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Wow, I didn't even know Turbine was SBNO! I'll have to go with plan A. Shuttle loops are becoming rarer and rarer, and I'd hate to see another one get scrapped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 It sounds like they have a good solid plan A and plan B should it be necessary. Shuttle Loops are definitely a dying breed so if they can keep it than that's definitely ideal. But if not, that new plan they have looks good too. I can imagine that new coaster gets implemented in another location in the next few years if Plan A does indeed work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Khan Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 The news is out ! Turbine will apparently reopen in 2012 after 3 years of SBNO status. Of the options above, the renovation and enclosing of both end spikes has been chosen and at the town hall of Wavre, zoning documents and so on (not familiar with the proper English terms) show that the ride will reopen,, green steel tubes (take the tunnel !) will be placed to enclose the whole coaster track (no more noise nuisance for the very boring neighbours) Those documents (in French) can be seen online. If anyone wants to read them... they also state that Walibi will now have to build respecting stricter environmntal rules. I assume the coaster will feature a "speed of sound" like theme. I'm happy to see one of my babies saved (I love my Sirocco) but this probably means no new coaster at the park for a while...again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 ^That's definitely good news. Do you have a link to the story? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Khan Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 http://www.newsparcs.com/index2.php?choix=20&lim=25&larg=1280&haut=800&suite=5177#5177 Here ya go, sir ! By the way, out of the 2 "projects" shown on this page (here on TPR), I understand that it's not the Chemney but the tube version, that has been chosen. I forgot to mention that the permit received is valid for a 20 year exploitation of the ride ! (now, I don't want to bitch, but Walibi's technical staff has to roll up their sleeves if they want to keep it in an operating order... because, honestly I was at the park Saturday, and breakdowns or SBNO coasters like Cobra (fenced !!!)... one week after the season has started... that doesn't look too serious) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 ^Thanks. The rough google translation is below. I'm definitely glad they are able to save a dying breed. Hopefully it runs for the length of the new permit. On 7 April, the council of the city of Wavre issued the new permit unique environment Walibi Belgium for a period of 20 years, until 2031. This new permit, which replaces one that was due to expire April 23, had been at the public inquiry in January. Several complaints from residents and the association "The Slopes of the Dyle" had been made, particularly regarding noise, traffic, safety measures and environmental and maintenance of a consultative committee. These include the requirement less noisy events during the year, compliance with opening hours of the park, limiting the number of shots of fireworks, the installation of new anti-noise facilities (including rollover Dalton Terror attractions and Screamer), limiting the use of musical sound, editing and sound insulation of the amphitheater, a new road for deliveries, the ranking of the site as business Seveso, better integration of Attractions in landscape, etc.. Another important point of this permit application is Belpark (park manager) the continued operation of the amusement Turbine - a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop, built in 1982 - after renovation work needed to reduce its noise impact on homes residents. Real point of contention for many years, the attraction was closed in the course of the 2008 season. In January, we learned that the park had issued two alternatives: repair or replacement operation by another attraction, a Spinning Coaster who have used the building as cover noise. The second option was abandoned in the meantime, for reasons of landscape impact and because it did not guarantee a reduction in the level of noise in the area. The thrill seekers, and purists Walibi will be pleased to learn that the option has been chosen is the rehabilitation of the attraction. The work will cover two arrows in a tubular structure (tubes soundproofing) steel green tint. The construction should start in the offseason 2011-2012, for an opening next year. It is interesting to note that the area of the turbine is called in the license Zone Fabulous, "a name found in the new name of the amphitheater (Arena Fabulous). Since the ride will be fully covered, we can assume that the new musical Walibi may be involved in an interesting way, with light effects and music embedded example. It would be difficult to reverse all the points mentioned in the permit, especially as they relate to environmental issues such as storage of oil, gas consumption and electricity, waste treatment and wastewater The impact on the river Dyle, etc.. Note, however, the following information: - The opening hours are set in a range from 10h to 19h, except when called exceptional maximum ten events with fireworks, where one is allowed to open until 23h. - The corporate events (ie when the park is leased by a company) are limited to 10 a year, with a ban on firing a firework - The park opened in summer beyond 19 hours is prohibited until the park operator can demonstrate it can meet at any time without exemption limits noise - After installation of all new attractions, even if it is not an application for an environmental permit, a campaign of noise measurements will be performed. This will certify that the new attraction does not increase the nuisance to residents. Moreover, these measures will allow the updating of noise maps. - The operator shall clearly inform visitors of the park closing hours. For this, it will take the appropriate steps to attractions causing the most harm to local residents so that they are effectively closed to the scheduled closure of the park. Taking into account the audience in the park, it is impossible to close the doors at the exact time of closure. However, the operator will be required to take the necessary steps so that all visitors have left the site as soon as possible. - New noise maps will be established and acoustic measurements will be conducted as soon as changes are made in the overall operation of the park (installation of new attractions, modifications to existing attractions, etc..). At the request of local residents and if it deemed necessary, the Walloon Region will undertake control measures. These measures will be carried out and the maps produced by independent companies or organizations, the results will be reported at meetings of the steering committee. - There are no plans to make the rollover attractions Dalton Terror Screamer or because the permit considers that the attractions are located in the center of the park, they are not involved in major nuisance. - The colors of the future attractions to a smooth integration into the landscape will be preferred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterke Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Oh sweet! Must say I prefer the chimney version, but what the hey! Turbine is coming back baby, yeah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumbarider1993 Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 So does this mean that Wieland is going to help them refurbish it? I'd love for this to still be in europe when i go eventually. This is relieving, i was almost certain it was going to get scrapped Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Awesome awesome awesome... although never in my life have I loved Monte so much after reading this article... were so fortunate to have it. I gave it some love @ WCB a few months ago and damn, these rides totally rule! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Werner Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Cheer for Walibi Belgium everyone. One of the best coaster in Europe is coming back in 2012! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.A.B Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 I am happy that there going to do something with this coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six Flags Enthuseast Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I'm glad to hear this! I've always wondered about Turbine's fate since it went SBNO, so it's nice to hear that at least some progress is being made to either improve the ride or replace it with something better. Although I'd much prefer a Schwarzkoph shuttle loop to a spinning coaster, any development is a welcome improvement to a park which hasn't had much of an upgrade since Vertigo... and we all know how much that failed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Khan Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 As French forums show, something is underway at Walibi Belgium. I think my favourite Belgian ride might reopen in the end ! I had heard there was activity in the building and thought it was just for Zoo Terror (Hallowween) but the pictures here seems to indicate it's happening at last. Enjoy. Thanks to Ameworld for the picture workers on the front spike (tallest so) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas2 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Am I the only one not happy with the reopening of Turbine? I mean, it's a fun ride and all, but the capacity is horrible because they let the flywheel rest for 5 minutes or so in between the launches. Also, the last new coaster (not including the failed Vertigo) was built OVER 10 YEARS ago. I'd rather have a new coaster than an old rusty one. If they can fix the flywheel so that it can launches without a rest period, than I'm more happy, but I'd still prefer a new coaster over Turbine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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