Apocalypse (Six Flags America)
Apocalypse is a steel stand-up roller coaster currently under construction at Six Flags America in Prince George's County, Maryland.[1] The ride made its debut in 1990 as Iron Wolf at Six Flags Great America.[2] It was the first roller coaster designed by Bolliger & Mabillard.[3] At its debut, it was also the tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster in the world.[4][5][6]
History
Six Flags Great America (1990-2011)
On April 28, 1990, Apocalypse opened as Iron Wolf at Six Flags Great America on the former site of Z-Force (the only Intamin Space Diver ride ever manufactured).[2][7][8]
In 1994, Iron Wolf appeared in the movie Ri¢hie Ri¢h as Richie's backyard roller coaster.[2][9]
On August 5, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced on their official Facebook page that the Iron Wolf would be closed on September 5, 2011: "After a long 21 year history at the park, we will be removing Iron Wolf. Make sure to get your last rides in – Iron Wolf’s Last Stand is September 5". The Last Stand is also a reference for the slogan for Apocalypse.[4][10][11]
Six Flags America (2012)
On August 22, 2011, Six Flags America announced on their Facebook page that they would be adding a new attraction in 2012.[12] From this day, they began to slowly remove burnt pieces from a envelope to reveal the ride with an official announcement on September 1, 2011. On September 1, 2011, Six Flags America announced that they would be adding Apocalypse in 2012.[13] Iron Wolf from Six Flags Great America will be relocated following its closure on September 5, 2011.[14] The ride is expected to open on May 25, 2012, and be located in Skull Island section of the park where the former Skull Mountain used to be. As of December 2011, construction has sped up with footers being dug, and the track and trains have begun arriving.[15][16]
Ride
Apocalypse has two trains[2] designed by Bolliger & Mabillard and fabricated by Giovanola. Riders are arranged four across in seven rows for a total of 28 riders per train.[2] Apocalypse is 100 feet (30 m) tall, has a track length of 2,900 feet (880 m) and a top speed of 55 miles per hour (89 km/h).[2] It has two inversions: a vertical loop and a corkscrew.[2][17]
References
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Apocalypse (Six Flags America)". Database Entry. Roller Coaster DataBase. http://www.rcdb.com/10136.htm. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Marden, Duane. "Iron Wolf (Six Flags Great America)". Database Entry. Roller Coaster DataBase. http://www.rcdb.com/6.htm. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Roller Coaster Search Results (Bolliger & Mabillard roller coasters)". Database Entry. Roller Coaster DataBase. http://www.rcdb.com/m/r.htm?ot=2&co=6831&page=1&order=10. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ a b "‘Iron Wolf’s last stand is Sept. 5’". Chicago Sun-Times. August 5, 2011. http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/6909029-418/iron-wolfs-last-stand-is-sept.-5. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags Great America. "Iron Wolf". Six Flags. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/6197UqAUN. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Yeager, Connie (March 25, 1990). "New roller coasters promise wilder rides". The Telegraph: p. 59. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=44VKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EZQMAAAAIBAJ&dq=iron%20wolf%20six%20flags&pg=6880%2C6969393. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ biZarRo (February 12, 2011). "The Significance of Bolliger & Mabillard". COASTER-Net. http://www.coaster-net.com/blogs/158-the-significance-of-bolliger-mabillard/. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Space Diver". Database Entry. Roller Coaster DataBase. http://www.rcdb.com/8369.htm. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ "Ri¢hie Ri¢h (1994) – Trivia". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110989/trivia. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags Great America (August 5, 2011). "After a long 21...". Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10150252058661356. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Coasterholic14 (August 6, 2011). "Six Flags Great America Losing Long-time Stand-Up Coaster". COASTER-Net. http://www.coaster-net.com/news/1514-iron-wolf-leaving/. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags America (August 22, 2011). "This TOP SECRET envelope...". Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150265537180995&set=a.184988055994.135742.40616650994. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags America (September 1, 2011). "Maryland's...". Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150273163675995&set=a.184988055994.135742.40616650994. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags America (September 1, 2011). "Apocalypse". Six Flags. http://www.sixflags.com/america/info/news_ApocalypseAnnouncement.aspx. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags America (December 5, 2011). "APOCALYPSE". Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150394859925995.350648.40616650994&type=3. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags America (December 7, 2011). "Our APOCALYPSE harnesses!". Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150398869000995&set=a.184988055994.135742.40616650994&type. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ "Six Flags Great America". Los Angeles Times. http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/illinois/chicago/19441/six-flags-great-america/attraction-detail.html. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
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