Mundo Petapa | Relámpago | Zamperla Thunderbolt

[Lori Marie Loud]

So as you may have seen from the IAAPA thread Zamperla announced a new Thunderbolt Coaster
It's going to Mundo Petapa and will be named Relámpago
Here's the front car:

and the layout:

Seems to have quite the wonky and short layout. But is good for a park which has only family coasters, it's a nice compact thrill coaster.
What do you think?

 

[vaugc002]

It's nice to see another variant of this model, but we Gerst's Eurofighter did all this about 15 years ago so it's kinda boring nowadays.
I wish they could have done something a bit more interesting with the layout to make it stand out.

 

[Lori Marie Loud]

It's nice to see another variant of this model, but we Gerst's Eurofighter did all this about 15 years ago so it's kinda boring nowadays.
I wish they could have done something a bit more interesting with the layout to make it stand out.

I mean there's the reverse Finnish loop right after the drop.

 

[CrashCoaster]

I mean there's the reverse Finnish loop right after the drop.

It looks like a standard vertical loop to me.

 

[Lori Marie Loud]

It looks like a standard vertical loop to me.

The Finnish loop is a inversion similar to a Norwegian Loop, but instead of a immelmann after the dive loop, theres a loop. This is that, but traveled in reverse.
See https://rcdb.com/16392.htm

 

[vaugc002]

I mean there's the reverse Finnish loop right after the drop.

Honestly I couldn't give a rat's anus about a Finnish loop. If that's the most distinctive USP of an entire coaster model then it's not exactly a stand-out is it?

 

[CrashCoaster]

@Cranedude Not even close. The Finnish loop is simply just a vertical loop but the crest has been elongated to provide a lot of hangtime. It first appeared on Junker as the loop needed to fit round a bridge so it had to be elongated, then Monster. And Junker is located in Finland.

All the coaster has is a standard vertical loop, an Immelmann and a zero-g roll.

 

[Lofty]

That's 100% not a Finnish Loop. ****, if this has a Finnish Loop, all of the Gerstlauer Eurofighter Rage clones have one, too.

 

[roomraider]

This ride may be short and it may be the much maligned Thunderbolt model from Zamperla but some context might be needed here.

It's going to Guatemala after all. A country whos best coaster closed over 60 years ago and current top coaster (and only large scale ride really) is Colossos with 2 inversions missing. The next biggest ride being a Zamperla Moto Coaster.

This will be the 9th known operating coaster in the country and 3 of the current ones are Wacky Worms or powered Dragons.
It may not be a great ride on the world stage but I can't see this being anything but a hit in Guatemala City.

 

[Lori Marie Loud]

That escalated quickly.

 

[EpochEmu]

The coaster reminds me of this... just missing the corkscrew.

 

[CrashCoaster]

I actually have that built in my bedroom.

 

[Edward M]

I think I’m alone in this, but I don’t mind the Zamperla Thunderbolts. The Coney Island one has the worst restraints, but the one in Alabama had pretty comfy restraints that made the airtime and elements much more enjoyable. Then again I only rode it when it was brand new, so maybe it’s turned crappy. I’d be interested in anyone’s opinions on the Alabama one, since the Coney Island one is pretty universally maligned.

This one’s layout looks considerably worse than the previous models but I’m sure it’ll be great for Guatemala as has already been said.

 

[Thekingin64]

I didn't mind the Coney Island Thunderbolt when I rode this summer. Rough in places with some terrible track shaping on turnaround but no issues with the restraints. Haven't ridden the Alabama one but can't see it being much different.

This design does look fun and will definitely be the one of the best coasters in the area, if not the best. Wouldn't be surprised to see more pop up in smaller parks around the world.

 

[CrashCoaster]

OK, so Zamperla has confirmed it IS the official layout, and here is the RCDB:-

https://rcdb.com/16774.htm

Stats:-

Length: 1,230.3 ft (375m)
Height: 68.9 ft
Speed: 43.5 mph
Inversions: 3
G-Force: 3.9
Elements: Vertical Chain Lift Hill, Loop, Immelmann, Corkscrew

Model: Thunderbolt Layout 03
Capacity: 600 riders per hour
Etymology: Relámpago is Spanish for "Lightning".

This should be a fun little ride. In terms of track length, it is between the Eurofighter 320+ and the Eurofighter 380, but isn't quite as tall or fast as either.

 

[Lori Marie Loud]

Better view of the layout:

 

[Hixee]

The exit to the Immelmann is kinda gross, it's it? So drawn out.

Moved to Construction.

 

[Matt N]

Looks good fun, if you ask me, and a good investment for the park and the country; I'll admit I'd never heard of the park before this thing was announced!

 

[CrashCoaster]

It may be drawn out but I think Zamperla are trying to make smoother transitions to improve the ride experience. It certainly has smooth potential. This and Thunderchariot both look to be smoother and have better profiling than the standard layout.

 

[Ethan]

It may be drawn out but I think Zamperla are trying to make smoother transitions to improve the ride experience. It certainly has smooth potential.

Other manufacturers can do fast transitions and keep it smooth though. I'm going to say it's drawn out because it keeps the layout compact and leaves room for the corkscrew going in the other direction. Just what I think anyway.