Netherlands: “Bye Bye Thunderloop …“

At the Netherland’s Attractie- and Vakantienpark Slagharen you feel already the joyful anticipation of its new “Gold Rush” attraction to be opened in 2017 (c.f. EAP news from September 8^th, 2016), but nevertheless, real leisure park and coaster fans also had a little tear in the eye as they had to say “bye bye” to the good old “Thunder Loop” on October 2^nd this year.

The Association of Friends of Funfairs and Amusement Parks e.V. (FKF e.V.) did not miss the occasion to present a commemorative plaque for the popular roller coaster, which was built in 1979 by the manufacturer Schwarzkopf. “Thunder Loop” has been the first looping coaster in the Netherlands and one of eight coasters of the “Looping Star” model. Due to increasing maintenance costs for the chain, brakes and rails, Slagharen decided to replace the ride with the new triple launch coaster “Gold Rush” from Gerstlauer that will open in 2017.

Loyal fans of Thunder Loop had the opportunity to purchase by auction the third-last ride of the coaster – the penultimate ride was reserved for the (former) employees of the park. On October 2^nd, Thunder Loop did its last ride alone to ist own honour … (eap)