Netherlands: Efteling's "Python" Rollercoaster to Receive Complete Overhaul
With loopings, a double corkscrew and a helix, the "Python" rollercoaster has been meandering through the Dutch amusement park Efteling for 36 years by now. Since its opening in 1981, the coaster, which was once built by Vekoma, has travelled more than 309,000 kilometres – almost eight times around the world. After occasional decorative repairs and the repeated replacement of the trains, the park will completely renovate its very first coaster in early 2018. However, there is no reason for concern for “Python” fans: the ride’s layout and track course will remain unchanged.
In cooperation with the Belgian steel supplier CSM, Efteling will dismantle the existing Python after a “goodbye ceremony” on January 8th, 2018 and rebuild it from January through March. The planned construction works include an almost complete renewal of the coaster’s exterior structure. In addition, the station is to be given a fresh coat of paint. Only the lift and the rails on which the carriages are pulled upwards will not be renewed. On Saturday, March 31st, 2018 the popular steel rollercoaster will open for visitors again. (eap)
