Vekoma
Vekoma is a Dutch manufacturer especially known for their different types of rollercoasters. They do a lot of cloning (sell the same models over and over again) and many rides have got rough when they have aged, so many coaster enthusiasts have rated it as a second class manufacturer. Many of their newer developements however, such as the motorbike launch coaster, have helped the company to gain its reputation back again.
| Height: | approx. 6.4m/21ft. |
| Number of gondolas: | 12 |
| Gondola capacity: | 2 persons |
| Approx hourly capacity: | 480 persons/h |
Air Jumper
Air Jumper was developed by the two Dutch manufacturers Vekoma and Mondial in the 80's. It has two cars attached to giant arms. There is a water counterweight on the other side of each arm. Though the spinning movement is slow, this is a great ride to enjoy the scenery while being upside-down high in the air.
Known Air Jumper installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Flyer | Finland | Särkänniemi | 1988 | Thrill ride |
Boomerang
Boomerang is the world's most popular big rollercoaster. It first lifts you about 35m in the air backwards. After the train is released, it goes trough two inversions, is dragged up another steep hill and on the top of the hill released to do the same inversions backwards. It was introduced in the 80's, but in 2005 the first modernised version opened in Powerpark.
Known Boomerang installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boomerang | Denmark | Tivoliland | 1985 | Rollercoaster, looping |
| Cobra | Finland | Powerpark | 2005 | Rollercoaster, looping |
A Vekoma Classic: low price and small footprint but good for a big thrill. The Boomerang is the perfect looping coaster ride for first time buyers. For a thrill ride, the investment is one of the lowest available. It seems such a simple concept: the train runs the track once forward, then runs it backwards again. Two completely different ride experiences on the same track! It saves space and money without sacrificing the thrill. As for themeing, the Boomerang is an attraction in itself. Its tall imposing structure with the original Vekoma-designed boomerang element is a visual magnet and marketing tool. There is no need for excessive window dressing. The installation is straightforward and keeps total costs low. With over 40 rides installed and operating smoothly since 1982, the design shows no need for major innovations or improvements. The demand for a future thrill ride can be based on the enthusiastic reaction of the guests to the Boomerang. Listen to their excited screams as they rush through the station at speeds of 80 km per hour before twisting upside down three times, climbing to a height of 35m and then doing it all again backwards. Your guests will surely be satisfied, and park owners will be guided towards future investments in the line of thrill rides. The Boomerang is the logical choice for stepping into the high thrill rides market.
Family Coaster
Vekoma has sold over 50 family rollercoasters worldwide. They are lifted up with a chain as in larger coasters, with no powered trains. One of these can be found from the Spanish park Port Aventura. They are fun for older guests as well, so you should always ride a Vekoma made family coaster when you spot one. (no kidding :))
Known Family Coaster installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mine Expressen | Denmark | Fårup Sommerland | 1992 | Rollercoaster, family |
One of Vekoma's biggest selling products is the Junior Coaster line. Hundreds of tracks' built in the past have enabled Vekoma to improve the ride's efficiency. The Family Coaster is built to last. Its simple technology and standard parts allow for uncomplicated operation and low maintenance. It is the perfect coaster for families and first-time riders and a theme park operator's calling card for repeat customers. The perfect choice if planning a new amusement or theme park or adding a new feature to an existing park. Standard or custom designed Junior Coasters can be built both outdoor and indoor and adapted to dark ride requirements with lighting and other special effects, or integrated into any landscape or imaginable theme. The low noise level plus additional noise reduction features make it also perfect for indoor locations. The wider bodies and individual lap bar innovation allow for parents to ride safely with their little children, or individuals riding alone in one coach, with increased comfort and safety. These features increase ride capacity and provide an excellent return on your investment. With left-right swerving, sudden speed bursts and camel backs, the ride also offers enough excitement for teens to create a great family experience.
Invertigo
The Invertigo model is popular coaster but there´s just 4 coasters operating. The first prototype was operating at Liseberg as HangOver. The other ones are operating in USA. It has the same layout as the Boomerang model but Invertigo is suspended. HangOver is now back in Scandinavia. It´s operating at Sommerland Syd as Tornado.
Known Invertigo installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado | Denmark | Sommerland Syd | 2005 | Rollercoaster, looping |
| HangOver | Sweden | Liseberg | 1997 | Rollercoaster, looping |
The Invertigo combines the qualities of Vekoma´s all time favorite the Boomerang with the sensation of a suspended coaster. Forward and backward drop movements create a remarkable experience while suspended in the air with your legs dangling. The experience of going through the looping and boomerang element is greatly enhanced by the suspended seating. The catching mechanism is completely renewed, using a patented silent catch pick-up system.
Whirlwind and Tornado
These are two quite similiar rollercoasters made by Vekoma. The only significant difference is the first inversion - Whilwind has a corkscrew, Tornado has a vertical loop. Särkänniemi's Korkkiruuvi is a Whilwind and Tusenryd's loopen is a Tornado model. Both have small footprints, but also small ride time.
Known installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loopen | Norway | Tusenfryd | 1988 | Rollercoaster, looping |
| Whirlwind | Russia | Wonder Island | 2003 | Rollercoaster, looping |
Wooden Coaster Trains
Vekoma also has supplied the trains to the wooden coasters ThunderCoaster, Werewolf and Robin Hood. These are commonly referred as Vekoma's woodies, so they are included here. I think the design and possibly some mechanical parts of ThunderCoaster could've been made by the British Allot & Lomax, but that's not for sure.
Known Wooden Coaster installations:
| Name | Country | Park | Year | Ride Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThunderCoaster | Norway | Tusenfryd | 2001 | Rollercoaster, wood |