Over a decade ago, S&S Power, Inc. created an entirely new amusement ride experience with the revolutionary Space Shot and Turbo Drop. In 2005, park goers around the globe learned what S&S could do with a flat ride. No other ride attraction gives riders the exciting experience of the Screamin’ Swing, and the most frightening installation to date is at Thorpe Park in the United Kingdom. This season, the park opened a 32-seat version of the Swing and a second S&S scream maker, the Sky Swatter.
Thorpe Park’s planners asked S&S for some marquee rides with unique ride experiences. After trying the 8-seat Screamin’ Swing at the S&S factory, the park’s representatives wanted an even bigger version, and out came the 32-seat Swing. Called “Rush,” the park built a marketing program around the world’s first “air-powered swing” and even had teenagers dressed in school uniforms on hand for opening day. The ride was a hit with the targeted demographics. Ride connoisseur Justin Garvanovic said, “S&S is on to a huge winner with this ride, and the same goes for Thorpe Park.” Few things compare with the awe-inspiring sight of 32 passengers speeding through the air at over fifty miles per hour.
The other new monster attraction at Thorpe Park this year is an S&S Sky Swatter, dubbed “Slammer.” Slammer features two sets of 24 guests facing each other as they tumble over 100 feet in the air upside down. Few visuals are as frightening as going head over heels, only to have the ground rushing straight toward you! Slammer was an exciting way for the park to open the season and drew guests from all over the London metro area. Ride aficionado Marcus Sheen said, “As a marketing tool, Slammer probably couldn’t have been a better choice.”
Park owners have found that one of the most exciting aspects of these rides is the unique S&S dual-motion restraint system. The custom-made restraint can fit the waist size of many different guests and, with a lap bar that moves both vertically and horizontally, passengers get the safest and most comfortable ride possible.
In 2006 expect to see even more of these great attractions coming to parks around the globe!
On the Web:
Thorpe Park
The European Coaster Club
Coaster Kingdom
The Numbers:
Rush
- Model Name: Screamin’ Swing
- Seats: 32 Passengers
- Dynamic Ride Height: 75 feet
Slammer
- Model Name: Sky Swatter
- Seats: 48 Passengers
- Dynamic Ride Height: 105 feet
Photo Credits:
Slammer Photos Courtesy of Thorpe Park
Rush Photos Courtesy of Justin Garvanovic