Sidewinder (Elitch Gardens)

Roller coaster
Click here to watch the on-ride POV
Sidewinder
Sidewinder (Elitch Gardens) 2007 01.jpg
Elitch Gardens
Location Denver, Colorado, USA
Status Operating since May 27, 1995
Cost $300,000 USD (1980)
Elitch Gardens
Location Denver, Colorado, United States
Operated 1990 to September 1, 1994
Magic Springs
Location Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA
Operated 1980 to 1989
Statistics
Manufacturer Arrow Dynamics
Product Launched Loop
Type Steel - Launched - Shuttle
Track layout Shuttle loop
Riders per train 24
Propulsion Electric winch launch
Height 56 feet
Drop 47 feet
Top speed 45 mph
Length 635 feet
Track inversions 1
Rider inversions 2
Duration 1:06
G-Force 4
HELP

Sidewinder is a steel launched shuttle roller coaster located at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado, USA. Built by Arrow Dynamics, the ride was opened in 1980 at Magic Springs. It is one of three Launched Loop installations still operating today.

History

The ride debuted in 1980 as Roaring Tornado at Magic Springs in Arkansas.[1] It closed in 1989 and was sent to Elitch Gardens, where it reopened in 1990 as Sidewinder. Sidewinder was dismantled and rebuilt when Elitch Gardens moved to a new location for the 1995 season.

Design

Overview of Sidewinder in 2012.

The ride has a single vertical loop. For the 2010 season, the ride was repainted lime green. Previously, it was a darker shade of green.

Trains

Single train with 6 cars. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows, for a total of 24 riders per train. The train is launched down a hill and into a vertical loop. It then rises up a hill into a flat section opposite the station. The train is then launched backwards, through the loop and into the station.

References

External links

Articles on Elitch Gardens