Double Loop (Geauga Lake)
| Double Loop | |
|---|---|
|
The famous twin vertical loops | |
| Geauga Lake | |
| Coordinates | 41°21′10″N 81°22′39″W / 41.352837°N 81.377449°WCoordinates: 41°21′10″N 81°22′39″W / 41.352837°N 81.377449°W |
| Status | Closed |
| Opening date | 1977 |
| Closing date | September 16, 2007 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Arrow Dynamics |
| Designer | Ron Toomer |
| Lift/launch system | Chain |
| Height | 95 ft (29 m) |
| Drop | 76 ft (23 m) |
| Length | 1,800 ft (550 m) |
| Speed | 36 mph (58 km/h) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Duration | 1:30 |
| Max vertical angle | 45° |
| Capacity | 525 riders per hour |
| G-force | 3.5 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train. |
|
Double Loop at RCDB Pictures of Double Loop at RCDB | |
Double Loop was a steel roller coaster at Geauga Lake. Built in 1977 by Arrow Dynamics, it was the first roller coaster to feature two consecutive vertical loops.
History
Double Loop was introduced in 1977 with an all-white structure. One red train and one yellow train were put into operation. In the 1980s, the entire structure was painted black. Throughout the years, various cars and trains were swapped with the now-defunct Corkscrew coaster at Geauga Lake, also constructed by Arrow Dynamics. One red train and one yellow train remained the norm.
In 1993 the ride underwent some modernization to the control system. The older outdated relay and photo eye controls were replaced with newer PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and proximity switches. This was a more reliable system for the ride and proved for less downtime for the customers.
In 2000, as a part of the Six Flags makeover when the company purchased Geauga Lake, the ride was painted with yellow track and purple supports, the same color scheme as Dominator (but with a lighter purple than Dominator). The yellow train was repainted a darker shade of yellow, and the red train was repainted purple.
It was announced in September 2007 on Geauga Lake's web site that Geauga Lake would reopen in 2008 as a water park only.
Track layout
After exiting the station, the train makes a 180-degree left-hand turnaround inside a tunnel. The train is pulled up the lift hill and goes down the 45° degree first drop. The train coasts up an incline, then negotiates another 180-degree left-hand turnaround before dropping into two consecutive vertical loops. Another ascent follows, going into a 360-degree left-hand downward helix and returning to the station.
Geauga Lake Auction
On June 17, 2008, the Double Loop was sold at auction with a majority of other rides at the former Geauga Lake amusement park. It was bought for the price of $25,000 by Cleveland Scrap and later demolished.
External links
- GeaugaLakeToday.com Photos and history of the coaster
- Geauga Lake Auction News Article, The News-Herald