Roller Coaster Corporation of America


*Bottrop-Kirchellan, Germany ...* Warner Brothers MovieWorld is making the hearts of roller coaster fans beat faster. Wild Wild West™ is the name of the gigantic new attraction, which offers a unique experience for the whole family. The first wooden roller coaster in Germany is providing an unprecedented attraction in the German roller coaster segment.
The forerunners of today's roller coasters were invented in Russia. They were slides made of snow and ice, so-called "Russian Mountains". Napoleon's soldiers took up this idea and brought the roller coaster to Western Europe. The first wooden roller coasters were built in the 18th century. Soon, new roller coasters were developed in shapes similar to the number 8 - creating a new name. The designers who constructed the original figure eight model came up with the word "Achtbahn" (meaning eight tracks) which was later changed to the German word "Achterbahn". Today's roller coasters attract millions of riders and deliver an unparalleled ride experience.
With an overall track length of 1,099 meters (3605'), and a descent of 24.9 meters (82') at a maximum speed of 77.7 km/h (48 mph), Wild Wild West™ offers a breathtaking ride. Forty-five carpenters installed approximately 2,208 cubic meters of wood (936,000 board feet), 90,200 bolts and almost 6,260 kg of nails (113,800 lbs), which is unique in Germany. Primarily, the construction workforce was British, with some Germans and Americans included. Wild Wild West™ is the first wooden roller coaster developed in accordance with DIN and TÜV standards - safety is, of course, of utmost importance. According to German TÜV standards, and in line with DIN Standard 1052 for wooden construction, more wood is used than in the U. S. designs because the horizontal and diagonal braces are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the vertical supports. Moreover, all parts are connected at the supports by pneumatically pressing dübels (metal shear connectors) and through-bolting to the support posts. The German Industry Standard 4112 for Flying Construction Rules states that dynamic forces are to be taken into consideration in the design of structures such as wooden roller coaster rides. Steel and metal components are used where they are necessary. Flat steel continuous plates are connected to the laminated wooden members to ensure less wear and tear, and more safety for the track.	The ground layout of the wooden roller coaster occupies approximately 182 x 52 meters (597' x 170'), or 2 1/2 acres. Southern pine lumber was chosen for its structural qualities of high gross density and elasticity, which makes it the ideal wood for this kind of wooden roller coaster. The high-grade pine lumber came processed (treated, cut and drilled), just like an erector set, from Roller Coaster Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A ride on the roller coaster sometimes produces the feeling that you take off from your seat. This is caused by centrifugal forces, also called "negative G-forces" which make the body feel much lighter. Tim Herre, the German representative of the European Coaster Club, describes the feeling. "The experience in a wooden roller coaster is entirely different from a steel roller coaster. The ever-present shake, rattle and roll you are exposed to sets everybody on edge - while on a steel roller coaster you tend to glide more softly. Woodies are just more fun, and I'm happy that Warner Bros. MovieWorld is the first to bring this unique thrill to Germany." Two trains with five cars each, carrying a total of 30 passengers, operates created additional ride capacity for the park of approximately 1,690 guests per hour. The attraction is themed with settings from the Warner Bros. action and adventure movie of the same name, and is an integral component of the movie-theme park. With its impressive size, food service and merchandising outlets, "Wild Wild West™" integrates perfectly into the movie-entertainment park's Western City where it is located.

Visit Rides Wild Wild West to view Scrapbook Pictures