I-X Center Coaster "Scorpion"...

When I went to the I-X Center when I was younger (it was my first year there but I went every year since) I remember riding a coaster called Scorpion. I believe it was designed by an Italian coaster design firm and it had a loop...or maybe two.

Well going through the loop I got the wind knocked out of me and my back was hurt pretty bad. After that (a few years later) I hurt my back sled-riding and now I have problems with it...but I think it has to also do with the coaster.

I was wondering if anyone here knows the coaster I am talking about and whether you have ridden it. If so did you experience any discomfort during the ride?

I remember that year the Space Coaster was in the back of the building and it had a black drape around it with lights hanging to look like stars I believe. Also I am pretty sure the Scorpion coaster was in the space where the Yo-Yo and Space Coaster have been in the past few years.

I never saw the coaster there again...and if I did I'd like to take a spin on it to see if it was a one time thing or something with the ride. Anyone know what year this might have been or anything about the ride...lemme know. Thanks. :)

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"Villain-Once You Drop, The Fun Don't Stop!"~SFWoA Rules In 2002~With SFWoA ANYTHING Is Possible!

The Scorpion was apparently one of 2 Pinfari Looping Stars brought to the IX Center over the years (one was in 1995 or 96, the other was I believe 1998). And yes, the ride had a WICKED snap to it that bruised me pretty good. There was only one loop on the ride that featured three-car trains. The first drop is where I remember getting jolted worst as I sat in the last seat.

The name changes continue this year as the Space Coaster (which ironically was called Scorpion last year and was also known by its generic name of Zyklon in prior years) will be called the "Stealth Flyer". Same ride.... exciting new name! I'm surprised the IX Center marketing team didn't call it a "new" ride.

ProgRay (who will be going to his 12th IX Carnival on April 6th)

The ride in question was a Pinfari Looping Star. The first year that they brought in a Looping Star it was the unit owned by Ray Cammack Shows. The following years, it was the Looping Star owned by Amusements of America...who have sold that unit to Beech Bend Park in Kentucky.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I think it is a Pinfari ZL42 like the ones in the link http://rcdb.com/result.htm?column=1,10,3,4,5&order=1,2&production=26

Is the IX:IAP even worth $16? My mom is now questioning if were even going to go because she says theres not alot to do up there.

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At least I dont call a vertical loop a "loopdie-loop"!

Isn't this the coaster that is now at Beech Bend in Bowling Green KY?

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Charles Nungester

Americana is opening in 2002 and needs your support as many company picnics are already schedualed for someplace else, Indivdual visits are very improtant to the parks survival.

Dave,

So what you are saying is the coaster at Beech Bend is the same exact one we both rode and shot POV on in 1998?

-Sean

pardon the stupid question, where IS this place?

Yeah, I remember it. I didn't ride it though cause that was back when I was afraid of coasters...(what was wrong with me). My friend rode it though and he didn't complain about anything on the ride. I'll have to ask him again and see if he remembers.

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I can't think of a good signature.

rollergator, the IX Center is a large building in Cleveland that made tanks until the 50s. Then it was converted into the International Exposition Center. They have a giant ferris wheel permanently mounted in the center of the building that the top portion goes through a sort of domed skylight in the roof and gives a great view overlooking the airport and parts of the city at night.

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Off with the trims!
My fellow Americans; Let's Roll!
Woodencoaster.com

Sean: I believe that is correct, based on the description of the Beech Bend ride supplied by Tim Melago last season.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Well like I said...I rode with my cousin and he came off the ride feeling fine. I was a little kid then so I doubt it had to do with the size of my body for the cars or anything.

I'm 5'8'' or 9'' now and that was I believe prob. 1998. I was about 11 at the time then.

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"Villain-Once You Drop, The Fun Don't Stop!"~SFWoA Rules In 2002~With SFWoA ANYTHING Is Possible!

Dave or Sean-

Is that the reason why rides like Chaos (which appeared in 1996 only), the Tivoli Force 10 (1992 and 93), and the Top Spin that appeared in 1993 were only there for a limited run, because they were "leased" from another company? I also believe they have had a few different flume rides, but am not 100% sure.

I sincerely wish Bates would "lease" out some of the newer, more spectacular rides like a Mondial Space Roller/Top Scan, a Zamperla Power Surge, or a KMG Afterburner. Instead we get new versions of the ARM Ali Baba, a Dartron Downdraft (which really is just an updated Hurricane), and an upcharge walk-through haunted house.

ProgRay

Dave,

Thanks for the info! A couple of friends last year went and rode it and came back rubbing it in my face that they had ridden a coaster I had not. Looks like I am going to have to send them an e-mail. =:^)

-Sean