Questions about Stampida

So, I was watching some video of Port Aventura and was thinking about Stampida, CCI's 1997 racer. Being the big CCI fan that I am, I was just curious about a few things.

A.) I remember quite a while back (probably 1997 I bet) there was an excellent full (or alomst full) layout picture taken from high up in an ACE publication. Just browsing around I haven't seen a similar shot online, anyone know of one online?

B.) Does anyone know what the reputation of this ride is? I haven't seen much written about Stampida but I'm guessing its not one of CCI's top projects, just from hearing so little about it.

C.) Check out the pic:

http://pictures.rcdb.com/picmax/universal-studios-port-aventura/stampida22.jpg

Are those trim brakes I see? Those couldn't have always been there, so I'm wondering when they were added. Are there any other CCI's that have been trimmed on the first drop like this?

I do know the ride was totally retracked in 2003 by GCI. Other than that, I only know it's a racing type coaster.

Chuck

Well that's interesting in and of itself. I wonder if those trims are still there after the retrack, or if they're still used if they are there.

In the video the thing still looks to travel pretty quickly.

There was a fatality on this ride maybe in the late 90s I believe. A woman was thrown from the ride if I remember right. I think it was after that, they added the trim brakes.

http://www.villabonmont.org.uk/new_page_2.htm

Scroll down and there's your picture plus a diagram of the layout.

"Would you like to buy a photo of you boys enjoying the Line Ride?"

In its opening year, 1997... a rider was ejected from the train due to being too large for the restraint combined with a lap bar failure (if I remember right). The ride reopened in 1998 with the trims on the first drop (and no seatbelts in the trains!). *** Edited 5/11/2006 2:11:52 AM UTC by Absimilliard***