THUNDERLOOPER

Thunderlooper is a Schwarzkopf shuttle looping coaster. Built in 1977, it uses a dropping weight (a bucket filled with metal discs) to accelerate the train forward at 0 - 60mph in 3 seconds. It was originally at Paramount Kings Dominion in the states under the name of King Cobra, before being shipped to New Jersey for a season. It came to Alton Towers in 1990, and left in 1997 when Blade, the former Pirate ship was moved to the station site, and Ripsaw built further down the line. Its short life at Alton was largely down to complaints the ride was above tree height, Alton's height limit. Alton did attempt to rectify the problem by painting the top portions of the ride sky blue with clouds! Click thumbnailed image to enlarge photos...