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Green Lantern to replace Scream Machine at Six Flags Great Adventure
Green Lantern will feature trains where riders stand rather than sit, while an over-the-shoulder harness will secure them in place. At 15 stories tall with a 14 story (144') drop, it will be one of the largest stand-up coasters in the World. Green Lantern's exciting course will include: a huge vertical loop, a dive loop, an inclined loop, and two corkscrews. In its new form, the ride will be painted green and it may have some tunnels and special effects.
Stand-up roller coasters are somewhat rare and really good stand-up coasters are almost impossible to find. Green Lantern, on the other hand, could be an exception. If this coaster runs as well as it did when I rode it at Kentucky Kingdom, then Great Adventure guests will be treated to an impressively fun and thrilling ride. Thanks to its Bolliger & Mabillard design, it's smooth enough to pull off a great experience while most stand-up coasters are rough and uncomfortable.
Green Lantern is being built on the former site of the Great American Scream Machine. For two decades the red looping coaster had been a fixture of Great Adventures' skyline. Over the years Scream Machine had gotten so rough that it boxed ears and produced headaches. Still, the ride had its supporters. Hardcore coaster enthusiasts claimed it was a fun ride if you knew how to ride it. While there were some that were sad to see it go I feel that most, like myself, were happy that it was scrapped. Great Adventure fans should be excited about the new world-class stand-up roller coaster that will replace it.
To see construction photos visit Six Flags Great Adventures' website.
Filed under: Theme Parks
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin Dec 18th 2010 9:41AM
That coaster doesn't really seem all that exciting. I find that most stand-up roller coasters follow a very similar track layout, this one be no exception. Also, why are we still using chain lifts? If you really want to smooth out the ride, you would employ a much better lift technology. Disappointing at best.
Joel Bullock Dec 18th 2010 3:39PM
Justin, the coaster was originally built in 1997. They weren't using any other type of chain lifts back then. Besides the chain lift itself wouldn't make the rest of the ride smoother.
Look at it this way. In my opinion, Green Lantern will be tied for the park's 4th best coaster after El Toro, Nitro, and Kingda Ka. I put it tied with Bizarro. And again, it's a huge step up from Great American Scream Machine. Also videos, especially animated videos, really can't do rides justice. I think you'll be impressed when you ride it. It's nothing ground-breaking, but definitely a solid addition to the park's lineup.