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[2024] Alpenexpress & Tiroler Wildwasserbahn Rebuild
Rob
TS Team
Well that's unexpected. The airgates are gone also. Looks like there are going to be more changes than I originally anticipated, which may not be a bad thing but there is just something really quite fun about the better old school Mack Powered Coasters.
John
TS Member
Modern ones seem to start off much slower then speed up for the 2nd lap. The new individual lap bars are also far more intrusive than the single locking position common lap bar found oh older models (when putting new trains on old track you get uncomfortable rides like Flying Fish).
All told, a full modernisation could well result in a considerably worse ride experience than before, purely in terms of the physical ride hardware.
All told, a full modernisation could well result in a considerably worse ride experience than before, purely in terms of the physical ride hardware.
ItsAllGood
TS Member
It makes sense to fix it all up and have it work for the next 30 years rather than do a bit of work to it and have to revisit the project in 5 years time and replace the train etc
DistortAMG
TS Member
In terms of the speed, they are adjustable to how they want it. So the fact the newer ones start slower will be by design rather than a limitation of the hardware, thus it doesn't mean that is what we will get here.
Being essentially in house too, they will be able to modify the design and get it exactly how they want it.
The system for Pirates is a good example of this. They updated their 30 year old free flow boat ride design to fit their needs, then subsequently made it avalaible to purchase for other parks to buy.
CSLKenny
TS Member
So the park has filed planning documents with Rust giving us a first look at the future.
Alpenexpress is being rebuilt as before. Tiroler Wildwasserbahn pretty much also; minus a slight layout change.
Zauber der Diamanten however is history; the hall is not returning.
Instead a rockwork landscape will surround the rides, with outdoor guest pathways throughout with some small tunnel sections. There will be a new shop also.
The slight WiWa change - simply a slight bend in the trough has been replaced with a straight section.
Source
Alpenexpress is being rebuilt as before. Tiroler Wildwasserbahn pretty much also; minus a slight layout change.
Zauber der Diamanten however is history; the hall is not returning.
Instead a rockwork landscape will surround the rides, with outdoor guest pathways throughout with some small tunnel sections. There will be a new shop also.
The slight WiWa change - simply a slight bend in the trough has been replaced with a straight section.
Source
Tim
TS Member
I'm not really seeing where these pathways are meant to be going.
In all honesty I'd have rather seen both the rides close and an expanded indoor walk through. Neither were anything to write home about, but the Diamond Mine was special.
Removing WiWa could have also opened up a lot of room for something really interesting. Even if it was just a modern Log Flume.
In all honesty I'd have rather seen both the rides close and an expanded indoor walk through. Neither were anything to write home about, but the Diamond Mine was special.
Removing WiWa could have also opened up a lot of room for something really interesting. Even if it was just a modern Log Flume.
Benzin
TS Member
A real shame, feels a bit like Chessie post Tomb Blaster incident and in order to remove potential issues no more massive building to catch fire.
I'd imagine the pathways will take inspiration from what Phannyland have done recently around Black Mamba. And I don't think anyone knows how they fit those in.
I'd imagine the pathways will take inspiration from what Phannyland have done recently around Black Mamba. And I don't think anyone knows how they fit those in.
NuttySquirrel
TS Member
Very disappointing news about the diamond mine, however I am glad I got my first trip to EP in just in time to experience it for myself. It was delightful, but I remember it striking me then that it seemed to be from a bygone era and didn't feel like something that would ever be built these days. I guess I was right! Such a pity though.
Goodbye diamond mine!
Goodbye diamond mine!
Europa Matt
TS Member
Such a shame to hear the Diamond Mine (as we knew it) has turned to coal.
I have fond memories of it during my trips in 2016,2018 and 2019. Where with various groups I visited the former place, giving feelings of escapism and wonder. Amongst the charming models and ride interaction.
Though I’m sure what comes of the site will be interesting and still impressive, it just won’t be the same without this hidden jewel anymore. After many decades hiding away.
I have fond memories of it during my trips in 2016,2018 and 2019. Where with various groups I visited the former place, giving feelings of escapism and wonder. Amongst the charming models and ride interaction.
Though I’m sure what comes of the site will be interesting and still impressive, it just won’t be the same without this hidden jewel anymore. After many decades hiding away.
Rob
TS Team
Diamond Mine was so beautiful and charming, and that is why I am in some ways glad that they are not bringing it back. Re-building it with the same charm would have been nigh on impossible.
I am looking forward to see what they do come up with. I'm not sure it will be as good, but I am sure it will still be great!
I am looking forward to see what they do come up with. I'm not sure it will be as good, but I am sure it will still be great!
venny
TS Member
I agree with the sentiment that it was (excuse the pun) a hidden gem, but at the same time I am looking forward to seeing what this new development brings. I suppose it might also allow more people to enjoy a part of the park which I suspect a lot of day visitors were quite unaware of.
emmerse2891
TS Member
This really is sad news - one of my favourite spaces at the park - one can only hope there are segments of dark rides sections throughout the two rides etc - I did see somewhere an ad board saying the gem mine was returning with artwork that looked like the small diamond mine diorama on Josefinas boat ride - that makes me think some caves and dioramas will be amongst the development.
Rob
TS Team
Construction is now progressing somewhat rapidly, with new rock work already going up:
Looks like this will form the background landscape of the rebuilt area.
Source: Butchecktw_z650 on epfriends.de.
Looks like this will form the background landscape of the rebuilt area.
Source: Butchecktw_z650 on epfriends.de.
CSLKenny
TS Member
Some info was confirmed/revealed at a fan event yesterday:
- All of Alpenexpress' track is being replaced and it will have a new modern train
- Tiroler Wildwasserbahn will keep its boats
- There will be 30 figures (mix of animatronics & static) / Yomis throughout the new area
- One old Troll figure survived the fire and will be reused
- Edelstein Grotte Shop will be rebuilt as before
Source
- All of Alpenexpress' track is being replaced and it will have a new modern train
- Tiroler Wildwasserbahn will keep its boats
- There will be 30 figures (mix of animatronics & static) / Yomis throughout the new area
- One old Troll figure survived the fire and will be reused
- Edelstein Grotte Shop will be rebuilt as before
Source
Gurkensalat
TS Member
There were also shown some artworks not yet public (no photos allowed) which show a dramatic mountain landscape with deep gorges and rope bridges over them to walk around. If it realized like that it will be spectacular.
And they will not only rebuilt the Shop, but the former walkway from the end of the hall along those strange gnome houses. But it is not clear, how much there will change. They plan to reintroduce the typical lemony smell there, too.
And they will not only rebuilt the Shop, but the former walkway from the end of the hall along those strange gnome houses. But it is not clear, how much there will change. They plan to reintroduce the typical lemony smell there, too.
Rob
TS Team
It would be lovely if they could try to re-create those gorgeous stone houses in one way or another, they were beautiful. And good to know that the Diamond Mine smell will return, not that I really smelt in on any of my more recent visits!
Complete new track and train for Alpenexpress does make sense, it secures the future of the coaster for many years to come and is an opportune time to do it. My only real worry is the throughput implications, hopefully it won't be too badly effected.
Complete new track and train for Alpenexpress does make sense, it secures the future of the coaster for many years to come and is an opportune time to do it. My only real worry is the throughput implications, hopefully it won't be too badly effected.