Knott’s Berry Farm has launched a major renovation of a 1978 roller coaster that has been designated a historic landmark as the last operating ride of its kind in the United States and the longest standing in its original location.
Montezooma’s Revenge closed on Monday, Jan. 10 to undergo a yearlong renovation that will stretch into 2023.
“This flywheel-launched shuttle coaster was the first of its kind and will be upgraded with exciting changes while keeping the ride’s unique charm that our guests have loved for generations,” according to the official Knott’s Facebook page.
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Knott’s will have to strike a delicate balance with the “major renovation” of the classic coaster to ensure the historic qualities are preserved while introducing just enough updates to justify the newness of the revitalized and reinvigorated Monty.
Montezooma’s Revenge was granted landmark status in June 2019 by American Coaster Enthusiasts when the classic Knott’s attraction was designated as a roller coaster of historic significance and joined a distinguished list of award-winning thrill rides that have stood the test of time.
The ACE Landmark plaque recognizes Montezooma’s Revenge as the last operating ride of its kind in the United States and the longest standing in its original location. Only 45 rides worldwide have been designated ACE roller coaster landmarks.
“Knott’s Berry Farm is proud to be receiving the ACE Landmark designation for Montezooma’s Revenge,” Knott’s said in a statement at the time of the honor. “This roller coaster was a pioneer in the industry at the time of its debut by being the first flywheel launch coaster. We take great pride in our legacy, roller coaster innovation and by introducing industry firsts.”
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A ride on the 800-foot-long Montezooma’s Revenge lasts a mere 36 seconds, according to Roller Coaster Database. The steel shuttle loop coaster features a flywheel launch that propels the train from 0 to 55 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The high-speed launch sends riders racing through a 76-foot-tall vertical loop. After climbing a 148-ft-tall dead-end tower, the train retraces the loop backward, flies through the station and ascends another 112-ft-tall dead-end tower. The brief but thrilling ride comes to an end when the train rolls back into the station.
Montezooma’s Revenge was built by Germany-based roller coaster manufacturer Anton Schwarzkopf based on plans developed by renowned coaster designer Werner Stengel.
“The 1978 Schwarzkopf flywheel-launch shuttle loop coaster has been showing its age for some time now,” according to Theme Park Insider. “A switch to a more modern launch and braking system could help the classic coaster enjoy better uptime — at less cost to Knott’s — than the Fiesta Village attraction has had in recent years.”
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What upgrades are planned for Montezooma’s Revenge?
The Buena Park theme park hasn’t said what changes are planned for the historic coaster.
Knott’s could update the flywheel launch, add magnetic brakes, refurbish the trains or install new ones, according to Screamscape.
In recent years, new trains have been added to classic Schwarzkopf coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Revolution), Six Flags Over Georgia (Riddler) and Hersheypark (Sooper Dooper Looper), according to Screamscape.
“New trains are always a possibility, though Knott’s has always kept the original trains in pretty good shape through a constant maintenance rotation program,” according to Screamscape.
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German ride maker Gerstlauer has worked on updates of Schwarzkopf flywheel-launched shuttle coasters similar to Montezooma’s Revenge at Knott’s. Gerstlauer transformed a Schwarzkopf flywheel coaster at Walibi Belgium with a new linear induction motor launch and new trains, according to Screamscape.
Knott’s will have to walk a delicate line while upgrading Montezooma’s Revenge. New trains, flywheel launch system and paint would likely preserve the historic status of the ride. A magnetic launch and braking system could irrevocably alter the original nature of Monty forever.