The Euro-Fighter is Gerstlauer’s signature ride. Nearly 20 of them have been built since 2003. A Euro-Fighter coaster is recognized by its innovative vertical lift hill and beyond-vertical, usually 97°, first drop. The coaster has a small footprint and a compact layout, so it’s perfect for parks with limited space. Euro-Fighters can be constructed with a fixed base (like a traveling coaster) or with foundations. Gerstlauer Euro-Fighters usually feature several inversions and a launch section. There are three standard models available (varying in track length) as well as fully customized options.
Not to be confused with actual Bobsled Coasters, Gerstlauer’s Bobsled model was the first coaster created by the company. Characterized by sharp turns, banking curves, fast transitions, and exhilarating drops, the Bobsled Coaster offers the “feel” and fun of a Wild Mouse with the undeniable thrill of a free-form coaster. Bobsled Coasters can be fully customized, or there are three off-the-shelf models available.
Gerstlauer coasters can be modified to include launches; some of the recent Infinity coasters have them. However, there are only two specific launch coasters by Gerstlauer operating – Lynet at Fårup Sommerland in Denmark and Anubis at Plopsaland De Panne in Belgium. The cars are launched using a linear synchronous motor (LSM) system. Launch Coaster layouts tend to be similar to Gerstlauer’s Bobsled model, although the launch coaster features inversions.
In addition to LSM Launch coasters, Gerstlauer also manufactures Tire (UK:Tyre) Launch Coasters, where motorized tires are used to push the train at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h). In 2012, Gerstlauer combined a shooting dark ride, a spinning coaster, and a tire-propelled launch to create Gekion Live Coaster at Tokyo Joypolis in Japan. They followed that up in 2014 with the popular Firechaser Express at Dollywood in Tennessee, USA, that features a reverse launch in addition to a forward one.
Arrow’s Wild Mouse coasters have a large flat section of upper track consisting of sharp turns with high lateral forces and lower sections of track with a few drops and/or bunny hops. Their first wild mouse coaster was Mad Mouse at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion in South Carolina, USA, which opened in 1998. Arrow built three more wild mouse coasters over the next three years before the company went out of business.
There are more than a dozen Gerstlauer Spinning Coasters in operation. The cars of this coaster spin freely during the ride and react to weight and acceleration, making each ride unique. Unlike most spinning coaster models offered by other manufacturers, riders face one another in the four-person car. The first model opened in March 2004, Fairly Odd Coaster (previously known as Timberland Twister) at Nickelodeon Universe in Minnesota, USA.
Many people think that Gerstlauer Bobsled coasters (see above) are wild mouse coasters because of their upper flat section of sharp, non-banked turns, and we have no problem with that, but Han-Katten at BonBon-Land in Denmark is the only Gerstlauer wild mouse coaster currently in operation. Unlike the Bobsleds, it also features spinning cars.
As the name suggests, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides manufactures many attractions in addition to roller coasters, including the very popular Sky Fly/Sky Roller, Polyp, and giant Ferris Wheel flat rides. Gerstlauer is often commended for its speedy construction and the “as scheduled” opening of new coasters and attractions.
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides Industriestrasse 17 D-86505 Münsterhausen Germany Tel.: +49 8281 9968 0 Website
Gerstlauer was founded in 1981 by Hubert Gerstlauer, a former employee of Schwarzkopf. In the early days as Gerstlauer Elektro GmbH, the company was responsible for many of the electrical and pneumatic systems for several ride manufacturers in Germany. In 1992, they bought some of the production facilities from Schwarzkopf and produced their first coaster in 1998 (more info below). The company also manufactures flat rides and transportation rides.
Gerstlauer is probably best known for its Euro-Fighter model, which offers a thrilling coaster with a small footprint, due to its vertical lift hill and beyond-vertical drop. However, the majority of Gerstlauer coasters tend to be quite family-friendly with a lower minimum height limit for riders.
[/column]
[/row]
[row xclass=”text-center spacer”]
[column sm=”12″]
Gerstlauer’s Shuttle Family Coasters are similar to their Family Launch Coasters in that both use motorized tires to push the train. However, this model uses them on the lift hill rather than a launch. They are also designed for smaller children, as well as other family members.
[/column] [/row]
