Zierer’s first coaster was Flitzer at Crystal Beach in Canada, which is no longer in operation. The coaster was named after the now-discontinued coaster model, of which 10 were built. Only a couple of Flitzer coasters exist today; Flitzer at Morey’s Piers in New Jersey, USA, was probably the most famous.
Zierer’s most popular model with over 80 installations currently operating – the Tivoli model has been superseded by the Force model (see below). Four variations of the Tivoli model were available – small, medium, large and custom. Tivoli coasters are family coasters usually consisting of an oval and/or figure of eight layout and are easily identifiable through their long trains and a friction wheel lift hill mechanism.
There is only one of these coasters currently in operation. Riders are launched via a Linear Synchronous Motor Drive (LSM) system from the station straight up a tower and through a tightly-packed track with inversions. They are similar to Gerstlauer Euro-Fighters in appearance.
It’s basically the same as the company’s Tower Launch Coaster, but without the launch. Both are similar to Gerstlauer Euro-Fighters in appearance with a vertical tower, multiple inversions and over-banked turns as well as a compact layout. Unlike their Gerstlauer counterparts, the Zierer models feature open cars that leave riders exposed for a heightened sense of excitement.
Intamin first introduced a drop element on a coaster in 2010 with Th13teen at Alton Towers in the UK, which features a controlled drop element where the train comes to a stop and the train, as well as the track it sits on, plunges down before the it continues on its way. With their freefall drop tower experience, Zierer was quick to follow suite. Just two years later they produced Polar X-plorer at Legoland Billund in Denmark and Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, USA, the latter considered by most to be the best Drop Element Coaster manufactured.
As the name suggests, the seats are raised which, according to Zierer, makes the different track elements more intense compared to the normal seat position. The track is made up of banked turns and airtime hills. While this might suggest the opposite, these coasters are actually very family friendly and have minimal rider height restrictions.
Similar to the Tivoli model in size and experience, however the track is slightly different. The Force model now replaces the Tivoli model. There are approximately 40 of these ride types operating in parks the world over. Force coasters also use a friction wheel lift hill mechanism.
This model is a early modification to the Tivoli that appeared in 1994-1995 and was discontinued after just two were built. The major differences are the twistier, compact track layout and the short trains.
Zierer Karussell- und Spezial-maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG Josef-Wallner-Straße 5 94469 Deggendorf Phone: +49 (0)991 91060 Website
