Shockwave was an aesthetically gorgeous ride that opened as the tallest full circuit coaster in the world in 1988 at 170 feet and the most inversions ...
Shockwave was an aesthetically gorgeous ride that opened as the tallest full circuit coaster in the world in 1988 at 170 feet and the most inversions (7). This was the best of the Arrow "Mega-Loopers," because the trim brake after the first loop never worked and the midcourse brakes did not bring you to a dead stop like on Great American Scream Machine and Viper. These design mistakes (?) made Shockwave traverse it's layout WAY faster than intended leading to an EXTREMELY intense ride with sustained, powerful positive G's and a surprise insane lateral moment rising into the midcourse that would also deliver ejector airtime to the front car. It was a rough ride, but if you knew how to properly brace yourself, it wasn't a problem. This was an ambitious, beautiful ride that was needlessly torn down for a pathetic, gimmicky B&M flying clone. RIP Shockwave.
