| 2003 COASTER NEWS |
| In the on-going battle for coaster king of the world, my god it looks like Japanese have it right... |
| In the bustlling busy city of Tokyo Japan, its a wonder that the Japanese actually have room to build a 262.5 foot rollercoaster in the heart of it all. And quite literally pierce the heart of a Ferris Wheel, and a city skyscraper. MY GOD WHY DON'T WE EVER GET THIS CREATIVE? The 2003 attraction named LaQua (translated into something that I don't really know) is a part of the Lorakuen Amusement Park in the heart of downtown Tokyo. The park's other claim to fame is the first utilization of the U-Shaped LIM track that have been sported on Superman: Ultimate Escape (Six Flags Worlds of Adventure) and Wicked Twister (Cedar Point). Linear Gale might not have sported the spiral spikes that seem to be quite prevelant on these U-Shaped LIM coasters of today, but did provide quite a punch for the people of Tokyo in 1992 when it debueted. |
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| The coaster will climb a 45 degree lifthill to its 262 foot apex reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour. Don't be fooled by the photos, this coaster doesn't have any inversions what-so-ever. What you see right next to the coaster is a gigantic hubless Ferris Wheel which rotates via giant rotary bearings. The roller coaster at one point of the ride pierces the Ferris Wheel's center. If that's not crazy enough, the coaster includes a number of bunny hops along the rooftop of the adjacent shopping mall and spa. LaQua also dives down through an outer portion of the mall winding its way around the park and the building. Looks like Intamin has another sure fire winner on its hands. If you would like to learn more about this coaster or view more pictures, please check the Rollercoaster Database. Thank you to www.rcdb.com for providing the four above pictures. |
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