23.05.2006
A step into the future:

Development of the Pegasus YoungSTAR Coaster

 

The Pegasus YoungSTAR Coaster in the Greek themed area of  Europa-Park marks the birth of a new generation of rollercoasters - a family ride which can be enjoyed by children aged 4 and upwards who are at least 1 metre (approx. 3"3 ft) tall. The company MACK Rides in Waldkirch has thus laid the technical basis for a coaster with the power to delight small children and parents alike.

Design
The track layout was designed to meet the needs of children aged 4 and upwards, while retaining the interesting elements of larger rollercoasters yet consistently keeping the resultant physical stress on passengers to an appropriate and easily tolerated level. Among other things, this was contingent upon the design of the rails along the heart line. As a result, the pivotal point when changing directions is located at the centre of the body, ensuring that even the most breathtaking curves are pleasant.

Pegasus offers supreme riding comfort
The axles of the vehicle were designed to be more moveable in order to permit greater flexibility and tighter curves when implementing manoeuvres, thus also allowing for more sophisticated ride elements. The transitions between manoeuvres are smoother, which not only makes for a much more comfortable ride, but also for a much more spectacular one.

A safe and thrilling ride for children of 4 and upwards
The rollercoaster was fitted with ergonomical seats with a central rail so that their first truly thrilling ride on Pegasus is a safe and relaxing experience for children of 4 years and up. There is also an individual safety rail for each passenger. This means that each safety rail can be adjusted to the size and girth of the passenger. The acceleration forces which act on the body during the ride were reduced by means of the special layout of the tracks, so that even the smallest adventurers can enjoy their ride with no great physical strain. Contactless magnetic brakes bring the train to a gentle halt at the end. This, too, is a technical innovation in this rollercoaster segment.

Modular design
Alongside the physical bases of the track design, riding comfort is additionally influenced by the fabrication methods employed and the quality of workmanship. The basic technical design of the trains is based on a modular system. 
The train can easily be operated with a variety of lift systems. Even a combination of two lift systems within one facility is feasible (e.g. a friction wheel lift and a vertical lift).

Change in design
The modular construction is not only evident in the technical criteria, but also in the vehicle design. As a result, it is extremely easy to carry out cosmetic repairs or change the theme of the ride. The GFK (glass-fibre reinforced plastics) department of MACK Rides is without doubt among the best in its trade, thus making the Pegasus vehicles some of the most sophisticated in the sector.

Maintenance
Specifically in order to create convenient, space-saving maintenance conditions, lifting points were designed that enable the trains in the station to descend to a basement area so that they can be parked one on top of the other. Here, they can be checked and serviced under ergonomically sound working conditions. 

Pegasus - the new family rollercoaster
Alongside the tried and tested powered coaster, which has been further developed in many domains, the Pegasus family rollercoaster has provided Europa-Park with a gravity coaster which breaches the gap between a children"s rollercoaster and a large coaster and guarantees a wonderful time for all members of Europa-Park"s most important target group families.