Omegatron |
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Statistics: Manufacturer: Vekoma International Model Type: Sky Flyer Number of Ride Units: 2 Capsules Riders per Unit: 16 Ride Height: 65 feet (6 Stories) Maximum Speed: 35 M.P.H. Maximum G-Force:3 G's Theoretical Capacity: 1,800 an Hour |
Headlining the 1986 season and opening on April 12, 1986, was the space-themed, Omegatron addition to Bicentennial Square. It followed the futuristic theming of the 1983 E.X.T. and even used the same "buck rogers" style costumes. (With the addition of the Omegatron). Manufactured by Vekoma International of the Netherlands, it was bought by Hunt Midwest for a total of $500,000, and was part of a total 1.4 million expansion. At its time it was only one of two models of its type, with the other being in Rye, NY, and ambassadors at the park at the time of its opening were advised it was the prototype for the Vekoma Sky Flyer model.
Towering 65 feet high, and with a diameter of 58 feet, the ride was composed of two capsules holding 16 guests each. The cars would rock back and forth and complete several full 360 loops before the ride ended. The ride was advertised to feature 35 revolutions per ride and accommodate 1,000 guests per hour. Neither happened due to several key design issues with the Sky Flyer, the primary culprit being the brakes which were too small to stop the cars in a reasonable amount of time, cutting the ride cycle and having a significant impact on the capacity of the ride.
Besides its issues and relatively short lifespan (16 seasons), Omegatron is still well remembered. Like many flat rides, and even its earliest progenitor the Eyerly Loop-O-Plane, Omegatron offered quite a thrill in a relatively small package. It's also just as notably remembered for its sounds, both its signature whine, but also the sound of change falling from guests' pockets into the ride pits below. Omegatron infamously financed many an after-work ambassador party.
Omegatron would operate until September 2001, when it was removed just before the end of the season. It was replaced in 2002 by also short-lived Huss Top Spin, Thunderhawk. Today, very few Sky Flyers continue to operate, with none in the United States. The most notable Sky Flyer is located at Legendia in Poland.
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Omegatron 1990's