The New Revolution (roller coaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The New Revolution |
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| Previously known as Revolution (1988–2015), La Revolución (1981–1987), Great American Revolution (1976–1980) | |
The New Revolution
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| Six Flags Magic Mountain | |
| Location | Six Flags Magic Mountain |
| Park section | Baja Ridge |
| Coordinates | 34°25′22″N 118°35′47″W / 34.42278°N 118.59639°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 8, 1976 |
| Cost | $2,000,000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Anton Schwarzkopf |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Model | Looping roller coaster |
| Track layout | Terrain |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 113 ft (34 m) |
| Drop | 83 ft (25 m) |
| Length | 3,457 ft (1,054 m) |
| Speed | 55 mph (89 km/h) |
| Inversions | 1 |
| Duration | 79 seconds |
| Max vertical angle | 45° |
| Capacity | 1400 riders per hour |
| G-force | 4.9 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train. |
| Theme | America |
 Flash Pass available |
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 Single rider line available on most days |
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 Must transfer from wheelchair |
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| The New Revolution at RCDB | |
The New Revolution is a thrilling steel roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. It was built by Anton Schwarzkopf and designed by Werner Stengel. This ride first opened on May 8, 1976.
The New Revolution is famous for being the world's first modern roller coaster with a vertical loop. This amazing achievement was even recognized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), who gave it "Coaster Landmark" status. While there were some older looping coasters, Revolution's loop was special because of its unique shape, called a clothoid. This made the ride much smoother and safer.
The coaster was originally named after the American Revolution. This was to celebrate the country's 200th birthday, known as the Bicentennial. In 2016, the ride got a big update for its 40th anniversary. It received new trains with lap bars and even offered an optional virtual reality (VR) experience for a while. The New Revolution officially reopened on April 21, 2016.
Contents
History of The New Revolution
Building a Looping Coaster
In the mid-1970s, Magic Mountain wanted to build a new kind of roller coaster. They teamed up with ride maker Anton Schwarzkopf and designer Werner Stengel. Their goal was to create the first modern roller coaster with a loop. Before this, the last known looping coaster was "Loop the Loop" at Coney Island in the early 1900s.
When the ride first opened, it was called "Great American Revolution." Park staff even wore uniforms that looked like those from the Continental Army. This was to match the theme of the American Revolution and the country's 200th birthday celebration.
Name Changes and Awards
In 1979, Six Flags bought the park. The ride's name then changed to "La Revolución" to honor the Mexican Revolution. Later, in 1988, its name was shortened to simply "Revolution."
In 2002, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) placed a special plaque near the ride's line. This plaque recognized Revolution as the world's first modern roller coaster with a vertical loop. In 2005, parts of Revolution had to be taken apart. This was to make room for the park's new Tatsu roller coaster. Revolution reopened when Tatsu did, on May 11, 2006.
The New Revolution Makeover
On September 3, 2015, Six Flags announced that Revolution would get a big update. This was for its 40th anniversary in 2016. The track was painted white and blue. The ride also got new red and white trains. The front of each train featured a cool silver eagle.
The new trains had lap and calf bars instead of the old over-the-shoulder restraints. This change made the ride much smoother and more comfortable. It also gave riders more "airtime," which is that fun floating feeling. After this update, the ride was renamed "The New Revolution."
Virtual Reality Experience
Six Flags announced on March 3, 2016, that The New Revolution would offer a virtual reality (VR) option. Riders could choose to wear special headsets. These headsets created a 360-degree, 3D experience while riding. The VR experience made riders feel like they were flying a fighter jet through a futuristic city. They would battle alien invaders as co-pilots. This VR feature started when the ride reopened on March 26, 2016, for season pass holders.
Later, in February 2017, a new VR experience called "The New Revolution Galactic Attack" was offered. This one was about an alien invasion in space. Riders would see an intergalactic battle from inside a spaceship cockpit. For the "Holiday in the Park" event in November 2017, a "Santa's Wild Sleigh Ride" VR experience was added.
The VR option was very popular, but it caused long lines. The headsets sometimes got too hot, making the lines even longer. Because of these issues, the VR headsets were moved to another ride in 2018. Now, The New Revolution operates in its "Classic Revolution" mode, without the VR.
