Could Gene Staples SAVE Mindbender? (OUTDATED)

Mindbender at Galaxyland just recently closed permanently, and many are very disappointed in the park's the decision. Many have called upon the man, the myth, the legend, Gene Staples to save this Schwarzkopf coaster. Today, I discuss the likelihood of Gene being able to accomplish this task and some possible consultation prizes for Gene.
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[@Lucky_9705]

I love Gene Staple’s will to preserve and save old coasters. I hope that he does this.

[@JeremyCoasters]

It would be absolutely amazing to have this coaster only an hour and 20 minutes from my house!! It would also be very smart to add it to Niagara since many Canadians in Toronto have heard of MindBender and would be intrigued!!

[@amusementscape]

That would be cool!

[@MrSRArter]

I thought the same thing when I first saw that it was closed down, Niagara Amusement Park would be the perfect park for it because their only looping coaster so far is going to be a Shuttle Loop.

[@wawawis]

If he is interested in all 3, I thought he could possibly move the shuttle launch to Clemton Park and put Mindbender at Niagra Amusement park. It would add a classic launch to Clementon Park while utilizing the extra space the Niagra would have for a bigger coaster.

[@urbex_coasters]

@@wawawis Hey, I'll accept either a nostalgic coaster for me (Mindbender) or a nostalgic coaster for my mom (Cascabelle) at Niagara, as long as they both open somewhere.

[@oblivieon1567]

I personally think it's probably in really good shape all things considered because it's indoors. I wouldn't be surprised if a park buys it. As far as it being custom, I don't think it's all that modified. It looks like one of their portable models slightly modified to fit. Hope someone saves it.

[@amusementscape]

Both good points!

[@NickyD]

its been closed since 2019 for issues more then likey also its 30 years old no major park is buying it

[@coasterland325]

@@NickyD it was awaiting new trains supposedly, and Schwarzkopf coasters are some of the few that are bought by parks regardless of the age, so the 30 years old point is somewhat irrelevant, not being rude just pointing some things out, pls do not take offense to this.

[@user-nf8uu3ii9t]

It went to scrap yard peoples

[@ThousanWhite]

I'm selfishly hoping that anything and everything can start being brought to Niagara Amusement since it's literally in walking distance lol

[@AnotherSwissYoutubeUser]

It would make so much sense to buy this for Niagara Amusement Park since Indiana Beach also has a re-located Schwarzkopf. Let Gerstlauer refurbish it. Now why Gerstlauer? Well they built Trains for Alpina Bahn, a traveling Schwarzkopf on German Fairs. Gerstlauers Headquarters also literally is Schwarzkopf's old HQ.

[@amusementscape]

That’s true! Excellent idea!

[@coastersandcars]

Given that the ride is indoors, its definately in better shape that American Drier was. Gene clearly has a soft spot for classic schwartzkopfs

[@NMLNetwork]

This would be killer at Niagara Amusement Park. They have been stalled out on serpent for a bit and I’m starting to doubt the shuttle loop ever gets installed. It looks really rough. But I think you are right he’s at least kicking the tires on this thing for the trains/ parts alone. Niagara needs a kiddy coaster too. I’m surprised he didn’t scoop up a dragon wagon. I love the way Gene thinks I just hope He and IB has the foresight to realize when something is too far gone before they sink too much money into these old coasters. Buying Clemonton and Fantasy Island make me lean towards him being more of a dreamer then a realist. As a dreamer I hope he pulls it off. Good breakdown man I think your dead on.

[@amusementscape]

Thanks! I think he’ll look for a kiddie coaster soon, and I think Serpent is good to go but the Shuttle Loop is very questionable

[@amusementscape]

Update: The ride is unfortunately getting scrapped, BUT the trains are now being used at Indiana Beach, likely for parts

[@patrickstrahm05]

I think if Gene buys it he'll use it as parts for the Triple loop at Indiana Beach, I'm pretty sure the the former Chimera coaster doesn't have the train at Indiana Beach

[@amusementscape]

Yup

[@djavatar68]

Closing of the ride seems to come down to these reasons I've heard the most. 1. Hasbro doesn't want it and it will not fit any theme they are trying to redo the park in. Leaning towards family friendly only. 2. Parts issue or track issues? For this ,I'm sure they don't want to invest anymore bigbucks into it, which I've heard ridership has been down. Because the parts issue can be fixed. There are other coaster companies that can work on Schwarzkopf rides.

[@amusementscape]

Yeah I’ve heard the same thing. I guess it all adds up to be too much

[@CoasterNerd]

I think it would be great if this coaster was relocated to Clementon, then he would have a trip of parks each containing a classic Schwartzkopf, however I do think it is more likely that he'll just use parts from the coaster for the other ones

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

Would be nice

[@amusementscape]

💯

[@CYFAN-sj6ek]

Crowd will go. (SAVE MINDBENDER 3X)

[@friencheetah]

I think after mindbender's accident in '86, the morale dropped significantly and it just never came back up to what it used to be when it first opened. The tragedy of that accident is barely talked about and there's little news articles on it as well. Of course back then, rollercoasters were still a much newer concept and not all kinks were worked out - unfortunately safety is indeed "written in blood". Thanks for the video.

[@ValleyThrills]

Looks like i wasn’t the only one who thought this since he’s done this before. I’m assuming Mind Bender is in better shape than American Drier Looping was. I think Clementon would make most sense to send this to since they need another big coaster plus they don’t have any coasters with inversions.

[@JulianDale94]

YES PLZ, NJ really needs a good Schwarzkopf!!!

[@urbex_coasters]

This is quite a nostalgic coaster for me, to put it lightly. The park likely closed it because of Triple Five's financial problems from American Dream Mall. Family rides are more profitable, and indoor parks are hard to expand without removals. While I would be happy if Gene Staples bought it, he has 2 other Schwarchkofp coasters to get running. I'd like to see it go to Calaway Park or Marineland, parks that could desperately use a coaster of Mindbender's legendary status. That said, because Mindbender has 6 trains it might help him get the others running since he wouldn't need to use 6 trains for Mindbender. And it would mean I'd get to ride this nostalgic coaster again.

[@hawkvandelay]

wonder if theres room for this at clementon lake park

[@comenting3207]

it is going to be pretty dificult considering it was custom built for that plot of land but not imposible

[@AnotherSwissYoutubeUser]

It's literally a flat ground in a warehouse.

[@CentralFloridaThrills]

@@AnotherSwissKZbinUser they would have to modify the 3 vertical loop supports because of how high they are and it be hard to relocate it would be easier to scrap it and give it parts to the one at Indiana beach

[@comenting3207]

@@AnotherSwissKZbinUserwell good point but you would have to destroy the floor since the floor is its footers

[@themeparkreconnoiter9787]

Mindbender would make a great at Waldemear in Erie Pennsylvania

[@timk987]

Indiana Beach also has Tig'rr a Schwarzkopft Jet Star.

[@amusementscape]

Good point, not sure if the parts would be compatible though

[@micoasters]

I hope if it were scrapped some of the track would be sold, ex wicked twister and vortex. if staples did buy it he would probly use the loop on the shuttle the brakes as parts and the trains and tracks as parts

[@crooked-halo]

Clementon Lake needs a lot of work in basic infrastructure before taking on a brand new, giant project. For instance, Hellcat needs complete refurbishment.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

I bet he will. It's worth him buying it just for it's newer trains. Spare parts are hard to come by this ride would keep his going for alot longer. Also it can't be in worse shape than the one he has. It's the same ride it makes sence to own 2 of somthing when you invest in having parts tooled you justify it because you own 2.

[@amusementscape]

Agreed!

[@TheWolfXCIX]

Do the supports interact with the building wall? If not then this could be a fantastic idea

[@amusementscape]

I think they do, but it possible to be changed

[@Thony27]

@@amusementscape They dont, the coaster was constructed first and they built the wall and roof around it. This will probably make it hard to remove it without cutting the track and supports is small pieces to get them out.

[@amusementscape]

@@Thony27 gotcha

[@Nitro2001_]

Rmc hellcat!

[@joehartman8138]

He might also just part it out.

[@DrNickRiviera995]

I would love to see the coaster saved, but I can't see it happening with the building around it. Bet they blow torch it into pieces to remove it. I hope Gene buys the trains and whatever parts he can though. But, on the trains, I know new ones would cost much more than used, but if he really needs trains, why not get them from Premier?

[@amusementscape]

Yeah I’m not sure he wants to spend the money. Sometimes trains can break a million dollars for a big project like that, which needs custom work

[@coasterfair2602]

Hopefully he will save it but who knows

[@scottyskywalker5768]

Doubt it scince he already bought an old Schwarzkopf looper unless he has another park to use it for .

[@haunter_1845]

This ride was too much for them to handle especially post covid. They didnt really know how to operate it anymore and rides this intense with no ridership dont pay for the space they occupy. Because it was not a traveling coaster like it's Schwarzkopf companions Quimera ex Drier Looping, Olympia Looping, and Teststrecke ex Dorney Park's Laser, it wasn't designed to be moved cheaply and easily. Fortunately, much of this coaster including the trains were bought by Indiana Beach and will be used to restore Drier Looping after the neglect she saw in Mexico.

[@djavatar68]

How the hell are they going to get it out of there?

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

you do know these coasters were designed to be portable - it all unbolts for transport. I wont be easy but stuff that is worth it never is.

[@corybourrier9722]

This coaster should be moved to Winnipeg

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

This will really ruin the park

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Mindbender is being saved!

[@StamfordBridge]

?

[@CoasterGuy95]

sadly, not happening :(

[@GoogsMindbent]

I hope this guy can save it...... that or ether Mr Musk or Mr Beast LOL!!!🤣 otherwise she will be sadly missed indeed... i have a "goodbye inspection" vid of her condition recorded 11 days ago if any1 is interested...

[@ryans413]

Don’t let them fool you on the parts thing that’s BS and this god dam coaster is indoors weather hasn’t affected this thing and after the incident it ran fine for 40 some years. This is a stupid decision by the park it’s a slap in the face too all the thrill seekers.

[@CYFAN-sj6ek]

Right now mindbender is in a recycled factory which means it could be scrapped, for that, IDK Please dont scrap mindbender recycled crew 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Milnoc]

Mindbender might be doomed. The coaster's 38 years old and might simply have reached the end of its operating life. The cost of maintenance alone might have already exceeded its revenue potential.

[@superd4611]

He can’t even get the two Schwarzkopfs he bought running. This coaster should have been dismantled back in 86. However it’s a shame that Thriller/Zonga/TX Tornado rots. It has a superior design and operated safely unlike this one and Dreier Loooing

[@NickyD]

ride has been closed since fall 2019 obviously there was a major issue with it also given its history and age its time to move on and let it go

[@djavatar68]

Hasbro doesn't want it. It doesn't fit into the theme or the direction they are heading in.

[@wawawis]

I read from someone on a forum some time ago that Mindbender was actually welded together unlike most other Schwarzkoph coasters. It was intended to be a permeant installation. If all of this is true, it will be that much harder (and that much more costly) to dismantle and relocate. From the very start, I had to wonder if Mr. Staples put the cart before the horse when buying those 2 coasters. For one thing, he was very new to the amusement park industry. And the longer the triple loop gets delayed, the more my suspicion gets reinforced. I'm not saying he doesn't know what he's doing, and I'm sure he did plenty of research before buying them. But people may not always tell the full truth and their restoration may be a lot more involved than he had previously thought. Or maybe he was aware and things are simply taking longer. I can only speculate. I know that people are getting frustrated over triple loop going from year to year without much progress they are bitching all over the forums. But I understand it has to be ready before it can open and people need to be patient. I'm reminded of Leaf Brands who are kept saying that they were going to bring back Bonkers candy since 2012 but still haven't. Man did the impatient public ever troll them online! They actually resulted in someone at the company lashing out and making a post that slammed the trolls. Back on topic, I do believe spare parts could possibly spearhead the progress that is needed for his to Schwartzkoph coasters and get them up and ready once and for all. If the track is welded, they may still be able to save a few track pieces here and there. But would these pieces have to be sent somewhere like Gerstlaur for restoration work? I really don't know much about how that process would work.

[@amusementscape]

Personally, I’d like to see him bring in some big names to get the rides open. I think that’ll be the best solution.

[@sebastianvilas]

Mindbender tracks pieces do not fit with Triple Loop. While they are similar models, they are very different. First of all, the Mindbender layout is a mirror image of Triple Loop on steroids. Only the lift motors, the tires, brake parts and trains can be saved from this roller coaster. The track pieces would not fit on Indiana Beach Coaster. For the shuttle loop these trains do not work. The axle and wheel system is completely different.

[@amusementscape]

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