Schwarzkopf Flywheel launched coaster

A video made by www.schwarzkopf.coaster.net. Greezed lightning from Astroworld. Again, this is not my video, I just edited and reuploaded the video shared to the above website.

[@stefanpaulus7594]

Schwarzkopf was a pioneer. I think it was the first launched coaster.

[@DavidPlant1985]

Absolutely. Some of the best compact layouts and ground breaking technology.

[@jmanx360]

Arrow made a prototype launched loop that's now located at a closed park in indiana

[@iceblade019]

@@jmanx360 that launch was weak tho, and those arrow ones need a drop to gain speed

[@butterpecan1938]

Yep. Very similar mechanism to modern day hydraulic launch systems.

[@JJRClassic88]

@Gordon Fan finally someone said it. I never considered Arrow launch loops to be "true" launch coasters, since they (as you mentioned) rely on gravity to complete the loop, plus the "launch" mechanicsm doesn't really launch the coaster, it only nudges it just enough to get it down the drop. Schwarzkopf's shuttle loops don't rely on gravity, and they're powerful enough to complete the loop twice in a row...making them the first true launch coasters in my book.

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

I love what Anton Schwarzkopf has created. Not only the GOAT on the coaster industry with tons of inventions, but he was also THE man for flatrides. The Monster models, Enterprise, Orbiter and the Dschuenke models were all stunning to look at and awesome to ride. RIP Anton Schwarzkopf, a true legend in the amusement industry.

[@jimmaloney1121]

Neat little video showing how the flywheel works on these shuttle coasters! I've only ever been on two (Montezooma's Revenge at Knotts and the old Laser Loop at Kennywood) so it's cool to see the engineering behind those rides. Schwarzkopf was truly a one-of-a-kind coaster inventor.

[@samueld92]

This was the Greezed Lightning located at Six Flags Astroworld in Houston.

[@crazyyoutubeuser2444]

No, this is walibi belgium's turbine. It's called psyke underground now and has been updated to a LIM launch

[@samueld92]

crazyyoutubeuser24 this was on a coaster site years ago before it was posted here. It’s Greezed Lightning

[@samueld92]

crazyyoutubeuser24 the Psyche Underground is fully enclosed. This is inside the “Barn House” that was before the loop at Astorworld. The train at Walibi also was never white. Greezed Lightning was.

[@GFSwinger1693]

Looks like they have heat buildup trouble with the clutches necessitating the use of a couple blowers to keep temperature in check.

[@MikeDUS]

This is "Greezed Lightning" @ Astroworld USA, but the Shuttle Loop @ Walibi Belgium has had the same launch mechanism before it was overhauled and reconstructed into "Psyke Underground"

[@jimtheedcguy4313]

I remember this ride! It was right next to XLR8!

[@PRMurphy171]

I so greatly appreciate that you have this video - thank you!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I used to be a ride operator of this defunct roller coaster. Great times there!

[@InflatablePlane]

God those clutches made a horrendous noise. I’m assuming they were air operated multi plate clutches. Also seeing fans at the front of the mechanism to keep them cool. I imagine even with that, you can still smell burning friction material.

[@richardwilliams4900]

Looks like Astroworld to me. As I recall, Turbine had a much flatter building without windows like those in the video around the flywheel. Photo here - rcdb.com/921.htm#p=35691

[@MCdrivein]

Do you know if the clutch needed to be replaced regularly?

[@rushtest4echo737]

Serviced, not replaced. It's not replaceable and hasn't been parts wise for at least 20 years. Anything related to the replacement parts for flywheel launches needs to be hand built.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Clutch was from Canada. It was changed twice a year. I was a former ride op. for this ride. I have bolts from loop, when the park closed.

[@MCdrivein]

@@michaeltaylor1603 Thanks for your reply! Twice a year is less then what i expected, since I imagined that the clutch would be under extreme amounts of wear because of the many launches it had to do on a daily basis. On the other hand I assume the clutch is a very strong one that is capable of the power it had to take

[@michaeltaylor1603]

@@MCdrivein Yep! It was changed in the "off season" We opened early March. Then in July, It went down for 2 days. Clutch replacement and 96 wheels on train are changed out as well. The roof has to come off to get to the 2 clutches. You can tell when it's wearing out by the sound of it.

[@3650tom]

@@michaeltaylor1603 Hello! Do you have more information / photo's / video's about the flywheel system?

[@Tigrou7777]

0:46 I wonder how the main pulley goes back after the launch (probably to rewind the cable).

[@InflatablePlane]

If I had to guess probably a small tire and motor that contacts the drum after the launch and reels it back in.

[@Cinnimin]

now This is epic

[@adriandesantiago4748]

This is most definitely Greezed Lightnin' from AstroWorld.

[@jmanx360]

There was a Greezed lighnin at kentucky kingdom until 2009

[@crazyyoutubeuser2444]

adrian de santiago read the description.....

[@coastx6140]

Was it powerd by electricity or gasoline or hydraulics?

[@DavidPlant1985]

Electric motor, turning a huge wheel

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Electric motor. It used a lot of compressed air for the train brakes, clutches, and "bull wheel brakes" Air was also used to unlock lap bars & station gates.

[@phoebelajoie5466]

@@michaeltaylor1603 Imagine how much power it used......

[@nicktheyoshi7137]

Greezed Lightning at Six Flags Astroworld

[@HayFatwithSurf]

why does it sound like an ambulance?