Salem, New Hampshire amusement park Canobie Lake is in the planning phases of adding a new roller coaster. The
proposed ride would be a Gerstlauer Eurofighter 320+ model. It’s a compact coaster that features single cars allowing for excellent maneuverability in tight twists and turns. Other 320+ models include an ultra steep 97 degree drop, a vertical loop, an immelmann, and a zero-g roll. Adventure Island’s Rage (Essex, England) is pictured to the right.
If approved, this will only be the fourth Gerstlauer Euro Fighter in the U.S. after SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge at the Mall of America (Bloomington, MN), Mystery Mine at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN), and the recently announced Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia. I haven’t ridden a Euro Fighter, but they look like a lot of fun. I’m only 4 hours from both Dollywood and Six Flags Over Georgia so I’m sure I’ll ride one soon.
It isn’t clear if this coaster will be ready for 2011 or 2012. If they’re just now seeking approval from the local government then it may be a 2012 project. On the other hand, it’s a rather small roller coaster and it could open mid-summer 2011 if things really get moving. Currently, the planning board is awaiting the results of a study that will factor in the impacts on traffic patterns.
New Whalom Park Forums has exclusive shots of the ride’s concept artwork here. It looks like the park will be giving the new ride a rustic woodsy theme with support columns designed to look like tree trunks.
Read more about the planning process at the Eagle Tribune: “Salem Planners Impressed With Coaster Presentation”
What’s Your Take?
What do you think of Canobie Lake’s new planned roller coaster? Leave a comment below. Image 1 courtesy of RCDB.