New Zippin Pippin Developments

I’m not sure what I think of this bit of news. It seems that some wood from another coaster will be used to build the Zippin Pippin:

Green Bay officials have signed a nearly $2 million contract with a consultant to oversee design and construction of the Zippin Pippin roller coaster.

Martin & Vleminckx Rides LLC, based near Orlando, Fla., has agreed to shepherd the project starting this summer. The historic wooden roller coaster is scheduled to open in May 2011 at Bay Beach Amusement Park.

Although the consulting deal was signed last week, Martin & Vleminckx already has helped Green Bay procure the mechanical framework of another defunct roller coaster called the Thunder Eagle to build the Zippin Pippin in Green Bay.

Purchasing and refurbishing the secondhand machinery will trim thousands of dollars from the Zippin Pippin price tag, officials said.

City leaders plan to spend $3 million re-creating the Zippin Pippin, which previously operated in Memphis, Tenn., and was renowned as Elvis Presley’s favorite amusement park ride. Green Bay parks director Bill Landvatter said Martin & Vleminckx officials were helpful in pursuing the Zippin Pippin purchase from Memphis. Officials are certain the same consulting firm should oversee the project here, Landvatter said.

Martin & Vleminckx partner Chuck Bingham said his company took apart the Thunder Eagle coaster, so officials knew the parts were available. The wooden coaster operated briefly in 2001 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., before financial difficulties closed the amusement park there.

Green Bay has agreed to spend $215,000 purchasing and $182,000 refurbishing the Thunder Eagle’s motors, brakes and other mechanics. New parts would have cost at least twice that much, Bingham said, adding that Martin & Vleminckx can attest to the quality of the Thunder Eagle machinery.

We know exactly what’s there and the condition it’s in,” he said. “All of that equipment will be like new.”

Using the Thunder Eagle parts and the historic Zippin Pippin design, officials hope to establish a major new attraction at city-owned Bay Beach.

City officials last month finalized the purchase deal, which gives Green Bay exclusive rights to the Zippin Pippin name, design, layout and history.

Under its contract, Martin & Vleminckx will provide engineering and design work, acquire all lumber and other raw materials, fabricate the wooden coaster frame, and supervise all construction.

The Florida-based consultants have similarly managed other coaster projects in New York, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky and elsewhere.

Monty Jasper, vice president of Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., said his Ohio-based company has hired Martin & Vleminckx many times for roller coasters and other projects. He called the consulting firm one of the few outside companies he would trust with virtually any amusement ride need.

“They’re kind of a well-rounded group,” Jasper said. “They know their p’s and q’s around wooden coasters and rides in general.”

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