Owners and operators of older roller coasters are increasingly faced with the decision to invest in their ride. Be it a retrofit to meet today's standards, a refurbishment to improve the stability and load capacity of the existing track or even an expensive new purchase.
The SCT1200 train series from Sunkid Heege has already replaced a number of ageing roller coaster vehicles in amusement parks around the world. In addition to the delivery and commissioning of new trains, the support, customer service and annual inspection/maintenance of its own products is also an integral part of the services offered by Sunkid Heege GmbH.
With the SCT1201, the successful 1200 train series has now received a completely newly developed successor - with features to meet all the latest standards and a total weight that corresponds to that of the roller coaster vehicle to be replaced. This means fewer new requirements for an existing track, based on the weight of the new train.
Avonturenpark Hellendoorn (Netherlands) was enthusiastic about this idea and was the first customer to opt for an SCT1201. The development and design phase was completed in 2024, and the target weight was achieved mathematically ("on paper"). Current production methods ("milled from solid materials" instead of welding) and lighter materials (e.g. aluminum) were taken into account in the new development. As a result, the train delivered in spring 2025 weighs almost 20 percent less than its predecessor and was opened to the public just in time for the start of the season.
The online magazine "Looopings" sums it up as follows: "The new Sunkid train ensures a smooth ride. As with its predecessor, lap bars (editor's note: the typical Sunkid restraints in the stomach area) are used again. The exceptional legroom offered to passengers is also remarkable. [...] The old Balagos train was transferred to the Boomerang Coaster Wipeout at Pleasurewood Hills, the sister park in the UK." The modifications were carried out in conjunction with the annual maintenance and the entire project was also fully executed by Sunkid Heege GmbH.
