Vekoma Illusion
Encyclopedia
The Illusion is a fully enclosed tubular steel roller coaster, manufactured by Vekoma
. It runs on Vekoma's narrow MK-700 track system. Two were built, both in 1989, Chaos in Opryland USA
(Tennessee), and Revolution in Bobbejaanland
(Belgium). The ride runs partly while viewing special effects and partly in complete darkness, and reaches top speed of approximately 30 mph.
The building is exactly square, and laid out with an inner chamber, an outer chamber, and a loading platform around the outside edge. The lift hill spirals gradually up the walls of the inner chamber, and is completely driven by rubber wheels. As it circles the inner chamber, the riders view special effects on the floor and ceiling. The train then goes to the pitch-black outer chamber where it gradually picks up speed through a series of turns and shallow hills. At the very end the train makes one last high-speed pass through the inner chamber and then back to the loading platform.
Originally both models (Chaos and Revolution) had identical theming inside. There was a large round screen in the ceiling and the floor of the inner chamber onto which was projected a film showing a falling pendulum, a shattering clock, and a wormhole. There were also screens hanging over the track in certain places in the outer chamber, making it appear the train was passing through things like fire and shattering glass. Both rides had a different soundtrack, however: whereas Chaos used "Bones on the Beach" by Michael Hoenig
, Revolution initially had an untitled soundtrack that had come with the films at that time.
Revolution had its lower screen replaced with a light show. It also has light show elements in various places in the outer chamber. The upper screen is still operational.
Chaos was fitted with a nuclear reactor in the main room and a dragon head in the outer chamber. Unfortunately, when Opryland was quietly shut down in 1997 the ride was dismantled, stored at Old Indiana Fun-n-Water Park and eventually scrapped.
Vekoma
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. is a roller coaster and thrill ride designer with its facilities based in the Netherlands. The company was founded in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld under the name "Veld Koning Machinefabriek" and had first manufactured agricultural machinery and mining equipment...
. It runs on Vekoma's narrow MK-700 track system. Two were built, both in 1989, Chaos in Opryland USA
Opryland USA
Opryland USA was an amusement park located in suburban Nashville, Tennessee. It operated seasonally from 1972 until 1997...
(Tennessee), and Revolution in Bobbejaanland
Bobbejaanland
Bobbejaanland is a renowned theme park in Lichtaart, Belgium. It was founded by Bobbejaan Schoepen, a Flemish singer, guitarist, and entertainer who enjoyed international popularity in the fifties and early sixties. After 15 years he got weary of touring. In 1960 he decided to build his own music...
(Belgium). The ride runs partly while viewing special effects and partly in complete darkness, and reaches top speed of approximately 30 mph.
Ride details
The Illusion runs a single long train, with up to 40 cars stretching up to 180' long. Each narrow car carries two people sitting inline, bobsled style.The building is exactly square, and laid out with an inner chamber, an outer chamber, and a loading platform around the outside edge. The lift hill spirals gradually up the walls of the inner chamber, and is completely driven by rubber wheels. As it circles the inner chamber, the riders view special effects on the floor and ceiling. The train then goes to the pitch-black outer chamber where it gradually picks up speed through a series of turns and shallow hills. At the very end the train makes one last high-speed pass through the inner chamber and then back to the loading platform.
Originally both models (Chaos and Revolution) had identical theming inside. There was a large round screen in the ceiling and the floor of the inner chamber onto which was projected a film showing a falling pendulum, a shattering clock, and a wormhole. There were also screens hanging over the track in certain places in the outer chamber, making it appear the train was passing through things like fire and shattering glass. Both rides had a different soundtrack, however: whereas Chaos used "Bones on the Beach" by Michael Hoenig
Michael Hoenig
Michael Hoenig is a German composer who has composed music for several movies and games, in addition to two solo albums...
, Revolution initially had an untitled soundtrack that had come with the films at that time.
History
Originally both rides were created with the same audio-visual show. Over time this system became problematic and most of the screens were replaced with light shows and thematic elements.Revolution had its lower screen replaced with a light show. It also has light show elements in various places in the outer chamber. The upper screen is still operational.
Chaos was fitted with a nuclear reactor in the main room and a dragon head in the outer chamber. Unfortunately, when Opryland was quietly shut down in 1997 the ride was dismantled, stored at Old Indiana Fun-n-Water Park and eventually scrapped.