Statistics
Length (feet):	2640'
Height (feet):	70'
Inversions:	0
Speed (mph):	52
Duration (m:ss):	2:30
Manufacturer:	Schwarzkopf

The year 2005 marks the 25th anniversary of Judge Roy Scream. But the Judge’s birth also marks the passing of Big Bend. For long time Texans or enthusiasts to this region, Big Bend brings fond memories of Six Flag’s second decade. But newer ACEers to the area, or those that aren’t quite as old as some of the veterans that call the south home, may not be familiar with Big Bend.

The Schwarzkopf jet racer was a continuation of his Jet Star and Jumbo Jet series. Those coasters were compact in nature and were production models duplicated numerous times. Big Bend was customized just for Texas, as the name implies.

A stroll alongside the trickling stream that lies adjacent to Splashwater Falls and stretches from Looney Tunes USA to the Judge’s entrance helps place the location of Big Bend. Many green footings are still in place in that very stream. The station for the coaster is approximately where we see the Lost Parent train cars today. The ride was quite large and took up the space now occupied by our Wildcatter, Splashwater Falls, Snow Hill, and a portion of Looney Tunes USA.

Two spiraling lift hills carried the trains to the highest points with motors in each train, instead of the standard chain lift. The ride’s signature elements were all about banked curves. Keep in mind that in 1971, Arrow’s original Corkscrew was still years away. Aside from a few production models, the only steel coasters in existence consisted basically of a few mine trains. While certainly a “family coaster” by today’s thrill standards, Big Bend was state-of-the-art for its time.

Sadly, it was not without operational problems. Capacity was not as high as the park would have liked, particularly when the decision came to reduce the trains from three cars to two. Carrying 12 riders instead of 18 per train caused long lines to become longer. Big Bend’s queue house even consisted of two levels of zigzag queuing. Difficulties also plagued the ride and after nine seasons, even though riders enjoyed the coaster tremendously, the park gave in. Prompting numerous urban legends, Big Bend gave its last rides in 1979. In 1980, the Judge offered new thrills to take its place. After being dismantled, the coaster was shipped to Six Flags Over Mid-America. It was never re-erected.

All total, four of these jet racers by Anton Schwarzkopf were built in North America in the 1970s. Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun debuted in 1973 and tickled riders right up to the change of the millennium. Both Great Americas opened Willard’s Whizzer on the Bicentennial. The only remaining example left in North America is Six Flags Great America’s Whizzer. Just a few short years ago, the park announced it was removing the ride and the public outcry made them change their minds. For those enjoying the Coaster Con this June, take a moment to appreciate what still runs in Illinois and remember what we have lost.

 

--Tim Baldwin
Printed in the Winter-Spring 2005 Issue of the ACE South Central "Queue Line Chronicle"