Work continued Tuesday on the new Gale Force roller coaster. The structure rises 125 ft from the sidewalk. Tuesday’s cloudy skies, light rain and less than gale force winds didn’t stop construction of the new Gale Force roller coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove. Pieces of the new rails were still on the ground while work continued on the structural steel frame of the new 125-ft. attraction.
Sections of rail, imported from Italy, rest alongside the steel frame of the new Gale Force roller coaster. Clay LaRosa, his brother Frank and a crew from La Rosa Construction were working on the concrete foundation and footings of the coaster when an OCNJDaily reporter visited the site. “If you look at all of the curves and angles of the steel, you realize something like this could not be built before the advent of the computer,” Clay said. “This isn’t the kind of design you can do with a pencil.” Imagined and designed by Castaway Cove owner Scott Simpson, Sansei Technology of Utah is overseeing construction. They also handled construction of the Cove’s landmark Double Shot ride. “The structural steel came from China and the rails came from Italy,” LaRosa said of the ride. “It’s not easy to (construct) but when it’s done it will be an engineering marvel.” A second coaster will be build alongside and through the Gale Force, he said, providing an extra thrill for those enjoying each ride. The Gale Force will replace the Python, Castaway Cove’s old, much smaller roller coaster. Upon completion, the new ride will be tested using human weight dummies before it is licensed to carry actual patrons. Will LaRosa be among those? “No!” he said with a laugh. “I’m too old.” Thrill Seekers – Prepare for some fun.
View from the boardwalk.
