RCPro: First off, RCPro.com would like to thank you for donating your
valuable time to us in order to gain a much greater understanding of
Stengel designed roller coasters. To begin, could you please tell us a
little about yourself, your background in the amusement industry, and
your job in general?
Stengel: You can find the answers in the book “Roller Coaster – der Achterbahn-Designer
Werner Stengel”, in German only and already sold out. As another source I send
my curriculum vitae and professional career (state 1999) as an appendix.
RCPro: At what point did you find a true passion for roller coasters? At that
point in your life, what made you want to become a designer of roller
coasters?
Stengel: The first time I found a passion for Roller Coaster was the time, I was asked by
Shipper and van der Ville for building (constructing) the first German steel Roller
Coaster. There is no possibility to study Roller Coaster Engineering all over the
world and due to the fact that almost all engineering disciplines are involved, I
have believed in Roller Coaster future. This was the time I made the solution to
make this job to 100%.
RCPro: People often regard you as the greatest roller coaster designer of all
time, and an inspiration to younger children out there who aspire to
follow in your footsteps. Do you have any words for them?
Stengel: If younger people are having the wish to become a Roller Coaster designer, they
should have a big interest in physics, engineering in general and mathematics.
After these basic items it would be of big benefit to become a structural or a
mechanical engineer. If the heart is still beating for Roller Coasters the next step
could be a traineeship in the industry. This is a long but the best way to become a
Roller Coaster designer.
RCPro: Out of all your designs, is there one particular design that you favor
the most in terms of, being a pleasure to design?
Stengel: Each new Roller Coaster is a new challenge for us. We love our work, because
we can bring fun in everybody’s heart.
RCPro: You are well known for your roller coaster designs. Have there been
any non-roller coaster projects in the past?
Stengel: Beside Roller Coasters we have been involved in different kind of amusement
rides: about 580 carrousels, 22 Giant wheels, 10 water rides, 7 Monorails,
different bumper cars, ghost trains, etc. In sum more than 1200 rides are playing
worldwide.
RCPro: Over the years you have designed many different rides. How many of
them do you actually get the chance to experience; and which offered
the best ride experience you've had?
Stengel: About 70% of all rides we’ve been involved to, I had the chance to ride. I prefer
most:
- Park rides: Millennium Force at Cedar Point and Colossos at Heidepark,
Germany (Wood coaster with new prefabricated track)
– Transportable rides: Olympia Loop (5-looper) and EuroStar (4 inversion,
inverted Coaster).
RCPro: How has roller coaster technology improved in recent years?
Stengel: Due to my invention of space curve technology and heart line, today’s Roller
Coaster were possible. Beside this I would say the new magnetic brakes are
another excellent development. Linear Induction motors are also very, very
interesting.
