Rumor The Fate Of Kumba

[DuelingGwazi03]

Kumba is sinking to say the least, it’s sinking bad, plus the aging Congo area, and it rarely having a wait time. Kumba is probably not going to last past 2023, as beloved or hated as it is, it’s sad to see this rumor (started on the theme park stop discord). Start up, it’s a beast of a coaster, and a true Icon of the park, but it’s getting up there in age, and unfortunately it might be time for it to go

 

[ControlsEE]

It lasted longer than DF....

 

[CoasterAuditor]

They could just retrack it.

 

[panopticon31]

Sinking? Like literally the footers are sinking into the ground?

 

[Zachary]

Is there any evidence of this rumor? Also, is the idea that the entire ride is sinking...? Surely the issue isn't universal, right? Foundation issues happen—but they're typically fixable it seems like? Can we point to any coasters that have actually been removed because of foundation issues?

 

[DuelingGwazi03]

Is there any evidence of this rumor? Also, is the idea that the entire ride is sinking...? Surely the issue isn't universal, right? Foundation issues happen—but they're typically fixable it seems like? Can we point to any coasters that have actually been removed because of foundation issues?

Vortex 😉 and basically it was built on swamp land, I guess the only evidence noticeable would be only know to maintenance?

 

[Zachary]

I guess the only evidence noticeable would be only know to maintenance?

I can only speak from experience with Alpengeist's foundation issue(s) really, but work was visible there.

Not saying this isn't happening because no one has seen anything of course, just trying to work out whether or not any evidence exists.

 

[DECoasterGuy]

This seems like the “magnum is sinking” rumor all over again

 

[Fur Dozy]

Ah yes, when you use the word rumor somehow it adds credibility to baseless conjecture. I'm not saying this is that, but it smells like it.

 

[rvadude85]

Wonder what the manufacturer expected service life is for a B&M model like Kumba?

 

[panopticon31]

Wonder what the manufacturer expected service life is for a B&M model like Kumba?

Well considering Iron Wolf is still running after being relocated and it was built in 1990 i would think Kumba is probably OK

 

[Jonesta6]

If I remember, earlier B&Ms were guaranteed for about 25 years though I'm not sure if that was only if certain conditions were met such as max cycle counts per operating year, regular preventative and restorative maintenance, and and/or environmental conditions remained stable.

 

[Fur Dozy]

Wonder what the manufacturer expected service life is for a B&M model like Kumba?

Well considering Iron Wolf is still running after being relocated and it was built in 1990 i would think Kumba is probably OK

Ride cycles and climate also play into this. Kumba runs year round(single train through most of the off season). Hulk and dragons cycled way more(think multiple times more) and lasted until very recently.

I do wonder what the cost to retrack would be and if the park would jump on that. The ride still gets a very respectible throughput despite it's age and location in the back of the park.

 

[AlpenChariot]

Kumba is a ride that has never been relocated on mostly flat land. I have serious doubts that its reason for leaving this world would be that it's sinking. Alpengeist is built in a literal ravine, it's much taller, while also being near water.

 

[DuelingGwazi03]

This seems like the “magnum is sinking” rumor all over again

Agreed, I’m not saying it’s true, I was just repeating what was posted

 

[Coasternerd]

Also, the park is consistently keeping it fresh. How many times have the repainted it already? And on top of that, the ride is a people eater. It’s placement isn’t ideal, I know that, but it’s still a good ride. Also, a good way to suspect that it may be going to leave soon is if they no longer have a fourth train. If they do that then they can only use 2 max while third is out for maintenance.

 

[Irishman]

Take it as you will but screamscape.com is reporting that they would recommend riding Kumba very soon, indicating an coming ride closure.

 

[Jonesta6]

Given how it's one of the earliest B&M coasters still operating and that it cycles most months of the year, it wouldn't be super surprising if it's at the end of its service life.

Curious if they will replace or rebuild though?

 

[horsesboy]

Given how it's one of the earliest B&M coasters still operating and that it cycles most months of the year, it wouldn't be super surprising if it's at the end of its service life.

Curious if they will replace or rebuild though?

If that is true it would be the first removed for service life

 

[Jonesta6]

If that is true it would be the first removed for service life

Hulk?

From what I had heard, the structure was so bad in parts that holes in the columns and/or track spine had become visible, so that prompted Universal to scrap it. Of course, they built a carbon copy on the same plot...

Btw, that ride opened in 1999, Kumba opened in 1993 (just 5 years after B&M opened shop) according to RCDB - both operating in similar climates and more or less year-round.