Recent Posts

11

Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by History Buff on April 16, 2024, 08:40:45 AM »

When I was at the media event for FITH 2.0 the SDC big wigs said that Thunderation is undergoing a multi year maintenance overhaul so it can be enjoyed for years to come. SDC recognizes the uniqueness and nostalgic value of that coaster considering it was their first big thrill ride/coaster. As for the old FITH I directly asked about it and all they would say is what's not going there is a new Train Station.

That’s a shame.  It seemed like a good idea to get the train a larger station and more space for waiting during three Christmas season.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by sdcfan88 on April 16, 2024, 12:27:54 AM »

My Guess is news trains and possibly new track. Loc Ness Monster at Busch Gardens just had a refurb and it is also an Arrow Coaster. Hopefully they add a little more theming around the ride path also. Especially the second lift hill.

I always wanted them to make the entire lift and final turn enclosed to keep a sense of mystery to the ride which also keeps the final drop from being anti-climatic.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by Jesus4me on April 11, 2024, 07:43:15 AM »

When I was at the media event for FITH 2.0 the SDC big wigs said that Thunderation is undergoing a multi year maintenance overhaul so it can be enjoyed for years to come. SDC recognizes the uniqueness and nostalgic value of that coaster considering it was their first big thrill ride/coaster. As for the old FITH I directly asked about it and all they would say is what's not going there is a new Train Station.

My Guess is news trains and possibly new track. Loc Ness Monster at Busch Gardens just had a refurb and it is also an Arrow Coaster. Hopefully they add a little more theming around the ride path also. Especially the second lift hill.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by sdcfan88 on April 10, 2024, 02:15:43 PM »

When I was at the media event for FITH 2.0 the SDC big wigs said that Thunderation is undergoing a multi year maintenance overhaul so it can be enjoyed for years to come. SDC recognizes the uniqueness and nostalgic value of that coaster considering it was their first big thrill ride/coaster. As for the old FITH I directly asked about it and all they would say is what's not going there is a new Train Station.

15

Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by shavethewhales on April 10, 2024, 11:04:08 AM »

I am not exactly sure what you mean by i box conversion, but I will say the New Texas Giant at SF appeared to be the same as OR to me when I first saw it, but from what I understand it has had the track redone at some point.  I took the chance and rode it and it is very smooth.  I will not ride OR, too rough,  plus I really do not care for the restraint system.

Texas Giant has I-Box track - basically runs on I-beams. Outlaw Run currently has a more traditional wooden track style with a smaller steel running rail.

One big difference between Outlaw Run and others like Texas Giant is Outlaw runs on steel wheels. my understanding is steel wheels allow for extra speed compared to poly.

Outlaw Run used to have steel wheels... I think they converted back to poly in an attempt to slow it down a tad and save on maintenance? I seem to recall them having issues either way. The poly wheels wear out fast, but the steel wheels cause more track issues.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by orangesandpeaches on April 10, 2024, 07:19:59 AM »

One big difference between Outlaw Run and others like Texas Giant is Outlaw runs on steel wheels. my understanding is steel wheels allow for extra speed compared to poly.

17

Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by Okiebenz on April 09, 2024, 04:21:28 PM »

I am not exactly sure what you mean by i box conversion, but I will say the New Texas Giant at SF appeared to be the same as OR to me when I first saw it, but from what I understand it has had the track redone at some point.  I took the chance and rode it and it is very smooth.  I will not ride OR, too rough,  plus I really do not care for the restraint system.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by shavethewhales on April 09, 2024, 09:56:05 AM »

Years ago the rumor was that they would either have to rebuild large sections of it or Ibox it due to all sorts of issues they have had with it. I believe sections have already been rebuilt/retracked before. It's "only" ten years old, but it was the first to use this track type and with the extreme forces of the ride I think they encountered a lot of maintenance issues behind the scenes that luckily haven't been noticeable to the average guest until now.

I could easily believe that they are looking into an Ibox conversion. It's simply a cost saving maneuver over time. Not sure it will be the next thing on the agenda though, but I haven't ridden OR this year to know how bad it has gotten. Thunderation is already unrideable for many people, and as long as we are talking rumors, I think that might be the next one to go...

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Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« Last post by The Outlaw on April 09, 2024, 08:46:05 AM »

Screamscape's reporting that the park is looking at giving Outlaw Run the I-Box treatment, similar to Lightning Rod's recent renovation. Anyone heard any actual rumors of that happening?

20

Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma

« Last post by shavethewhales on April 05, 2024, 10:38:33 AM »

I've been watching from the FB groups in the area that are tracking the progress. Construction has stopped. They put out erosion control and the contractor staging area a few months ago, then the contractor pulled off. Original rumor was that the concrete batch plant would show up in March and then construction would get more underway - that hasn't happened. The latest news updates include a blurb saying that costs have increased and they are currently working with the state to get funding...

I know there's a lot of utility/civil engineering that has to take place off-site just to support the ability of the site itself to be developed, but that is why these projects often have a 5-10 year timeframe instead of 2-3. They have made it through a few hoops regarding zoning and some infrastructure approvals, but there's still at least a year's worth of effort before they get to where they can actually move much dirt. Theoretically they could build PART of the RV park, but it would be pretty underwhelming.

We'll see where they finally land, but I'm guessing they end up with a small RV park, a small lake resort, and MAYBE a small theme park.