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I find it interesting that they are already putting stakes in the ground for a project that might be opening in 2018. Unless this project is so huge it takes 2 years to build, but even the biggest steel coasters don't take that long for construction.
I wonder if what we are hearing is a combination of many projects, some opening in 2017 with others in 2018?
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Trying to make sense of why they would drag it out an extra year, I can only assume that major infrastructure changes are in store and they want to get them done before the next major attraction surge. We've talked for years about how bad the entrance and exit is, and with the bag checks and added steps it is only getting worse. It is inevitable that it will be upgraded soon, so I'd put money down on that being something they are getting ready to work on this year. I've honestly been looking for markings or signs of work around the entrance for ages now. I can't believe it hasn't been done already.
Mack just opened this in China. What if SDC got one with the tallest and largest loop in North America. I think the whole spinning/diving thing is 2020ish. If this had macks spinning cars, well that would be insane.
http://youtu.be/tp5lXXOiccw
As for the whole spinning car thing... if it was a Mack why not just use a mixed car train where some would rotate and others would not. Example, 1st car nonrotating, 2nd car rotates, 3rd car nonrotating, 4th rotates, fifth car car nonrotating.
That would be amazing if they got that. A hyper coaster with a couple of inversions and no OTSR's. Throw in SDC's awesome terrain and you have the perfect coaster. The spinning cars would be completely unnecessary, but I wouldn't be surprised if they added one or more just for the marketing gimmick it would add. I guess without the special cars it would just be another Wildfire.
Only thing is, it would have to be a twisted layout to fit this space, unless they went over the road. Totally do-able either way, but if they were going to build this style of ride, why do it here and not at the other end of the park where they have more space? Perhaps there is more to the idea of them going over the road though. It seems unnecessary to me, but who knows.