Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), of Hayden, Idaho, reckons it has hit on something that will revolutionise wooden rollercoasters.
The company’s prefabricated steel track and support structure is currently being fitted to the Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, where it will allow the ride to operate at higher speeds, plunge over steeper drops and bank more intensely. A smoother ride experience is also expected.
RMC was established in 2001 by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon, who between them have over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.
“Both steel and wooden coasters have their advantages. Why not combine the best of both?” asks Grubb. “After rebuilding many tracks, the need became clear for something better. After three years of development and engineering, we now have the solution.”
RMC’s innovative steel track technology means there will be less construction cost than other pre-manufactured tracks for wooden coasters, as well as less maintenance and downtime. RMC can retrofit existing rides with the steel track.
As Six Flags Over Texas, park president is excited: “This ride is going to take the entire industry by storm,” he declares.