Attraction New Texas Giant (RMC Ironhorse)

[Franco]

So, I saw a post and video about the Texas Giant refurbishment down in Six Flags over Texas, and I must say, it's impressive. The ride will feature a 79-degree drop, 65 MPH speeds, plus a 95-degree overbanked turn (pure insanity on a woodie). What do you guys think?

 

[Zachary]

I think it's not a woodie.

 

[Franco]

There's been a lot of debate, and the track is steel. I agree, if the track is steel the ride is steel, but I haven't heard any confirmation that it won't technically be a wooden roller coaster, though I'm not sure who is responsible for deciding.

 

[robbie1104]

I rode the Texas Giant many times when I was stationed in Fort Worth and I have to say it was an awesome coaster back then. It lasted so long I was amazed. I'd kind of like to go back now to see how the new design rides.

 

[Robbie]

Some people use the word "hybrid" to describe stuff like this but I don't think that's right. The tray determines the coaster type. Laminated wood track, wood coaster. Steel track, steel coaster. Prefabricated wood-composite pieces, Prefab coaster (which in my mind seems closer kin to steel coasters). So Texas Giant is now a steel coaster. And if the trains are comfortable and it doesn't act like it's trying to throw me out of them, it'll be really fun.

The only hybrid I can think of would have been the original SOB because it was a wood tracked coaster with one steel element.

 

[Parkgoer]

I am going with steel on this one... Especially after seeing the R'n'R knock off trains

 

[Zachary]

Oh no.

[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358391024604823553]
[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358391860865146880]
[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358392175471509504]
[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358392585615712257]
[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358393969429856257]

 

[Zachary]

Bit more information here.

 

[CoolDrMoney]

Oh no. This is terrible. How does something like this happen?

 

[Zachary]

It's worth noting that the trains were designed and manufactured by Gerstlauer Rides, not Rocky Mountain Coasters. This seems like a train issue but I fear Rocky Mountain Coasters is going to end up with a whole ton of bad press resulting from a misinformed media.

 

[chickenking]

May prayers go out for the children, family and friends. Wow.

 

[b.mac]

The Gerstlauer trains use pneumatics for their lap bar restraint mechanism, and had no redundancy system in case of failure. Don't know what caused it but non-redundant rides are definitely going to be questioned on their safety after this (see: Apollo's).

 

[Zachary]

[tweet=https://twitter.com/SixFlags/status/358404736061407233]
[tweet=https://twitter.com/SixFlags/status/358404919071490049]

 

[b.mac]

The words no one wants to hear:

[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/status/358413526697652228]

 

[Nora]

I am getting the sense that the restraint bar never clicked shut completely. How terrifying for her and her son. It also sounds like there was an employee who disregarded her safety.

This is terrible and the loss of her life seemed completely preventable given the circumstances. Better safety systems to ensure all the seats are locked and secure; not to mention better training of the staff manning the ride.

My thoughts go to her family. So shocking and unbelievably sad.

 

[destroyer421]

I am getting the sense that the restraint bar never clicked shut completely.

If that were the case the train never would've been capable of leaving the station due to the block system.

 

[Julia]

Just like Nora said, something on the lap restraint didn't click. It might have registered with the system, but not exactly latch all the way. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to her family.

 

[Zachary]

From Six Flags Over Texas' Facebook page:

We are deeply saddened to share that earlier this evening an adult woman died in the park while on the Texas Giant. Park medical staff and local paramedics responded immediately. Since the safety of our guests and employees is our number one priority, that section of the park has been temporarily closed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time.

From Rocky Mountain Coaster's Facebook page:

RMC is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred this evening in Texas. First and foremost, our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go to the family and friends involved during this difficult time. Currently we do not have any comments regarding specifics of the tragedy. We are working diligently to gather facts and understand exactly what took place. We appreciate your patience and once again our condolences go to the family and everyone involved.

Nothing from Gerstlauer yet.

 

[Unagi]

Here's a picture of the victim.

[tweet=https://twitter.com/NewsBreaker/statuses/358682447686279168]

 

[b.mac]

Superman: Ride of Steel comes to mind.