What's new

SFMM Colossus Iron Horse renovation rumors

CoasterCrazy said:
As much as it would be awesome, it would destroy the Mobius loop aspect of the ride, unless, of course, they added another two to just diminish the effect.

Don't forget, Colossus isn't mobius, it's two tracks side by side unlike Grand National for example which is one continuous circuit. :)
 
^ You are correct sir. The theory is that if SFMM were to make Colossus a mobius coaster, they could get the longest roller coaster record.
 
An 8,650 foot long wooden ride... Experiencing the same ride twice without stopping... How, boring...
 
^each side of the track could have different elements, yes, the layout would follow the same path, but you could have one continuous ride that doesn't repeat itself too much. Who knows what RMC have up their sleeves?
 
Anything but fully re-profiling the track itself and mimicking the original ride is a shame and deserves to be burned to the ground. Colossus is one of the last of the classic wooden rides America has, either they keep the original layout, or they build something else.
 
Last classic wood ride?

You've never been outside of LA County? Because I can think of two truly classic wood coasters just in California.
 
rollermonkey said:
Last classic wood ride?

You've never been outside of LA County? Because I can think of two truly classic wood coasters just in California.

A Classic of such size and stature. And I said one of the last, since it seems like the latest and greatest is more valuable than nostalgia.
 
But there really has only ever been one other wood coaster of comparable size and stature: American Eagle. Colossus is frickin' huge.

I get that Colossus is iconic for MM, but the ride isn't all that popular any more, as evidenced by all the single-side, single-train operations it gets. For it to stay around, it needs to deliver ROI, and right now, I'd suspect that SFI isn't happy with what they're getting.

If you don't want to see it eventually bulldozed for expansion room for Hurricane Harbor, they are going to need to update it in some form. Given SFI's current penchant for crazy/intense RMC projects, I'd bet that the possibility of a drastic modification is pretty significant.
 
I wouldn't call it "classic"
It has nostalgia, yes...
Just because a ride is fairly old, does not mean it's a classic. There are many older woodies in the U.S.

Lets look at the facts....
1) The ride is just not exciting anymore compared to other wooden coasters and with the modifications.
2) It is amongst the least popular in the park ( in terms of riders per hour, not capacity)
3) the maintenance is a total drain and will continue to become worse as time goes on.
4) a re-build or demolition are the only viable options
5) The park is in the business of making money.... A money pit that doesn't attract people is simply a waste of land.

Assuming they go down the re-build route, a dual tracked coaster is not justifiable. Racing coasters hardly ever race in the U.S. anymore due to cost, lack of popularity and frivolous lawsuits..... Sad, but a fact.

So there you have it..... 3 choices....
1) Let it rot
2) demolish and use the space for something else
3) re-build something that will draw big crowds and justify the investment...



Not really rocket science is it?
 
I vote #2 if they don't keep the similar profile, with the re-addition of the double down.
 
I've never been to SFMM, but I think the best option is just demolish it and replace it with something better.
 
Demo of Colossus alone would be outrageously expensive. The amount of wood due to California's earthquake standards alone is unreal. They won't tear the structure down, that's all but a fact.
 
Just burn it!
Do what Jeffery Thompson did with the Fun House at Blackpool Pleasure Beach..... If it spreads to Scream, it would help the theming!
 
I actually think colossus is a good coaster, quite underrated IMO. There are other coasters at SFMM that i would rather see leave (Ninja, Viper, Revolution and Gold Rusher). I'm don't now how great this coaster would be though compared to the current RMC coasters if they were to keep the layout similar.
 
tomahawKSU said:
Demo of Colossus alone would be outrageously expensive. The amount of wood due to California's earthquake standards alone is unreal. They won't tear the structure down, that's all but a fact.

You think? Did you see how they took down Son of Beast? Chainsaws and a bulldozer. Earthquake codes or not, demolition isn't all that expensive unless you're trying to save what's being disassembled. Removing footers on the other hand could get expensive depending on how deep they are.
 
All earthquake proofing is deeper foundations and an extra layer of supports.

If they were to renovate this ride, they would probably leave all the lower structure in place and build up from there.
 
I'd be willing to bet good money that Colossus will follow the same transition as New Texas Giant. It will become a single track steel coaster with a few nods to the old ride. Larger, faster, steeper and MUCH longer.

They don't have to tear down the structure to make it something else. Just look at Texas.
 
^Agreed
Both of those kept the lower portion of part of the structure and then modified the layout.

What about the idea of not using an Iron Horse steel track, and making it more like Outlaw Run?

Keeping it a wooden coaster.
 
CookieCoasters said:
I actually think colossus is a good coaster, quite underrated IMO. There are other coasters at SFMM that i would rather see leave (Ninja, Viper, Revolution and Gold Rusher). I'm don't now how great this coaster would be though compared to the current RMC coasters if they were to keep the layout similar.
I'm with you - Colossus was a good wooden coaster the times I rode it. Surprisingly smooth, good speed, and a fun ride.

I would imagine an RMC revamp would maintain the basic layout, but add a few new twists and turns. Texas Giant and Iron Rattler both have the essential layout they had previously, only with new overbanked turns and a zero-g roll (for Iron Rattler).
 
Top