GoBears

The twist & shout is actually slightly more banked than 90 degrees. It's going to be an awesome element!

Took a screenshot from the latest video of the twist & shout... That structure will nearly double in size once the overbank turn is finished.

From SFGAm's Twitter this morning...

In addition to the response Brandon Bruce sent me, Six Flags Great America confirmed today that Goliath's steel structure for the lift and part of the drop and Zero-G stall was planned all along. It was not changed. The original artwork was created based off the track layout, not how the actual structure would be. In other words, this was not changed based on money or time. It wasn't changed at all. This was how the finish product was going to look all along. Hope that clears that up. Also, they added more track to the other side of the twist & shout and the tunnel today.

That's the one I'm thinking of.

You say being stuck with Intamin's way like that would be a bad thing. I love RMC but there's nothing wrong with this either Didn't RMC build El Toro (the construction, not the design)? Yes, RMC helped with the construction of El Toro. Did RMC help on any of the other Intamin prefabs? I thought they did one outside of the US too.

They are placing more track down into the tunnel right now.

I messaged Brandon Bruce about if Goliath's final design was going to use this new steel structure instead of the wooden structure for the lift and top of the zero-G stall all along and here's what he said... "Hi Tyler, Yes, the lift hill is a steel super structure supporting the wooden roller coaster track. We decided to keep the final design for Goliath as a surprise and are thrilled to show the world one of the most unique wooden roller coasters ever built. We created a rendering of a traditional wooden roller coaster last August based on the centerline design. The final design that we released on Friday shows something much more unique leaving the inverted zero G stall exposed offering nothing but air between riders heads and the ground. Not only does that make the ride more extreme, but it also continues to hold the three world records. The drop, speed and height all remain the same. I hope you're excited about it! We've been dying to share it because it really stands out as a world record breaker and it looks awesome. Sincerely, Brandon" When they released the final design a few days ago, I figured that the first renderings that were released last year when Goliath was announced was just a first draft (so to speak). This lift/drop design with the steel structure was something they probably had planned all along, or at least well before the ride was announced.

Florida- The Incredible Hulk Illinois- American Eagle Missouri- Screamin' Eagle Ohio- Maverick Wisconsin- HellCat I'll be visiting SDC for the first time in a few weeks and Goliath opens in May so I'll have to update this list in a few months.

I think it's hard to say exactly what the Zero-G will feel like until after Goliath opens, especially since this is a new inversion. I'm very excited to try it out though! 13 weeks from today until Goliath opens (if everything is on schedule) and 10 weeks until the park opens!

^I'm not sure why I'm mentioned in that quote box but I didn't write that post. Just... like... a steel coaster! Also, when you're upside down on a coaster, do you EVER think to look up at the ground, at the moment you're inverted? I certainly don't. Surely they must have known how they were building the lift before construction started. Anyone else find it strangely calculating that they should release this info now, shortly before construction on the lift starts and they can no longer keep it a secret? Were they fearing a negative backlash? No, not just like a steel coaster. There's not any coaster, steel or wood, that has a zero-G stall. Even steel coasters that do have a lot of hang time on an inversion usually have OTSR's which is much more restrictive than just lap bars. I just think the sense of hanging there upside down for a couple seconds with nothing below you makes me more uneasy than a lot of supports directly below you. That's just my opinion and I see why people would want head choppers instead of being open. We all have different preferences. Regardless of not having head choppers, I believe it will still be a crazy element and I'm looking forward to it.

My initial thought about the Zero-G stall was that I wanted it to go through a mess of wooden supports for the head chopper elements. However, this is just as cool. Now you have nothing but the ground 80 feet or so below you and a simple lap bar holding you in upside down. Seems quite thrilling!

I was thinking the same thing about the twist-and-shout (that's what they're calling it, right?) but I think if I get the chance to see this thing and ride it in person next year I'll get over it pretty quick! The part that flips you 180 degrees and back upright again is called the Zero-G Stall element. The overbank twist and shout is the element after that which is built in the same structure as the overbank turn.

*COUGH* The world famous Cyclone at Luna Park *COUGH* Uh oh, looks like I'm coming down with the same thing you have.

This looks amazing. I mean, even more amazing than before. This might also mean the lift will be constructed fairly quick I would imagine.

I wonder how the restraints are going to be. I know the style will be like Outlaw Run's, but I wonder if they will have issues with larger guests like OR had after the adjustments.

I feel a bit better about heading down there. I'm 5'7'' and around 200 but I have pretty big thighs. Of course, I will still enjoy the park regardless if I can ride it or not, but it would be an unfortunate 18 hour roundtrip and not be able to ride the main attraction.

If they stick to their plan, they said they are completely remodeling the station which will include Roman columns, facia molding, wooden trellis, and some others things. Sorry, the image is rather hard to see but I had to take a screenshot of a video clip because there's not an official photo that has been released to the public of this yet.

The orange is only the very top part of the topper track, not the entire steel on top of the wood. Hopefully it doesn't wear too poorly.

Oh yeah, I think you messaged me about that. I couldn't remember if it was before or after the adjustments when you rode it though.

Did they make anymore adjustments to the harnesses on Outlaw Run since August (or late July)? I have a size 36 waist but big thighs. I'm visiting for the first time next month and I hope I fit.

Might have to head out east next year and ride this. I've never been to Knoebels before and their woodies look great too!

Looking good, Goliath! Preparation for the foundation of the dive loop is starting... Base of lift and motor pad... Work being done on the twist and shout... Work is being done on the station to make the platform wider and longer... To view the rest of the photos, click here.

I think Six Flags also opened up a Goliath in Holland back when they owned that park over a decade ago. Obviously they no longer own that park. Also, more bents are up for the twist and shout close to where the train will exit out of the tunnel. Snow has been coming down hard today...

As much as I dislike the ride, SUF's pretzel loop in the back row usually packs a punch and then the ride is back to being a snooze fest. The Incredible Hulk's roll out of the launch is a lot of fun. The hang time on X-Flight's roll through the control tower is fun too.