Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (BGT Discussion Thread)

[PKI Jizzman]

I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...does it really look that different from the other big RMC's!?!?!? I get that it's a GREAT problem to have, but these RMC's are all very similar and this just looks a lot like Steel Vengeance and the Poland one right!? Is it because it's purple!?!?

 

It looks similar to Zadra for sure, just spread out a little more. I still can't figure out the layout and what's left to be completed either to see how it does differentiate itself from Zadra or Hakugei or Steel Vengeance. Although RMCs are so similar, I really feel like I can separate all that I've experienced.

 

Only Storm Chaser at Kentucky Kingdom was the least memorable to me since it felt like it was just dropped in a cat's litter box across from a Pepsi factory Don't get me wrong Storm Chaser is fantastic, but to me it's less memorable than Twisted Timbers, Outlaw Run, or even Twisted Cyclone.

 

I think RMC is getting better at emphasizing different elements and not just relying on reverse banking or sideways airtime hills. Hakugei stood out to me because of the inversions, first drop/pre drop, pre lift, and mix of laterals. Twisted Cyclone seemed to get faster and more intense as the ride went on. Twisted Timbers is just an insane airtime buffet.

[Canobie Coaster]

^ I have no clue what you're talking about. I love Storm Chaser's location. Its remote setting at the park of the park basically guarantees it's always a walk-on.

[mark549]

I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...does it really look that different from the other big RMC's!?!?!? I get that it's a GREAT problem to have, but these RMC's are all very similar and this just looks a lot like Steel Vengeance and the Poland one right!? Is it because it's purple!?!?

 

It looks similar to Zadra for sure, just spread out a little more. I still can't figure out the layout and what's left to be completed either to see how it does differentiate itself from Zadra or Hakugei or Steel Vengeance. Although RMCs are so similar, I really feel like I can separate all that I've experienced.

 

Only Storm Chaser at Kentucky Kingdom was the least memorable to me since it felt like it was just dropped in a cat's litter box across from a Pepsi factory Don't get me wrong Storm Chaser is fantastic, but to me it's less memorable than Twisted Timbers, Outlaw Run, or even Twisted Cyclone.

 

I think RMC is getting better at emphasizing different elements and not just relying on reverse banking or sideways airtime hills. Hakugei stood out to me because of the inversions, first drop/pre drop, pre lift, and mix of laterals. Twisted Cyclone seemed to get faster and more intense as the ride went on. Twisted Timbers is just an insane airtime buffet.

 

 

It looks like the IG finale includes two "trick track" sequences.

 

The first starts at the exit of the stall. Turn to the right at the bottom of the stall, slight bank left on a straight track, then bank right while cresting a small hill.

 

Then a weird helix type trick track - big right turn, little left, then another big right. Maybe some of those direction changes have elevation changes, too, maybe not?

 

Followed by an airtime hill, possibly like the El Toro "rolling thunder" hill (I hope) and then a sharp left through the structures into the brakes.

 

I've been on 6 RMCs (all in USA) including SV. My guess is this will be even better than SV despite being a shorter ride (or because it is shorter?). I don't rank all my "credits" but SV is by far my favorite, although I didn't like the bunny hops at the end, a bit gratuitous for my tastes.

 

Railblazer is my second favorite RMC (after SV) because it is non-stop intensity. IG looks like it will be non-stop intensity on a grander scale. I like that the second hill will be the RMC version of a top hat.

 

I also like how apart from Railblazer / Wonder Woman, all of the RMCs are unique. Collect them all!

[bgtlover]

I'm not too familiar with Sea World Parks Quick Queue and just wanted to ask a question...

How likely is it that both IG and IB will be on the QQ unlimited list for 2020? As it stands, the webpage for QQ on BG site does not include IG. Is that because it's simply too early? I'm so used to the Cedar Fair way where they entice you to buy season passes with Fast Lane as soon as the new coaster is announced to boost sales.

 

The last 2 major additions among BGT (Tigris) & SWO (Infinity Falls) were not included with Unlimited Quick Queue for some time after they opened. They did however have the option of buying QQ Unlimited + 1 ride on Tigris or Infinity Falls (both are now included at each park with QQ Unlimited), and were also selling one time rides at the QQ kiosks for them as well (I believe they were either $10 or $15 depending on the day). I would suspect they may do the same thing with Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker until the newness wears off.

[coasternut79]

I think it's unfair to say "well this looks like Zadra or SV", we are talking about a completely unique custom creation from the hottest coaster manufacturer on the planet right now so I think the excitement is warranted.

 

IG specifically has a couple unique elements that set it apart from the other big RMC's in my opinion. First the barrel roll is not just a run of the mill 360 degree roll. It's almost more like a 540 since you are banking up and to the right before spinning through the roll to your left. It is also very early in the layout and should be a fast roll much like the first inversion on SV. That should be a really cool element.

 

The second one is the inverted top hat right after the barrel roll. I may be wrong but I think that is a new element for RMC, at least on that scale anyway as the train will still be hauling through there since it's still on the first half of the ride. Another thing I like about IG is there is no mid course brake run. God I love big rides without those i.e. Fury as it gives you that all out intense ride from start to finish with no let up.

[coasterbill]

I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...does it really look that different from the other big RMC's!?!?!? I get that it's a GREAT problem to have, but these RMC's are all very similar and this just looks a lot like Steel Vengeance and the Poland one right!? Is it because it's purple!?!?

 

For me it's just the park that it's being built in and the fact that we'll be able to ride it all the time. Steel Vengeance is much closer to us than Tampa but we can't hop on our favorite sh*thole airline and go there for $15 so we end up in Central Florida way more often.

[WolfBobs]

I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...does it really look that different from the other big RMC's!?!?!? I get that it's a GREAT problem to have, but these RMC's are all very similar and this just looks a lot like Steel Vengeance and the Poland one right!? Is it because it's purple!?!?

 

For me it's just the park that it's being built in and the fact that we'll be able to ride it all the time. Steel Vengeance is much closer to us than Tampa but we can't hop on our favorite sh*thole airline and go there for $15 so we end up in Central Florida way more often.

 

For me it's only because the ride is purple! And the fact they named the ride after a mythical crocodile. I love big purple mythical crocodiles. Purple rides are the besT!!!1!

[PKI Jizzman]

^ I have no clue what you're talking about. I love Storm Chaser's location. Its remote setting at the park of the park basically guarantees it's always a walk-on.

 

No doubt! It was a walk on during my visit, too.

Pepsi, Discount Signs & Banners, and Craven Cars. And RMC!

[boldikus]

I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...does it really look that different from the other big RMC's!?!?!? I get that it's a GREAT problem to have, but these RMC's are all very similar and this just looks a lot like Steel Vengeance and the Poland one right!? Is it because it's purple!?!?

 

Who cares? Are any RMC's even close to bad? Besides, aren't you super jazzed to have this monster just an hour down the road?!

 

And yes the purple track looks fab.

[anonymouscactus]

Can't wait!

 

 

[djcoastermark]

Another YAY ! For the purple people eater !

[Nrthwnd]

^ IN PURPLE.

[mark549]

new photos at Reddit, hope it's ok to post

 

ADMIN EDIT:

Nope! Will not support that reddit group.

Edited January 30, 2020 by robbalvey

[robbalvey]

We got a behind the scenes construction tour today....

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Good interview! The new train looks great!

[RCjunkie]

Thank you for that surprise update. Love the train and track colors along with that loading stationExcited to see a POV of it. Is TPR going to be able to shoot one?

[SharkTums]

^Yes we will.

[Nrthwnd]

Great interviews, Robb! And some wonderful shots of the coaster in progress, too. Excited!

[coasternut]

Great interview Robb. I can't wait for Iron Gwazi. I got a Sea World membership this year, so I'm good to go... I used to have a Busch Tampa Season pass, but now I can get admissions to all Sea World and most importantly both Busch parks. I really enjoy Tampa.

[Kim Jong Un]

Cool drone shots

[Philrad71]

Thanks for posting, Robb...Iron Gwazi is looking great!

 

Can't wait to return to this park someday in the near future!

[bert425]

fantastic video Robb. . . really good questions and some nice answers too.

 

those trains are beautiful.

[tndank]

Rumors are suggesting BG is targeting March 14 for opening Gwazi.

[thrillseeker4552]

^One month away and track isn't even complete yet?

 

Yeah, um, definitely not. I think May is most likely, just like the other SeaWorld coasters opening this year except Stingray.

[tndank]

If they finish the track in the next week or two, it's possible. They are already doing block testing, moving trains, etc. Need about 3 weeks of testing and it's good. Not saying it's going to happen, but I don't think it's a crazy idea, either.