Loco Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 I've actually passed by this little park a few times. Never thought they would be getting something like this! Awesome addition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boardwalkbullet91507 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 I've always seen billboards for ZDT's but was never really interested in going because they didn't have much; now I have a legitimate reason to go, this looks very interesting and innovative so call me intrigued. It's still pretty out of my way from College Station but if I ever end up that way I'll have to swing by; it can always be a weekend trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper39 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 I'm slightly confused by the concept but it does look like a lot of fun. I wonder if there will any kind of a holding brake in the circuit to allow the track switch mechanism to cycle over? I guess if there's only one train it's not a big deal but seem like from an operations safety stand point you would need to have the ability to hold a train in the event of the switch mechanism not operating properly. I love the short trains though, I've always thought that shorter trains feel faster and more out of control. My dream ride is a 200 foot tall coaster with a single wild mouse style car, that would feel insane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tatsu_dude Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 ^I'd think the lift would be able to act as a holding brake. Just have it stop at the top like many coasters do if the next block is occupied. I have family in San Antonio, and already visit SFFT and Schlitterbahn yearly, so I may have to stop by this place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XM Keeper Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Not many people know about what ZDT's is, so I feel like I should explain what it is, as I have been there many times. ZDT's is a tiny amusement park (very tiny) that is made up of two small arcades, a kids ball pit, a bungee jumping ride, A roller coaster simulator, a small restaurant, a tiny Frisbee ride, A small drop tower, rock climbing, a 2 story go kart track, and a few water slides. It seems to be built where a grain distribution plant once was, given that the rock climbing is built on some no-longer-used storage towers and the go karts are in an industrial building that was clearly used for something else. Honestly, I have no idea where they will fit this roller coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrlittle Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 (edited) From ZDT's Facebook, excited to see it started It’s official, #Switchback construction is under way! We’ve just broken ground on this exciting new project, and would like to share this milestone with all of our fans on Facebook! We will be sure to keep you all updated along the way so you don’t miss out. Let the fun begin! #Summer2015 #GetReady And for you dirt enthusiasts I believe this is the building the coaster will go through I believe this is the building the coaster will go through I believe this is the building the coaster will go through Edited January 23, 2015 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonGeorge Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Am I the only one who's really excited to see the spike go up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbatboy Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Am I the only one who's really excited to see the spike go up? It's definitely one of the more exciting projects of the year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonGeorge Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 It's definitely one of the more exciting projects of the year! This coaster, along with Cannibal, is probably one of the most underrated 2015 projects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Here is the full set of construction photos that ZDT sent us! This should prove to be one of 2015's most interesting roller coaster projects! Be sure to LIKE their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ZDTs-Amusement-Park/112384872119110 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 mmmm, fresh wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I'm curious to see Gravity Group's wooden shuttle coaster will go over with riders. It's an interesting idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoinItForTheFame Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Very excited to watch this coaster progress! The pov looks awesome, I hope it lives up to the hype! If all goes well I could see these catching on at smaller parks! I could see a park like Magic Springs, or Frontier City getting a similar ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPDave Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 This is such a cool looking ride, I can't wait to see how it turns out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerstlaueringvar Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 That spike is sure to be a heaven for lateral force fans! I like how a simple change can make a coaster much more creative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Not many people know about what ZDT's is, so I feel like I should explain what it is, as I have been there many times. ZDT's is a tiny amusement park (very tiny) that is made up of two small arcades, a kids ball pit, a bungee jumping ride, A roller coaster simulator, a small restaurant, a tiny Frisbee ride, A small drop tower, rock climbing, a 2 story go kart track, and a few water slides. It seems to be built where a grain distribution plant once was, given that the rock climbing is built on some no-longer-used storage towers and the go karts are in an industrial building that was clearly used for something else. I wouldn't even call it an amusement park. I've always described it as a "better Malibu Grand Prix". . since most go for the go-carts. That's about to change tho I'm very much looking forward to day trips there for this coaster! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 I think this is one of the most interesting concepts that has come out in a while. I look forward to riding it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) ZDT's have sent us a construction update today! Check it out: Switchback construction has come a long way in this past month! The foundation work in the area around the over-banked turn, internally referred to as 'Zone 1', is nearing completion. In the coming weeks we should start seeing parts of the coaster's structure in this area rising upwards! Meanwhile, we have officially fenced off the area where Switchback's train station and lift hill will be placed ('Zone 3'), and are currently working on the foundation piers for this section. This lot has always been a part of our parking lot here at ZDT's, but this is no longer the case! In response to this elimination of parking spots, we have also been hard at work in adding even more parking to accommodate our guests! For every parking spot we eliminated, we have added about five more in its place in preparation for our new ride! Edited February 19, 2015 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_rc_fan Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Really coming along! I really want to ride this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I think this is one of the most interesting concepts that has come out in a while. I look forward to riding it. Agreed. I'm curious to see if 1) the ride is any good and 2) the concept catches on. This could be a good way for a small park to deliver a "big thrill" (other than with a Vekoma Boomerang). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeykaise Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 What I was curious about and the pov doesn't show is 1) will it go back up the first drop hill and 2) will it have enough speed to make it back up if so or will there be another chain. The pov doesn't really show if there'll be a last run backwards into a brake run or if it shoots back up the first hill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrlittle Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 ^When the train comes back, it will go up the first drop a little but then will hit the brakes at the bottom of the first drop where the track will switch over into the station. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myself Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I'm especially interested in seeing how the park develops once this coaster is finished. Since the parking lot has been moved, a lot of the existing parking area (aside from what's used by Switchback at least) could easily be used for a few other flats. Parks like this where there's very little room for expansion always interest me; it's cool to see how they manage to add new attractions with limited space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alilstronger Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Can not wait to ride this! I have never been to the park but have heard good things about their customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 (edited) ZDT sent us two more photos of progress on Switchback Railroad! Switchback has officially gone vertical this past weekend! Over the next couple weeks, the structure and tracking near the overbanked turn should rise up to near completion. The next stop after that... the lift hill and initial drop! Edited April 15, 2015 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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