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Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT) Discussion Thread


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On a side rant, can we all just PLEASE learn how to spell out "Gerstlauer" instead of writing "G-Trains." Everytime I see "G-Trains" that makes me think of "G-String" and then that sends me off on a tangent thinking about porn and raunchy strip joints.

 

I used to see B&M and think I was seeing BSDM.

 

-GG

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Regarding the G-E-R-S-T-L-A-U-E-R trains on Der Mammut, I thought they seemed very similar to regular G-E-R-S-T-L-A-U-E-R trains. The main difference seemed to be they used real padding with foam and stuff, and not that horrible plastic concrete stuff they used in the older rolling stock.

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Regarding the G-E-R-S-T-L-A-U-E-R trains on Der Mammut, I thought they seemed very similar to regular G-E-R-S-T-L-A-U-E-R trains. The main difference seemed to be they used real padding with foam and stuff, and not that horrible plastic concrete stuff they used in the older rolling stock.

And they used more comfortable L-shaped bars instead of those very tight fitting U-bars on the older Gerstlauer trains.

 

--Robb

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The Legend runs PTC trains...

 

and actually the boss has been smoothed out alot, it runs a lot better this season.

 

 

When the Legend opened in 2000 it had a single Gerstlauer train that was replaced by two PTC trains in 2002.

 

 

We went to SFSTL this April and personally I don't think that the Boss was any smother than it was on our visit is 2006. I think SFSTL needs to get rid of the Gerstlauer trains, it would be a much better ride without those trains. (THEY SUCK)

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What makes a train BAD? I dont know anything about the differences in them. What type of trains are on El Toro? What makes El Toro smooth as butter and others arent? I have never ridden a woodie as smooth as Toro. That is why I put it in a whole different catagory.

 

Woodsteelie

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What makes a train BAD? I dont know anything about the differences in them. What type of trains are on El Toro? What makes El Toro smooth as butter and others arent? I have never ridden a woodie as smooth as Toro. That is why I put it in a whole different catagory.

 

Woodsteelie

intamin! just like the other plug'n'plays

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And they used more comfortable L-shaped bars instead of those very tight fitting U-bars on the older Gerstlauer trains.

 

I don't remember that specifically, but that makes a lot of sense. My riding technique with standard Gerstlauer trains involves trying to keep myself in that "sweet spot" between getting pounded by the rock-hard "padding" of the seats and getting impaled by the restraints. It's a delicate balancing act and makes for a not fun ride, particularly on really rough rides like SOB.

 

With Der Mammut, there was none of that.

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  • 5 weeks later...

I'm glad to see Six Flags is doing some much needed work to this ride. When I was on it last year I could tell that at one point it was a very good wooden coaster, it had just aged poorly. I'm looking very forward to giving it another chance in a couple of years.

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Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas rattles into retirement today

 

ARLINGTON – One of the signature rides at Six Flags Over Texas – and often the most grueling one – takes its final gut-churning spins around the track this weekend.

 

 

Coaster-lovers took a spin on the Texas Giant on its last Saturday. Details of the replacement are being kept secret.

 

When the gates close Sunday, the old Texas Giant roller coaster will enter retirement after 19 years and more than 23 million rides. A replacement wooden coaster that's likely to have the same name and incorporate pieces of the old ride will open for the beginning of the 2011 season.

 

"It's going to be a completely different ride when it's all said and done, but elements of it will remain," said Sharon Parker, a park spokeswoman.

 

The new Texas Giant is expected to be faster and have a smoother ride. Once the tallest wooden coaster, the Giant is famous for its rugged, bone-rattling ride that thrilled some and made others steer clear.

 

Many details about the new coaster have been kept secret, but Parker said it will incorporate elements never before used in a wooden coaster. The new Giant will cost about $10 million, nearly double the $5.5 million price to build the original for the 1990 season.

 

Roller coaster fans are eagerly awaiting details about the new Giant, said Tim Baldwin, publications director for American Coaster Enthusiasts.

 

"I'm truly on the edge of my seat," he said. "It's an iconic monument at the park."

 

Baldwin, a Grand Prairie resident, walked on the tracks when the Giant was under construction and was in the first group to ride. On Sunday, he'll be on the final train – leaving at 7 p.m. – to circle the tracks of the original Giant. He said he stopped counting the number of times he rode the roller coaster after hitting 200 by the second season.

 

Paula and Scott Smith of Cypress, a Houston suburb, made sure they got one last ride on the Giant on Saturday. That said they love it for its "old school" ride that differentiates it from the glass-smooth steel coasters.

 

"It makes you grit you teeth," said Paula Smith, who was also there with their teenage son. "You better not have a neck injury when you get on it."

 

Members of the Arlington and Martin high school football teams also rode the Giant on Saturday afternoon in an event sponsored by the park. Two players decided to sit out a second straight ride, and one player declined to get on the first time.

 

The coaster hits about 62 mph and has a 280-foot drop.

 

"This is how a ride is supposed to be," said Dallas Flanagan, 17-year-old guard for the Arlington High football team.

 

The site survey will begin next week. Parker, however, would not comment about when portions of the roller coaster will be removed.

 

Some wood from the Giant will be turned into Christmas ornaments and sold at park gift stores. Other beams that can be salvaged will be stored and used for other construction or maintenance projects.

 

"It's a beloved coaster, so why not see what we can do to take it up a notch?" Parker said. "It was once the No. 1 coaster within the roller coaster industry, and we're looking forward to bringing it back up to that level."

 

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-texasgiant_01met.ART.East.Edition1.4f60d95.html

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