Texas Giant sports steel track in $10 million upgrade

Wasn't is totally proven a few months ago that the structure of SOB couldn't withstand the forces or weight (or something) of plug n play track? Why will this coaster not fall to the ground in a loud and crumbling disaster after the track is replaced with steel? I really don't understand how this can happen, since it was scientifically proven without a doubt here on CoasterBuzz that people who thought that track could be replaced were not of sound mind.

;)

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Yeah, like I said in the other threat, it can be done, and has been done before (as far as steel goes).

Can't specifically speak on the pre-fab track, and with it, like Texas Giant, I'm sure there would have to be further engineering done on the structure. Let's not forget, Giant is getting more than just a new track type, they're also reprofiling the drop and lots of turns, and that's just the 'big' stuff they talked about. I'm sure there is more they haven't really went into detail about yet.

The structure of the Intamin Pre-fab woodies, while I'd assume is designed for the track, is still not different than a regular wooden coaster so I would assume that with enough money and destruction/reconstruction, it could be done.

But, again, when you have a coaster that the park spent $30mil USD on already, do they want to go so drastic? Giant is costing $10mil, and it's shorter both vertically and in length than SoB. The park will do what comes with the best return.

Bringing back another[url][url] old thread - I'm on a roll of sorts...

Anyhow, I see on FB what appears to be a new car for Giant....for those who CAN, view: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21250&id=105309932838317#!/photo.php?pid=227873&id=105309932838317

Nylon (or some goofy polymer) wheels. I knew I was right.

These are pretty fascinating trains! Love the stitched leather seats, that aren't even remotely obstructive view-wise. The lap bar looks very comfortable, made of a dense padding instead of harder materials. Not sure if I understand the tie into the theming of the vehicle, or whether I like it or not, but I'm very intrigued to find out initial reports of how this coaster is, once it opens. Made my day.

That train looks amazing. I really like the stitched seats, too.

I agree, this new train is my favorite part of this redesign so far.

Those trains just SCREAM "Texas!" I love them. :)

It's very reminiscent of the Rock N' Roller Coaster limo, only Texas-ified. I seriously like it.

Saddle horn rather than a grab bar. Cool touch.

Nice, but I am not exactly wild about the windows. In a redesign of this magnitude you would think any clearance issues would be fixed.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Surely this project has gone past the point of a refurbishment. It might as well be a new coaster. It's not even the same genre of coaster any more, it seems a significant amount of layout has been changed.

New credit or no? Discuss.

I would say it's like Steel Phantom vs. Phantom's Revenge. Even though it's kept the same layout apparently, the profile is completely different, AND it's got all new track.

Gotta go with new credit. It's not even the same type of coaster anymore.

Yeah... I'm seriously considering putting this as a new entry in our database. It's really not even remotely the same ride.

It's a steel coaster now. The support structure is "mostly" the same, but they've traded one wooden coaster at SFoT for a "new" steel one....IMO. ;)

Or Maverick.

Video of "New Texas Giant" posted to the Six Flags site:

http://www.sixflags.com/overTexas/rides/TexasGiant.aspx

This NoLimits recreation would get about a 4, 5, 4 (Bt, Ad, Acc) from me on the late CoasterSims.