Goliath (SFGA)

Any thoughts on the ride? I feel like it's a bit short, but apart from that I can't see much wrong with it. On this ride, perhaps even more so than Outlaw Run, it feels like there's a lot of emphasis on the inversions, which seem like RMC's signature elements now. Based of the POVs, albeit not a very good call, it seems like there will be a lot of hangtime on the zero-g stall.

This coaster is going to be 3100 ft long in track, so I don't think that is considered short.

The way Outlaw Run has been getting rave reviews, I have no doubt Goliath will be a winner.

I've rode both Rattler and NTG. I have no doubt it'll be a good ride.

I agree that it does seem a bit short. Though the last few coasters that have been built at Great America are short rides. Once again, I think they cared more about getting the height and speed record, then building a ride that would please people that are looking for a longer ride. That, and jumping on the wooden inversion coaster band wagon, before Cedar Point builds one.

I was also hoping that it would be a longer ride, but I'm sure it will become very popular at Great America, as they only have 3 other wooden coasters, and only one of those is worth riding. (viper) Though, I think they should have taken a clue from the success of Raging Bull, and built a longer coaster.

I used to visit Great America sometimes 3 times a year, but, now with the price of gas, and admission costs, I think I will be holding off on Great America until next year, and go down to Kings Island for Banshee instead.

Do you like anything? Not every ride has to be voyage long.

Goliath is 300' shorter than viper across the park and 200' LONGER than Outlaw Run, both highly regarded rides.

I don't see a problem.

T-R, Six Flags now offers a "Membership Pass" that is less than $15 a month and lets you visit the park unlimited times like a season pass. That might help you be able to afford to go to the park more often. The only catch is that even though you can cancel at any time, you must pay for the pass for at least 12 months. It works out to about $160 a year or less depending on which pass you get. That is a steal, and the payments are affordable.

Timber-Rider said:

I agree that it does seem a bit short. Though the last few coasters that have been built at Great America are short rides. Once again, I think they cared more about getting the height and speed record, then building a ride that would please people that are looking for a longer ride. That, and jumping on the wooden inversion coaster band wagon, before Cedar Point builds one.

I was also hoping that it would be a longer ride, but I'm sure it will become very popular at Great America, as they only have 3 other wooden coasters, and only one of those is worth riding. (viper) Though, I think they should have taken a clue from the success of Raging Bull, and built a longer coaster.

I used to visit Great America sometimes 3 times a year, but, now with the price of gas, and admission costs, I think I will be holding off on Great America until next year, and go down to Kings Island for Banshee instead.

Can we get rid of T-R and get Tyler back?

Think about what you're asking. At least these posts only happen once a week, give or take. Tyler crapped stupidity all over the boards practically every hour.

Yeah, but his were one or two-liners, and easy to scroll past. With T-R, we get a wall-o-text, and then some.

Can I think about that for a sec? A good portion of my vote-ups have been the direct result of replying to something that T-R said or did, a benefit I never really had with Tyler...

One thing's for sure. These guys just keep coming back for more.

Here I thought Raging Bull was popular because it's a fun, well-paced coaster. I never realized it's popular because it's long.

Does liking Raging Bull so much make me a size queen?

I'd say no more than usual, so don't worry.
:-)

I may be the only person to say this: Goliath is the most exciting new non-Disney coaster in 2014...

I agree.

I actually was thinking about RMC's wooden creations, that they worked with Intamin on El Toro, that their rides are groundbreaking, etc., and I was wondering a few things:

For their wooden coasters, do they use a "plug n play" design to maintain smoothness in the rides? Or did Intamin patent that? Is RMC completely independent now as a coaster design/refurb company? Have they ever done any completely steel coasters? Any rumors for Cedar Fair revamps or new rides?

I think Goliath looks impressive. I'm always a little skeptical about wooden coasters being a great investment for a park, but I know it CAN pay off if the coaster is well-maintained and well-designed. I'd ride this in a heartbeat!

AFAIK, the 'plug n play' patent was actually Stengel's, not Intamin's. I'm sure someone can correct if I'm wrong.

The current RMC track is much different. The Iron Horse conversions are of course steel track while the 'wooden' coasters like Outlaw Run and Goliath, as well as other traditional woodies with topper track in place are several layers of wood and then a thick beam of steel.

As for what coasters they've been involved in, I'd point you to RCDB.

http://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/clients_portfolio.html

From their main page, if you select services, you can find which coasters utilize which track technology... ;-)

I did look them up and saw they worked on some of the Vekoma steel coasters...I am curious as to what an RMC steel coaster would be like.

Of course, I am curious as to what an RMC ride of any sort feels like. They're all far away. I would insert a grumpy face here, but I still feel fortunate to be near as many great rides as I am, especially with my top 5 coasters all within easily driveable distances.

Still, I can't help but thinking Chicago's not THAT far away...!

I saw they did work on Predator at Darien Lake. I loved that coaster when I was a kid, but I heard awful things about the decline of it. Has anyone ridden it since the refurb? I'd love to hear thoughts.

I can't say much since I have never ridden it, but judging from TPC, it doesn't look like it has still aged very well.

I also felt I should mention the name for Goliath. Is this the first time they didn't translate Goliath to something big or massive and cam up with some kind of a "warrior" theme. I'd have to say it looks really cool despite the criticism its been getting, and they seem to have the potential for a great station. From the POV as well, of course it's not even real, but those inversions look completely different than those on any other coaster, wood or steel. I think this goes to show how much RMC is working up its own NEW magic and not joining the regular inversion or airtime bandwagon many other companies might do. If there's one that will come up with something beyond airtime, speed, etc. and introduces something new into the picture, it has to be RMC.

Also, not to be nosy or anything, but what happened to Tyler?