New Trains for "Superman - Ride of Steel" at Six Flags America

I was honestly surprised and shocked to see new trains this opening weekend on "Superman - Ride of Steel". This was a much needed upgrade to announce the 25th year of the coaster, which was built in 2000.

My Thoughts: The new train was great and the ride was noticeably smoother and quieter than the previous. However, after riding the old, beaten down trains for the last 25-years, which had certain sounds, clicks and movements that I memorized and expected to hear while riding it during different times of the year, those sounds are gone. I'm fine with that.

Thank you Six Flags for an awesome upgrade.

"Thank you Six Flags for an awesome upgrade."

I was today years old when I first saw those words put together in that order.

Did I ever tell you the story about when the chain broke?

I seen SFA's announcement on Facebook. I'm looking forward to riding. Hoping to go this weekend to check them out.

No Jeff, you never mentioned that. What happened?

I couldn't resist.

I don't see anything on their social media about it. Are the restraints still frankensteined? This seems like a huge investment. Maybe they should invest in a roof over the transfer track as well.

Eightdotthree it was on another coaster site. They look like standard T-bars. Doublemeattaco they are the standard T lapbars right?

https://www.facebook.com/sh...AJ8CZbMPi/

Jeff:

Did I ever tell you the story about when the chain broke?

I'm not sure, did I ever mention when I last visited SFA? Was it before or after that?

Just saw a video. Looks like the updated t-bars ala Top Thrill Dragster. What a nice surprise. Wonder if Cedar Flags will use the old trains as parts to keep the others in the chain running.

Those were the pinnacle for ride vehicles, very little movement restriction, very open, I don't know that any other train since then has been superior.

Calling those trains the pinicle of designs when they’ve killed two people is a bit much. There is a reason they no have significantly shortened the belts on those things.

The current Intamin lap bars (Veliciocoaster) are peak design, they offer freedom and are safe.

The biggest change was just making the back of the seat deeper so your knees are higher than the bottom of the lap bar. Not being able to touch the floor also forces that geometry.

Touchdown:

Calling those trains the pinicle of designs when they’ve killed two people is a bit much.

I was unaware that the Dragster trains had killed anyone, well, besides tossing the flag plate, but that wasn't really a restraint issue. Millennium trains were also very nice, but the bent T-Bar on Dragster seemed to be more accommodating.

They weren’t referring to Dragster. There were several rider ejections on the Ride of Steel clones.

Cedar Flags merger paying dividends!!

PhantomTails:

There were several rider ejections on the Ride of Steel clones.

Yes, I’m aware, but my original comment about the pinnacle of trains was referring to the dragster ones with the t bar, not the S:ROS ones with the bulky odd fitting lap bars.

I didn’t realize I would need to quote the post right above mine that was talking about getting new trains like the dragster ones, figured it would have just flowed.

Replying to TheMillenniumRider, have you ridden S&S on Maxx Force? Those are super comfy, roomy and you don't get that claustrophobic feeling in them. Nothing wrapping around your shoulders (Mack), no stapling or ball-wracking (RMC), no vibrations, and nice air/hang time movement. I can't believe they're so good. But I do like the original Dragster trains, too.

Ball wracking vibrations > RRR

The Intamin trains are still my favorite train design. Really hoping Millennium Force sees this upgrade soon. I wonder if they can add sensors to the lap bars, would certainly allow for faster loading without the need to fuss with the seat belts.