Texas Cyclone to open without Morgan headrests

This is for real, they were NOT simply removed for shipping (because they never WENT anywhere this summer). The backs have been remolded with extra padding and everything. The red train will be in operation this coming weekend when the park opens on March 10th. *** This post was edited by Fierce Pancake on 3/5/2001. ***

That is very good news... when does Six Flags ever change a woodie for the better?

well this is definatly a first for Six Flags parks. I just wish they would do this to some other coasters.

How does this really affect the ride? I mean aside from having somewhat better visuals, I dont see this as being that big of a deal. I mean, the coaster will still track the same right?
jeremy
--who admitts that the coaster will be prettier without those headreasts.

First of all: I've never ridden the Texas Cyclone.

But let me ask you this: The only Morgan train I ever rode in was the one on the Seabreeze Jack Rabbit. What I remember from that is that the train tracked very nicely, sounded horrible, and felt worse. The sound could probably be fixed by filling some of the cavities in the cars with expanding foam. And the feel could be fixed by installing proper upholstery. Do that...essentially, put PTC-style seats in the Morgan car...and you'd have a darned good coaster train.

Is there any indication that AstroWorld has done this kind of thing, perhaps installing proper upholstery or soft padding into the Cyclone train?

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

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Hahahaha that was a good one!

Seriously, I have only had one experience with Morgans that I can remember, and that was on the Riverside Cyclone way back in 1993 or 94, I believe. I remember the trains simply feeling light and not very substantial, like PTCs feel. The coaster had a lot of extreme forces and many rides were more painful than fun, I am assuming because of the trains.

I have never been on the Texas Cyclone, and am never one to judge a ride simply by its appearance, but those "coffin cars" were just plain hideous. To this day, I can't believe that someone in their right mind designed a headrest solution like that! Anyway, lets hope those have been banished forever!

Sorry I was not laughing at Dave Althoff Jr.'s comment, rather a somewhat witty-but-otherwise-pointless remark that seems to have been striken from the record. Just noticed it now, and didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression regarding my comment. Actually, Dave's comment makes a lot of sense, perhaps a park with Morgans could try his solution on one of their trains... it couldn't make matters worse, could it?

Well I have ridden the Texas Cyclone and those headrests totally ruined the ride. Thank God they are gone.

THIS IS SOOOO COOL! Ive been waiting FOREVER for this to happen! I cant wait till opening day. This is very important news especially if SFAW's your homepark which is mine.

The trains will run slightly differently, being more aerodynamic without the headrests. Primarily though, it's a visuals thing. With the oversized headrests in place you can't see anyone on the ride except whoever is sitting next to you. You can't see any of the track unless you are in the front seat. It's very disturbing and unlike any other coaster train I've ever been on. Yes, Astroworld is adding a little bit of padding to the trains as well, but how much I'm not certain. They've received a lot of complaints about these trains over the years and finally circumstances arose that let them make modifications. Other than that, the Morgan trains do track well and are quite comfortable.

Any removal of the Hated OTSRs is Great News...hopefully more parks will follow. SFOG's Mindbender is a GREAT ride, two inversions, no OTSRs. Hooray for coaster-lovers everywhere (but especially those in Texas).