What happened to Steel Dragon?

I was on RCDB a few minutes ago, and was checking out pics of Nagashima Spa Land's coasters, when I came to Steel Dragon the info. page said it had been SBNO (Standing but not operating) since 2003.

What did I miss? Why is this former tallest coaster grounded?

There was an accident where a wheel fell off, hitting a park guest on the ground. It has since been closed.

Either Japan or the park are very stricted about ride safty or something majorly is wrong. I always found those trains very big and bulkly.

I'm sure Nasai or Peabody can reply with better information but its my understanding that the Japaneese are very superstitious and that plays a big part in the ride's continued closer.

Well, after Bobby Beers left the band, they saw a tape of Chris Cole in his tribute band and flew him to L.A. to audition for the spot. They dub him "Izzy" and a star is born. After a little over a year or so, Izzy walks offstage mid-show realizing this isn't the life for him, thus ending his run with the band. I believe they dropped off the radar after that.

Sorry. I've seen Rock Star way too many times. :)

*** Edited 1/13/2005 1:24:50 AM UTC by Lord Gonchar***

I'll have what Gonch is drinking ;)

Does anyone know if there are any plans of reworking/re-engineering anything to get the ride open?

I've seen very little news about this ride since it is just about on the other side of the world from the U.S.

Its hard to believe that a 60 million dollar ride can just sit there for so long. I love looking at photos of it and hope that someday I'll get the chance to ride it. The layout looks amazing!

Seriously, I'm curious as to the plans for the ride as well. Awfully big investment to be playing paperweight with.

Before every enthusiast gets ready to lynch me, I want to see it reopen..

But, if there are no plans to reopen it, then they should just tear it down and recycle the steel or, better yet, sell it to another park. Even if they sell it for only $1mil, it's still $1mil more than $0 that they're getting from it now. Not to mention that it's using up the land that could be used for another ride.

This has been discussed before and no one seems to know what the park has in mind. I agree, it does seem like an awful waste but they must have a reason.

Boy you people think CP is bad at just breaking records atleast they operate their record breakers (lol)

Has there been any litigation instigated? The fact that the manufacturer sold out after completion may have something to do with it.I have heard rumblings that the accident was the result of "over maintenance" i.e. they tore down and reassembled the trains way too often. Not a fact, just what I heard.

Pretty much been said here.... :)

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=39917

Is everyone sure Six Flags didn't buy the park? That would explain everything!

Six Flags Nagashima Spa Land or SFNSL for short! :)

nah, they sold off all their international properties due to financial troubles, remember? ;)

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Mamoosh said:
I'll have what Gonch is drinking ;)

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Or smoking...

;)

lol.. for some reason I'm reminded of a bumper sticker I saw recently.. "If you're smoking, you better be on fire." :)

So no one else has the unhealthy obsession with the movie that I do? It's worth it just the 80's rocker chick version of Jennifer Aniston.

Sheesh. I'm off to smoke. Marlboro, of course. :)