X2 Transformation Update

Pictures of them new paint job and the the new trains.

Here's the link: http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/rides/X2transformation.aspx

After seeing the new train car at IAAPA, I wonder what the wind drag is going to be like. There are holes in all kinds of places, presumably to save on weight, but what will they do to the aerodynamics of the train?

Also an addition to the X2 transformation:

A first look at the 2 - 4 "tunnels" that will be placed in straightaway sections of the coaster...

The "tunnels" more like permanent canvas enclosures are built to withstand the elements (rain, hot desert sun, wind) and will feature fog, lighting, and sound effects.

Though it's still in the process of being developed, here's a look at what these special effects enclosures will look like on the exterior. Warning, it may not be what most people have been expecting:

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1274

Why would you paint by brush and roll only?

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kRaXLeRidAh said:
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1274

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Those looks seriously way cool, at least from a aesthetic standpoint. Not sure how much will really be added to the ride but then again I think most of us determined this was mostly just window dressing to bring some return to the hardware improvements.

Still, it's visually interesting and not just some sort of Cedar Fair-style tin can looking shed or something. Hopefully this will give us a glimpse into the style of future improvements and additions.

Oh ya. I'd also like to add a few more non-X2 related SFMM updates:

Viper reopened last weekend and its paint job is beautiful. Looks like a brand new coaster. I'll see if I can post a before/after photos here.

Flashback is completely gone save for a few torn up track and train parts scattered around its former footprint waiting to be taken to the scrapyard.

Freefall has begun its dismantling process.

Deja Vu is undergoing a major rehab.

Thomas Town will feature a water play area in addition to the new Thomas railroad, which follows a long oblong path which halfway through circles around the faux engine house which will allow kids and families to come up close to James the Red Engine, Gordon the Big Engine and Henry the Green Engine. There won't be Harold the Helicopter ride or Bertie the Bus. And Goliath Jr. is being transformed into Percy the Small Engine -- with new train shells themed to Percy.

The "Six Flags California" bit that used to dominate the parking area toll and main gate signage is no more. They finally took the "California" out, though way too many years late (I mean Marine World was given the Six Flags title in 1999). Better late than never though. lol

I gotta say, it's not a bad idea and one I hope other parks in the chain take. Theming is something they can definitely work on for cheaper than building new coasters, especially with how many good coasters are already in the parks. Imagine SFOG Goliath with stuff like this... drool.

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kRaXLeRidAh said:

The "Six Flags California" bit that used to dominate the parking area toll and main gate signage is no more. They finally took the "California" out, though way too many years late (I mean Marine World was given the Six Flags title in 1999). Better late than never though. lol

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First the backwards Racer gets turned around, and now SF "California" is gone!? Where the *bleep* has the old charm of theme parks gone?!? And I'm only 25!! [sigh...]

The tunnels really look like nouvelle architecture!
Who's behind this sudden fit of aesthetic sensitivity at SFMM?
:))
Thanks for the update -
Keeping my thumbs pressed for X2.

Kudos to SFMM for putting money into refabbing X. It is such a unique coaster that people travel from all over to ride. I wish more parks would put money into fixing the coasters they have. You could almost start a new thread on coasters that could be 100% better with some modifications. I hope these modifications get that coaster on track and functioning proficiently.

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kRaXLeRidAh said:
Also an addition to the X2 transformation:

A first look at the 2 - 4 "tunnels" that will be placed in straightaway sections of the coaster...

The "tunnels" more like permanent canvas enclosures

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Actually, even though the article says canvas, I think they are probably lighting spandex (I could be dead wrong). I don't see canvas as working well for lights or projection.

We had two pieces of lighting spandex at the church I work for as backdrops for a few months. They are incredibly strong, and can be stretched in all kinds of directions. They have great qualities for lights and projection.

What I'm wondering about is if the lighting is going to be static (like par cans and/or ellipsoidals where you could put in a gobo) or will it be intelligent lighting where you could have the colors morphing and say have the X2 logo as a gobo that spins around (think what the MF station used to look like at night)?

There's also great new projectors that'll do fire and rain effects, for example. *** Edited 2/1/2008 7:40:27 PM UTC by Intamin Fan***

I wonder how long they will actually keep the special effects working?

With the new Six Flags, I imagine a long time. That seems to be a new priority for them a la Dark Knight.

Crazy horse, I would imagine it's all going to be based on how crazy they go with the fx. As the guy in the article said, how much are you going to see at 75 mph?

The effects could possibly be located at the start of the ride as well, on the way to the lift hill. Then it does slow down near the end too. *** Edited 2/2/2008 3:03:56 AM UTC by DBJ***

I'm starting to wonder if this is to save on wear and tear and possibly a more comfortable ride, or is this just a complete waste of cash. Whatever the reason I would like to know. Speaking about X2 of course.

Oh, and I don't know how to make the little two on my screen.

It's first and foremost a hardware upgrade. It's secondly a reboot of the coaster's marketing and public perception to bring a larger return on the hardware upgrade.

If they use lighting spandex, the lights will not be for the riders, but for the spectators. Some of the lighting techniques that Intamin Fan explained would be awesome to see from the midway. SheiKra's rooster tail is more for spectators than riders; why can't X2's effects be for the same purpose?

That looks like the ugliest canvas thing I've ever seen. Couldn't they make the "tunnels" actually look nice, or was that too much money for them?

Color me inpressed.

Cedar Fair could learn something here if they pay attention.