Dive Machine for Magic Mountain? Options

[Thomas Kelly]

The following article is an editorial and is not based on any information not stated in the article. This article can be considered RUMOR

As many of you are aware, there has been some "mystery" red track coming out of the B&M track factory in Ohio (see pictures below from Screamscape). The consensus is that the track is too wide to be any other type of coaster than a Dive machine. It is pretty clear by the type of lifthill used as well. There has been much speculation that this might be the track for the 2009 SeaWorld "Manta" coaster. This is not the case. First off "Manta" will be a flying coaster, not a dive coaster. Secondly, from the leaked concept art for "Manta" the track will not be red in any way, but will be a shade of blue.

Now where can this coaster go?

Alot of people are saying SF Great Adventure, nope think again. This coaster will not be going to GADV. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I don't see SF investing an 8 figure (10+ million) on a seasonal park. Especially not under the current management. Secondly, GADV is limited in where it could be put. The only viable place is in the "Old Country" of the park and right next to that section is a B&M Invert and Hyper. Why cluster 3 B&Ms in one place. Some may say that "They have 2 Intamin coasters together (Kingda Ka and El Toro), but the difference here is that one is steel and one is wood. Further GADV is limited in that it cannot use a tunnel for the ride, as the park is built on swampland.

Now where can it go . . . . SF Magic Mountain

Why SFMM? Simple, they recently invested $10mil on X to "upgrade" it, something that wouldn't be done at a seasonal park. Once again, SFMM is NOT a seasonal park, it is open year round and SF would get the best return from the ride. In a recent interview with Theme Park Review, Mark Shapiro, Six Flags CEO, was quoted as saying "Will Six Flags Magic Mountain gain back the coaster capital status? In due time, absolutely.” Currently Magic Mountain has 16 coasters, and is tied for second place for most coasters in a single park (Cedar Point has 17, the most and Canada's Wonderland has 16 as well). While Shapiro has said that in 2009, SFMM would be getting a coaster, he has said that it will NOT be a Tony Hawk or Dark Knight style coaster. It is widely believed that it will be a family ride. In the recent ACE News it was reported that Shapiro likes coasters with "big drops" (page 14) and that the new coaster will be more his style. Honestly, a Dive Coaster would fit into this as the main point of the Dive design is the drop. It is also widely rumored that SFMM will be getting some sort of Drop tower for 2009. A Dive coaster fits both of these purposes, it is a coaster and a Drop Tower in one.

I really believe that this coaster is destined for SFMM. Could it end up somewhere else, yes it can. This is just one man's thoughts.

[Austin]

possibly going to kings island? what a great coaster for them. They've got footers placed in an area, i think it may be going there.

[Thomas Kelly]

Kings Island appears to be getting a Hyper coaster not a Dive Machine

[Austin]

yes, thats what we all think... but who knows. I haven't seen any hyper track anywhere, and its not like magic mountain has footers ready, it just seems like they would be making the track for kings island first.. Also, a dive machine doesnt take up as much area. From pictures that I've seen, it does not look like kings island has a ton of room, but I've never been there so im not too sure. Also, it seems like a really great addition over a hyper for them. It would definatly attract me there more than a hyper, unless it was some crazy hyper.

This post has been edited by Austin: Apr 22 2008, 05:17 PM

[mrceagle]

I thought I had replied to this thread before. Any ways I have to lean towards KI for the tracks destination. The track doesn't look wider then normal. But then I have nothing to Compare it to. While I would love to see A Dive machine at any park. I would hate to see SFMM get a 20 million coaster while other parks continue to be ignored like SFAm.

Also didn't B&M reps at IAAPA mention to one of the interviewing sites that they haven't been getting business from SFI.

[Thomas Kelly]

Here is some B&M Hyper Track:



Much Smaller and if you look at piece 9 of the new track it has the spot drop stop chain (or whatever it is called).

[mrceagle]

Till hard to judge. Though looking at B&M's Web site the last picture in the group of 3 dose not look like a Dive machine. The track connectors has that slight bow/indent to it. Dive Machines have a straight connectors not the indent.

[Austin]

Hmm.. well just have to wait and see I guess. And I really like the colors of that hyper, it looks really sharp.