The Death of the Wooden Roller Coaster

tiepilot35 wrote:

Mikey, what is your opinion on companies such as GCI and GG, then? Whom are still actively building coasters in the USA and worldwide.

GCI hasn't built an adult coaster in the US in 7 years.

Gold Stricker would like to say hi.

And we all know mean streaks gonna stay here forever mocking us.

[Mikey]

Based on the way that things are now, I find it highly unlikely that we will ever see a new wooden roller coaster built in the United States over 125ft. Maybe in other parts of the world that are developing booming themed entertainment venues, Asia, India, especially China. The UAE probally won't have a wooden coaster since it would likely dry up and spontaneously combust from the heat.

The wooden roller coasters that are going to survive this mess are the ones that are owned by the mom and pop shops. The ones where their closure would basically result in their place on the map
being removed. The ones who can't afford $10-25 million to build a decent custom steel coaster to compete on the national market level.

There will certainly be plenty of micro wood coaster installations in the foreseeable future. These would be similar to those built at Quassy, Fun Spot, and even the new ride at ZDT. They are a very cost effective way to enter the market.

I would not be too worried about the ride manufacturers going out of business unless the majority of their attractions are to be decommissioned. They can survive off spares sales and post installation support for some time, with the decline in qualified carpenters they will likely be the source to go to for major refurbishment projects. Of course that doesn't stop them from fighting to the death and trying to steal each others service contracts.

The only time BD has a short queue is with 2 trains when they over anticipate the crowds for the day. It's on one train for the rest of the year due to that lightning strike blowing the lift motor so they had to put the old one back in, so expect at least 45 minute waits on weekends. I went there Sunday and only managed 3 rides on it.

Nothing over 125' because they fall apart. Besides Voyage (at a park that can take care of it) and Hades (at a park that doesn't care) when was the last time we were over 125' freestanding anyway? Back in the Dinn days? Those rides speak for themselves.

A ride like The Boss much be a bitch to take care of. Those kinds of woodies we really won't see again outside of the RMC/Intamin hybrids.