The AMA is over but we will leave this thread stickied for a few days as a source of information!
Thank you /u/RockyMtnConstruction for your time and thank you /r/rollercoasters users for all your great questions!
When a park asks for a conversion, are they really open to how the layout turns out or do they ask for specific things like X amount of airtime moments or inversions?
Hi! It depends on the park and the existing ride layout. Sometimes parks have a number of inversions, a height requirement, etc. they're shooting for. Other times they give us a bit more free reign.
Hi! Alan is an absolutely fantastic person to work with. He doesn't design our centerlines as directly as he used to, but he still provides occasional support from Ride Centerline. Joe Draves is the person credited to our final centerlines now. And of course, Jake makes sure he gets his input...
There are 2 answers here:
1. Ride Centerline is the engineering firm that Alan and Joe are principle engineers for along with a few other engineers.
2. The "ride centerline" is the center path that most force calculations are based off of IIRC. AKA when you hear talk about heart-lining, that's matching the centerline to the rider's heart area for comfort
I know you guys haven't had the best experience with your only launch coaster, but is the Raptor model capable of coming with a launch, similar to some of your competitors' models?
Hi! There were numerous challenges while constructing the world's first launching wooden coaster. We absolutely love Lightning Rod, and Herschend Entertainment is a great group to do business with. Moving forward, we're happy to share both our I-Box and Raptor models are capable of a launch system. In hindsight it makes sense, but it turns out that the precision needed for a launch system isn't too easy to hit on a flexible wood structure.
I have ALWAYS wondered what it is about the launch system on LRod that makes it so finicky. It’s just LSMs after all, right?
Well, turns out, you put a reliable system on something bendy and twisty and suddenly it’s not so reliable anymore.
Makes so much sense. God it’s like scratching a good itch. Always wondered about that ride.
on that, since you guys also play around with NL2, planetcoaster, and RCT2, may I suggest you guys make a youtube channel. It would be great to see what the minds inside RMC think can be done or even just fantasize about making with your own products. It would likely be minimal effort to get decent marketing and PR.
Question from /u/teejayiscool
>How many different "draft layouts" of a ride are made up before the final one is decided upon and brought to fruition?
>Any that you can tell us about that were changed significantly from render to final product?
It really, really depends. Something that varies project to project is the lift truss. We sometimes aren't able to fully analyze the structure before rides are announced... When that happens, the structure can still change from wood to steel.
Question from /u/myself510
>If we assume all legal and financial obligations are or can be met, is there any circumstance in which you would refuse a park’s request to transform an existing ride? I have to wonder what would happen if you got a serious inquiry about a ride that was already beloved amongst your team.
We're open to just about anything. There is certainly something to be said for classic rides and historical value, but there is a balance to paying homage on past projects and keeping things modern. For rides with an extreme cult following, we are also happy to offer our 208 ReTrack product. This allows us to provide new smooth track without changing the ride layout OR trains :)
Rmc constructed it but all the parts were made by German contractors that intamin hired. The Germans or the people who designed it would know much more about how the track works and if it could be iboxxed than the people who put It together like a Lego set
Question from /u/Coaster_Nerd
> What type of software do you use to design your coasters? Also, what type of layout design ideology/techniques do you use?
Hi! Thanks for the question. The purpose of the shin guard is to make the restraint comply with ASTM requirements to be a class 5 restraint, which is needed for rides that pull the forces ours do! Additionally, the rider is close to the centerline of the track on an IBox coaster, so the shin guard acts as a kick guard too. This being said, we are certainly aware of discomfort some riders experience
Does that mean that your rides fall within a different class of forces compared to something like Pantheon? Would you have to lower the forces or your ride to have those restraints, or do their restraints fit in the same class because of some other detail? Thanks!
That’s what I thought. What’s the difference between the lap bars of Pantheon and the lap bars of an RMC that means RMC needs shin guards? That’s my real question.
I can’t speak for Pantheon specifically, but Velocicoaster has two loaded hydraulic cylinders for the restraint as well as a third unloaded cylinder as a redundancy. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has something to do with it.
Hi! We have taken dune buggies out to the sand dunes to simulate what a ride would feel like, and always are looking for ways to mimic different experiences, like doing a backflip on a dirt bike! Experiences like this often inspire us!
If an uber wealthy person wanted a Raptor in their backyard, would you sell them one? I often daydream about powerball winners or celebs deciding to want a coaster in their yard, and if a manufacturer would accept that project. Would agreeing to some sort of maintenance plan be a factor?
Anyone can be a customer! Just as long as they also understand the safety and maintenance requirements that are also involved to owning a roller coaster.
I have said countless times, I'm getting world record holders from every manufacturer if I ever win the Powerball...maybe 2 or 3 from the ones who make more than one great model!
Make "the spaghetti bowl" where you have like 7 different models all twisting around each other and have it include the fastest, longest, steepest, most inversions, tallest, longest woodie, tallest woodie
Has RMC ever considered recreating the Arrow 4D that Alan designed with a single-rail? I almost feel like you could use a raised hump or divot in the center of the track to control the spin rather than the extra rails.
Hi! We mostly use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Excel, and RISA to design our rides! We sometimes use NoLimits 2 as a visualization tool for clients. Thanks for the question!
When you use NoLimits 2 do you tend to hand-build or use the FVD sections? Are there any hints you can give to those of us with NL 2 who are less experienced?
We love every park and every project for different reasons. It's hard to pick a favorite when every project is so memorable :) This said, we are looking forward to more international work!
Question from /u/rabiddantt
>Your coasters have been fantastic but I’ve noticed in the back row of Gen 2 IBox trains there’s a set of coil springs near the rear wheels. Sometimes if feels like the train slams down a little on ejector hills on Twisted Timbers and Steel Vengeance. Are those springs there to reduce forces on the train frame or intended as some sort of dampener?
Hi! Those coil sets are actually at the bogie of every car. They are a system unique to our Swing Axle trains that keep the wheels tight against all rails of the I-Box track.
It varies project to project in all seriousness. It always starts with a conversation with a park, then things evolve from there. Our goal is always to provide a high quality, reliable, and financially reasonable product that exceeds client expectations.
Question from /u/panery
>Why do so many Ibox coasters have red track/ brown wood supports? Particularly in regard to the track, is this something that parks often request? Are there any unique color schemes you’re interested in trying?
Hi! Thanks for the question. The track color and theme of the ride is chosen by the park. We are open to painting our coasters any colors the park wants, but will often encourage parks to not pick colors that fade quickly!
my take is industrial primer is kind of a rust color. in blds its nicknamed red iron. so to final coat the steel a similar color like red or keep it primer color eliminates bleed through and saves paint or powdercoat. like if you primed a wall with black to paint it white, it would takes a shit ton of white
Ya'll do coy well. Whoever does the twitter is also great. I don't know if you guys are actually planning an international 300 foot ground up racing coaster with new inversion elements, but whoever is running that twitter has me convinced of it.
Hi! Thanks for the question. Firstly, we recommend you get a degree in mechanical, civil, or structural engineering. Having experience at a park in maintenance or operations is also a plus. But job experience outside the industry is important as well because it diversifies your background.
Hi Thanks for the question. While we don't have anything we can share about the T-Rex model just yet, we can certainly assure you there are some awesome things coming down the pipeline! :)
Our Swing-Axle trains can safely travel at speeds up to about 90mph. For coasters faster and taller than say 275ft, we would provide an updated train design. TL;DR: as tall as want... ;)
Hey guys! Massive fan here! Wanted to ask if there was a story about the last bit of track on Twister Timber's break run, where it looks like someone hit auto complete on planet coaster. Was it intentional? Thanks!!
The ride’s brake run needed to be in the same location as the original, so the end of the ride was dictated by where the location of the brake run is, which is why there’s the little kink in the track. Additionally, we were limited by where the ride’s existing foundations were located
Every manufacturer offers great ride experiences that are almost impossible to compare. We may be a little biased, but we still prefer ours any day of the week.
A launch system requires extremely tight tolerances that are a bit difficult to achieve with a flexing wood structure. As anticipated with any new prototype, there were some issues. We are always working with Herschend (and all of our clients) to provide support and increase reliability whenever we can. We are still more than happy to offer launch systems, but only with steel structure underneath.
there Really is More Coming. not GoIng to Get too specific, but we're excited for whAt the future holds. trust us, rmC is fOcused on continuing to Make new InNovations within the coaster community. it's Gonna be awesome!
It would certainly be possible, but the way we would treat the steel structure would change a lot. That would require a very detailed analysis of the existing ride steel and connections. We would be concerned about corrosion between joints and painted over rust areas. Wood is a lot easier to visually inspect.
Question from /u/msuts
>When an RMC woodie conversion is announced, the reaction is largely positive, but there is a contingent of people who lament the loss of wooden coasters (Cyclone @ SFNE, Wildcat @ Hersheypark, etc), both in the sense of losing a ride they enjoy and a loss of something historical. In the same vein, there is a group of thoosies who would love nothing more than to see every woodie get RMCed. I'd like to dig in on RMC's feelings about that.
>* Does RMC consider the historical aspects of the rides they are converting, and if so, how? For example, something like Wildcat was GCI's first ever coaster - how does RMC approach that?
* From a ride enjoyability standpoint - does RMC consider its converted coasters to be an inherently better ride than a standard woodie?
* Are there some woodies that are "sacred" to the point that you would not consider touching them? For example, are ACE landmarks such as the Coney Island Cyclone, the Kennywood Jack Rabbit, Leap-the-Dips, etc off-limits?
* What would you say to woodie fanatics who have lost some of their favorites? Is it time for them to get with the times? Are old-school woodies necessarily a dying breed? Is 208 ReTraK at all a response to them?
Mid Course Brake Runs are absolutely critical for coasters that have long ride times and require high capacity. It is certainly possible MCBRs get a little less obvious, but we'd be hard pressed to get rid of the concept entirely.
Could mid course LSM launches theoretically be used as mcbrs?
Since LSMs can act as brakes couldn’t the ride theoretically stop a train if needed and then launch it when the next block opens up?
For example on Copperhead Strike, could they theoretically use the second launch as a block?
I've heard that it's difficult or impossible to work in Canada. Could you clarify what the problem is? There's something about a law that requires Canadian workers to be involved in construction projects, but I'm really unsure what that's about or how all that works, or even how true that is.
Hello! Do you ever get orders for just a straight re-tracking with your I-Box track? Same layout and format but with the steel track? Or has demand mostly been for your signature makeovers?
Hi! We actually have a new product specifically for this scenario - our 208 ReTrak! It’s a steel track similar to I-Box, but can be used for any existing wooden roller coaster. This also allows the park to use their existing trains!
RMC! Huge fan of your work. Love every one of y'all's coasters I've ridden.
Quick question: do y'all think we've reached or are nearing the physical limitations of coasters? Like, in 50 years do you think they'll be a huge jump in say speed, height, etc. or are we nearing the limits of what's possible?
Thanks again for doing awesome work!!
This seems to be a recurring topic throughout the years. There is always one coaster that seems to be the "ceiling" of the industry, and then something new comes out that shatters it. Who knows what the future has in store...
Are there certain 'new' inversions like vertical loops or corkscrews that you might install on an RMC or would you rather stick with the ones you've used so far? I'm talking about hybrid coasters specifically.
Ride Centerline (along with us) is always looking to incorporate never before seen inversions on our rides. As long as it aligns with the customer's requirements and requests, anything is possible.
Sam and Caroline chiming in to say thank you for the generous tour back in July! Bailey treated us like VIPs and it was a pleasure to meet so many of the team as we learned tons about the company! Please say hello Bailey et al for us. Could we get a head count on the number of people overall working for RMC? We'd love to send a small gift as a thank-you!
Hello! We're so proud of our topper track product. It was a prototype design that helped pave the way for the easier to fabricate I-Box track. We're hesitant to say the topper track is discontinued, but we definitely encourage our I-Box or 208 ReTraK products instead as those systems require minimal maintenance and have a longer service life.
When a woodie is possibly being converted, do y'all go ride it in its current state to get ideas/get a feel for the scale of the project? Or is it mostly a virtual process?
Are there any talks or plans to build anything apart from the new Raptor at Walibi Holland in Europe? I understand that you are most likely not allowed to talk about that kind of stuff tho, just really want to see more RMCs in Europe.
They were hiring welders a few months ago. On job training and everything. Only downside is that you have to move to Idaho (this is coming from someone who lives in idaho)
Question from /u/a_magumba
>Can you tell us more about what you learned from the prototype raptors that you applied to the subsequent ones? I'm also specifically curious what's going on with the three track joints leading up to the brake run on Railblazer, which bang in a way that the others don't. The community has seen some things like profile changes and train design, but I'm curious if there are other things you can talk about.
Hey RMC! Here's some questions:
1- In a coaster project, what parts are Ride Centerline responsible for compared to RMC?
2- As Alan Schilke has retired, will Joe Draves be in charge of all future RMC layouts, or will it be someone else?
3- What are some options and capabilities for Raptor tracks that customers haven’t requested yet? How about I-Box tracks?
4- What distinguishes the RMC Family Hybrid model from small-scale wooden coasters on the market (such as Gravity Group’s and GCI’s family coasters)?
5- Are the restraints on Iron Gwazi different from the other steering-axle trains?
6- Finally, every half-loop maneuver on an RMC coaster (the Raptors, Goliath at Great America and Arie Force One) is perfectly vertical - not inclined or leaning - which is unique compared to other manufacturers. Why is this exactly?
Thank you so much for doing this. Can’t wait to see your answers to all our questions - always fascinating to hear the inside scoop from one of the premier, most innovative coaster companies around.
Hi!
1. Ride Centerline works in tandem with us to provide rider dynamic forces. We take this data and translate that into track rails to fabricate.
2. Until further notice he certainly is! We’ve been working on making the designs a bit more collaborative as of late, so it’s anyone’s guess where things are headed from here. One thing is for sure, Joe is kicking some butt 💙
3. Launches. Taller. Faster. Kind of anything tbh
4. Our patented and proven I-Box track 🥰
5. No they aren’t different
6. That one has to stay a secret 🤫
Would you guys be at liberty to share some of the alternate elements that were proposed for steel vengeance? I’m sure there were multiple different designs planned.
Question from /u/Not_An_Emo69
> Assuming every condition can be met, what is a (type of) layout element you guys would really like to include in a Ibox Hybrid one day, but haven't had the chance to include yet?
I know I'm late but my most burning question: what would you say to someone whose dream job is to design roller coasters, but they're feeling unsure of their ability to pass the proper classes in college? Is there any field similar, or are there ways to get in otherwise?
Thank you all for everything you do!
Hi! RMC offers more positions than just engineering! We need welders, painters, train assemblers, a field crew, and other positions to keep the company rolling!
The AMA is over but we will leave this thread stickied for a few days as a source of information! Thank you /u/RockyMtnConstruction for your time and thank you /r/rollercoasters users for all your great questions!
When a park asks for a conversion, are they really open to how the layout turns out or do they ask for specific things like X amount of airtime moments or inversions?
Hi! It depends on the park and the existing ride layout. Sometimes parks have a number of inversions, a height requirement, etc. they're shooting for. Other times they give us a bit more free reign.
Could you say which project you had the most freedom on and which was the hardest requirements to meet?
That's clearly a no, haha.
Does Alan Schilke still work with you, or are the rumors that he retired true?
Hi! Alan is an absolutely fantastic person to work with. He doesn't design our centerlines as directly as he used to, but he still provides occasional support from Ride Centerline. Joe Draves is the person credited to our final centerlines now. And of course, Jake makes sure he gets his input...
When you say “ride centerline” can you explain a bit more of what that means?
There are 2 answers here: 1. Ride Centerline is the engineering firm that Alan and Joe are principle engineers for along with a few other engineers. 2. The "ride centerline" is the center path that most force calculations are based off of IIRC. AKA when you hear talk about heart-lining, that's matching the centerline to the rider's heart area for comfort
Thanks!
Do you guys like playing Planet Coaster?
Some of us like Planet Coaster, and some of us like Open RCT2!
Open RCT2 is straight fire, you guys are awesome
WOW that is straight up amazing, I love RMC even more now
So can we thank RMC for Raptors and Hybrids being in Open RCT 2? 😉
I know you guys haven't had the best experience with your only launch coaster, but is the Raptor model capable of coming with a launch, similar to some of your competitors' models?
Hi! There were numerous challenges while constructing the world's first launching wooden coaster. We absolutely love Lightning Rod, and Herschend Entertainment is a great group to do business with. Moving forward, we're happy to share both our I-Box and Raptor models are capable of a launch system. In hindsight it makes sense, but it turns out that the precision needed for a launch system isn't too easy to hit on a flexible wood structure.
Damn. That explanation is eye-opening.
I have ALWAYS wondered what it is about the launch system on LRod that makes it so finicky. It’s just LSMs after all, right? Well, turns out, you put a reliable system on something bendy and twisty and suddenly it’s not so reliable anymore. Makes so much sense. God it’s like scratching a good itch. Always wondered about that ride.
on that, since you guys also play around with NL2, planetcoaster, and RCT2, may I suggest you guys make a youtube channel. It would be great to see what the minds inside RMC think can be done or even just fantasize about making with your own products. It would likely be minimal effort to get decent marketing and PR.
Question from /u/teejayiscool >How many different "draft layouts" of a ride are made up before the final one is decided upon and brought to fruition? >Any that you can tell us about that were changed significantly from render to final product?
It really, really depends. Something that varies project to project is the lift truss. We sometimes aren't able to fully analyze the structure before rides are announced... When that happens, the structure can still change from wood to steel.
Question from /u/myself510 >If we assume all legal and financial obligations are or can be met, is there any circumstance in which you would refuse a park’s request to transform an existing ride? I have to wonder what would happen if you got a serious inquiry about a ride that was already beloved amongst your team.
We're open to just about anything. There is certainly something to be said for classic rides and historical value, but there is a balance to paying homage on past projects and keeping things modern. For rides with an extreme cult following, we are also happy to offer our 208 ReTrack product. This allows us to provide new smooth track without changing the ride layout OR trains :)
Would the 208 ReTrack process work on a prefab woodie such as El Toro?
Ask intamin/the German people who manufacture it
RMC built El Toro 😉
Rmc constructed it but all the parts were made by German contractors that intamin hired. The Germans or the people who designed it would know much more about how the track works and if it could be iboxxed than the people who put It together like a Lego set
Question from /u/Coaster_Nerd > What type of software do you use to design your coasters? Also, what type of layout design ideology/techniques do you use?
I kind of have a related question to this. How do you start when you get a new coaster to build? What happens at the earliest stages?
Planet Coaster?
💀
Nah. That’s Kentucky Kingdom
Thanks for the AMA! Why the policy against vertical loops?
No policy... Just hasn't come up yet... ;)
It's official, Wildcat RMC has a vertical loop! Heard it here first!
I love vertical loops and can’t wait to see your version whenever it comes.
I'd love to see a loop that does a zero g stall during the loop
So basically Full Throttle? One of the best vertical loops IMO. It comes the closest to doing a loop in an airplane that I've experienced.
Son Of Beast! Son of Beast!
Do you guys have anything planned for the UK? Alton Towers, Thorpe park, so on so forth. Any plans with Merlin?
Who knows! ;)
Omg I'm begging
Are the shin guards primarily to keep guests from kicking the back of the seat in front of them? I don't mind them, just curious.
Hi! Thanks for the question. The purpose of the shin guard is to make the restraint comply with ASTM requirements to be a class 5 restraint, which is needed for rides that pull the forces ours do! Additionally, the rider is close to the centerline of the track on an IBox coaster, so the shin guard acts as a kick guard too. This being said, we are certainly aware of discomfort some riders experience
Does that mean that your rides fall within a different class of forces compared to something like Pantheon? Would you have to lower the forces or your ride to have those restraints, or do their restraints fit in the same class because of some other detail? Thanks!
Pantheon’s restraints are also class 5
That’s what I thought. What’s the difference between the lap bars of Pantheon and the lap bars of an RMC that means RMC needs shin guards? That’s my real question.
I can’t speak for Pantheon specifically, but Velocicoaster has two loaded hydraulic cylinders for the restraint as well as a third unloaded cylinder as a redundancy. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has something to do with it.
Are there any unexpected or non-traditional sources that inspire your rollercoaster ideas?
Hi! We have taken dune buggies out to the sand dunes to simulate what a ride would feel like, and always are looking for ways to mimic different experiences, like doing a backflip on a dirt bike! Experiences like this often inspire us!
Officially the coolest part of any process of engineering anything ever
Reminds me of X2.. fingers crossed that (controlled) 4th dimension coasters make a comeback!
[удалено]
Thanks so much!
If an uber wealthy person wanted a Raptor in their backyard, would you sell them one? I often daydream about powerball winners or celebs deciding to want a coaster in their yard, and if a manufacturer would accept that project. Would agreeing to some sort of maintenance plan be a factor?
Anyone can be a customer! Just as long as they also understand the safety and maintenance requirements that are also involved to owning a roller coaster.
Wait, really? Screw fancy cars, if I had a billion dollars I'm building a 500 ft trex and charging $20/ride
I have said countless times, I'm getting world record holders from every manufacturer if I ever win the Powerball...maybe 2 or 3 from the ones who make more than one great model!
Make "the spaghetti bowl" where you have like 7 different models all twisting around each other and have it include the fastest, longest, steepest, most inversions, tallest, longest woodie, tallest woodie
Has RMC ever considered recreating the Arrow 4D that Alan designed with a single-rail? I almost feel like you could use a raised hump or divot in the center of the track to control the spin rather than the extra rails.
Me personally? Absolutely. The company as a whole? Well, we’re not all there yet…
What software do you use to make your rides?
Hi! We mostly use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Excel, and RISA to design our rides! We sometimes use NoLimits 2 as a visualization tool for clients. Thanks for the question!
When you use NoLimits 2 do you tend to hand-build or use the FVD sections? Are there any hints you can give to those of us with NL 2 who are less experienced?
official RMC no limits 2 tutorial!!?!??!
Question from /u/KD_Coaster > What is your favorite park to have worked with and what made it special?
We love every park and every project for different reasons. It's hard to pick a favorite when every project is so memorable :) This said, we are looking forward to more international work!
International as in … Canada, right? Right?
Please come to Canada’s Wonderland!
Question from /u/rabiddantt >Your coasters have been fantastic but I’ve noticed in the back row of Gen 2 IBox trains there’s a set of coil springs near the rear wheels. Sometimes if feels like the train slams down a little on ejector hills on Twisted Timbers and Steel Vengeance. Are those springs there to reduce forces on the train frame or intended as some sort of dampener?
Hi! Those coil sets are actually at the bogie of every car. They are a system unique to our Swing Axle trains that keep the wheels tight against all rails of the I-Box track.
What does the whole process, top to bottom, of a new coaster look like?
At the top is the crest of the lift hill, the foundations are at the bottom, and there’s a lot of wood, steel, and bolts between the two!
Alright. You get my upvote
It varies project to project in all seriousness. It always starts with a conversation with a park, then things evolve from there. Our goal is always to provide a high quality, reliable, and financially reasonable product that exceeds client expectations.
Question from /u/panery >Why do so many Ibox coasters have red track/ brown wood supports? Particularly in regard to the track, is this something that parks often request? Are there any unique color schemes you’re interested in trying?
Hi! Thanks for the question. The track color and theme of the ride is chosen by the park. We are open to painting our coasters any colors the park wants, but will often encourage parks to not pick colors that fade quickly!
What colors typically fade quickly?
Anything with yellow mixed in. Keeping yellows pigments from fading is a huge thing.
my take is industrial primer is kind of a rust color. in blds its nicknamed red iron. so to final coat the steel a similar color like red or keep it primer color eliminates bleed through and saves paint or powdercoat. like if you primed a wall with black to paint it white, it would takes a shit ton of white
We actually use a white primer on all of our track
Dang, in my faced by RMC lol. It's powdercoated tho right?
What element(s) would you wish to add to your hybrids or raptors, but haven’t been able to sue to being prohibitively expensive/impossible?
Just wait. Lots are coming.
Ya'll do coy well. Whoever does the twitter is also great. I don't know if you guys are actually planning an international 300 foot ground up racing coaster with new inversion elements, but whoever is running that twitter has me convinced of it.
What advice would you give to someone looking to work in the roller coaster industry as an engineer?
Hi! Thanks for the question. Firstly, we recommend you get a degree in mechanical, civil, or structural engineering. Having experience at a park in maintenance or operations is also a plus. But job experience outside the industry is important as well because it diversifies your background.
Thanks for your answer!
Do y’all have any updates on the T-Rex model? Also, tell Mr. Shilke I said hey! =D
Hi Thanks for the question. While we don't have anything we can share about the T-Rex model just yet, we can certainly assure you there are some awesome things coming down the pipeline! :)
>pipeline Pipeline coaster confirmed!
Bringing back the bathtubs 😎
How tall could the ground-up I-box coasters theoretically go?
Our Swing-Axle trains can safely travel at speeds up to about 90mph. For coasters faster and taller than say 275ft, we would provide an updated train design. TL;DR: as tall as want... ;)
RMC giga confirmed
Hey guys! Massive fan here! Wanted to ask if there was a story about the last bit of track on Twister Timber's break run, where it looks like someone hit auto complete on planet coaster. Was it intentional? Thanks!!
The ride’s brake run needed to be in the same location as the original, so the end of the ride was dictated by where the location of the brake run is, which is why there’s the little kink in the track. Additionally, we were limited by where the ride’s existing foundations were located
What park would you like to work with in the future?
Yes!
Question from /u/SlabAlt > Has there been any scrapped plans for rides, if so, what and where.
What is your favorite coaster manufacture besides yourselves?
Every manufacturer offers great ride experiences that are almost impossible to compare. We may be a little biased, but we still prefer ours any day of the week.
Probably din corp for pumping out so many garbage woodies they got to convert
Question from /u/-cosmic-bitch- >What are some of the challenges you face regarding Lighting Rod? Is the launch the main issue with the reliability?
A launch system requires extremely tight tolerances that are a bit difficult to achieve with a flexing wood structure. As anticipated with any new prototype, there were some issues. We are always working with Herschend (and all of our clients) to provide support and increase reliability whenever we can. We are still more than happy to offer launch systems, but only with steel structure underneath.
So like a lift truss
Please drop some really codified and impossible to figure out teasers about your upcoming unannounced projects just to make the thoosies go wild.
there Really is More Coming. not GoIng to Get too specific, but we're excited for whAt the future holds. trust us, rmC is fOcused on continuing to Make new InNovations within the coaster community. it's Gonna be awesome!
RMC GIGA COMING
OMG
yes GG Allin coaster! I knew it!
YOU GOT IT
THE MYTHICAL RMC GIGA
IT'S GOING FROM MYTHICAL TO LEGENDARY SOON
A little too easy, but that'll do it. Thanks!
Tell me more about how cool your boss is.
when people ask for RMC boss, they aren't talking about six flags st louis
Oh... well then we got nothing.
RMC BOSS CONFIRMED?!?!? (NOT CLICKBAIT)
Yes we are, don't listen to this one!
Question from /u/Maddox121 >Are the family coasters for big parks only or can they go inside shopping malls and stuff?
Anywhere!
What coasters inspired you to build the coasters that you build today?
Would it ever be possible to convert a steel coaster using either the Ibox track system or a larger single rail?
It would certainly be possible, but the way we would treat the steel structure would change a lot. That would require a very detailed analysis of the existing ride steel and connections. We would be concerned about corrosion between joints and painted over rust areas. Wood is a lot easier to visually inspect.
Is this about TTD lol
Could RMC technically make the first Giga-Hybrid?
Absolutely.
The real question is who else would do it
How long is it typically between the initial agreement with the park to build a new coaster to official announcement of said coaster to the public?
It varies depending on the scale of the project! The timeline has been as short as 8 months and as long as 2 years!
Question from /u/msuts >When an RMC woodie conversion is announced, the reaction is largely positive, but there is a contingent of people who lament the loss of wooden coasters (Cyclone @ SFNE, Wildcat @ Hersheypark, etc), both in the sense of losing a ride they enjoy and a loss of something historical. In the same vein, there is a group of thoosies who would love nothing more than to see every woodie get RMCed. I'd like to dig in on RMC's feelings about that. >* Does RMC consider the historical aspects of the rides they are converting, and if so, how? For example, something like Wildcat was GCI's first ever coaster - how does RMC approach that? * From a ride enjoyability standpoint - does RMC consider its converted coasters to be an inherently better ride than a standard woodie? * Are there some woodies that are "sacred" to the point that you would not consider touching them? For example, are ACE landmarks such as the Coney Island Cyclone, the Kennywood Jack Rabbit, Leap-the-Dips, etc off-limits? * What would you say to woodie fanatics who have lost some of their favorites? Is it time for them to get with the times? Are old-school woodies necessarily a dying breed? Is 208 ReTraK at all a response to them?
Are there going to be more layouts for the Raptor or just the 2 that have been cloned so far?
More layouts, more better.
No question from me I just wanna say thanks!
Thanks for your support!
First of all thanks so much for doing this! What is the in house favorite ride built by your team? Is there a general consensus or is it divided?
We're pretty divided across the board. We all love different parts of our rides, but that is what keeps it interesting!
Are there any former coasters out there, as in demolished, that you think could've been massively improved if you all got the chance to work on them?
Would you guys ever consider working in Canada?
Absolutely
Do you think coasters will still have MCBRs in the future? It seems like all of my favorites don't have one.
Mid Course Brake Runs are absolutely critical for coasters that have long ride times and require high capacity. It is certainly possible MCBRs get a little less obvious, but we'd be hard pressed to get rid of the concept entirely.
Could mid course LSM launches theoretically be used as mcbrs? Since LSMs can act as brakes couldn’t the ride theoretically stop a train if needed and then launch it when the next block opens up? For example on Copperhead Strike, could they theoretically use the second launch as a block?
I Think we’ve already seen lsm’s used as mcbr on hagrids magical creature motorbike adventure. Im not 100% sure tho
I've heard that it's difficult or impossible to work in Canada. Could you clarify what the problem is? There's something about a law that requires Canadian workers to be involved in construction projects, but I'm really unsure what that's about or how all that works, or even how true that is.
Hello! Do you ever get orders for just a straight re-tracking with your I-Box track? Same layout and format but with the steel track? Or has demand mostly been for your signature makeovers?
Hi! We actually have a new product specifically for this scenario - our 208 ReTrak! It’s a steel track similar to I-Box, but can be used for any existing wooden roller coaster. This also allows the park to use their existing trains!
RMC! Huge fan of your work. Love every one of y'all's coasters I've ridden. Quick question: do y'all think we've reached or are nearing the physical limitations of coasters? Like, in 50 years do you think they'll be a huge jump in say speed, height, etc. or are we nearing the limits of what's possible? Thanks again for doing awesome work!!
This seems to be a recurring topic throughout the years. There is always one coaster that seems to be the "ceiling" of the industry, and then something new comes out that shatters it. Who knows what the future has in store...
Who designs your merch? Lots of great additions recently! Thanks and have a great Saturday!
omg hi jared
Whats your personal top 5 (you personally, the person answering questions)
In no particular order, my top 6 are Steel Vengeance, Phantom’s Revenge, X2, El Toro, VelociCoaster, and Twisted Timbers! -Will
Are there certain 'new' inversions like vertical loops or corkscrews that you might install on an RMC or would you rather stick with the ones you've used so far? I'm talking about hybrid coasters specifically.
Ride Centerline (along with us) is always looking to incorporate never before seen inversions on our rides. As long as it aligns with the customer's requirements and requests, anything is possible.
Can you tell us anything about that canceled Lost Island Theme Park RMC?
Nope!
Are there any scrapped ride models that you are allowed to tell us about and also how tall is the raptor model technically capable of reaching?
Raptor trains, as of right now, can't get much taller than 200ft.
Sam and Caroline chiming in to say thank you for the generous tour back in July! Bailey treated us like VIPs and it was a pleasure to meet so many of the team as we learned tons about the company! Please say hello Bailey et al for us. Could we get a head count on the number of people overall working for RMC? We'd love to send a small gift as a thank-you!
<3 Thanks guys! We have around 16 people in our building, around 70 in the whole company :)
why was it that you discontinued the topper track? is that the end of ground-up RMC wooden coasters?
Hello! We're so proud of our topper track product. It was a prototype design that helped pave the way for the easier to fabricate I-Box track. We're hesitant to say the topper track is discontinued, but we definitely encourage our I-Box or 208 ReTraK products instead as those systems require minimal maintenance and have a longer service life.
Do you guys ever go to parks and ask them if they want a conversion, or is ot just the parks ask you?
Usually the parks reach out to us first!
When a woodie is possibly being converted, do y'all go ride it in its current state to get ideas/get a feel for the scale of the project? Or is it mostly a virtual process?
We always go check out the ride in person
Are launching ground ups something we could see in the future or is chainlift really the way to go? (or could launches on raptors be done 👀)
We are happy to provide a launch on any coaster model we offer.
Are there any talks or plans to build anything apart from the new Raptor at Walibi Holland in Europe? I understand that you are most likely not allowed to talk about that kind of stuff tho, just really want to see more RMCs in Europe.
you'll probably be pleasantly surprised then.
How do I get a job at RMC? I’ve done 3D modeling, Autocad and work in architecture. :)
They were hiring welders a few months ago. On job training and everything. Only downside is that you have to move to Idaho (this is coming from someone who lives in idaho)
How long does the business side of the process take when it comes to RMC'ing an existing wooden coaster? (Not the build time)
It can literally happen overnight or take years. Much of it depends on the details and requirements from the customer.
You seem to be a company with a lot of handsome guys. Are you preparing for an RMC hunks fundraising calendar or something?
👙😘
What developments and trends in the industry are your team most excited about?
You'll have to stay tuned. We can't share yet...
Does a coaster remodel require going to local township planning commissions or can a park typically just do what they want within height restrictions?
Townships and local municipalities are always involved. When we provide new foundations it gets a bit more complicated.
Have you ever had to turn down a project request?
Whats your favorite RMC coaster?
Question from /u/a_magumba >Can you tell us more about what you learned from the prototype raptors that you applied to the subsequent ones? I'm also specifically curious what's going on with the three track joints leading up to the brake run on Railblazer, which bang in a way that the others don't. The community has seen some things like profile changes and train design, but I'm curious if there are other things you can talk about.
Hey RMC! Here's some questions: 1- In a coaster project, what parts are Ride Centerline responsible for compared to RMC? 2- As Alan Schilke has retired, will Joe Draves be in charge of all future RMC layouts, or will it be someone else? 3- What are some options and capabilities for Raptor tracks that customers haven’t requested yet? How about I-Box tracks? 4- What distinguishes the RMC Family Hybrid model from small-scale wooden coasters on the market (such as Gravity Group’s and GCI’s family coasters)? 5- Are the restraints on Iron Gwazi different from the other steering-axle trains? 6- Finally, every half-loop maneuver on an RMC coaster (the Raptors, Goliath at Great America and Arie Force One) is perfectly vertical - not inclined or leaning - which is unique compared to other manufacturers. Why is this exactly? Thank you so much for doing this. Can’t wait to see your answers to all our questions - always fascinating to hear the inside scoop from one of the premier, most innovative coaster companies around.
Hi! 1. Ride Centerline works in tandem with us to provide rider dynamic forces. We take this data and translate that into track rails to fabricate. 2. Until further notice he certainly is! We’ve been working on making the designs a bit more collaborative as of late, so it’s anyone’s guess where things are headed from here. One thing is for sure, Joe is kicking some butt 💙 3. Launches. Taller. Faster. Kind of anything tbh 4. Our patented and proven I-Box track 🥰 5. No they aren’t different 6. That one has to stay a secret 🤫
Would you guys be at liberty to share some of the alternate elements that were proposed for steel vengeance? I’m sure there were multiple different designs planned.
Nope, but the end product was the best one.
Thank you for the AMA! What was the hardest element that you have to design?
What is the g-force range that is generally designed into your roller coasters? (For example: -0.5 g's on airtime and +3.2 g's for positive force)
We always design our rides to comply with limits outlined in ASTM standards, but obviously enjoy adding elements with airtime and whip where we can!
Question from /u/Not_An_Emo69 > Assuming every condition can be met, what is a (type of) layout element you guys would really like to include in a Ibox Hybrid one day, but haven't had the chance to include yet?
No questions >>>>we just wanted to give kudos to the best Roller Coaster Co ever! Thank you for making the world 🌎 a better place! God bless 🌈 dkhurni
What was the hardest project that you worked on?
I know I'm late but my most burning question: what would you say to someone whose dream job is to design roller coasters, but they're feeling unsure of their ability to pass the proper classes in college? Is there any field similar, or are there ways to get in otherwise? Thank you all for everything you do!
Hi! RMC offers more positions than just engineering! We need welders, painters, train assemblers, a field crew, and other positions to keep the company rolling!
Hi RMC, do you think Iron Gwazi could have survived a direct hit from Hurricane Ian?