Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: Six Flags Magic Mountain's New X2 Trains Photos & Video!
Hey everyone!
To follow up from our report from a couple of weeks ago, Theme Park Review was invited today to come take an up close look at X2's new trains.
Since I know you guys are here to drool over the photos and watch the video over and over, I'm not going to type that much.
The following photos and video were shot today in the transfer shed of X2. So far 2 rows of cars have been delivered. The paint job or the "X change operation" is nearing completion and the park is anticipating a Spring 2008 re-opening.
Check out both the photos and video below for a more in-depth explanation of many changes that were made to the trains.
SFMM's Tim Burkhart explains all the new hottness of X2's trains!
(downloadable version of this video is below)
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From outside the park you can see that almost all the track is now red. The "X Change Operation" which will take X from being girly pink & yellow to manly red & black is almost done!
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If you look REAL close, you can still see some yellow left.
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Well, we were promised a look at the X2 trains, so let's follow the new signs to the ride!
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Wait a second! That's a trash bag with a wheel sticking out! You can't fool me!!!
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Oh. *blush* I see. There really IS a train under there!
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So Tim Burkhart, SFMM General Manager explained that one of the main differences was converting the old "Pickle Forks" into "Pickle Spoons." (The actual technical term. We're not making this up! Someone went through YEARS of engineering school for this so please don't make fun of their names!)
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Here you can see the old "Pickle Forks" that the seats rest on...
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The new "Pickle Spoon" is one giant piece, and while lighter than the old pickle fork, should be more stable and make for a smoother ride.
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In fact reducing weight was a primary goal for the new trains. You'll see holes punched into the steel framework on the new trains...
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...that used to be solid steel on the old trains.
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The wheels...while yes they are still round...note that the assembly is one solid piece on the new train...
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...Whereas on the old trains there were a lot more welds and bolts that held it together.
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The manual restraints will now open and close pneumatically by the push of a button...
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..rather than jumping up and down on pedals that never seemed to work quite right on the old trains. This should make any load/unload issues in the station quicker to help increase capacity.
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You can see here where many changes were made to help lighten up the trains. All those holes used to be solid on the old trains.
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As Tim explains in the video, the only piece that is currently missing is the "Elephant Ear" (which is not just a tasty fried dough treat, it's also the highly technical term of a protective piece that keeps your arm from becoming shredded beef!)
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The "Elephant Ear" on the old train. (Any one else getting hungry reading through this report???)
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Gone are the fiberglass "X" coverings in another effort to cut back on the weight of the train.
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Personally, I never really thought they looked THAT much like an "X" anyway. And hey, if it helps make the ride smoother, that's great! I for one aren't looking at the fiberglass parts while I'm riding anyway.
And because I know you're all facinated with bolts and steel, next up is the "bolts and steel" portion of the update.
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Here's some bolts.
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Here some steel!
Wasn't that fun? =)
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Ok, ok...we ALSO have a photo for you trash bag enthusiasts out there!!! Yay!!!
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New train.....old train!
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So there they are...the new X2 trains. Excited? You better be! ;)
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Look ma! No more pink!
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Ok, I lied...there is a SMIDGEN of pink! (Dude, I can't believe it...I hit spell check and I actually spelled 'smidgen' correctly!)
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Master! The X Change Operation is almost complete! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
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Yup. When it opens it's going to launch at 85MPH! Didn't you hear about that part? Ok, ok, I'm just kidding!
Hopefully we'll see a lot of TPR members at the ride's opening in the Spring!
Special thanks to Tim and Neal for putting up with me today! =)
you think they will still have that cool chameleon paint thing for the new "elephant ears"
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_________________ God said "Let there be good music" and then Utada Hikaru was brought forth into life ^__^
Robb and I on Storm Runner: weeeeeeeeeeeee, LASER-SNAKE-HORSE-ON-FIRE-ROLL!
BUT THE PROMO ART SHOWED FIBERGLASS PIECES!!! HOW COULD SIX FLAGS LIE TO US??!?!
Seriously though, the trains are looking great! I was thinking the other day how much higher I'd rank X if it was consistently smooth and running kick A$$, now it looks like its close to reality. Yeah the trains are a little more industrial, but I don't care what they look like, as long as they are making X a better ride.
Plus this will definitely make the internet know-it-alls shut the hell up!
^^Sadly, as I'm sure you know, internet know-it-alls never shut the hell up, no matter how much evidence is shown to them.
Trains look cool. Curious to see how the ride runs when it opens back up.
dt _________________ Always trying to keep YOU entertained! Now with more Ice Bat!
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The world would be a better place if Dave programmed our iPods - Derwood
Last edited by Meteornotes on Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:03 pm
Will the part of the butter fly restraints, that makes contact with your shoulders have extra padding? Thats one BIG complaint that I have always had with X, after a few rides my shoulders would be bruised or VERY sore. _________________
Apollos Chariot #1!
According to what the Picture Set said, they are doing away with the whole X fin fiberglass thing anyway, so to answer your question about the chameleon paint scheme, I guess it would be 'no' as there will be nowhere to put it
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