Rocky Mountain Construction Facebook Q&A

Rocky Mountain Construction is designing and building the hottest new roller coasters these days. They’ve produced the incredible Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and Goliath at Six Flags Great America. They’re a small, family owned business that’s always been very open and honest. RMC recently asked fans of their Facebook page to submit any questions they have about designing and building roller coasters. And no, RMC doesn’t get to pick what rides they do, they have to wait for the amusement park to come to them. Here are a few of the most interesting questions and answers (so you don’t have to sort through the more than 200 comments):Outlaw Run1

Q: How are the specs for pre-remodeled roller coasters acquired? Do parks send blueprints, or does a team have to be sent to take measurements?

A: We have a full time surveyor and he is sent out to each job to do an initial survey and often returns to that same job several times to perform any additional survey required.

Q: From a design and construction perspective, what are the relative benefits and drawbacks of using IBox vs. Topper Track? What criteria typically determine which one should be used?

A: IBox is easier to manufacture as the wood for the Topper Track is just another element to work with. However, they are relatively the same price so the customer can choose between the two. No criteria, really:-)

Q: How much input do the parks have beyond asking for a remodel? For instance, do they often request specific features or elements?

A: The parks usually lets us know if they would like inversions, record breaking elements, desired length and sometimes give us their budget etc. The coaster is then designed with all those factors in mind.

Q: How long dose it take to planing to the building of the coaster?

A: The entire project takes about 18 months-6 of which is design and planning.

Q: All company can order an Iron Horse treatment on their coasters or it’s just reserved to six flags?

A: Any park can have our IBox or “IronHorse” system. Six Flags has just been so great to work with and they are keeping us busy! But, there are projects at other parks coming up in the next 2 years that utilize our IBox Track.goliath-lifthill-sunset

I think it’s really awesome to see RMC interact with their fans like this. It’s also a great resource for aspiring engineers and students who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Be sure to like Rocky Mountain Construction’s Facebook page to read the rest and to submit your own question. You’ll also see the latest construction pictures of Twisted Colossus and Wicked Cyclone.

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