I (along with fellow C101 writer Andrew Stilwell) had the opportunity to tour the Twisted Cyclone construction site at Six Flags over Georgia. The tour was part of American Coaster Enthusiasts Southeast Region’s Winter Warm Up event over the weekend.
Twisted Cyclone is a new-for-2018 Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) I-Beam hybrid coaster, utilizing portions of the structure of the park’s former Georgia Cyclone wooden coaster, which closed last year. The new coaster was announced in late August along with other Six Flags 2018 capital investments.
Twisted Cyclones sports bright blue “IBox” track from Rocky Mountain Construction. The company made a name for itself utilizing the structures of aging wooden coasters as supports for this twisted steel track.
The remaining sections of Georgia Cyclone’s wooden structure is being painted a light gray color. The track that has already been installed is being wrapped to shield it from any dripping paint.
Like many Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) conversions, the park opted to save money be retaining the previous coaster’s station. Of course, modifications are needed to accommodate the new track and ride system. Some of the wooden railings and the stairs leading up to the ride platform will be replaced.
Unfortunately, due to the wet and muddy conditions, we weren’t able to go inside the coaster’s layout. But we still got an up-close look at the construction.
Piles of scrapped wood from the support structure are scattered across the construction site.
Each attendee of the Winter Warm Up event received one of 1,000 pieces of wood preserved from the removed sections of Georgia Cyclone wood.
The lift hill, stretching 100 feet in the air, is mostly complete aside from the base.
The bright blue track is really going to “pop” against the grey supports. This portion of track is pretty close to ground level after leaving the station.
Some of the track was covered for the painting of the supports. (You can see in the next photo that a few drops of paint made it on to the track.)
Based on POV video, the section of track gets lower to the ground than its predecessor.
This appears to be a Georgia Cyclone-era sign. You can see the old white color paint on the left side of the photo.
The sign of course is still very applicable, so it will probably stick around for the Twisted Cyclone era.
More of the track leaving the station.
Another view of the lift hill. With its location at the front of Six Flags Over Georgia, it will be an eye-catching welcome for park guests!
It can also be seen from the interstate (at least when the trees are bare). While it may not be as intimidating as Goliath, I’m sure it will be even more eye-catching once that reverse cobra roll is complete:
The original renderings showed a brown support structure. According to Six Flags, the company’s design team thought the light gray supports would be more appealing. I don’t disagree.
Twisted Cyclone’s First Drop is a 75-degree descent.
Twisted Cyclone will have two trains; a red train (pictured here), and the black train, which debuted at the IAAPA Expo in November.
The iconic RMC “shin guards” are most certainly necessary for the maneuvers these trains will navigate through.
Each front license plate will have a more customized message when Twisted Cyclone opens in May. Right now, they just read “6 Flags”
RMC has really stepped up the level of details on their trains in recent years.
Can’t wait to see these trains on the tracks!
Twisted Cyclone will anchor the “Coastal” section of the park, paying homage to the coastal areas of Georgia. Formerly known as the British section of the park (note the Stroller Rental sign), the area had over time lost much of its British influence.
The buildings have already begun receiving brighter colors of yellow paint along with red roofs,which were formerly black shingles (right).
As part of the area’s transformation, the Johnny Rockets restaurant across the midway from the Twisted Cyclone entrance will receive a face lift, both inside and out. The building will sport a bright blue roof once it reopens. The restaurant will also sport a self-service kiosk which should speed up lines during peak dining times.
Large planters once in front of the restaurant are being removed which will open up the area to more seating.
Riders will enter the Twisted Cyclone queue here.
The entire area is receiving a face lift as part of the Twisted Cyclone conversion.
Six Flags over Georgia communications manager Gene Petriello (pictured) and park president Dale Kaetzel walked us through the Twisted Cyclone queue setup.
Immediately inside this structure, riders will have the opportunity to store their loose items in lockers before proceeding to the line.
Lockers will go inside the queue house on the below wall (on the right hand side while entering the queue.)
I really like how the different buildings are located so closely together, with the elevated station overlooking the midway below.
I’m very impressed by how the park is breathing new life and a new theme into this area of the park. I can’t wait to see the finished product in May.
Here’s one last look at that beautiful blue drop to hold you over until May.
Goodbye, Six Flags over Georgia — we’ll be back later this year to ride Twisted Cyclone!
Twisted Cyclone is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend (May 25) 2018.
What do you think about Twisted Cyclone? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
just RELOCATED from Ohio to Georgia so I’m looking forward to my new homepark… just sad new ride won’t open when the season kicks in on March 10… it’s going to be CRAZY PACKED when it opens Memorial Day weekend