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Ride Update
challenge, and understood their goals to reopen in a timely manner while also remaining within budget.” “Through ongoing conversations with parks, many, like Fun Spot, have
shared concerns about the cost of the annual maintenance and upkeep of wooden coasters. While special, they require constant attention,” Toor continued, “In dynamic sections, wooden track typically lasts approximately three years, while in the lighter load sections of the track, the parks can get seven years out of their traditional wooden track. The RMC 208 ReTraK is based on our proven patented I-Box track system. While the overall cost is slightly more than that of a wooden track, the result lasts four to five times longer.” Those words were music to Fun Spot’s team. The 208 ReTraK would
provide a much-needed smoother ride, operational savings for the team, and even less-needed maintenance on the trains and the coaster structure itself. “We recognised the RMC ReTraK offered tremendous value,” said
Chidester, “Our hope had been to continue our relationship with RMC, and while we have been extremely focused on our new coaster in Atlanta, we also saw the opportunity for Mine Blower. Darren and his team jumped at the chance to continue to partner with us. It was an incredible gift – just in time for our 25th anniversary!” In addition to its custom creation of new coasters, RMC has been
successfully upgrading traditional wood track with steel track for decades. The ReTrak product lasts up to 5 times longer than traditional wood coaster track and is able to utilise the coaster’s existing trains, mechanical system, and controls. The result is a smoother ride which provides reduced downtime, and improved wheel longevity at a reasonable price for the park. The custom 208 ReTraK is precision-manufactured utilising RMC’s laser
measurement system, CNC plasma cutting abilities, and patented semi- automated welding technology. 208 ReTraK is manufactured by RMC at its facility in Hayden, Idaho (US) with premium grade weathered steel to match
the existing coaster profile and installs seamlessly to existing structures. It can be installed turnkey by RMC’s factory team or by the park’s team with RMC providing onsite technical support. In addition, RMC’s 208 ReTraK can be a small track upgrade, to smooth
out rougher ride sections, like key areas on Mine Blower required. It does not have to be completed on the entire circuit. Simple track upgrades of 300’ or more can be installed throughout a ride, meaning a park does not have to re-track everything, all at once. The project can be added onto year after year, allowing park maintenance teams to include ReTraK in its annual budget planning, without needing new, unbudgeted capital expenses. Fun Spot’s 208 ReTraK enhancement focused on replacing just over 500 feet (152 metres), almost 25%, of Mine Blower’s track. “The new track sections of the coaster are MUCH smoother as
evidenced by the improved data collected through accelerometer testing after installation,” Torr said. “This project for Mine Blower used a new and improved spice connection that made the installation more efficient and provides a superior connection.” “Mine Blower is our fourth 208 ReTraK installation to date,” Toor added.
“We continue to learn and improve our track replacement system and installation methodologies. RMC is thankful to work with visionaries like John Arie and the rest of the Fun Spot team. We look forward to hearing from coaster enthusiasts and park guests about their thoughts on the new sections of Mine Blower’s track. “This new chapter for Mine Blower and the addition of the 208
ReTraK is a great story for us,” concluded Chidester. “Already, our guests are returning to ride the coaster. They heard about our improvement efforts and know that RMC delivers on its promises. Feedback has been incredible. Guests can tell the difference with the boost in speed that the solid steel surface has given Mind Blower as well as the much smoother ride experience.”
AUGUST 2023
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