GOLIATH: A Giant in the Making (SFoG)

[beck2003]

As we all know, Six Flags over Georgia is finally installing a much deserved B&M Hyper after all of these years. GOLIATH is scheduled to open APRIL 1st, 2006, and looks like it will be an amazing ride! So, since GOLIATH is so far the first major coaster sceduled to kick-off 2006, this thread is fully devoted towards the development of the ride.

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM NOVEMBER 5th:

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga4a.jpg

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga8a.jpg

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga11a.jpg

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga13a.jpg

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga14a.jpg

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/new06/ga16a.jpg

[alpengeist04]

It's coming along nicely.:) I have to say that I do like the color scheme.:up: I guess that because I'm a long suffering Miami Dolphins fan.:(

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM NOVEMBER 7th:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/110705a.jpg

Looks like they completed another section of the lift today. I think this is the last section before they top it off!!!

[stazz]

tch six flags is making another 1! atk of the clones! zomg

anyways ide ride this when it oppens but i never have the money to go to sofg =(

[beck2003]

Clone by name. Other than that, the ride is totally unique and custom.

[SnooSnoo]

That ride looks like fun. I like the steepness of the hill, reminds me of MF :)

I might have to make the trip if I head down to Atlanta to see my aunt anytime soon.

[SFA PKD Fan]

Enjoy it while you can because I have a feeling SF will be going under soon.

Their desire to scrap coasters at astroworld instead of sending them to parks that could use them is further proof of their stupidity & just goes to show that they don't have a clue as to how to run a chain of parks anymore.

Anyone wonder why SF has been doing so lousy lately? it's because they're not giving rides to the parks that are truely in need of them,instead choosing togive coaster after coaster to the same parks over & over every year or so...at least paramount & CF treat their parks right by adding coasters when & where they're needed & not based on favortism...I won't even set foot inside SFA til a new coaster is added & will instead be going only to PKD next year as at least they're adding a new coaster which is more than I can say for SF.

[beck2003]

Listen! Got to stay positive people! Yeah most Six Flags parks stink, but SFoG is the second Six Flags park and it is one of the nicest. It had its period of distress, but here in the past couple of years, SFoG has clearly strived to make overal and long term improvements. I doubt of all the parks SFoG will not be one to go down. My theory as to why Six Flags is hurting the way it is, is'nt because of management entirely, it's because of the customers. Six Flags parks are local, and placed to where the community primarily enjoys. They are not vacation destinations like Cedar Point and Disney parks. It's easy for parents to give their kids 20 bucks and drop them off at Six flags to run free and be unsupervised. that leads to all of the litter ect. But all in all, it is a pleathora of problems that has made it difficult for management to overcome. They just need a new buisness strategy or something.

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM NOVEMBER 9th:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/110905a.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/110905b.jpg

One of the things that I like most about this ride is where it is located! The U.S.A. section of the park has the highest elevation, so it makes the ride seem a lot taller than it actually is!

[alpengeist04]

They are really moving along nicely. At least Six Flags isn't wasting time this year. Between Goliath and El Toro, both coasters should be ready to go by opening day or shortly after.:D

[stazz]

hey i was jst seaching for consturction pics and found this
http://pictures.rcdb.com/picmax/six-flags-over-georgia/goliath1.jpg
its the construction plans for the ride, looks like mullinium force to me for sum reason

[TheSkipper]

Uh, stazz? Please read the announcement posted here:
http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/announcement.php?forumid=397

[IEATPASTE001]

I can't wait for this ride to be built and me not ride it. It looks fantastic! I really wish I could ride it.

[Squid2]

Just offhand, a list of rides that the coaster will either go near or over her.

Freefall
Train
Log Flume
Georgia Scorcher

There are some other attractions in the area, but they are indoors, so you won't get a good view of Goliath from them. Also, we are not getting any new rides besides Goliath, although there's a rumor we'll get one of Astroworld's trains.

Squid2

[Harpo]

Layout looks much more like Magnum to me, rather than Millennium Force.

It also reminds me quite a bit of Nitro at SFGrAdv.

[beck2003]

Hey Squid2 I do no think that the ride is not going to go as near to the Freefall as you think. GOLIATH will travel over the restrooms located just outside the covered pathway leading to the U.S.A. section of the park.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/coreyml03/detail?.dir=/755d&.dnm=6bf6.jpg&.src=ph

[stazz]

Originally posted by TheSkipper
Uh, stazz? Please read the announcement posted here:
http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/announcement.php?forumid=397

aww you cought me, lol i knew about that i jst didnt want to cuz the new tags makes it small and its onlt 38 pixels over limit

[SFA PKD Fan]

Originally posted by beck2003
Listen! Got to stay positive people! Yeah most Six Flags parks stink, but SFoG is the second Six Flags park and it is one of the nicest. It had its period of distress, but here in the past couple of years, SFoG has clearly strived to make overal and long term improvements. I doubt of all the parks SFoG will not be one to go down. My theory as to why Six Flags is hurting the way it is, is'nt because of management entirely, it's because of the customers. Six Flags parks are local, and placed to where the community primarily enjoys. They are not vacation destinations like Cedar Point and Disney parks. It's easy for parents to give their kids 20 bucks and drop them off at Six flags to run free and be unsupervised. that leads to all of the litter ect. But all in all, it is a pleathora of problems that has made it difficult for management to overcome. They just need a new buisness strategy or something.

SFOG is just managed by SFI,along with SFOT so these two can't be sold.

However they're really doing themselves a disservice withtheir unwise spending under current management.I've taken a count of the coasters SFI has added since 2002 to show how unfair their distribution plans have been since then when they could've added these rides to parks that havn't gotten them in 5 years or more.

SFMM-X in 2002(although it was to open in 01 mechanical problems kept it closed) Scream in 2003,Tatsu in 2006.

SFGRADV-S:UF in 2003,KK in 2005,El-Toro in 2006.

SFNE B:DK in 2002(was planned for SFA but canceled) MR.Six in 2005.

SFMW-Zonga in 2003.(was SFAW's tornado).

SFKK-Greezed lightning in 2003( was SFOG's viper).

SFGRAM-S:UF in 2003,Ragin cagun in 2004.

SFOG-S:UF in 2002,Canyon blaster in 2004,Goliath in 2006.

LaRonde-B:TR in 2002,Goliath in 2006.

SFEG- TFC in 2002,halfpipe in 2004.

in that same period the following SF parks recieved no coasters.

SFA-last coaster was Batwing in 2001.

SFDL -last coaster was superman in 1999.

SFSTL-last coaster was the boss in 2000.

SFFT-last coaster was S:KC in 2000.

SFAW(defunct) last coaster was serial thriller in 1999.

SFOT-last coaster was Titan in 2001.

SFWOA (now under CF management thank god) last coaster was X-Flight in 2001 (hyper denied in 02 first due to zoning restrictions,then later due to SFI's citing of attendance decrease,well without the ride attendance wouldn't improve so they were at an impass of SFI's own making).


Now look at that list & you'll notice a pattern...seems to me that SFI is playing favorites when it comes to who gets coasters the parks that have gone upwards of 6 years without a single coaster are no less deserving of one than the parks that have gotten a new one every two years or more since 2002 & what really has me mad about it is the fact that SFI now has 8 coasters from a park they just shutdown that could be sent to other parks...8 other parks could be looking at new to them coasters for 06 or 07 & what do they do instead? sell them to outside parks or trash them alltogether & I'm just no longer gonna support a company that neglects to add rides fairly & evenly to their parks any further.

I have absolutely no interest in any more waterpark related stuff such as what SFA added this year & plans to do either next year or in 07 (according to planning board documents found online) & am tired of patiently waiting for another coaster to be built when it is clear they have no interest in doing so for the park anymore.

Sorry but I just had to rant on this issue because it clearly is a poor business strategy for them,in order to make money they must first spend it on what guests want.

[alpengeist04]

I can't argue with one word in your post, SFA PKD Fan. Thank the lord that there's plenty of different parks to choose from. With that said, even if I don't agree with what SFI is doing, I'm not going to punish myself by not going to some of their parks.

[SFA PKD Fan]

Originally posted by alpengeist04
I can't argue with one word in your post, SFA PKD Fan. Thank the lord that there's plenty of different parks to choose from. With that said, even if I don't agree with what SFI is doing, I'm not going to punish myself by not going to some of their parks.

Well I'm just not gonna tolerate my local SF park being left out anymore so until there's a change in management or business strategy I'm simply not going to patronize the park anymore & will just continue visiting PKD instead as they're the next closest park & at least they take the time to actually add the rides the guests prefer to see instead of playing favorites.

Honestly SFI should sell the company consisting of only the pre-99 parks & then go back to the premier parks name running the remaining parks as they were before premier aqquired SF from time warner or whoever it was that sold the chain to them,that way SF parks can get back to their pre-premier ownership quality & Burke & co. will still keep their jobs in the industry of running the original parks they had before becoming SFI.....I'd much prefer the old Adventure World to the current SFA any time.

[Squid2]

Just as a minor point... when Time Warner owned SFI, they deliberately shortchanged several parks so that the cost of their lease would be less. One of these parks was SFoG. The real owners of SFoG sued TW, the case went to the Supreme Court, and TW lost to the tune of $450 million. A large portion of that money was earmarked for development of SFoG. Therefore, putting SFoG on that list is, IMHO, unfair to the park.

Squid2

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM NOVEMBER 10th:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/111005a.jpg

[SnooSnoo]

^^ BTW beck, everytime I see your name, I think your talking to me. My names Marcus.. lol

[SFA PKD Fan]

Originally posted by Squid2
Just as a minor point... when Time Warner owned SFI, they deliberately shortchanged several parks so that the cost of their lease would be less. One of these parks was SFoG. The real owners of SFoG sued TW, the case went to the Supreme Court, and TW lost to the tune of $450 million. A large portion of that money was earmarked for development of SFoG. Therefore, putting SFoG on that list is, IMHO, unfair to the park.

Squid2

True to an extent.IIRC TW was sued by the partnerships that actually own SFOT & SFOG because they withheld cap ex deliberately in an effort to reduce park values at these locations.

That is probably what led to the 1998 sale of SF to premier parks to begin with....SFOG & SFOT are required to recieve 6% of total SFI revenue each year but it doesn't equate to new rides each year as some may assume.

Premier management has employed a terrible strategy that has failed because they in effect tried to do what they did prior to becoming SFI by buying underperforming parks & flagging them with huge cap ex projects,that strategy paid off in the days before they bought SF from TW but it hasn't in recent years because they over expanded too big,too soon & now don't have the money needed for cap ex,in 01 cap ex was 300 million & paid for 18 coasters chainwide,by 02 they cut it to 125 million & that has stayed pretty much the norm since then & it's simply not enough funding to cover all the parks.

The profits made by the 3 or 4 parks that get new rides per season are not enough to offset the losses incurred by the parks that aren't getting new rides as frequently as they did in 99/00/01 & the locals do notice it....to them SF made a promise when they took over the parks but it's a promise to improve the parks that they havn't kept as of lately.

For example when AW became SFA the park filed a list of 7 or 8 proposed rides to the planning board for construction approval & so far only 3 have been built,superman,batwing & blizzard river....where are the remaining rides on that list that SF promised they'd build? simple they're too busy spending all the money on coasters for SFGRADV,SFMM & SFGRAM & hence there's no money left afterward for rides for SFA or any of the smaller parks.

[beck2003]

^^ BTW beck, everytime I see your name, I think your talking to me. My names Marcus.. lol

Haha! Nope! My Marcus and I have been together since March. Funny, but I did'nt go with him to any theme park this year....in fact, i did not ride a single roller coaster at all! With...draw...al......

[alpengeist04]

Originally posted by beck2003
Funny, but I did'nt go with him to any theme park this year....in fact, i did not ride a single roller coaster at all! With...draw...al......

I think that will change next year.;)

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM NOVEMBER 11th:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/111105c.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/111105b.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/111105a.jpg

[lewis31lewis52]

Originally posted by SFA PKD Fan
Well I'm just not gonna tolerate my local SF park being left out anymore so until there's a change in management or business strategy I'm simply not going to patronize the park anymore...

Well thats just great.

SFA won't be getting anymore coasters for a while because the market doesn't need it. They're not going to waste money on a coaster that won't be large of a draw in the first place.

And to whoever said the layout reminds him of MF, what exactly are you talking about? The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the layout was Nitro, not MF.

[SnooSnoo]

Lewis, I said the lift looks like MF. The layout has no connection. The Angle of Ascent is the only thing i'm lookin at.

[IEATPASTE001]

Yeah if it was a 45 degree angle is would look more like it too. ;)

[lewis31lewis52]

Not you SnooSnoo, I was talking about Stazz.

[SFA PKD Fan]

Originally posted by lewis31lewis52
Well thats just great.

SFA won't be getting anymore coasters for a while because the market doesn't need it. They're not going to waste money on a coaster that won't be large of a draw in the first place.

And to whoever said the layout reminds him of MF, what exactly are you talking about? The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the layout was Nitro, not MF.

Well if the market doesn't need it then can you explain why PKD got two coasters (one in 02 & another for 06) when they're within the same market?.

The park will do what it needs to do in order to keep up attendance & going six years without a new coaster has indeed caused the parks attendance to drop over the last two years....especially when both HP & PKD are actually adding new coasters every couple of years that draw even more of the locals away from SFA.

Another interesting thing to point out is that teens are a bit different than in the past.Ten-15 years ago when a new coaster was added to a park the teen crowd wasn't simply dropped off at the park by their parents like they are today so the rides were every bit as important to drawing in the family as well because no parent back then would allow their teenage kid to run rampant through the park on their own.

[stazz]

Originally posted by lewis31lewis52
Well thats just great.

SFA won't be getting anymore coasters for a while because the market doesn't need it. They're not going to waste money on a coaster that won't be large of a draw in the first place.

And to whoever said the layout reminds him of MF, what exactly are you talking about? The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the layout was Nitro, not MF.
i said mf cuz thats the 1st out and back sit down ride that came in my head, plus the layout did kind of remind me of it

[SFOT Rocks]

This coaster reminds me of Titan,and Goliath at SFMM,exept it doesnt have a tunnel and complex support system and gee it even has the name Goliath, and same color schemes as Titan and Goliath... Six Flags is running out of originality , and this goes for all of the six flags parks!

[beck2003]

This coaster reminds me of Titan,and Goliath at SFMM,exept it doesnt have a tunnel and complex support system and gee it even has the name Goliath, and same color schemes as Titan and Goliath... Six Flags is running out of originality , and this goes for all of the six flags parks!

WOW! There are only two things this GOLIATH has in common with SFMM's Goliath...that is the color scheme and the name. Titan is a clone of Goliath at SFMM. This Goliath is custom built for the park, and has many unique elements all to itself including a larger drop on the second hill than the first, no trim breaks or mid-course breaks, the coaster travels over traffic, and to set it apart even more from SFMM's Goliath and SFoT's Titan, it's not even produced by the same manufacturer! Running out of originality of names? Yea probably, but Six Flags still has produced many awesome custom coasters over the years. Six flags may not be that popular but they still deserve credit for some of their things!

[stazz]

ahh wait is goliath a recreation of titan at sfot cuz if it is AWSM! that was my fav. ride when i lived ther

[gigafreak30]

if i am not mistaken, there will be 2 goliaths this year, there is 1 ex goliath. (Walibi world.), and there is the gondiva one, and titian, which is a clone of goliath. 1 of them is an intamin megacoaster desigened by stengel (correct my spelling if nessicary.)

[alpengeist04]

Thanks, Beck2003. You saved me the time of typing the info about the Goliath coasters.;)

[beck2003]

OK! It is now time to officially clear things up, because some people do no tknow their facts, and i'm tired of hearing people say the same things over and over again.

GOLIATH AT SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN
Operating since: 2/11/2000
Manufactured by: Giolanola
Length: 4500'
Height: 235'
Drop: 255'
Speed: 85mph

http://www.rcdb.com/ig615.htm?picture=7

TITAN AT SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS
Operating since: 4/27/2001
Manufactured by: Giovanola
Length: 5312'
Height: 245'
Drop: 255'
Speed: 85mph

http://www.rcdb.com/ig742.htm?picture=1

GOLIATH AT SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA
Under-Construction
Manufactured by: B&M
Length: 4480'
Height: 200'
Drop: 175'
Speed: 70mph

[IEATPASTE001]

Isn't La Ronde getting a Goliath too? Not a clone, but one named Goliath as well?

[beck2003]

Yes, La Ronde is gettting a GOLIATH with the same colors as the one at SFoG and SFMM. It is not a clone.

[IEATPASTE001]

Year of the Goliath.

[stazz]

how bout some more cunstroction pics plz

[beck2003]

i am waiting on some new stuff. i've been checking SFoG's web site hourly for new pics, but they haven't posted anything since they topped GOLIATH off. when they do post, it's usually like at 5p.m. when work day is over. if anyone finds anything new, feel free to post!

[beck2003]

ok, so i just drove by the park today to see if there were any new developments since they topped off GOLIATH and...it didn't look like to much has happened since. I noticed that there were workers at the top of the coaster welding. i think they have been working on chain lift, and the railing going up the lift. i also noticed a lot of workers working around the bottom of where the second hill will be beside the pond....although i do not know what they were doing. it looks like all of the cement foundations are laid on the island outside the park where the helix will be. unless there has been more work on the station area that i could not see, there is nothing else to report. i will be passing by the park thanksgiving day, hopefully the park will be empty and i can get a closer look. until then.....

ALSO, i have to say that when i was driving to the park from I-20 west, i was stunned to see how much the coaster towers over the park...it's HUGE!!!! it really has changed the skyline of that area as the dominate feature. can't wait!!!

[okinawaboy11]

Originally posted by beck2003
Yes, La Ronde is gettting a GOLIATH with the same colors as the one at SFoG and SFMM. It is not a clone.

Wrong

Goliath at LaRonde is getting Superman Colors

[beck2003]

my bad. jeeze some people are out for blood these days :rolleyes:

[gigafreak30]

by the way. When counting goliaths, you missed one. Walibiworld, (Sixflags belgum.) (or holland or whatever.) has a megacoaster named goliath, made by intamin. Still a goliath, however out of the sixflags ones

[beck2003]

Aight! I will be driving by the park again today...this time with my camera, so look for new construction pics soon! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM DECEMBER 9TH

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/112205a.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/120905a.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/120905b.jpg

[okinawaboy11]

Wow they're fast.

[beck2003]

::CORRECTION:: The first photo was taken on November 22nd I believe. It was posted along with the most recent photos showing the completed first drop.

[SnooSnoo]

K, I might have to go visit auntie in Atlanta to go ride this puppy.

[beck2003]

I can't say for sure, but is that like netting directly under the track of the drop? Guess it makes sense the ride is traveling over paths. Never seen that before. Im wondering if it will take away from the experience....

[SFOT Rocks]

I think it is netting.. yeah it does make sense since it is traveling over people, and if something like a bottle were to fly off of it that would kinda hurt.. lol

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO(S) AS OF DECEMBER 19th:

http://www.rcdb.com/ig3290.htm?picture=19

This photo was pulled from parktrips.com, however their site is under construction and I cannot view the other pictures taken that day. As soon as they are up I will post them!

[Matandmel05]

I'm so glad I only live 25 mins. from the park.

[ThaSchwab]

goliath is so big, there's an american flag at the top of the lift hill!! :haha: :haha:

[beck2003]

Did'nt they put an American Flag on top of TTD when it was topped? I guess you're being sarcastic nolimitswhen you say it's so big. It is a big deal for this park.

p.s. I don't understand your sig nolimits...?

[Virtuosity]

OMG sweet! I live in GA, this is the first I've heard of Goliath. Can't wait to try it!

[ThaSchwab]

@beck2003: there was an incident at my school. see, we have this stocking order thingy every thanksgiving (a little early). there was this girl who found a piece of coal in her stocking; someone told her it was black bubble gum. she ate it. she ran around asking teachers about it, when she noticed it was coal. she freaked out when she was told it was toxic. SHE, UNFORTUNATELY, DIED OF COAL POISONING......................j/k. shes fine now

[beck2003]

:confused: ...did i miss something? cause i either missed something, or that was the most off the wall, random post i have ever seen.

[ThaSchwab]

u were the one who asked me about my signature....

[ALiEN_SK]

Goliath is good, but not great. Its about average size but shouldnt b named Goliath for only a height of 60m or so. Im sorry for saying that its only because im from Australia :D

Thats my point, i have been 2 "America" about 5 or 6 times and been 2 a few of ur theme parks. Because i dont live in QLD (Queensland if u dont know what it is), i still have 2 fly 2 get 2 theme parks but i may aswell fly 2 QLD 2 go to Dreamworld or Movie World or somewhere like that. So, i wont be going on this ride, I have to admit though, some of ur rides America, are the best in the world, you have more record breaking rides than any otha place, i think. We had one, the Tower of Terror (fastest and tallest in world), which is 120m (395ft) tall. Then you brought out that Superman: The Escape, which is an exact clone of it, except with 2 tracks. So that made us even 1st with it. Then cam TTD and KingdaKa and so on... BUT, We sill have a record braking one. The Giant Drop. Its 122m and is the tallest Vertical Freefall Drop Ride in the world. But thats still only one. O, and we have another one for constuction of a ride or sumthin, coz the Giant Drop and Tower of Terror are on the same tower.

Getting back on subject. It looks like a good ride, i wont b going on it unless i go 2 that park which i probli wont, so anyway enjoy ur ride!!!

[beck2003]

nolimits: you must have changed your sig, because i was asking about the other one.

Alien: i am perfectly aware that Six Flags over Georgia's new coaster Goliath is'nt going to have any record breaking qualities...but it will be the biggest attraction at the park which is why a lot of people are so excited about it. We Americans have always had a passion the past times, thats why there are so many amusement parks, and naturally people are always looking for bigger and better rides. the U.S. host most all of the most well known parks in the world, so it's no suprise that we are usually the first to jump at installing a proto-type ride, that no other park would dare risking. Goliath at SFoG, in my opinion, is going to be probably one of the better of the B&M hypers, simply because (so far) there are no trim breaks (which all if not most have) the second drop is larger than the first, it'll have many exciting elements such as soaring over all of the traffic that flows into the main parking lot, and since it's a custom ride, they utilized the terrain instead of plopping a coaster over old un-used parking lot (which is something SFI is known for) its going to be an amazing ride in my opinion, and for the park it is a "Goliath" of an ordeal! :D

[littlelolligagged]

I have to admit that I think the thought of zooming over I-20 will be awesome. I'm sure my my daughter will be under the height limit on it though. Maybe I can convince someone else to come along with us one time so I can ride Goliath.

beck2003: I really want to see Brokeback Mountain. I do wish it didn't involve cowboys but normal gay men, but I guess it won't kill me to admit to watching one Western.

[AceHawkX]

this coaster looks awesome, i'm glad i live 40 minutes away (25minutes with a heavy foot). I'll ride this thing so much when it opens. My dad gets those gold Q-bots cause his company works with six flags(writes the cash register programs... exciting eh?), so no lines :D

[ThaSchwab]

@ beck2003: my tom hanks one??

@ lilloligagged: a movie about gay cowboys?? sounds like elton john and that canadian guy......

[beck2003]

lillolli: i have to say there is no such thing as "normal gay guys" lol, we are all so different in many ways...sorta like how us white folk have red-necks, metro's ect ect. Brokeback Mountain really is a great movie despite who you are, or your beliefs. i'm not sure by how clear you are of the plot, but it's not a cowboy and indian, shoot-em-up type of western film that we are so familiar with when we hear the phrase "western movie". the film goes over a period of 25 years beginning in the 1960's. they live(d) in a time where homosexuality was socially un-acceptable, and in Wyoming it was just un-heard of with deadly consequences. Heath Leger (the Brothers Grim) and Jake Gyllenhal (The Day After Tomorrow) fall in love, but since they cant be together, they go on to hide from their true selves getting married, having children and living the American version of a "normal" life. They are miserable, and live un-happy lives. it's a tragedy because it is a true situation. Both actors put their careers on the line to do this film. So far it is sweeping the board for awards and has 7 oscar nominations including "Best Picture". Love is love no matter who you are. What kind of world do we want to live in if it is not driven by love.

[littlelolligagged]

Love is love no matter who you are. What kind of world do we want to live in if it is not driven by love.
My wife and I would have to agree with you about that. ;)

This sounds like a horribly depressing movie though.

[SnooSnoo]

And back to Goliath.....


Just because a ride isn't a record breaker doesn't mean it won't be good. Magnum XL is still in the Top 10 in most people's coaster lists, and its barley 200ft tall. Remember kids, its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog. (something like that...lol)

[beck2003]

oh-i have no doubt that Goliath will be one of the best B&M Hypers to date! i went by the park today since no one would be there on christmas day and i got some great photos. however i do not know how to post them straight from my photo albums on my computer to this forum. any advice? i think one of the more exciting elements of the ride is going to be the second hill, simply because between the bottom of the first hill and the top of the secondm there is a significant elevation drop, suddenly youre way high up again, only this time soaring over traffic! also they hardly took out ant trees or anything to make the coaster...it's custom to the 10th degree! CANT WAIT! :punk:

lillolli: it's not horribly depressing...just sad

[ALiEN_SK]

Did i ever say anything about this coaster to do with record braking? I think not. I just said about aussies coasters that were record braking. READ IT BETTER NEXT TIME FREAK. Anyway, i neva said it was going to b a bad ride. All i said about this coaster was that it isnt very big and shouldnt b called Goliath. SO DONT ASSUME THAT I SAID ANYTHING LIKE THAT OK. I'm not going on it coz i dont live in America and u can get all excited over ur rollercoaster if u wish but im not coz i dont care. I only care if it happens in Australia. OK THATS ALL I SAID. And the reason that u americans take pride in ur rollercoasters and theme parks and only kno about ur own theme parks is bcoz ur not taught ABOUT ANYTHING THATS OUTSIDE UR COUNTRY. Ive told this story b4 and i'll tell it again. AUSTRALIANS DID A SURVEY IN UR COUNTRY 2 ASK WHERE THE IRAQI WAR WAS HAPPENING AND THEY POINTED 2 AUSTRALIA. U STUPID, STUPID PPL.

[ALiEN_SK]

lillolligagged, u r a poor, sick person. Ur married and u have a daughter yet ur talking on forums about games and rollercoasters. wot a f***in freak.

[littlelolligagged]

lillolligagged, u r a poor, sick person. Ur married and u have a daughter yet ur talking on forums about games and rollercoasters. wot a f***in freak.
Why shouldn't I be on a forum talking about roller coasters? Are married adults with carreers not allowed to play games to relax and enjoy themselves?
Get a life of your own before you try to insult mine. :grrrrr:

[beck2003]

Alein: listen, i was not trying to be mean or put words in your mouth at all...the "not having any record breaking qualities" was all me. i wasnt trying to be mean to you at all. im sorry if it came off sounding different to you but i really meant nothing by it. i have never attacked you or your country/heritage, and i have no intention to ever do so...because you are right, i do not know a lot about what is outside of my country...but that does not mean i automatically have hate for other places or disrespect for other cultures. i think it was rude for you calling me a freak, because you do not know me more than i know you, and i never did anything to offend you, and i had no intention to. like i said, if i did, i apologize i meant no harm at all.

[k_peek_2000]

okay soo I dont get this. What is soo special that makes this Goliath better than the Goliath at SFMM?

[beck2003]

all i have said that SFoG's Goliath is probably going to be one of the better B&M Hypers out there

[littlelolligagged]

It's going to be an absolutely fantastic coaster for a park like SFoG. Here in the south, we don't have heaps of good parks we can get to in a couple of hours. SFoG isn't the greatest park I have ever been to, but we do have some fantastic coasters.

I may never get over them getting rid of the Great Gasp though. One of my earliest memories is riding that with my dad and big brother. My brother squealed like a girl, and my dad said that was why girls were cooler than boys. :haha:

[SnooSnoo]

Alien: You just need to shut up, period. You have no clue what ur talking about. You direct attacks at other people on the basis of what? And, if you say you don't care, why are you even POSTING on this thread?

In case you forgot, mate, what is the percentage of coasters in North America compared to the rest of the world?? How many record breakers, besides the defunct SD2000, have been outside of the United States? We have the best sampling of everything in the world, so we have the right to be proud and talk about something new and exciting. If you still seem to have a problem and continue to bother the rest of this forum with ur narrow-minded, unintelligent opinions, I suggest you leave and don't come back.

And what the HELL does age have to do with posting?? This is a forum, open to everybody. The age range for RCT isn't 10-20, so shut ur trap. You, apparently, are the very stupid, stupid person.

[beck2003]

lol! on that note snoosnoo, Aliens comments totally just came out from left field and completly caught me by suprise! plus reading back over what i wrote i just do not understand what kind of ammo he got out of what i said...i totally feel that what i said was 100% harmless. and what he said to lillolli was absoutely rude and un-called for especially since he said nothing to Alien. not to be rude, and i could be wrong, but since he says that americans know nothing about other peoples countires...thats clearly manufactured because i have always hear of the "aussie temper" and i guess his outburst was a perfect example of that. i guess living in america im not so as mis-informed as Alien thinks! then again i could be wrong, and Alien could be a bad example, just like every country has their bad examples. that doesnt mean i am going to assume that all australians are like that...then that would be concidered being arrogant. lol sorry :heart:

[beck2003]

Ok everyone! Here are some new construction photos just in!!!! This is from Six Flags over Georgia's web site...and their pics always turn out better than mine! I've been by the park several times and I must say, this coaster is even monsterous in person! Can't wait!!!

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705f.jpg
Panoramic View

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705d.jpg
Patriotic View

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705e.jpg
Forward View

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705c.jpg
Right View

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705b.jpg
Left View

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/122705a.jpg
Reverse View

[AceHawkX]

awesome. Thanks a lot beck.

It's crazy how much it belittles the loop of the georgia scorcher which isn't even that little.

[beck2003]

:up: lol, i know it just blows my mind how much it just towers over the whole park like The Great Gasp did! i think it's a great substitute! the coaster will look even better in the spring and summer when all of the trees are in bloom. i love how little batman look sthere in the distance on the r"Right View" and how you can see the Atlanta skyline like you could with the Great Gasp....if you look hard enough you can see my school (Savannah College of Art and Design) off in the distance! (it's in mid-town Atlanta off of the famous Peachtree Street) :D

[AceHawkX]

oh wow. I didn't even realize those were views from the top of goliath. It certainly does tower over the entire park. And that 1st drop looks so fun. I can't wait till it opens.

[beck2003]

yay! i'm so happy. this coaster is long over-due! they may have half-assed the name and color scheme, but this coaster is simply 100% unique and custom to the "T"! it's gonna be one exciting ride...especially that second drop, screaching over Six Flags Drive, and the pond with the waterfall right near by! AWESOME!

[littlelolligagged]

Ooooo it's looking great!!!!

Oh, and just for the record, I'm not a he. ;)

[beck2003]

lol! my mistake! i apologize pal!

[alpengeist04]

Once again, thanks for the update, beck2003. This coaster is looking better and better by the moment.:up:

[k_peek_2000]

Shouldn't somebody do somthing like this for tatsu?

[beck2003]

i think someone did, but they really have not been updating it that much. i constantly check for new pics from various web sites several times a day. also im really excited about this coaster since it is the biggest thing to happen to this park ever!

[SnooSnoo]

No1 cares about Tatsu :)

[alpengeist04]

No1 cares about Tatsu :)

:haha:

There are thread updates for Tatsu, Goliath, The Voyage, and El Toro. It just seems like there are more updates for Goliath.

[beck2003]

well in my opinion Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Great Adventure has had it's time to shine in the past. Goliath at Six Flags over Georgia is the biggest thing to happen at the park since the parks opening. that's why it is such a big deal to me. plus there are no major coasters like this one in the south. it has so many unique qualities it just stands out compared to most of the coasters that are being built for 2006. i have no doubt that the Voyage, El Toro, and Tatsu are going to be great coasters. i guess the reason i have been so determined to keep this thread updated is because i want there to be plenty of focus and excitement on the south right now. and i just want everyone to understand what a big deal this is for us!

[AceHawkX]

Nooby question: Will Goliath be open on the opening day of six flags in 2006?

[beck2003]

i don't know if they will hit April 1st dead on....but in the past they have been consistant on opening attractions fairly on time with a few exceptions...based on the progress they are making, i think it'll be close! i think the main obsatcle in the construction of Goliath is over...now as long as the weather is permitting, it'll be smooth sailing.

edit: just re-read your post. it will not be open on opening day 2006. the parks season begins towards the beginning of march. Goliath is scheduled to open April 1st.

[AceHawkX]

ok, thanks a lot.

I'll probably go to SFoG over spring break then. That's early April. Goliath will be uber mega crowded but from what i see it will be worth waiting in a long line for.

[beck2003]

yeah, Goliaths lines are totally going to be packed full. traveling I-20 West it's downhill, all you notice is Goliath, and it's the same traveling East. the coaster clearly dominates the sky-line, and driving into the park, it's all you really notice...especially since it travels over the main driveway to the parking lot. i feel sorry for the Scorcher....it used to be the eye-catcher when entering the park...now its going to be completely over-looked. oh-well!

[AceHawkX]

Don't feel sorry for scorcher it's scorchers fault for being a sub par standup coaster. :nono:

[beck2003]

true....i still like it though; short, sweet, packs a punch. now that Goliath is under-way...i think it's time us SFoG regulars start campaigning what we think the next coaster should be...i'm thinking an awesome custom wooden twister. lol, just kidding...gotta stay focused on whats been given to us! :D

[AceHawkX]

The scorcher is good, and i like it a lot, but i really think they could have done more. I mean look at SFKK. http://rcdb.com/ig275.htm?picture=3

I think we really need some 300ft dueling giga coasters :p

[k_peek_2000]

No1 cares about Tatsu :)
And thats coming from sombody who thinks top thrill is americans best coaster.

[SnooSnoo]

Called a joke kids? You know, those things that no one should take seriously?? Come on guys, if you can't tell that is a joke...wow...

And thats coming from sombody who thinks top thrill is americans best coaster.

Unintelligence has run rampant in this forum!! Because I have TTD as #1 means its the best in the US?? NO WAY!! I'm POSITIVE there are better out there. I have yet to ride many rides, most of which I'd probebly put over TTD. So, before you generalize your knowledge over a list you don't even understand, I suggest you learn your facts first. And... learn to take a joke, alright hunny??? :) <---means joke


I'll be visiting HW, BGW, Hershey, and a few in Florida next season, i'm sure the list will be changed. (Alpengiest will never beat Raptor :))

[Harpo]

Coming from a rather old post in this thread (I was out of town for the holidays, so I just read it), here's an FYI about flags at the top of the ride...

When steel workers in the U.S. are erecting steel structures, whether buildings or coasters or something else, it's tradition to attach the American flag when installing the top piece of steel. I found a press release for a building that provided this brief explanation:

"Topping out is an iron workers tradition in which an evergreen tree and/or an American flag is hoisted to the top of the structure— along with the final, uppermost steel beam — to signal that the structure has reached its height. It is believed that this custom goes back to the days of Vikings. Why an evergreen tree? In some cases, it symbolizes that the building went up without a loss of life. For others, it’s a good luck charm for future occupants. Many believe the American flag was chosen to symbolize patriotism and the American dream."

[littlelolligagged]

Coming from a rather old post in this thread (I was out of town for the holidays, so I just read it), here's an FYI about flags at the top of the ride...

When steel workers in the U.S. are erecting steel structures, whether buildings or coasters or something else, it's tradition to attach the American flag when installing the top piece of steel. I found a press release for a building that provided this brief explanation:
<snip>
That's really interesting. I had no idea.

[Kadillac]

Well to all, Goliath at SFoG looks pretty lame...up and down...turn...up and down...blah, blah, blah. Good airtime probably, but that's it.

[ALiEN_SK]

Ok everyone that i said stuff about (basically americans). I am sorry for doing so. Um... Yea so im sorry for sayin all the stuff, sorry 2 beck2003 and lillolligagged especially. Sorry ppls wont do it again didnt wanna b mean or anythin. :cry:

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM JANUARY 3rd:

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/010306a.jpg

Looking good ladies and gentlemen!


Kadillac: i kinda feel that lame could be a little harsh....cause i can think of many batter ways a ride could be lame! :D

[live_the_thrill]

Boy, that was quick! The first half of the layout reminds me of "Silver Star" in Europe. Nice to see another hyper coaster from B&M, and not another boring clone.

BTW I didn't realise how small Georgia Scorcher is compared to it, I guess it has earned the rank of Goliath!

[AceHawkX]

goliath looks awesome...again

Do you have any pictures of the trains or what they will look like?

[Matandmel05]

Well to all, Goliath at SFoG looks pretty lame...up and down...turn...up and down...blah, blah, blah. Good airtime probably, but that's it.

Well, atleast we're getting a new hyper. For Georgians it's a big deal. The last few coasters they've built have been small.

[IEATPASTE001]

Well to all, Goliath at SFoG looks pretty lame...up and down...turn...up and down...blah, blah, blah. Good airtime probably, but that's it.


Do you enjoy being a troll?

[ALiEN_SK]

Fine, noone accept my apology 2 wot i said earlier...

[Eric]

Do you have any pictures of the trains or what they will look like?
They'll look like normal bm mega trains, if you don't know what normal bm mega trains look like, here's a pic
http://img290.imageshack.us/img290/2633/bmmega2pw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[AceHawkX]

that's a lot man. Looks like a good comfortable train.

[alpengeist04]

You could fall asleep in those seats.;)

[AceHawkX]

I found some photos of the trains on the SFoG website. They used some fancy editing to put people on the trains.

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/GOLIATH04.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/GOLIATH01.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/GOLIATH02.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/GOLIATH03.jpg

[BorisTheFish]

I found some photos of the trains on the SFoG website. They used some fancy editing to put people on the trains.

iirc those picture are just of a recoloured Nitro

[lee2by4]

Looks Nasty!

[petercotijr]

I found some photos of the trains on the SFoG website. They used some fancy editing to put people on the trains.


Isent it that weird eruapian so called "scarry website"

[petercotijr]

I found some photos of the trains on the SFoG website. They used some fancy editing to put people on the trains.


Isent it that weird eruapian so called "scarry website":weird:

[AceHawkX]

what the heck are you talking about?

[alpengeist04]

Is it me or is the front of the train the only thing recolored? It looks like it's still Nitro's color scheme for the seats and restraints.:confused:

[BorisTheFish]

Is it me or is the front of the train the only thing recolored? It looks like it's still Nitro's color scheme for the seats and restraints.:confused:
lol another SF half-ass job

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM JANUARY 6th AND 7th

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/010606b.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/010706a.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/010606a.jpg

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/010606c.jpg

[SnooSnoo]

Looking pretty gravy.

[alpengeist04]

This coaster should be very good, as long as they don't trim it to death.;)

[Squid2]

I don't think they're going to trim it to death. (Hi, everyone! LTNS!) But it does look like it's on track for an April 1st opening date. Just think... under 12 weeks to go!

I'll be there opening day, anyone else going to be there?

Squid2

[AceHawkX]

i'll be there within a month of opening. Maybe if i get a weekday off i can try miss the crowds and go.

What trimming? (noob question :noob: )

[BorisTheFish]

i'll be there within a month of opening. Maybe if i get a weekday off i can try miss the crowds and go.

What trimming? (noob question :noob: )
trim brakes, basically put at various points along a coasters route to slow it down, often to piss off the riders who like airtime....

[Squid2]

trim brakes, basically put at various points along a coasters route to slow it down, often to piss off the riders who like airtime....

:p Please note the heavy sarcasm in the above post.

The real reason that parks put in trim brakes usually has to do with maintenance. They're usually put in to slow a coaster down so that it generates less wear and tear on the structures and trains. The other main reason is rider complaints... areas of the coaster that are just too rough, fast, etc.

Both of these reasons generally tick off your fans, hence the above post.

Squid2

[alpengeist04]

Yes, trim brakes are a bad word, but I understand why parks put them on their coasters. I just wish they didn't abuse them.

BTW, good to see you back, Squid.

[Squid2]

It's good to be back. Let's see... over the past two months, I've hit Disney World, BGT, and found a fiancee! (editor's note: NOT in priority order! Squidette) I even met her in Orlando, at Animal Kingdom no less. She's a sweetie, and I love her very, very much.

Anyway, we're planning on being at SFoG for opening day of Goliath around 8 am or so, maybe even earlier. I want first ride, front row!

Squid2 & Squidette

[alpengeist04]

It's good to be back. Let's see... over the past two months, I've hit Disney World, BGT, and found a fiancee! (editor's note: NOT in priority order! Squidette)

Squid2 & Squidette

True, I would've put BGTampa first. Just Kidding, congrats!:D

[beck2003]

hey guys. i found a good write-up from parktrips.com, might give some people a better understanding of why this coaster is going to be great for the park!

Interview with Jim Taylor

Recently I was able to interview Jim Taylor, the Press Relations Manager at Six flags Over Georgia. The topics The subject was of course Goliath, and we were able to discuss various aspects of the park's new GIANT, Goliath.

Since its such a big project, one has to wonder how long Goliath has been in the works. According to Mr. Taylor, Goliath has been an idea for many years. The park has dreamed of such an enormous star attraction for a while now, and Mr. Taylor said that last Fall is when the project really took off and molded into what Goliath is today. When asked where the plans originate and how much corporate plays a role, he said that the procedure is a cooperation between corporate and the park, noting that each side has expertise that they can share in hopes to get the best result.

When asked about potential attendance increases, Mr. Taylor commented that the plan to build huge roller coaster should be accompanied by a significant increase in attendance. He said that specifically teen males are going to be attracted to the ride the most, but that attendance from families will also be increased as a domino effect. Goliath will be marketed a little more towards the teens that previous projects such as Skull Island, though he did comment on how Skull Island was a surprise hit in the teen demographic as well.

The next question that arose regarded the choice of design firms. When asked if there was even any thought to choose another company, Mr. Taylor said that Bolliger & Mabillard was just the right choice for the project, given the terrain obstacles and limited time to work. He also noted how Goliath will be the park's 4th B&M roller coaster, tying it for most in the world.

As far as progress has been concerned, construction has been going excellent according to Mr. Taylor. Even with some poor weather recently, those days are accounted for in construction and Goliath is still doing fine as far as time goes. The project enlists the work of anywhere from 20-50 people. I asked Mr. Taylor what was one of the things that impressed him the most, and he stated that the materials were impressive all by themselves. A ride engineer had told him, for example, 2000 cubic yards of concrete are going to be used in the building of Goliath. The amount of rebar and other construction materials was equally astonishing, as the quantities on such a large coaster are really impressive.

Mr. Taylor also mentioned about getting a chance to ride Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure this summer, and getting to experience a B&M hypercoaster first-hand and get an idea of what was to come. He said that he found the ride to be very enjoyable and hopes that Goliath will better it, also noting that while it may not be as big it may be even more enjoyable. He made an analogy to Roller Coaster Tycoon regarding the placement of the similar rides, saying that you can build a roller coaster in a field and have an excitement rating of 5, but once you add trees and terrain and other things that excitement goes up. The same is expected to hold true with Goliath, which we hope will capitalize on its terrain and location to make it even better than Nitro.

Sidetracking a bit after Mr. Taylor commented how the top of the rails is exactly 200 feet off the ground, we discussed height restrictions in place at the park. Mr. Taylor did indeed mention that the park is under limitations by the Federal Aviation Administration and that they need to let them know when building high. Even the cranes are subject to such regulations, as they need temporary permits to operate, as he said their height can ready upwards of 230 feet.

The topic of name choice came up next, as Mr. Taylor said once again it's a cooperative relationship between the park and Six Flags corporate. Both sides come up with some potential names and then they eventually narrow it down to the "winner". The name Goliath was chosen for multiple reasons - it was said to have a high "bang for your buck" value, and it has been proven to be a successful name for other Six Flags parks.

We then discussed how the ride will fit into the USA section, and Mr. Taylor stated that the improvements to the section will be announced soon. He said that the plans are in place and that they are waiting on a way of not only making the announcement but to show us what it will look like, noting that some pretty significant changes will occur.

I then asked Mr. Taylor how the shuffling at the corporate level will affect the thrill seekers, and he said not to worry. He couldn't really add much of a comment to the subject, but he did say the park is business as usual. When asked about the park's upcoming 40th anniversary and if there were any plans in the works, Mr. Taylor responded with (what I would call) and enthusiastic "oh yea!".

That bit of unknown was a fitting way to end such an interview in my mind, and I hope you are now even more so excited about Goliath. The ride is scheduled to open on April 1, 2006. You can find out more about the ride at SixFlags.com, which is also where you can purchase daily tickets and season passes. Be sure to also check the official construction updates from the park itself. I'd like to thank Mr. Taylor and Six Flags Over Georgia for this wonderful interview, and of course thank everyone who has visited the site and enjoyed the sights of what is to come.

[petercotijr]

No dubble posting.

[beck2003]

Here is another Construction Photo, that sort of puts things at a better perspective...almost to the helix!!!

http://www.rcdb.com/ig3290.htm?picture=20

[AceHawkX]

yay. I don't see how RCDB has photos ahead of the six flags site, but i'm glad they do. :)

[beck2003]

okey-day. SFoG.com posted another construction photo on the 12th...however the link isnt working. so check back soon for another construction photo!

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/011206a.jpg

[Squid2]

Rcdb has photos before the official Six Flags Over Georgia site does because people, like me, send in photos they have taken and given permission for them to be put on the site. (Check out the interior photos of Blazing Fury at Dollywood... they were taken by me!)

Also note that due to where Goliath is being built, the general public can easily take pictures of the ride as it's being built from off property. Now, I'm not an expert on copywright law or anything like that, but I do suspect that if a structure can be seen by the general public from off property on ground level, you can't stop someone from taking a picture of it.

Squid2 & Squidette

[AceHawkX]

oh ok. I just thought Six Flags would be able to take a few pics per day. At least more than fan sites. I mean they are building it.

It's helix time..

[aoshi]

RCDB hires ninjas.;)

[IEATPASTE001]

Please, for the love of god and all that is holy, DON'T RESIZE THAT PIC! It is awesome!

[AceHawkX]

RCDB hires ninjas.;)

of course. *slaps head*

[Squid2]

Quick guess... that pic looks like it was taken from Acrophobia. And judging from the construction site, the demostrated ride layout, etc., you will be able to see the entire ride from that vantage point. Now that's a pic I want! And I agree, please make an exception to the resize rule for this one, particular picture.

And now, to start saving for a widescreen monitor.... *sigh*

Squid2 & Squidette

[beck2003]

this photo was indeed taken from a camera located on the top of Acrophobia. Goliath is such a handsome ride so-to-speak. it will look even better in the spring/summer when all of the trees have leaves on them.

in the article i posted not to long ago, the guy being interviewed mentioned that just like RCT, a coasters excitement rating increases when surrounded by trees and scenery. i totally believe that this will be the case with our Goliath.

[beck2003]

found some more construction photo's on parktrips.com!

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=18

[okinawaboy11]

Look's Sick

[SnooSnoo]

lol LOVE ur sig okiboy

[beck2003]

looking back at the good pic they took from Acrophobia...i am hoping that they are going to somehow re-do the ponds and streams to where they dont look so murky. also, comparing the construction to the video of Goliath...are they still going to have the pond that the coaster goes over just before entering the helix??? looking a the photo, it does get awefully close to the ground, i could'nt imagine them being able to add water back to the pond because in the summer it floods often in that area and it would be a problem with that spot.

[okinawaboy11]

lol LOVE ur sig okiboy

May I ask why and what part? :)

[AceHawkX]

yeah. I was thinking that too beck. Maybe they plan on doing some digging, but that might make the supports unstable. I don't really mind if there aren't ponds. I'd just like some nice grass or some sort of vegetation.

[beck2003]

yeah. I was thinking that too beck. Maybe they plan on doing some digging, but that might make the supports unstable. I don't really mind if there aren't ponds. I'd just like some nice grass or some sort of vegetation.


but looking at the video, the pond would make a great element. no matter what, i just do not want to see gravel or rocks. gah.

[-NGS-]

thats looking sweet. funny how it goes over like 5 other coasters.

[SnooSnoo]

We need more posters in the Amusement Park Industry Discussion go check it out!
I'm the straightest Gay you'll ever meet!

1st part funny
2nd part hilarious

[okinawaboy11]

Well DUH of course it is. What was I thinking.

[beck2003]

(oops I meant to delete this. how do u delete a post?)

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM JANUARY 19TH:

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=19

well...we have our first trim break it looks like...i'm kind of disapointed by this, however i'd rather have 1 trim break than a break section on the ride, because a break section would cause more of an negative effect than a trim break. i just wonder how this will effect the bunny hops leading back to the station.

the ride is still looking awesome though!!!!

[SnooSnoo]

Hope its just a fake break like on Raptor.

[beck2003]

^that's what i was thinking. i doubt it will make a noticable difference if anything. i'd would much rather it be there than on the first drop!

[alpengeist04]

The trim is probably for later on, once the coaster is broken in.

Example: I still believe Apollo's Chariot is running faster then in previous years, because it's finally broken in.

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO'S FROM JANUARY 24th

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=20

[alpengeist04]

Nice pics, the helix is coming along nicely.:)

[SnooSnoo]

That helix looks tight

[beck2003]

^i agree. i am getting so excited too! little more than 2 more months!!!

[AceHawkX]

that some major banking on that helix

[beck2003]

its such a tight bank too! man its going to feel awesome!

[SnooSnoo]

By tight, i ment sweet.. you know, that slang term?? :) But still, it does look tight, the G's are gonna be good.

[beck2003]

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO's FROM FEBRUARY 2nd:

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=21&p=1

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=21&p=2

[AceHawkX]

wow, almost at the horse-shoe!

[SnooSnoo]

Goliath is amazing. It looks like something i'd build on RCT. I hope I can get to ride it sometime soon.

[Squid2]

Hey, everyone, just let me know when you're planning on coming down, up, whatever, to ride Goliath, and I'll see whether Squidette and I can meet you at the park. We'll be there for opening day, April 1st. I can't wait to ride it, and when the park opens, I'll be taking my camera in and getting lots and lots of pics.

Squid2 & Squidette

[beck2003]

i guess i am going to be there on april first to ride...since i am the one who has kept everyone updated from day one basically, i should be expected to be there! we will just see how school is going then. I started at Savannah College of Art and Design not to long ago for Interior Architecture, and i have been working hard to stay on the Deans Lists. I really want to make it though on the 1st!

[beck2003]

sorry for the double post...

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO's FROM FEBRUARY 9th:

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=22

[Matandmel05]

Thanks for posting, beck. I was just looking for some updates last night.

This site has a lot of Goliath info:

http://www.sfog.net/forums/

Locals go down to the park every other day or so to snap pics and get updates.

[beck2003]

little more than two more months!!! :D

[SnooSnoo]

Looks like they are almost done with the 2nd hill past the Horseshoe. Almost done!!

[beck2003]

http://www.sfog.net/forums/index.php?topic=655.1110

[beck2003]

(sorry for the double post)

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO's FROM FEBRUARY 18th:

http://sfog.parktrips.com/update.cfm?id=23&p=1


gotta say, that dip going down over the road gets really really close to the street! looks like cars can barely fit under there!

[beck2003]

sorry for the double post...but as of February 26th, the track of GOLIATH is complete! check it out!

http://sfog.parktrips.com/february_photos/feb262006_6_l.JPG

http://sfog.parktrips.com/february_photos/feb262006_7_l.JPG

http://sfog.parktrips.com/february_photos/feb262006_8_l.JPG

http://sfog.parktrips.com/february_photos/feb262006_2_l.JPG

http://sfog.parktrips.com/february_photos/feb262006_3_l.JPG

[AceHawkX]

YAY!!! :hat:

[Spinout]

Wow, amazing!

[littlelolligagged]

Wooo! I can't wait to ride it!!!

[beck2003]

they are seriously making good time! i'm excited!

[Squid2]

Hey, beck, did you get your season pass processed on Sunday? Squidette and I did! We're also going to become ACE members so we can go to ACE Southeast Spring Fling at the park on April 22nd! ERT on Goliath, both in the morning and at night!

Squid2 & Squidette

[beck2003]

no. my birthday is tomorrow and i think im getting a pass from one of my friends.

[alpengeist04]

Congrats, on track completion.:up: Six Flag's Tatsu should be next, followed by El Toro.

Note: I'm only talking about SF coasters in the US.

[beck2003]

now that the track is done...i am really interested on how the station will look, and what the queue experience will be like. also....what are their planned improvements for the U.S.A. section of the park...?

[Squid2]

They're adding in a new sit down restaurant near Goliath, (where the Mcdonald's used to be, I think,) and DeeJay's Diner is getting a major makeover. Also, a bunch of the stores in the area are getting changed out... no more massage chairs, for example.

Squid2 & Squidette

[beck2003]

no more massage chairs???? noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! wow, just kidding.

[Joshua H]

Squid, we should plan on meeting at Six Flags on April 22nd! Any other ACE-ers on here going?

[beck2003]

inside the park photos

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/goliath030406/DSCF3680.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/goliath030406/DSCF3679.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/goliath030406/DSCF3654.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/goliath030406/DSCF3655.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/goliath030406/DSCF3672.jpg

[beck2003]

sorry for the double post, but this just in!

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/images/webcam/030606a.jpg

picture was taken on the 6th, an six flags web site says that the trains were put on that day also!!!

[Hemmy]

Next time i visit my family in Augusta im going

I went there about 4 yrs ago, it was a good park

[beck2003]

i'm getting really excited. i was looking at summer pics of six flags, and once all the trees have leaves it's going to be an amazing ride.

[gigafreak30]

those trains are so... so.. how shall I say Awsome!

[beck2003]

the time is ticking!!! only a few more weeks til' hotlanta gets a whole lot hotter!!!!!!!

[alpengeist04]

the time is ticking!!! only a few more weeks til' hotlanta gets a whole lot hotter!!!!!!!

Did you have to bump up your thread for this?:haha: :p

[beck2003]

i reserve the right too! :) i'm proud of my thread. it remains consistant and updated

[alpengeist04]

i reserve the right too! :) i'm proud of my thread. it remains consistant and updated

I hear ya. You definitely did a great job keeping us updated with construction pics.:up:

[beck2003]

http://coasterenthusiast.com/uploads/march_12/mar122006_11.JPG

http://coasterenthusiast.com/uploads/march_12/mar122006_3.JPG

http://coasterenthusiast.com/uploads/march_12/mar122006_35.JPG

[J3ff]

Ive ridden this ride at "Six Flags" Magic Mountain Very fun And the massive helix gives you so many butterflys.

[AceHawkX]

it's not the same ride. It has the same name but the layout is completely custom to SFoG

[Eric]

it's by a different company and has better trains

[okinawaboy11]

Yup ^ Yup. The track might look the same...but its really not :-O

[Matandmel05]

It's only the same color.

[beck2003]

well my only theory other than the obvious notion that its easier to clone names/colors/themes ect. because it makes less hassle during construction is that georgia is a red state, and anything biblical would be appealing to the conservativness of the area....even though atl (where i live) has been nicknamed "the blue island in a sea of red"

[Matandmel05]

I'm in Atlanta too and beck2003 speaks the truth...

[Small Print]

Looks similar to Nitro.

[beck2003]

here is some exclusive video of Goliath!!!!! enjoy!!!!!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20080&start=290

[littlelolligagged]

Very cool :)

[AceHawkX]

Wow! That was awesome. That helix is fast and the whole ride looks very smooth and well designed. And i love the roaring :)

[beck2003]

i heard that the B&M reps. rode it already and stated that it was "their smoothest design yet." also if you notice the top of each hill, it's not a traditional curve like we always see, it has more of a point....that means some sick air time!!!! (especially over the second hill)

[okinawaboy11]

Looks similar to Nitro.


:haha: Not even close to Nitro! :haha:

[AceHawkX]

well it's the same type of coaster as nitro and was inspired by nitro, but the layout is different.

[okinawaboy11]

This ride wasn't inspired by Nitro at all. Same type of coaster. Totally Different ride.

[AceHawkX]

actually the origonal idea for Goliath came from Nitro. I read it in an interview about Goliath.

[beck2003]

here are some pictures of Goliath in action along with some of the station/queue area. looking amazing!

http://www.sfog.net/forums/index.php?topic=655.1455

[okinawaboy11]

actually the origonal idea for Goliath came from Nitro. I read it in an interview about Goliath.

I'll belive it when I see the article. :p

[SnooSnoo]

Nice video in those forums beck. Goliath looks like a sweet coaster. Enjoy :)

[okinawaboy11]

I truely think this is going to be the best B&M Hyper out there. I love how the tops of the hills are different then any other, they are almost kinda point, compared to the normal round top hills on most hypers.

[alpengeist04]

I truely think this is going to be the best B&M Hyper out there.

After watching the video, you may be right okinawaboy. It may not have Apollo's great first drop, but I think it might have more overall air. Either way, SFOG has a good one on their hands.:up:

[beck2003]

without a doubt, the excitement level of this coaster is so high it will probably put most coasters to shame. there is no debating that Goliath will have some sick air time, smoothness, and speed. but during the ride you'll also have landscape elements such as ponds, waterfalls, trees, passing over traffic, scenery (atlanta skyline and the freeway) dramatic elevation changes, all while racing in and out of the park, over pathways, and over other attractions!!!! what coaster has all of that?!!!! i seriously believe that this coaster has the potential to be one of the greatest to date only becaue it fully utilizes (with the exception of inversions which is ok since were dealing with a hyper) pretty much all of the elements that makes a great and exciting coaster...great and exciting!!!

[SnooSnoo]

Not the best ever beck, but good. You haven't ridden it yet, so don't prejudge.

[beck2003]

i said it has the "potential"

[CedarPoint420]

This does :D http://www.cedarpoint.com/_upload/inside_the_park/rides/roller_coasters/millennium_force/construction/300feetstraightdown.jpg

You have tunnels, Lake Erie, it Goes over the midway a Road and its own island.

[okinawaboy11]

CedarPoint420, hate to burst your bubble, but I never really liked MF. and trust me there are a lot of people that can back me up. I thought it was far to short, and is WAY to over rated. I would much rather ride Raging Bull over MF, any day. It's an ok ride, but not the best out there.

I think that Goliath is going to be far better.

[alpengeist04]

This does :D http://www.cedarpoint.com/_upload/inside_the_park/rides/roller_coasters/millennium_force/construction/300feetstraightdown.jpg

You have tunnels, Lake Erie, it Goes over the midway a Road and its own island.

You can't compare B&M hypers to Intamin Mega/Giga coaster, there's no contest. All I have to say is S:ROS, MF, and EGF.:p

[SnooSnoo]

CedarPoint420, hate to burst your bubble, but I never really liked MF. and trust me there are a lot of people that can back me up. I thought it was far to short, and is WAY to over rated. I would much rather ride Raging Bull over MF, any day. It's an ok ride, but not the best out there.

I think that Goliath is going to be far better.

Well that is your personal opinion, so its not really bursting his bubble. He has his own favorites, as do you. Some people enjoy the pure speed and the thrill of the drop over what Goliath has to offer. I'm sure Goliath will be a fantastic ride, and as soon as I get a chance to ride it, I know it will crack my Top 10.

Remeber Okinawaboy, everyone has a right to his/her own opinion.

[Small Print]

And stop laughing at people.

[CedarPoint420]

He said what other coaster has these features and I was simply answering it.

[alpengeist04]

Don't worry about it CedarPoint420, I understood your reply.;)

BTW, hate to burst your bubble okinawaboy11, but your in the minority when it comes to Millennium Force.:)

[SnooSnoo]

And stop laughing at people. :haha:

[AceHawkX]

^^^somebody's a CP fanboy...

[okinawaboy11]

Well that is your personal opinion, so its not really bursting his bubble.

True True, I just like saying "Burst your bubble," it's fun :p:D

[BoRJoYZeE]

IMO i think MF is a great ride, as for this ride, it looks promising

[SnooSnoo]

^^^somebody's a CP fanboy...

OMG!!!! No Way!!!! You found my secret. I didn't think anybody would ever find that out. Next time I should hide it more so no one would notice.

[beck2003]

cedarpoint420: I have been on MF 3 times, and i thought it was a great ride. although the ride does have the elements you mentioned, the coaster is so ginormous that you really don't notice them if you know what i mean...at least from whjat i remember (with the exception of the tunnels) Goliath is going to dive down towards ponds and over the main road where all the traffic enters the park. unlike MF, it is going to be kinda hard to miss these elements since the coaster is so involved with them. it's like they totally just took a coaster and plopped it in the middle of the park without destroying anything. and i still defend my comment on what coaster fully utilizes all the elements i mentioned. MF may have had some of these, but riding it 3 times still did not burn the memory of those in my head immediatly. i think Golaith has the full package, and the elements make it part of the experience.

[lee2by4]

If anyone wants some footage of Goliath here it is:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8938511786196264663&q=Rollercoaster

[fathorse]

That's the one from SFMM, not SFoG. God it would help if Six Flags could come up with original names.

[beck2003]

^true. or at least pay attention to the title of the thread.

[beck2003]

sorry for the double post. here are some more construction pics of the station/queue area! looks awesome!

http://www.sfog.net/forums/index.php?topic=655.1545

[SFOT Rocks]

Station and queue looks awesome!

[Squid2]

Okay, guys and gals.... here's a quick report from Media Day.

Goliath at SFoG is incredible. The airtime is insane! I was counting 5 second airtimes going over the hills... per hill! You get airtime going into the helix, for crying out loud! I wasn't touching back into my seat, depending on which row I was in, until at least 3/4 of the way down the hill, and sometimes not until we were all the way at the bottom. The three bunnyhop hills heading back into the park pack quite a punch... maybe even being the most intense airtime and touchdowns I've experienced. And it's quiet... easily the quietest B&M, and the quietest major coaster I've ever heard. I was standing under it, with it rushing by no more than 40ft overhead, and I was thinking..."Did the train on Goliath just go by?" (The screams gave it away.)

There is a photo op, on the curve back into the station. It's directly over the maintenance shed, for those of you who know the park. It's just one camera and a really good strobe. The photobooth has two rows of nine screens... so they can show the two most recent trains at the same time. The photos are of excellent quality... nice, sharp images and exactly centered on the rows. Exit line is long, and both the Flashpass entrance and the normal entrance climb two sets of stairs. Wheelchair access is through the exit line.

It is deceptive... going over the lift hill, the first thing your eye connects is the crest of the next hill and it's hard to realize that's not another coaster; that's the coaster you're on! The 1st hill looks so far away from you. And then, only after you've crested the hill and realized it's too late, your eyes spot the bottom of the drop. It looks deeper than it really is. And if you're sitting in the 5th row or farther back, (there are 9 rows) you'll start to accelerate well before cresting the hill. I think the 9th row gets a little airtime on the lift hill, if you can believe it.

From farther back in the train, hitting the helix is a surprise. You're still feeling airtime when you hit the helix, so your body goes "Huh? I'm not supposed to be moving that way!" The helix maintains the same level of intensity throughout the element by making the diameter wider as the train travels through it. There's two headchopper effects in the helix, but you really need to sit on the left side of the trains to get it.

There's only one trim brake. It's at the bottom of the drop after the helix, and it's a variable trim brake... it only seems to engage if the train is traveling too fast. I heard it engage very softly once, and not at all a few times. And it never engaged in a jerky manner... no abrupt slowing down, just a bit of noticable drag.

Restraints are the standard B&M hyper restraints, just a thick lapbar with no seatbelt. I didn't see any big boy seats on the two trains... but I didn't need them, either. I saw one person who couldn't fit, and he was just barely unable to do so. They do have a test seat at the entrance to the line, for those of you who are concerned about whether you can ride. I think these seats are a bit more forgiving about us larger folks than their standard seats. The height requirement is 54", the tallest at the park.

Night rides are great. There's minimal lighting on the entire course, so nightriding is a trip. The 1st drop is barely illuminated by the light coming up from the pathways below, so it's really dark down there! And all of the sections "outside" the park have almost no lighting on them.

There seems to be very little difference between the trains. One of the trains, I noticed, seemed to have a rougher ride on the even numbered rows than the other train did. But by no means was it uncomfortable. They are very comfortable seats, and they make you feel very secure.

The station is large and very airy. Breezes flowed through the station very well and were quite noticable. Lighting is excellent, throughly illuminating the platform. There's 8 ceiling fans over the que lines in the station. The attraction music is very unique... it's like you're listening to a '50s radio station, broadcasting about all sorts of stuff, including UFOs. The music is enjoyable, and only seems to repeat about every 90 minutes or so.

I think I've found my new #1 steel coaster... Goliath!

Squid2

[alpengeist04]

So Squid, did you enjoy the ride?:haha: Quick question, is the airtime ejector or floater air?



BTW, thanks for the great trip report.

[littlelolligagged]

I got so excited watching the news earlier ... it really looks awesome. I'm trying to find someone to come along with me so I can actually ride since my daughter is too short.

[Squid2]

Alpengeist, I thought I covered everything.... it's floater air, like Apollo's Chariot. (By floater air, I mean your gluteus maximus gently rises off the seat when it starts.) And little, just let us know when you're coming down, and we'll try and arrange a meetup so someone can ride with you.

I even got to meet Walter Bolliger! He was at the park all day... it was an honor meeting someone I consider a living legend. Long may Goliath reign!

Squid2 & Squidette

[littlelolligagged]

http://www.11alive.com/video/player.aspx?aid=51371&bw=

Video from today. :)

[Matandmel05]

I stole this link form someone who went yesterday...pretty good pics!

http://www.anthony.smugmug.com/gallery/1320083

[alpengeist04]

Alpengeist, I thought I covered everything.... it's floater air, like Apollo's Chariot. (By floater air, I mean your gluteus maximus gently rises off the seat when it starts.)

Squid2 & Squidette

OK, it was late last night and I didn't remember reading if it was floater or ejector air.:)