Removing the only space diver coaster, Z-Force for Iron Wolf. At the time, Z-force was part of the ride rotation program and eventually ended up at Magic Mountain rusting away and not operating until it was scrapped. In the meantime, Iron Wolf is the most unpopular coaster in the park
I'm 41 and remember Z-Force very well. It was NOT a rough and noisy coaster when it was new at Great America. Personally, I don't like head-banging, rough coasters, and never had a bad ride on Z-Force.
Iron Wolf was not rough or head-banging at all in its early years of operation either. Considering how rough and unpopular Z-Force became at other parks (at Magic Mountain even when the park was packed it never would have a line, even with it being at the front of the park), its fair to say ZForce now would not be any more popular than Iron Wolf is now.
Removing the only space diver coaster, Z-Force for Iron Wolf. At the time, Z-force was part of the ride rotation program and eventually ended up at Magic Mountain rusting away and not operating until it was scrapped. In the meantime, Iron Wolf is the most unpopular coaster in the park
I'm 41 and remember Z-Force very well. It was NOT a rough and noisy coaster when it was new at Great America. Personally, I don't like head-banging, rough coasters, and never had a bad ride on Z-Force.
Iron Wolf was not rough or head-banging at all in its early years of operation either. Considering how rough and unpopular Z-Force became at other parks (at Magic Mountain even when the park was packed it never would have a line, even with it being at the front of the park), its fair to say ZForce now would not be any more popular than Iron Wolf is now.
You're probably right about that, and I do remember Iron Wolf being alot smoother when it was new, but Z-Force was still a great ride and deserved to be maintained as the only space diver in existence. If it was no longer popular at Magic Mountain, instead of letting it sit and rust away, they should've restored it and moved it years ago to a lower capacity park like Kentucky Kingdom or America. I'm glad that Six Flags spends money on refurbishing and restoring their wooden coasters like Texas Giant, but I wish they could spend some of that money on their steel coasters, too, too keep them running smoothly. Demon was another ride that never used to bang your head when it was newer either.
david wrote:^ When will people just get over the whole Z-Force/Flashback thing? The ride was terribly rough, even when it first opened, and it was extremely noisy. Getting rid of a "one-of-a-kind coaster isn't that big a deal. Why doesn't anyone whine about DJV? I've just heard way to much about Z-Force's removal. Just stop.
Ummm, David, according to your profile, you're only 14 years old, and were not even alive when Z-Force was at Great America. I'm 41 and remember Z-Force very well. It was NOT a rough and noisy coaster when it was new at Great America. Personally, I don't like head-banging, rough coasters, and never had a bad ride on Z-Force. In fact, I rode it several times during one visit I remember in 1986, so many times that I could still feel the sensations of the drops and twists after I left that day! It was a great coaster, unlike anything else, until they let it rot and rust away at Magic Mountain. As for "whining," there's plenty of people who whine about DJV. I liked DejaVu, moreso than Buccaneer Battle, but I got sick of the long wait times, and hoping it wouldn't break down while I was in line, which happened a few times.
I knew I would get asked that. I went to MM and rode it there quite a while ago. My Uncle (also an enthusiast) rode Z-Force when it was at SFGAm.
Odd question: How/Why did Flashback rust? Maintenance should have been paying attention to that.
^ That's something that I really hate about SF, They've got a working ride, that get's riders, but they have it sit there for years, and finally just scrap it. Just like SSA! I fear that this is what will become of Iron Wolf.
I realize this. if they make the last ride public, I will start a petition. It won't go anywhere, but at least I'll try. I would also try to salvage a piece of it, as done with Shockwave.
I have to honestly say that I won't miss Iron Wolf at all if it's removed. I rode it when it was brand new and much smoother, and even then, for some reason, it just never became a favorite of mine. I would ride it once in awhile, but I could really take it or leave it. Chang is probably the only stand up coaster I ever rode that I really liked. I did like Z-Force, though, probably because I like wild mouse coasters, and Z-force was almost like a three dimensional wild mouse, with vertical drops instead of hairpin turns. It's a shame they let it go to pot.
Never said it was my hope. While it's a completely unridable mess now, with some work it could be my favorite standup again. New trains might be a start (Chang's if that pans out)
Favorite Wood Coasters: The Voyage, Ravine Flyer II, Thunderhead, Balder Favorite Steel: Voltron Nevera, Steel Vengeance, Expedition GeForce, Olympia Looping Parks visited: 232, Coasters Ridden: Steel: 894, Wood: 179, Total: 1073
The GREAT majority of people who go to Six Flags Great America each season agree Iron Wolf sucks that is why there are 5 people headed toward it on a busy day.
Yes Iron Wolf does get lines. Just as often as Eagle does. Chances are, if Eagle is a walk on so does Wolf. If Eagle has a 10 min line, so does Wolf. And realistically, one side of Eagle doesn't have that much more of a throughput then Wolf. So by saying they should remove Iron Wolf because there is never a long line, then they should also remove Eagle, Demon, Batman, Viper, and any other ride that can be a walk on during a less crowded day.
Again, it is great you can recall those 7 times because it is a VERY rare thing to see...sometimes people just need to explore the unkown before getting their heads smashed and their brains thrown around to learn better.
You should never have to know how to ride a ride to enjoy. The coaster nerd faction that we are is ultra small. The park guest should not have to search online or ask around the ride a ride without getting beat-up. The idea is to get in the ride, sit (or this case stand), use the proper restraints and enjoy the ride.
Iron Wolf was never a great ride in my opion, but it hasnt been bad. Its a great ride to go on when the bigger rides have been ridden and the lines start to drag.... Its a good get on in 10 mins ride. Yes it is quite a head banger, and not a great ride layout, but i think every park needs atleast one of those rides thats a hop on, ride, hop off.
Top 5: 1) El Toro. 2) Maverick. 3) Millenium Force. 4) Diamondback. 5) X2. Coaster Count: 167 (41 Wood, 125 Steel) @Coaster_Cole on Twitter
Jcoaster95 wrote:^Are you kidding? The first half has a great layout! the second half is good, too. It has better pacing than most modern B&M coasters!
Yah i agree, i really dont think the corkscrew was a good idea though... I wouldve rather liked a couple of hills with airtime or a overbanked turn or something.
Top 5: 1) El Toro. 2) Maverick. 3) Millenium Force. 4) Diamondback. 5) X2. Coaster Count: 167 (41 Wood, 125 Steel) @Coaster_Cole on Twitter
