The west coast’s only single rail steel coaster, RailBlazer, opens to the public at 10:00 AM PT at California’s Great America.
RailBlazer was designed and constructed by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), out of Hayden, Idaho, which is now famous for their other Cedar Fair roller coasters, Twisted Timbers and Steel Vengeance.
The RailBlazer design requires the rider to straddle the rail, creating an extremely low center of gravity that amplifies every move and enables more dynamic turns and rotations than have ever been possible on a coaster. With an eight-passenger single file train hugging the rail, riders will speed smoothly over the twisting track as they experience an abundance of airtime and steeply banked turns.
Features of the ride include:
– A maximum height of 106 feet
– A 90-degree, face-down first drop
– Over 1,800 feet of track
– A top speed of 52 miles per hour
– Three inversions, including a zero-gravity roll
“We know our guests can’t wait to ride RailBlazer, a truly revolutionary roller coaster concept,” said Raul Rehnborg, vice president and general manager, California’s Great America. “This intense and exhilarating attraction kicks off a multi-year transformation of California’s Great America, following the City of Santa Clara’s approval of the park’s new master plan. This world-class attraction will be the first of many exciting and new developments guests will experience in the years to come.”
The design spirit of the ride is reflective of an off-road adventure, with immersive sensory theming that embraces the great outdoors of the Bay Area and Central Coast. Once on board, riders will ascend a 45-degree climb, dive into a ravine and encounter steeped embankments representing an extreme four-wheeling journey. Imposing
physical elements during the ride and queue line include a natural waterway, rocky surroundings and a trailhead marquee sign designed to mark the beginning of the journey.
Season Passholders had early access to RailBlazer, with the exclusive opportunity to ride all week whenever the park was open, before the ride opened to the public on Thursday, June 14.
All photos ©California’s Great America
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