It’s interesting that you pointed out cost as a reason for six flags to stop working with RMC. I totally agree, and I think if six flags looks to renovate American Eagle, they will choose a cheaper option. I know that gci just dubbed their dueling model, and maybe six flags would decide to work with them. Love the video!
Julien D yeah give them the GCi ghost rider treatment. We still need to keep these monster racing coasters. Already lost colossus but it’s different for great America cuz they got Goliath.
Bro, my name is Julian. But second off, yeah they should work with GCI and make a renovation to Eagle. But, at this moment, one of the kiddie areas, Bucceneer Battle, it probaly being romoved, so something might go their.
I live in Gurnee, IL, and I have never heard of this ‘Eagles helix is too close to i94 to modify thing’. To my knowledge of me living in Gurnee for 20 years, the only city ordinances similar to that is no structure can be built higher than Sky Trek tower (310 ft) and for anything over 150 ft you need approval from the city.
I know I'm way late to the party.. but here goes the version I recall hearing way way back. Supposedly the interstate requires so much right-of-way to be vacant on either side of it. Because the Eagle predates the newest revision of that rule, it is technically too close to the interstate (now). Therefore, it's kind of grandfathered in, but Six Flags would not be allowed to build anything new in this area. No idea if a "refurbishment/reconstruction" would be allowed or not, and I cannot cite any source for this so I could be completely wrong!
Idk why Six Flags is not maintaining this ride very well. Yes wood coasters are costly to maintain, but I think it'd be a much better option than barely maintaining it at all.
@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan Yeah and I miss when they would have one train going backwards the ride is a whole different beast when you take that first drop in reverse.
They should just do a refresh of the existing coaster. Roughness is a symptom of insufficient maintenance. Rebuild the structure where needed and purchase new cars and let it race again. This ride is too iconic to change. Besides wooden roller coasters (not hybrids as they are NOT wooden roller coasters) are the most exciting for people of ALL ages. While teens and 20 year olds love inversions, Mom and Dad (not to say nothing of Grampa and Grandma) generally prefer a traditional up and down (with a bit of hang time) roller coaster. American Eagle is a family coaster and need s to be kept as is (just refurbished). Same reason the Wizzer has been kept around. There are enough inversion hyper type coasters for the young set.
@@wutduh8697 Depends on how you define "Family Coaster". I grew up riding the coasters at Riverview Park in Chicago, especially the Bobs. Families rode them. I started riding when I was 6. Wooden coasters and metal ones that don't do loops are family coasters. Whizzer, Viper, Eagle and Little Dipper (Used to ride that at Kiddyland) are rides that I see as Family. Raging Bull is boarder line. While it does not loop it is a completely different sensation. Also, its kind of a poor mans Millennium Force. The rest are thrill rides with all the spinning, loops, inversions and what not. A very distinct class.
If Iron Eagle was like Twisted Colossus (American Eagle is about 4700ft of track for one side), this would be the longest coaster on earth. Keeping that length for each side this coaster would be the best on earth.
I absolutely love this ride. Very interesting to hear why it can no longer race. I was always very curious. I don't want to see it go, but I'm a giant RMC fan and am aware that a conversion would likely turn it into one of the greatest rides in the world. I've been on Twisted Colossus and although I didn't catch a duel, that ride was amazing.
Hey man, excellent video! Thank you for such a detailed look at this legend of a coaster. I grew up in Wisconsin and we drove to Philadelphia twice a year to see family from 1982 to 1989 and I would get so excited as we got close to GA on I-94. Seeing that big, white, beautiful coaster from the highway was awe inspiring. I would stare at it for as long as it was in view. I finally got a chance to go to GA (after begging for years!) around 1986 and got to ride the Eagle, then again in '88 but never since. I finally got to experience that helix that i stared at for years on the highway and it didn't disappoint. I will absolutely be taking my 10yo son on this coaster within the next 2 years which will be an amazing full circle experience. We're headed to Hershey Park this weekend and will get to ride the new "Candymonium" coaster! Thanks again for a great video about a great ride that played a prominent role in my childhood.
I would love to see them do something like Hades 360 did in Mount Olympus. Gravity Group did an amazing job retracking the roughest sections while adding an amazing inversion. If American Eagle kept wood track but did some heavy maintenance, new trains, and an added new element (like an inversion) it would breathe a lot of life into its 40th season, as well as changing some of the signage and theming.
I think they’re going to GCI steel it. This park has given way to so many groundbreaking achievements and first time coasters (H&M’s first coaster, first hyper twister, fastest acceleration in America, etc.) that for them to help their coaster get a new brand and for GCI to go into a new territory, I think it would be great.
Just realized something. That steel track was meant for new wooden coasters and not conversions. GCI is more interested in building new coasters instead of converting coasters.
I remember the wait time was almost 3 hours when the Eagle first opened. The line had a snack bar and restrooms. I rode it when my 8th grade class went there on our class trip. I wanted to take my daughter on it this year, but it was down for the day. A great coaster!
Hello, in six flags coaster con video someone was standing in front of the ride with a green vest and white hard hat. They said “ and what about “ he glanced at American eagle and said never mind. So I’m happy they at least acknowledged the existence of the ride
The rumor about it's proximity to I 94 is bunk. If the new CEO wants to create unique visitors rebirthing American Eagle would be a nostalgic choice, and bring people back to the park.
I have lived in Gurnee for 20 years and I have never heard of such thing. The only city ordinance they have to follow is nothing can be built higher than Sky Trek tower (310) and they need city approvals for anything over 150 ft.
Eagle's such a great ride besides it's roughness, I'd be sad to see it go. Given the financial shape six flags is in I don't think they'll be adding many major coasters in the upcoming years, I hope they keep Eagle.
I’d like to point out that great America has a history of having similar coasters near each other. Let’s not forget when they had three inverts (Batman TR, Vertical Velocity, and Deja Vu), and two arrow loopers (Shockwave, and Demon) that were all near each other. And to repeat what you mentioned, they had two wild mice’s (Dark Night, and Ragin’ Cajun). If they’re going to replace American Eagle, they’re gonna wanna do it big.
I don't know what to think. I've ridden the American Eagle and it feels perfectly fine to me so from a first perspective I'd say it doesn't need it. However if what the operators from Raging Bull are saying about the coaster swaying or whatever it's doing is true than I suppose maybe an RMC remodel is possible. After all Roar at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain didn't need the RMC treatment either but they got it anyway. Not only that but it would be cool to have the first RMC double tracked roller coaster which I was hoping we'd get from Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa (which we didn't). I don't understand why the government would have any troubles with doing construction on the ride because realistically there won't be any disturbance to the nearby highway as a result (at least I don't know how there could be). I really don't care entirely what happens to the ride as long as it doesn't end up like Rolling Thunder at Six Flags Great Adventure (demolished). If they want to give it the RMC treatment than I suppose they could. Otherwise if it does truly get rough, at least have GCI retrack it like they did with Ghost Rider at Knott's Berry Farm. But for now, let RMC handle some coasters that actually need it more like Boss at Six Flags St. Louis or Predator at Six Flags Darien Lake and maybe let Six Flags Great America focus on some classic flat rides for a while like a pendulum ride or a star flyer.
I agree. At this point of the ride's life I certainly don't think an RMC is necessary, but I really hope they do some kind of work so it can at least race again.
As a native of Northern Illinois, this was my spot, and the Eagle was my first coaster at age 7 in the mid-80’s. I would be sad if it was taken down. Altering would be better than destruction as this is a historic wood coaster. It has been a while since SFGA had a record breaking coaster. The Eagle was, then came Shockwave which was tallest/fastest/most loops, and I’m not sure but did Raging Bull ever hold any records the year it came out (99’)? You’re right, we have gotten some decent smaller coasters, but where is the gigantic, see it from miles away coming down I-94 type of coaster?
I live in Chicago and go here every week during the summer and I do think American Eagle deserves this but I feel like without the helix, American Eagle wouldn’t be the same so I’m hoping if they do this they find a way to incorporate the helix in the ride.
I really like your ideas to upgrade the American Eagle. This is my home park and I am old enough to remember attending the park when Marriott owned it. The American Eagle has always been my favorite coaster in the park. I am a little biased though, because as a heavier man, I can't fit in many of the newer coasters. Believe me, I have tried! But even as recently as last year, I could still squeeze in the American Eagle seat. In general, I love the wooden feel and even the bumps. The shaking is part of the thrill in feeling like it could fall apart at any moment. I hope they can save it for the anniversary, but I'm ready to see it as Iron Eagle, although it does bring up bad memories of Iron Wolf! LOL!
Thanks for another great video! Personally I hope it gets the Ghostrider treatment. I rode it on my trip to Great America last summer and I liked it how it is. Obviously it wasn't racing though. So if they can keep the original layout, make it smoother, and make it race again, I think it could become one of the elite classic wooden coasters in the world. But if it gets the complete RMC iron horse treatment that wouldn't be a bad thing either. I know if that happens I'll be one of the first to ride!
I personally hope Six Flags spends a solid year reinforcing the ride's structure, completely retracking the coaster, and getting new PTCs that don't have the annoying blinders or headrests.
Good point bringing up the helix part. Another thing I had heard since there is the “pond” below the helix (that is now dried up) the DNR will not let the stir the land and disrupt the land
2021: V2 Relocated to Darien Lake, Great Escape or Frontier City, American Eagle closed 2022: The Great American Eagle 2023: Goliath relocated to SF America, or SF St. Louis 2024: New family area in V2's Spot 2025: New GCI in Goliath's spot I find it very unlikely that Six Flags will pay for new trains, re-tracking and structural reinforcement, considering the last time refurbs were done they didn't last very long. The RMC conversion would be not much more in price, and would allow them to relocate Goliath which would be lucrative for cheapskate Six Flags. It allows them to clear land and improve upon a nearly landlocked park, and finally give some upgrades to their smaller parks. This shuffling of coasters also allows them to fulfill their one coaster a year quota, very cheaply. Its almost too good of a move for Six Flags to make.
I'm on board with your plan. Goliath really isn't necessary with RMC Eagle, and a GCI would be sweet, I'd also be fine with a Gerstlauer infinity coaster in Goliath's spot as well.
Relocating Goliath is stupid in my opinion.... It’s still a popular ride at the park and still has like an hour line most of the time. Relocating wooden coasters has been done but is extremely complicated and costly. I’m sorry but I think Goliath is fine where it is....imagine relocating Lightning Rod....that sound like an easy task.
@@tigerrocks503chase8 With RMC Eagle, I wouldn't see much reason for Goliath, especially with the little land we have left in the park. There aren't any "Bad" rides at SFGAm, so everything ends up with an hour wait. Goliath also wouldn't be that hard to move. It sits on a perfectly rectangular plot of land and only has very very minor interaction with the terrain. Plus, if they were to move it anywhere it most likely would be to St. Louis so it would never be far.
Your proposal is pretty good, and the thought of that visual layout of red and blue track becoming a reality is EXCELLENT. I would be all for it IF the park didn't already have Goliath (my least favorite RMC). I would be happy with a beautiful new full paint job, along with red and blue topper track from RMC. I would keep the layout as it, simply making the ride smooth with RMC topper track.
2:48 Yep, I remember going there with my 8th grade class in 2018 and they couldn’t race the rides and the red side was completely closed for the whole day and blue was open.
I really hope there is a way to keep it a wooden coaster and make it race again. My stomach is starting to hurt as these rumors could be likely. It would be cool as an RMC but I’m worried the park would do what they did with Twisted Cyclone and shorten the layout due to Six Flags being cheap and it only will have track. I want to see it like Twisted Colossus Please hang in there Eagle.😢 People may think I’m crazy that I don’t want it to get RMCed...it’s just I really love it the way it is.
All of Eagle's problems could be solved with lighter trains that have tighter tolerances to the track (like gravity group's trains). The P.T.C. trains that Intamin used for eagle are some of the heaviest trains I've seen. You can actually hear the difference between the heavy P.T.C. trains on eagle and the lighter modified Intamin trains on Viper. You can feel the vibrations traveling further through the supports of eagle than you do on Viper as you are at the bottoms of hills and especially at the bottom of the first drops. I seriously think that if Eagle had lighter trains, they would have fewer issues with maintaining the structure.
With an RMC, you don't get the same flow as true wooden coasters have. RMC's have a VERY modern steel coaster flow. They have no limitations like they did when the wooden coaster was first made, because as with absolutely anything, With limitation, comes creativity, which is why I don't enjoy goliath, it's not that it's a bad ride, it just feels like a lot of the steel coasters I've been on. And what peoole don't understand, is that the absolute first thing you see when you're driving down the highway to sfgam, is this beautiful, massive, white lattice structure that is Eagle's turn around helix, and this sight amazed me as a child in second grade, and I will never forget how excited it made me feel when I saw that helix the first time I went there. So, to the fans of Eagle, savor the ride as long as we have it, because some day it could become just a memory and leave us with just the empty lies that RMC gives, saying that they're revamping a ride, when all they're doing is making a completely different one.
I see what you mean. I wish Eagle would get new lighter trains....but I don’t think Six Flags would cough up the money to do so let alone a normal refurbishment from GCI. I’m not saying all RMCs are bad....they are all outstanding rides...it’s just some wooden coasters don’t really need it.
It would be heartbreaking to see the Eagle go, I would love to see it cleaned up though for its 40th, repair and repaint the superstructure, new trains, reformat that queue, and retrack it if need be.
Hello from the future! Since this video came out, GCI introduced their titan track, which they'll be using to smooth some rough parts on wooden coasters for now. I think that is the most likely option for American Eagle
I think great America will get an rmc raptor at some point like Jersey devil coaster. We still have room and they could easily remove one of the log flumes or the yankee one.
Whats going to sadly replace every coaster (because you cant have an immortal coaster) BatMan: Just a retrack Demon: Extreme Spinner Goliath: add a racer track in Gladiator American Eagle: hopefully a retrack but sadly most likely Iron Eagle Viper: retrack Raging Bull: Raging Inferno Superman: Retrack Little Dipper: shops, it would be hard to fit anything there Vertical Velocity: 4-D Boomerang Joker: retheme/repaint Dark knight Coaster: Flat Ride All of these are my thoughts not whats actually happening
Great video man. I have heard rumors internally that PTC trains have been renewed (I worked for the park for three years). However, I know that Iron Eagle blueprints do exist and that it is a possibility considering that if Eagle were to be torn down, nothing may take its spot due to restrictions from the city of Gurnee. The steel track could be quieter for residents, so it might be plausible to convince the Gurnee board to give this coaster an RMC treatment. The biggest question is the price tag. Financially, Six Flags could be looking at a second bankruptcy. Hopefully, under new leadership from the new CEO, the company can turn its business model around and move away from the "cheap thrills" model, and emerge from COVID in a pleasant manner. Great America has the highest attendance (I believe) in comparison to most other parks in the chain. This ride would be very high capacity, and Maxx Force and Joker are not high capacity rides. Let's pray that we see this conversion within the next ten years!
Thanks for your comment, a lot of good tidbits. I think the Gurnee Board is less of an obstacle than Six Flags' financial situation. COVID is going to eat up all of their planned capital and make an investment like Iron Eagle even more unlikely. However, we're currently watching Sea World putting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coasters to their parks each year, and if that pays dividends for them, Six Flags and other chains might have adapt that to keep up. Regardless, it's going to be an interesting couple of years for SFGAm and the chain as a whole.
War Eagle would be a good name albeit jacked from Auburn U. A dueling RMC would be different enough from Goliath but I think it would overshadow Goliath so much itd practically make it irrelevant
War Eagle sounds great. I think you're right on the Goliath part. They would really have to emphasis the out and back portion on any version of the ride to distinguish it enough.
Honestly I would want a Giga or a new b&m. I would be fine with this but I hope they go with a military theme because it's near x flight and it would be weird if it's completely different.
They should just tear down x flight it's the worst ride at the park.... I'd rather ride the flying swings then x flight. And that stupid DMX voice that you have to listen to for 2 hours waiting to ride it.... Garbage.
My favorite roller coaster is American eagle it was my first major rollercoaster i went on, but raging bull is my main fav that is steel but i love American eagle still i hope they dont get rid of it i will miss it but at least I can still ride it right now gotta take pics while i still can. Also love the Wizzer I remember when it use to race i miss that it was so much fun seeing who would win most of the time it was the red car. Its my home park and i love it i remember the iron wolfe and i miss that, i also remember the wiggles themed area with the cars that go in a small circle and the vintage cars that went around Omg remember when it went backwards i went on it once when it was going backwards
Rmc eagle, and get a b+m giga, an intamin blitz or premier duel launch. the days of large loopers/floorless coasters are behind us but the park definitely could use something like that. They have every ride type, and yet only one coaster comes to mind w 3 train operations and a block break; raging bull. I think raging balls layout is underrated/prolific and if you look at the intamin and b+m gigas being built 20 years later, you see similar twister elements (and the ride is flawed in similar ways as orion). But with that block break on, the coaster doesnt attract enthusiasts the way it ought to. But I bring this up because the parks lineup as stacked with 2- train operating compact coasters. The park might feel more complete if, around they removed shockwave, they had built a floorless coaster when those were still popular. Rmc eagle and build a giga and i think the public would care less that raging bull is rageless or that goliath is missing its second half.
There is so much potential here. American Eagle was my first coaster and I believe the ride could use some kind of refurbishment. I like the idea of AE being RMCed or getting new trains while fixing the issues with the structure so the trains can duel again
I would not expect 6 flags to be building anything for at least the next 2 years unless its already under construction. We are in an economic depression. And the bottom is not done falling out of this economy.
I'm the minority in that RMC isn't even in my top 3 favorite manufacturers. I feel like they really should stop doing conversions and respect its history and enthusiasts should do the same. Not only would RMCing this ruin SFGAms line up for wooden coasters it would basically erase the great lateral and airtime filled layout with another cookie cutter rmc one. Although the rumor is false that they can't modify the helix structure. I hope Six Flags gives the GCI treatment to this to keep the great airtime and make the laterals even more insane.
Any qualms should really go to the parks that pay RMC to re-do their old coasters. I agree with you that classic coasters should be untouchable, but can anyone really argue that re-doing rides like Mean Streak and Gwazi is a bad idea?
So you’re telling me you’d rather ride, let’s say Mean Streak rather than Steel Vengeance. And what happens if the roller coaster is beyond operation. What do you then? Many RMC conversions have reached that point and ended up becoming much better.
@@ParkPros yeah those weren't bad ideas but coasters like Colossus and other classic rides are untouchable. Some enthusiasts even want a classic Kennywood coaster RMCd or even the Beast.
@@howenator I can't stand people who think like this. Collossus was boring, rough, and had very low ridership. I don't get the point of clinging tightly to the "classics" when they're outdated and not enjoyable. Holding on to things for nolstalgia's sake when there are better alternatives is silly and quite frankly, immature. I've ridden half a dozen or more RMC remakes and never once did I think "the original was better than this." If the original ride is still very good, as is the case with the Beast at KI, then an RMC conversion is unnecessary. In all conversion cases, the original sucked, so the park hired RMC to make it 10 times better.
@@EmeraldBayMovies it wasn't really that much of a classic but it had an important point in history too bad they neutered the ride reprofiling it. I'd say they there are only about 5 to 10 ehh wooden coasters left in the country and RMC should deal with them
Sounds like a plan, I love A.E. and the hybrid idea is pure genius.. Great America is my home park too, I've never had another coaster enthusiast to ride and tlk coasters with, wouldn't mind hitting up the park with you once it's safe again. Great vid.. SUBBED 👌🏾👌🏾
Since they already have Goliath i don’t see it happening. Esther have gci or someone come in and keep it wooden but refurb it completely and smooth it out. Maybe some minor adjustments to make it more of a modern woodie.
I'm sad that many of Intamin's traditional wood coasters are pretty much non existent now. White Cyclone was turned into Hakugei, Regina at Tobu Zoo is closed, Aska at Nara Dreamland is abandoned, and some others Idk. Intamin could have made some really nice traditional wooden coasters after some of these. But it seems American Eagle and some others around the world are the only ones left to exist, but who knows for how long?
I agree with your two requirements, but being that the Eagle is my favorite coaster at Great America (I have been going there since I was 3 years old, I turn 20 this year) I need to add one more requirement: It must be taller than Raging Bull. I don’t care if it’s by 1 ft or 75 ft but it needs to be taller since it is almost impossible for Great America to get a giga coaster. Between the village of Gurnee despising tall rides (why do you think Goliath goes underground) and the lack of space they have, a giga will never happen. However, if they build Iron Eagle taller than Raging Bull, they could tout it as “The tallest roller coaster (in the park)” which Six Flags could use heavily in marketing.
Awesome video if they were to RMC American Eagle I would want to see something similar to Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain, that would make the ride special and really bring in the crowds!!!
American Eagle is a rough ride in my opinion. I don't hate it and I find the historic factor on the ride awesome but, something needs to be done to the ride to give it some flair. Also hey look, im not the only Coaster Enthusiast who's home park is Great America
I grew up going to six flags and fighting the American eagle and yes it's a very bumpy ride but the American eagle is the og of six flags. I think this rumor would be a very good idea
Yes this would be awesome. I have not ridden the American Eagle. To all to it advantage being the longest roller coaster and th oldest wooden roller coaster, I would say this would defiantly benefit the American Eagle to restore the whole coaster for Iron Eagle (American Eagle) New look.
The inversions bug me so much. The new texas giant has great overbank turns the most i would love to see is a high five going straight (not in a turn) at the the top entering into the big helix and near the end im dying to experience a no brake helix finale full send.
I could se this,but I think they won't relocate Goliath because it is a GP pleaser,holding the record of the tallest and steepest wooden coaster in the world is a big deal,and besides,relocating it could be difficult,Iron Eagle and Goliath would be different enough taking as count that Goaliatj is the compact,intense coaster and RMC Eagle would be more focused on ejector and floater airtime,I think,Goliath was meant to be cloned,so idk if we could see it relocated or cloned at other SF parks without an RMC
I think the two RMC's could co-exist. The main reason I don't think Six Flags would lean towards just keeping Goliath at SFGAm is because it would have to be pretty expensive and inconvenient to relocate a massive wooden coaster like that.
Yeah,I know,besides,I am in the bunch that says they are different enough,and come on,that would be a bad ass duo of RMCs,but I do get that parks like SFAM,La Ronde or Darien Lake are in much more need of a conversion before GA gets a second RMC that would ride not that different from Goliath,but still I could see it for 2021:Conversions of Predator and Roar and for 2022 conversions of Le Monstre and Eagle
Doing the RMC conversion to the Summers and Dinn coasters is great. However, I always feel that we lose some of the character of these historically significant woodies when that same conversion is performed. They become shorter in length and the structure less impressive looking. IMHO coasters like this would be better served by something like a complete Gravity Group retracking and reprofiling.
I personally think "Great American Eagle" sounds better. It feels more patriotic, and definitely fits the rides theme. Also, I read from another comment saying if it is named "Iron Eagle" it would have some trademark issues due to a movie from the 1980s having the same name.
RMC I-Box conversion of Six Flags Great America's American Eagle would be good. If Gurnee, Illinois government were to permit Six Flags to give this iconic coaster a major overhaul, I think Six Flags and RMC would likely go the möbius loop route (think Six Flags Magic Mountain's Twisted Colossus) or a drastically scaled down coaster (think Busch Gardens Tampa's new for 2020 Iron Gwazi and Kentucky Kingdom's Storm Chaser), doing away with racing concept. Or if GCI were to be permitted to do traditional wood coaster retracking and structural repairs, or the GCI equivalent of RMC I-Box track. Many coaster enthusiasts wouldn't want to see American Eagle go the route of Six Flags Great Adventure's former Rolling Thunder coaster. If American Eagle, like Rolling Thunder before it, is to bite the dust, Six Flags could easily explore fitting a new coaster or 2 in that plot of land. Other SFGAM wood coaster that I could see as prime candidate for RMC I-Box conversion would be Viper, and it'd likely be a clone of Six Flags Over Georgia's Twisted Cyclone. Looking at other Six Flags parks... - Six Flags St. Louis' The Boss looks to be a prime candidate for RMC I-Box conversion, which would be a no-brainer, and assuming SFSL gets RMC The Boss for its 50th anniversary season in 2021. - Six Flags Darien Lake's Predator is another prime candidate for RMC conversion. SFDL will be having its 40th anniversary season in 2021. - Six Flags America's Roar, also another good RMC candidate. - La Ronde's Le Monstre getting RMC'd would be neat. If it did, I'd anticipate möbius loop or scaled down ride. Seeing that Canada won't allow for RMC to give Le Monstre the I-Box conversion, LR could easily get ground-up RMC coaster in the old Cobra plot of land. - Six Flags Great Adventure's El Toro could also easily be another RMC candidate, despite mixed reaction from coaster enthusiasts. We'll see what 2021 and 2022 seasons look like.
Ayee!! I used to live in Chicago so Great America is one of my now 4 home parks, currently I am by Beach bend, Kentucky kingdom, and Holiday world. But back to topic, since they redid Collosis at Magic mountain I always thought Eagle would be next. I would love to see Rmc do the Eagle because of its' amazing layout and dueling aspects. It's sad that the structure is in such bad shape it can't race anymore. But I believe if sixflags did the Iorn Horse treatment it would be awesome I totally approve of this idea and I hope it comes soon.
California's Great America is my home park but damn this park looks so awesome reminds me of what are Park used to look like except you guys got a massive coaster lineup back in the Marriott days the Santa Clara Park never got an American Eagle
@@ParkPros well there was maybe a few times that the Santa Clara Park got something over the Gurnee Park for example Santa Clara got the tidal wave in 77 Gurnee had to wait until 1978 to get their tidal Wave although the Gurnee Park did have more flat rides also in his final season of owning both parks Marriott decided to give they're rip-roaring Rampage ride to only Gurnee and not Santa Clara
Could you see a replacement with a t-rex ? Maybe agree to take the first at a cut price? Would certainly count as an elite world class coaster and could be eagle themed
Iron Eagle isn't what others would want like me. I think The New American Eagle like the New Texas Giant in Texas would work, in my opinion would work for Six Flags Great America and for The New American Eagle - I mean Iron Eagle would sound good if it was all steal or Iron. With RMC or DINN Corp. that built the New Texas Giant. I am also an employee of Six Flags, and I think The New American Eagle would be better in my opinion because of the Iconic name that Marriott Corporation gave at the former Marriott's Great American now Six Flags Great America. When I went to the park in 1982, American Eagle was closed, so I couldn't ride it until the 1990s. American Eagle was my ride that I worked at in 1995. But hey, I think RMC or DINN Corp could hyper coaster The American Eagle and do a great job, with the original Blueprints that Figley and Wright did for Intamin in 1980 for the 1981 season. American Eagles 40th anniversary would be great to update it or restore the ride. Sorry that this is long.
Could GCI re-track and re-profile american eagle just like ghost rider? That would be the best! Or rmcing one side and gciing the other side! Or just repainting and retracting it.
I ask everyone I can think to ask at SFGA about Eagle every time I visit. If any ride operators out there have heard about an RMC, they ain't talkin. She's riding SO rough these days, though, and I haven't seen both tracks operating since I was a kid. I'd love to see some life breathed back into her. With the park closed as long as the state is shut down, though, and with the pandemic looming overhead even after stay-at-home ends, I'd be shocked if Six Flags will come out with any sort of funding to fix her up.
1. Just found this channel. More coaster channels I can watch, the better! 2. Yeah, I've read that American Eagle is looking/riding rougher the last few years. 3. Two RMC's at one park, why the frick not do that? 4. IF AE does get Iboxed, I say keep it racing and make it a Twisted Colossus clone.
Also, how much did west coast racers cost? That had to be a ton of money. Probably one of the most expensive to date. But with the virus now.... I'm not too sure if they can do it again.
Any chance of relocating Goliath to a smaller SF park? That way GA could justify a large investment to RMC the Eagle properly in 2022, while the other park benefits with a 'new-to-them'' RMC. GA needs an elite top tier coaster. Feel like we always get the shortened intro models at this park
Relocating Goliath would be complicated. Not many wooden coasters have been relocated as woodies are expensive to relocate. Plus Six Flags is in financial debt right now.
Me a Chicago native ridden this ride for years and I hate this ride in its current state to bumpy and decent air time so rmc or gci conversions would be great
Possibly, but they would be different enough. Just because a park has one wooden coaster doesn't stop them from adding 2 more. I think it could likely be the same for RMC coasters in the future
They should move Goliath to another park, RMC American eagle, put a dive coaster where Goliath is, then replace whizzer with a raptor coaster. The 2020’s will be the greatest decade six flags great America will have ever seen.
If they RMC'd Eagle and relocated Goliath, I would love to see a Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster in Goliath's spot. I hope Whizzer sticks around for a while.
It’s interesting that you pointed out cost as a reason for six flags to stop working with RMC. I totally agree, and I think if six flags looks to renovate American Eagle, they will choose a cheaper option. I know that gci just dubbed their dueling model, and maybe six flags would decide to work with them. Love the video!
Thank you! :)
Julien D yeah give them the GCi ghost rider treatment. We still need to keep these monster racing coasters. Already lost colossus but it’s different for great America cuz they got Goliath.
GCI may convert it to steel as well though... They had their own version of the ironhorse treatment at IAAPA
@@LucasNinoMusic A retrack will most likely be just as expensive though
Bro, my name is Julian. But second off, yeah they should work with GCI and make a renovation to Eagle. But, at this moment, one of the kiddie areas, Bucceneer Battle, it probaly being romoved, so something might go their.
Extremely unlikely but interesting thought: racing rmc raptors lol
Racing rmc t rex
that would be lovely
Wooden racing t-Rex 🤗
Would Six Flags cough up the money to do so?
They are not in the best financial state right now...
TigerRocks503 Aka: Chase six flags is actually doing quite well right now actually however there’s still no way they’re building racing raptors
I live in Gurnee, IL, and I have never heard of this ‘Eagles helix is too close to i94 to modify thing’. To my knowledge of me living in Gurnee for 20 years, the only city ordinances similar to that is no structure can be built higher than Sky Trek tower (310 ft) and for anything over 150 ft you need approval from the city.
Just rumblings I've heard over the years. Again, most of this is pure speculation.
In American Eagle's spot, I'm pretty sure it's 165ft or 200ft
I know I'm way late to the party.. but here goes the version I recall hearing way way back. Supposedly the interstate requires so much right-of-way to be vacant on either side of it. Because the Eagle predates the newest revision of that rule, it is technically too close to the interstate (now). Therefore, it's kind of grandfathered in, but Six Flags would not be allowed to build anything new in this area. No idea if a "refurbishment/reconstruction" would be allowed or not, and I cannot cite any source for this so I could be completely wrong!
@@ParkPros the highway is preventing them from working in that area, I know this because I spoke with a supervisor there
For me personally what makes the whole experience is that its made of wood. Don't tear it down and make it ALL steel Just fix the F* wood !
G James and the smartest person in the world Award goes to
Idk why Six Flags is not maintaining this ride very well. Yes wood coasters are costly to maintain, but I think it'd be a much better option than barely maintaining it at all.
Honestly I think it’s beyond just a basic retracting this ENTIRE ride needs to be completely overhauled
@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan Yeah and I miss when they would have one train going backwards the ride is a whole different beast when you take that first drop in reverse.
It needs to be just retracked
They should just do a refresh of the existing coaster. Roughness is a symptom of insufficient maintenance. Rebuild the structure where needed and purchase new cars and let it race again. This ride is too iconic to change. Besides wooden roller coasters (not hybrids as they are NOT wooden roller coasters) are the most exciting for people of ALL ages. While teens and 20 year olds love inversions, Mom and Dad (not to say nothing of Grampa and Grandma) generally prefer a traditional up and down (with a bit of hang time) roller coaster. American Eagle is a family coaster and need s to be kept as is (just refurbished). Same reason the Wizzer has been kept around. There are enough inversion hyper type coasters for the young set.
Fucking love the wizzer
Lol this isn't a family coaster. It's a thrill ride
@@wutduh8697 i mean it is but its a thrill for the whole family
@@wutduh8697 Depends on how you define "Family Coaster". I grew up riding the coasters at Riverview Park in Chicago, especially the Bobs. Families rode them. I started riding when I was 6. Wooden coasters and metal ones that don't do loops are family coasters. Whizzer, Viper, Eagle and Little Dipper (Used to ride that at Kiddyland) are rides that I see as Family. Raging Bull is boarder line. While it does not loop it is a completely different sensation. Also, its kind of a poor mans Millennium Force. The rest are thrill rides with all the spinning, loops, inversions and what not. A very distinct class.
I love the idea
If Iron Eagle was like Twisted Colossus (American Eagle is about 4700ft of track for one side), this would be the longest coaster on earth. Keeping that length for each side this coaster would be the best on earth.
with more inversions
@@MrDrkNoir crazy airtime. It would have potential to be one of or the best coaster on earth.
I feel like rmc eagle if its done right can easily top steel vengeance
Talk about a record breaker longest coaster in the world and Maybe the most inversions in a hybrid roller coaster
I absolutely love this ride. Very interesting to hear why it can no longer race. I was always very curious. I don't want to see it go, but I'm a giant RMC fan and am aware that a conversion would likely turn it into one of the greatest rides in the world. I've been on Twisted Colossus and although I didn't catch a duel, that ride was amazing.
Hey man, excellent video! Thank you for such a detailed look at this legend of a coaster. I grew up in Wisconsin and we drove to Philadelphia twice a year to see family from 1982 to 1989 and I would get so excited as we got close to GA on I-94. Seeing that big, white, beautiful coaster from the highway was awe inspiring. I would stare at it for as long as it was in view. I finally got a chance to go to GA (after begging for years!) around 1986 and got to ride the Eagle, then again in '88 but never since. I finally got to experience that helix that i stared at for years on the highway and it didn't disappoint. I will absolutely be taking my 10yo son on this coaster within the next 2 years which will be an amazing full circle experience. We're headed to Hershey Park this weekend and will get to ride the new "Candymonium" coaster! Thanks again for a great video about a great ride that played a prominent role in my childhood.
Thanks for sharing, love to hear stories like this. Definitely take your son, I'm sure he'll love it. Enjoy Hershey!
The skyline from the parks parking lot is honestly beautiful and awesome!
FredsTheFaz BazClaz it honestly is one the most well rounded skylines in the country!
Park Pros I mean. Maybe because you’re not used to it.
@cancelled148 wdym everyone says its one of the best coaster lineups in the country :/
I would love to see them do something like Hades 360 did in Mount Olympus. Gravity Group did an amazing job retracking the roughest sections while adding an amazing inversion. If American Eagle kept wood track but did some heavy maintenance, new trains, and an added new element (like an inversion) it would breathe a lot of life into its 40th season, as well as changing some of the signage and theming.
I love Hades 360! Great Coaster😎
“Son of Eagle”
ZachsPop I dig that.
Thats gonna be some bad omen
Eagle 2: Electric Boogaloo
NO SON OF BEAST 2.0!
@@ParkPros and I bury it
I think they’re going to GCI steel it. This park has given way to so many groundbreaking achievements and first time coasters (H&M’s first coaster, first hyper twister, fastest acceleration in America, etc.) that for them to help their coaster get a new brand and for GCI to go into a new territory, I think it would be great.
Didn’t even consider that. How awesome would that be?
Oh forgot about GCI..... good catch.
Idk if Gci is ready for it yet
Just realized something. That steel track was meant for new wooden coasters and not conversions. GCI is more interested in building new coasters instead of converting coasters.
GCI steel is for inversions and high g force moments on their new infinity flyer paired ground up coasters
I remember the wait time was almost 3 hours when the Eagle first opened. The line had a snack bar and restrooms. I rode it when my 8th grade class went there on our class trip. I wanted to take my daughter on it this year, but it was down for the day. A great coaster!
Hello, in six flags coaster con video someone was standing in front of the ride with a green vest and white hard hat. They said “ and what about “ he glanced at American eagle and said never mind. So I’m happy they at least acknowledged the existence of the ride
The rumor about it's proximity to I 94 is bunk. If the new CEO wants to create unique visitors rebirthing American Eagle would be a nostalgic choice, and bring people back to the park.
I have lived in Gurnee for 20 years and I have never heard of such thing. The only city ordinance they have to follow is nothing can be built higher than Sky Trek tower (310) and they need city approvals for anything over 150 ft.
If they change this coaster no matter what im telling my kids it’s the American Eagle always💯🖤
For sure. One of my favorite childhood coasters!
Eagle's such a great ride besides it's roughness, I'd be sad to see it go. Given the financial shape six flags is in I don't think they'll be adding many major coasters in the upcoming years, I hope they keep Eagle.
Agreed. Would rather have them keep it as it is rather than mess with it and not do it right.
I’d like to point out that great America has a history of having similar coasters near each other. Let’s not forget when they had three inverts (Batman TR, Vertical Velocity, and Deja Vu), and two arrow loopers (Shockwave, and Demon) that were all near each other. And to repeat what you mentioned, they had two wild mice’s (Dark Night, and Ragin’ Cajun). If they’re going to replace American Eagle, they’re gonna wanna do it big.
I could not agree more. They know they can’t just replace it with anything.
Shockwave and Demon near each other? Only that they were in the same park.
The also have 4 b&m’s
I don't know what to think. I've ridden the American Eagle and it feels perfectly fine to me so from a first perspective I'd say it doesn't need it. However if what the operators from Raging Bull are saying about the coaster swaying or whatever it's doing is true than I suppose maybe an RMC remodel is possible. After all Roar at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain didn't need the RMC treatment either but they got it anyway. Not only that but it would be cool to have the first RMC double tracked roller coaster which I was hoping we'd get from Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa (which we didn't). I don't understand why the government would have any troubles with doing construction on the ride because realistically there won't be any disturbance to the nearby highway as a result (at least I don't know how there could be). I really don't care entirely what happens to the ride as long as it doesn't end up like Rolling Thunder at Six Flags Great Adventure (demolished). If they want to give it the RMC treatment than I suppose they could. Otherwise if it does truly get rough, at least have GCI retrack it like they did with Ghost Rider at Knott's Berry Farm. But for now, let RMC handle some coasters that actually need it more like Boss at Six Flags St. Louis or Predator at Six Flags Darien Lake and maybe let Six Flags Great America focus on some classic flat rides for a while like a pendulum ride or a star flyer.
I agree. At this point of the ride's life I certainly don't think an RMC is necessary, but I really hope they do some kind of work so it can at least race again.
As a native of Northern Illinois, this was my spot, and the Eagle was my first coaster at age 7 in the mid-80’s. I would be sad if it was taken down. Altering would be better than destruction as this is a historic wood coaster.
It has been a while since SFGA had a record breaking coaster. The Eagle was, then came Shockwave which was tallest/fastest/most loops, and I’m not sure but did Raging Bull ever hold any records the year it came out (99’)?
You’re right, we have gotten some decent smaller coasters, but where is the gigantic, see it from miles away coming down I-94 type of coaster?
I live in Chicago and go here every week during the summer and I do think American Eagle deserves this but I feel like without the helix, American Eagle wouldn’t be the same so I’m hoping if they do this they find a way to incorporate the helix in the ride.
I really like your ideas to upgrade the American Eagle. This is my home park and I am old enough to remember attending the park when Marriott owned it. The American Eagle has always been my favorite coaster in the park. I am a little biased though, because as a heavier man, I can't fit in many of the newer coasters. Believe me, I have tried! But even as recently as last year, I could still squeeze in the American Eagle seat. In general, I love the wooden feel and even the bumps. The shaking is part of the thrill in feeling like it could fall apart at any moment. I hope they can save it for the anniversary, but I'm ready to see it as Iron Eagle, although it does bring up bad memories of Iron Wolf! LOL!
Thanks for sharing! I love Eagle too, but I'm also ready to see it get an upgrade.
Thanks for another great video! Personally I hope it gets the Ghostrider treatment. I rode it on my trip to Great America last summer and I liked it how it is. Obviously it wasn't racing though. So if they can keep the original layout, make it smoother, and make it race again, I think it could become one of the elite classic wooden coasters in the world. But if it gets the complete RMC iron horse treatment that wouldn't be a bad thing either. I know if that happens I'll be one of the first to ride!
Ghostrider treatment would be awesome. GCI turned that ride into one of the best wooden coasters in the country.
I personally hope Six Flags spends a solid year reinforcing the ride's structure, completely retracking the coaster, and getting new PTCs that don't have the annoying blinders or headrests.
Easy one of the best rides in the park, and I’d love to see something done with it, but nothing there beats raging bull
Good point bringing up the helix part. Another thing I had heard since there is the “pond” below the helix (that is now dried up) the DNR will not let the stir the land and disrupt the land
2021: V2 Relocated to Darien Lake, Great Escape or Frontier City, American Eagle closed
2022: The Great American Eagle
2023: Goliath relocated to SF America, or SF St. Louis
2024: New family area in V2's Spot
2025: New GCI in Goliath's spot
I find it very unlikely that Six Flags will pay for new trains, re-tracking and structural reinforcement, considering the last time refurbs were done they didn't last very long. The RMC conversion would be not much more in price, and would allow them to relocate Goliath which would be lucrative for cheapskate Six Flags. It allows them to clear land and improve upon a nearly landlocked park, and finally give some upgrades to their smaller parks. This shuffling of coasters also allows them to fulfill their one coaster a year quota, very cheaply. Its almost too good of a move for Six Flags to make.
I'm on board with your plan. Goliath really isn't necessary with RMC Eagle, and a GCI would be sweet, I'd also be fine with a Gerstlauer infinity coaster in Goliath's spot as well.
Relocating Goliath is stupid in my opinion....
It’s still a popular ride at the park and still has like an hour line most of the time.
Relocating wooden coasters has been done but is extremely complicated and costly.
I’m sorry but I think Goliath is fine where it is....imagine relocating Lightning Rod....that sound like an easy task.
@@tigerrocks503chase8 With RMC Eagle, I wouldn't see much reason for Goliath, especially with the little land we have left in the park. There aren't any "Bad" rides at SFGAm, so everything ends up with an hour wait.
Goliath also wouldn't be that hard to move. It sits on a perfectly rectangular plot of land and only has very very minor interaction with the terrain. Plus, if they were to move it anywhere it most likely would be to St. Louis so it would never be far.
Your proposal is pretty good, and the thought of that visual layout of red and blue track becoming a reality is EXCELLENT. I would be all for it IF the park didn't already have Goliath (my least favorite RMC).
I would be happy with a beautiful new full paint job, along with red and blue topper track from RMC. I would keep the layout as it, simply making the ride smooth with RMC topper track.
2:48 Yep, I remember going there with my 8th grade class in 2018 and they couldn’t race the rides and the red side was completely closed for the whole day and blue was open.
My dad calls this ride “termites holding hands”
I really hope there is a way to keep it a wooden coaster and make it race again. My stomach is starting to hurt as these rumors could be likely.
It would be cool as an RMC but I’m worried the park would do what they did with Twisted Cyclone and shorten the layout due to Six Flags being cheap and it only will have track. I want to see it like Twisted Colossus
Please hang in there Eagle.😢
People may think I’m crazy that I don’t want it to get RMCed...it’s just I really love it the way it is.
All of Eagle's problems could be solved with lighter trains that have tighter tolerances to the track (like gravity group's trains). The P.T.C. trains that Intamin used for eagle are some of the heaviest trains I've seen. You can actually hear the difference between the heavy P.T.C. trains on eagle and the lighter modified Intamin trains on Viper. You can feel the vibrations traveling further through the supports of eagle than you do on Viper as you are at the bottoms of hills and especially at the bottom of the first drops. I seriously think that if Eagle had lighter trains, they would have fewer issues with maintaining the structure.
With an RMC, you don't get the same flow as true wooden coasters have. RMC's have a VERY modern steel coaster flow. They have no limitations like they did when the wooden coaster was first made, because as with absolutely anything, With limitation, comes creativity, which is why I don't enjoy goliath, it's not that it's a bad ride, it just feels like a lot of the steel coasters I've been on. And what peoole don't understand, is that the absolute first thing you see when you're driving down the highway to sfgam, is this beautiful, massive, white lattice structure that is Eagle's turn around helix, and this sight amazed me as a child in second grade, and I will never forget how excited it made me feel when I saw that helix the first time I went there. So, to the fans of Eagle, savor the ride as long as we have it, because some day it could become just a memory and leave us with just the empty lies that RMC gives, saying that they're revamping a ride, when all they're doing is making a completely different one.
I see what you mean. I wish Eagle would get new lighter trains....but I don’t think Six Flags would cough up the money to do so let alone a normal refurbishment from GCI.
I’m not saying all RMCs are bad....they are all outstanding rides...it’s just some wooden coasters don’t really need it.
@@micromoron3309 Viper's trains are also PTCs.
@@micromoron3309 So the problem with lighter trains is that it may be subject to rollbacks.
It would be heartbreaking to see the Eagle go, I would love to see it cleaned up though for its 40th, repair and repaint the superstructure, new trains, reformat that queue, and retrack it if need be.
None of my friends are invested into rollercoasters like i am. I need some that love them just as much as i do
Same but I’ve recently got my gf In to coasters so that works even better
Gotta save the Helix! Over the "puddle" looks spectacular. Sadly those who don't ride it don't even see that feature.
I agree! They should really fill it up more but I'm sure there's a reason they don't.
Hello from the future! Since this video came out, GCI introduced their titan track, which they'll be using to smooth some rough parts on wooden coasters for now. I think that is the most likely option for American Eagle
Let send this idea to the top of all social media threads. We need this coaster!!
I care about two rides. American eagle is #1 and Raging Bull. But also really wish they would of kept Sky Whirl.
I think great America will get an rmc raptor at some point like Jersey devil coaster. We still have room and they could easily remove one of the log flumes or the yankee one.
Flumes are classic.
Go karts can go instead.
With Magic Mountain now in line to get one, I think it's looking very likely for Great America to get one in the near future.
Agreed. You could easily fit a Raptor in the Go Kart spot.
Whats going to sadly replace every coaster (because you cant have an immortal coaster)
BatMan: Just a retrack
Demon: Extreme Spinner
Goliath: add a racer track in Gladiator
American Eagle: hopefully a retrack but sadly most likely Iron Eagle
Viper: retrack
Raging Bull: Raging Inferno
Superman: Retrack
Little Dipper: shops, it would be hard to fit anything there
Vertical Velocity: 4-D Boomerang
Joker: retheme/repaint
Dark knight Coaster: Flat Ride
All of these are my thoughts not whats actually happening
Great video man. I have heard rumors internally that PTC trains have been renewed (I worked for the park for three years). However, I know that Iron Eagle blueprints do exist and that it is a possibility considering that if Eagle were to be torn down, nothing may take its spot due to restrictions from the city of Gurnee. The steel track could be quieter for residents, so it might be plausible to convince the Gurnee board to give this coaster an RMC treatment.
The biggest question is the price tag. Financially, Six Flags could be looking at a second bankruptcy. Hopefully, under new leadership from the new CEO, the company can turn its business model around and move away from the "cheap thrills" model, and emerge from COVID in a pleasant manner. Great America has the highest attendance (I believe) in comparison to most other parks in the chain. This ride would be very high capacity, and Maxx Force and Joker are not high capacity rides. Let's pray that we see this conversion within the next ten years!
Thanks for your comment, a lot of good tidbits. I think the Gurnee Board is less of an obstacle than Six Flags' financial situation. COVID is going to eat up all of their planned capital and make an investment like Iron Eagle even more unlikely. However, we're currently watching Sea World putting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coasters to their parks each year, and if that pays dividends for them, Six Flags and other chains might have adapt that to keep up. Regardless, it's going to be an interesting couple of years for SFGAm and the chain as a whole.
War Eagle would be a good name albeit jacked from Auburn U. A dueling RMC would be different enough from Goliath but I think it would overshadow Goliath so much itd practically make it irrelevant
War Eagle sounds great. I think you're right on the Goliath part. They would really have to emphasis the out and back portion on any version of the ride to distinguish it enough.
This ride needs a new layout! GCI needs a chance to refurb. They have so much to work with and GCI has a lot to prove. More dips instead of inversions
Honestly I would want a Giga or a new b&m. I would be fine with this but I hope they go with a military theme because it's near x flight and it would be weird if it's completely different.
I'm personally B&M'ed out at the park, unless it was a Giga or something. I'd love something like an infinity coaster for the next addition.
Lol it's already weird that X Flight has a military theme and it's located in the county fair section. Anything is possible.
They should just tear down x flight it's the worst ride at the park.... I'd rather ride the flying swings then x flight. And that stupid DMX voice that you have to listen to for 2 hours waiting to ride it.... Garbage.
I'd love to see a Giga and I feel like this plot of land is the only one at the park where there's enough space for a giga.
@@billsandrew Think they could build one alongside the back of the park if they removed the log flumes.
My favorite roller coaster is American eagle it was my first major rollercoaster i went on, but raging bull is my main fav that is steel but i love American eagle still i hope they dont get rid of it i will miss it but at least I can still ride it right now gotta take pics while i still can. Also love the Wizzer I remember when it use to race i miss that it was so much fun seeing who would win most of the time it was the red car. Its my home park and i love it i remember the iron wolfe and i miss that, i also remember the wiggles themed area with the cars that go in a small circle and the vintage cars that went around
Omg remember when it went backwards i went on it once when it was going backwards
After the drop, the second small airtime hill destroys your back when it smashes you down
It's definitely gotten more noticeably rough over the years.
Rmc eagle, and get a b+m giga, an intamin blitz or premier duel launch. the days of large loopers/floorless coasters are behind us but the park definitely could use something like that. They have every ride type, and yet only one coaster comes to mind w 3 train operations and a block break; raging bull. I think raging balls layout is underrated/prolific and if you look at the intamin and b+m gigas being built 20 years later, you see similar twister elements (and the ride is flawed in similar ways as orion). But with that block break on, the coaster doesnt attract enthusiasts the way it ought to. But I bring this up because the parks lineup as stacked with 2- train operating compact coasters. The park might feel more complete if, around they removed shockwave, they had built a floorless coaster when those were still popular. Rmc eagle and build a giga and i think the public would care less that raging bull is rageless or that goliath is missing its second half.
SixFlags already said they’re not RMCing American Eagle. It’s way too big and expensive to convert
It definitely would be a very expensive project.
When and where did they say this?
I would rather they just fix this, and convert Viper into “Steel Viper” or “Iron Viper”. American Eagle is a much better ride than Viper.
Intro is great with one of those rides being at my home park
There is so much potential here. American Eagle was my first coaster and I believe the ride could use some kind of refurbishment. I like the idea of AE being RMCed or getting new trains while fixing the issues with the structure so the trains can duel again
I would be very happy if my favorite ride get a revamp
Me too!
Gets** a revamp.
Smartest person in world award goes to......lmfao
I would not expect 6 flags to be building anything for at least the next 2 years unless its already under construction. We are in an economic depression. And the bottom is not done falling out of this economy.
I'm the minority in that RMC isn't even in my top 3 favorite manufacturers. I feel like they really should stop doing conversions and respect its history and enthusiasts should do the same. Not only would RMCing this ruin SFGAms line up for wooden coasters it would basically erase the great lateral and airtime filled layout with another cookie cutter rmc one. Although the rumor is false that they can't modify the helix structure. I hope Six Flags gives the GCI treatment to this to keep the great airtime and make the laterals even more insane.
Any qualms should really go to the parks that pay RMC to re-do their old coasters. I agree with you that classic coasters should be untouchable, but can anyone really argue that re-doing rides like Mean Streak and Gwazi is a bad idea?
So you’re telling me you’d rather ride, let’s say Mean Streak rather than Steel Vengeance. And what happens if the roller coaster is beyond operation. What do you then? Many RMC conversions have reached that point and ended up becoming much better.
@@ParkPros yeah those weren't bad ideas but coasters like Colossus and other classic rides are untouchable. Some enthusiasts even want a classic Kennywood coaster RMCd or even the Beast.
@@howenator I can't stand people who think like this. Collossus was boring, rough, and had very low ridership. I don't get the point of clinging tightly to the "classics" when they're outdated and not enjoyable. Holding on to things for nolstalgia's sake when there are better alternatives is silly and quite frankly, immature. I've ridden half a dozen or more RMC remakes and never once did I think "the original was better than this." If the original ride is still very good, as is the case with the Beast at KI, then an RMC conversion is unnecessary. In all conversion cases, the original sucked, so the park hired RMC to make it 10 times better.
@@EmeraldBayMovies it wasn't really that much of a classic but it had an important point in history too bad they neutered the ride reprofiling it. I'd say they there are only about 5 to 10 ehh wooden coasters left in the country and RMC should deal with them
Last weekend the ran both sides! (Dispatched separately) but it was the first time in a while I have saw both sides operating.
The reason i think the whole goliath argument is dumb is because they had demon and at the same time they had shockwave and both are arrow loopers
Sounds like a plan, I love A.E. and the hybrid idea is pure genius.. Great America is my home park too, I've never had another coaster enthusiast to ride and tlk coasters with, wouldn't mind hitting up the park with you once it's safe again. Great vid.. SUBBED 👌🏾👌🏾
Jeez, imagine how we thought there was gonna be a 2020 park season… I was just on the ride yesterday
Since they already have Goliath i don’t see it happening. Esther have gci or someone come in and keep it wooden but refurb it completely and smooth it out. Maybe some minor adjustments to make it more of a modern woodie.
I could see them making it a hybrid to make it smoother but I don’t think they would like to completely redo the layout
iron eagle sounds dope , Chicago/Gurnee is my home great America as well
This year they had that bad boy going so fast it poped on the track at one point
This is an amazing video, I think you should have more subscribers
Appreciate the kind words.
GCI Retrack and timberliner trains... make it duel again... Problem fixed at half to a quarter of the price of RMC. And you preserve the coaster.
I'm sad that many of Intamin's traditional wood coasters are pretty much non existent now. White Cyclone was turned into Hakugei, Regina at Tobu Zoo is closed, Aska at Nara Dreamland is abandoned, and some others Idk. Intamin could have made some really nice traditional wooden coasters after some of these. But it seems American Eagle and some others around the world are the only ones left to exist, but who knows for how long?
I agree with your two requirements, but being that the Eagle is my favorite coaster at Great America (I have been going there since I was 3 years old, I turn 20 this year) I need to add one more requirement: It must be taller than Raging Bull. I don’t care if it’s by 1 ft or 75 ft but it needs to be taller since it is almost impossible for Great America to get a giga coaster. Between the village of Gurnee despising tall rides (why do you think Goliath goes underground) and the lack of space they have, a giga will never happen. However, if they build Iron Eagle taller than Raging Bull, they could tout it as “The tallest roller coaster (in the park)” which Six Flags could use heavily in marketing.
Awesome video if they were to RMC American Eagle I would want to see something similar to Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain, that would make the ride special and really bring in the crowds!!!
American Eagle is a rough ride in my opinion. I don't hate it and I find the historic factor on the ride awesome but, something needs to be done to the ride to give it some flair.
Also hey look, im not the only Coaster Enthusiast who's home park is Great America
I don't mind the roughness, but I agree. It's time to do something.
It would be cool if they named it Great American Eagle like wow that would fit perfectly
American Eagle is so iconic but it definitely needs some updates.
I grew up going to six flags and fighting the American eagle and yes it's a very bumpy ride but the American eagle is the og of six flags. I think this rumor would be a very good idea
It is the og of the park, gotta maintain that history for sure.
Yes this would be awesome. I have not ridden the American Eagle. To all to it advantage being the longest roller coaster and th oldest wooden roller coaster, I would say this would defiantly benefit the American Eagle to restore the whole coaster for Iron Eagle (American Eagle) New look.
The inversions bug me so much. The new texas giant has great overbank turns the most i would love to see is a high five going straight (not in a turn) at the the top entering into the big helix and near the end im dying to experience a no brake helix finale full send.
I could se this,but I think they won't relocate Goliath because it is a GP pleaser,holding the record of the tallest and steepest wooden coaster in the world is a big deal,and besides,relocating it could be difficult,Iron Eagle and Goliath would be different enough taking as count that Goaliatj is the compact,intense coaster and RMC Eagle would be more focused on ejector and floater airtime,I think,Goliath was meant to be cloned,so idk if we could see it relocated or cloned at other SF parks without an RMC
I think the two RMC's could co-exist. The main reason I don't think Six Flags would lean towards just keeping Goliath at SFGAm is because it would have to be pretty expensive and inconvenient to relocate a massive wooden coaster like that.
Yeah,I know,besides,I am in the bunch that says they are different enough,and come on,that would be a bad ass duo of RMCs,but I do get that parks like SFAM,La Ronde or Darien Lake are in much more need of a conversion before GA gets a second RMC that would ride not that different from Goliath,but still I could see it for 2021:Conversions of Predator and Roar and for 2022 conversions of Le Monstre and Eagle
Doing the RMC conversion to the Summers and Dinn coasters is great. However, I always feel that we lose some of the character of these historically significant woodies when that same conversion is performed. They become shorter in length and the structure less impressive looking. IMHO coasters like this would be better served by something like a complete Gravity Group retracking and reprofiling.
What I think could be cool if this happens and it isn’t mobius, half is a side that features inversions while the other side focuses on airtime
Love that idea!
I personally think "Great American Eagle" sounds better. It feels more patriotic, and definitely fits the rides theme. Also, I read from another comment saying if it is named "Iron Eagle" it would have some trademark issues due to a movie from the 1980s having the same name.
I dig it.
RMC I-Box conversion of Six Flags Great America's American Eagle would be good. If Gurnee, Illinois government were to permit Six Flags to give this iconic coaster a major overhaul, I think Six Flags and RMC would likely go the möbius loop route (think Six Flags Magic Mountain's Twisted Colossus) or a drastically scaled down coaster (think Busch Gardens Tampa's new for 2020 Iron Gwazi and Kentucky Kingdom's Storm Chaser), doing away with racing concept. Or if GCI were to be permitted to do traditional wood coaster retracking and structural repairs, or the GCI equivalent of RMC I-Box track.
Many coaster enthusiasts wouldn't want to see American Eagle go the route of Six Flags Great Adventure's former Rolling Thunder coaster. If American Eagle, like Rolling Thunder before it, is to bite the dust, Six Flags could easily explore fitting a new coaster or 2 in that plot of land.
Other SFGAM wood coaster that I could see as prime candidate for RMC I-Box conversion would be Viper, and it'd likely be a clone of Six Flags Over Georgia's Twisted Cyclone.
Looking at other Six Flags parks...
- Six Flags St. Louis' The Boss looks to be a prime candidate for RMC I-Box conversion, which would be a no-brainer, and assuming SFSL gets RMC The Boss for its 50th anniversary season in 2021.
- Six Flags Darien Lake's Predator is another prime candidate for RMC conversion. SFDL will be having its 40th anniversary season in 2021.
- Six Flags America's Roar, also another good RMC candidate.
- La Ronde's Le Monstre getting RMC'd would be neat. If it did, I'd anticipate möbius loop or scaled down ride. Seeing that Canada won't allow for RMC to give Le Monstre the I-Box conversion, LR could easily get ground-up RMC coaster in the old Cobra plot of land.
- Six Flags Great Adventure's El Toro could also easily be another RMC candidate, despite mixed reaction from coaster enthusiasts.
We'll see what 2021 and 2022 seasons look like.
Just subscribed. Very underrated channel!!!
RMC does an awesome job of turning wooden coasters that are tofu dreg projects into memorable gems.
Ayee!! I used to live in Chicago so Great America is one of my now 4 home parks, currently I am by Beach bend, Kentucky kingdom, and Holiday world. But back to topic, since they redid Collosis at Magic mountain I always thought Eagle would be next. I would love to see Rmc do the Eagle because of its' amazing layout and dueling aspects. It's sad that the structure is in such bad shape it can't race anymore. But I believe if sixflags did the Iorn Horse treatment it would be awesome I totally approve of this idea and I hope it comes soon.
California's Great America is my home park but damn this park looks so awesome reminds me of what are Park used to look like except you guys got a massive coaster lineup back in the Marriott days the Santa Clara Park never got an American Eagle
For whatever reason Marriott seemed to favor the Illinois park, especially towards the end.
@@ParkPros well there was maybe a few times that the Santa Clara Park got something over the Gurnee Park for example Santa Clara got the tidal wave in 77 Gurnee had to wait until 1978 to get their tidal Wave although the Gurnee Park did have more flat rides also in his final season of owning both parks Marriott decided to give they're rip-roaring Rampage ride to only Gurnee and not Santa Clara
@@ParkPros When it came to commercials, it was most, if not all of the commercials were centered around Santa Clara's park
Could you see a replacement with a t-rex ? Maybe agree to take the first at a cut price? Would certainly count as an elite world class coaster and could be eagle themed
Iron Eagle isn't what others would want like me. I think The New American Eagle like the New Texas Giant in Texas would work, in my opinion would work for Six Flags Great America and for The New American Eagle - I mean Iron Eagle would sound good if it was all steal or Iron. With RMC or DINN Corp. that built the New Texas Giant. I am also an employee of Six Flags, and I think The New American Eagle would be better in my opinion because of the Iconic name that Marriott Corporation gave at the former Marriott's Great American now Six Flags Great America. When I went to the park in 1982, American Eagle was closed, so I couldn't ride it until the 1990s. American Eagle was my ride that I worked at in 1995. But hey, I think RMC or DINN Corp could hyper coaster The American Eagle and do a great job, with the original Blueprints that Figley and Wright did for Intamin in 1980 for the 1981 season. American Eagles 40th anniversary would be great to update it or restore the ride. Sorry that this is long.
Could GCI re-track and re-profile american eagle just like ghost rider?
That would be the best! Or rmcing one side and gciing the other side! Or just repainting and retracting it.
That would be an amazing transformation for the ride. Ghost Rider is incredible.
RMC one side and GCI the other. Two different coasters in one.
I think the dream would be one side RMC and keep one side the same (but re-track extensively and get new trains).
That would be awesome!
The GP would be so confused, why is one side bumpy and the other side goes up side down for some reason???
I ask everyone I can think to ask at SFGA about Eagle every time I visit. If any ride operators out there have heard about an RMC, they ain't talkin. She's riding SO rough these days, though, and I haven't seen both tracks operating since I was a kid. I'd love to see some life breathed back into her.
With the park closed as long as the state is shut down, though, and with the pandemic looming overhead even after stay-at-home ends, I'd be shocked if Six Flags will come out with any sort of funding to fix her up.
1. Just found this channel. More coaster channels I can watch, the better!
2. Yeah, I've read that American Eagle is looking/riding rougher the last few years.
3. Two RMC's at one park, why the frick not do that?
4. IF AE does get Iboxed, I say keep it racing and make it a Twisted Colossus clone.
Also, how much did west coast racers cost? That had to be a ton of money. Probably one of the most expensive to date. But with the virus now.... I'm not too sure if they can do it again.
Any chance of relocating Goliath to a smaller SF park? That way GA could justify a large investment to RMC the Eagle properly in 2022, while the other park benefits with a 'new-to-them'' RMC. GA needs an elite top tier coaster. Feel like we always get the shortened intro models at this park
Relocating Goliath would be complicated. Not many wooden coasters have been relocated as woodies are expensive to relocate.
Plus Six Flags is in financial debt right now.
I personally say don’t touch the layout and give it the GCI tracking and profile if RMC just replace the track with topper track
Wouldn't mind that at all.
La Ronde isn't getting an RMC because Canadian laws require that the track is made in Canada, and RMC wants to do everything in-house.
RIP. Le Monstre would make an amazing RMC.
Great America has the most underrated coast skyline in North America imo
With all that is going on currently..i would say just to have a celebration next season and unveil a new/improved/updated version in 2 years..
Me a Chicago native ridden this ride for years and I hate this ride in its current state to bumpy and decent air time so rmc or gci conversions would be great
I think it’s unlikely because they already have Goliath, even though it’s too damn SHORT!
Agreed!
Possibly, but they would be different enough. Just because a park has one wooden coaster doesn't stop them from adding 2 more. I think it could likely be the same for RMC coasters in the future
My home park and my very first rollercoaster to ever ride
Steel Falcon I think would be a fitting name for an RMC version of the ride
I wouldn’t hate it, but personally hope they keep “Eagle” in the name because of the history.
@@ParkPros but this new name has a species of bird in it, like the og
They should move Goliath to another park, RMC American eagle, put a dive coaster where Goliath is, then replace whizzer with a raptor coaster. The 2020’s will be the greatest decade six flags great America will have ever seen.
If they RMC'd Eagle and relocated Goliath, I would love to see a Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster in Goliath's spot. I hope Whizzer sticks around for a while.
Its 2022 and its still running, wish you were right.