:Rocky Mountain Construction
{{Short description|Roller coaster manufacturer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Rocky Mountain Construction
| logo = Rocky Mountain Construction logo.png
| caption =
| type = Private
| traded_as =
| fate =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2001}}
| founder = Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon
| defunct =
| location_city = Hayden, Idaho
| location_country = United States
| locations =
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl|Darren Torr (President/CEO)| Jake Kilcup (COO)}}
| industry = Manufacturing and construction
| products =
| services = Roller coasters, water parks, specialty construction
| revenue =
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| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
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| homepage = {{URL|http://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/}}
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) is a roller coaster manufacturing and construction company based in Hayden, Idaho, United States. It is best known for its I-Box track and Topper Track for wooden roller coasters. Founded by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon in 2001, it has built over 20 roller coasters. In 2023, amusement ride manufacturer Larson International merged with it.
History
In 2001, Rocky Mountain Construction was established by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon. Fred Grubb previously had experience in the construction industry having worked on custom homes and zoo exhibits. The company has worked on several projects including the construction of roller coasters, water parks, steel buildings, miniature golf courses and go kart tracks.{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/about.html|publisher=Rocky Mountain Construction|access-date=July 8, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826093719/http://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/about.html|archive-date=August 26, 2012}}
In 2009 Alan Schilke of Ride Centerline began providing design and engineering work for Rocky Mountain Construction. He previously worked with Arrow Dynamics (later S&S Worldwide) to design Tennessee Tornado, Road Runner Express, and X.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Tennessee Tornado|location=Dollywood|rcdb_number=534|accessdate=July 8, 2012}}{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=X2|location=Six Flags Magic Mountain|rcdb_number=750|accessdate=July 8, 2012}}{{ cite patent | country = US | number = 6523479 | status = patent | title = Amusement rides and methods | gdate = February 25, 2003 | fdate = September 6, 2001 | invent1 = Schilke, Alan | invent2 = et al | assign1 = Morano, S. Joseph}} Working with Rocky Mountain Construction, Schilke and Grubb designed the I-Box track for wooden roller coasters.{{ cite patent | country = US | number = 2011146528 | status = application | title = Rolling Vehicle Track | fdate = September 13, 2010 | inventor = Schilke, Alan; Grubb, Fred; Bachtar, Dody}} The first installation of this track technology debuted on New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas in 2011.{{cite news|title=NEW Texas Giant Named Best New Ride of 2011|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-texas-giant-named-best-new-ride-of-2011-130029598.html|access-date=July 8, 2012|newspaper=PR Newswire}}
In late 2011, Schilke announced that the company would be working on two projects throughout 2012 which would both open in 2013. These were later revealed to be an I-Box retrack of The Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and a new roller coaster designed from scratch at Silver Dollar City named Outlaw Run.{{cite news|last=McLean|first=Mike|title=North Idaho roller coaster maker expands to accommodate innovations|url=http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=7763|access-date=July 8, 2012|newspaper=Journal of Business|date=January 19, 2012}}{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=unknown|location=Silver Dollar City|rcdb_number=10582|accessdate=July 8, 2012}} The track technology used for Outlaw Run, which allows a square beam of wood to be twisted, took 4 years to develop. It allows Rocky Mountain Construction to design layouts with maneuvers that are not traditionally possible with wooden roller coasters such as heartline rolls. Grubb has stated the technology could be used for new elements in the future.{{cite AV media|last=Olson|first=Devon|year=2013|title=Outlaw Run: From Dreams To Screams|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln0hTR0l6KU|access-date=May 18, 2013|publisher=YouTube|location=Branson, Missouri}} Some new elements were realized with the announcement of Goliath at Six Flags Great America. The ride features a dive loop and a zero-g stall. The ride opened in June 2014.{{cite web|title=New for 2014|url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/|archive-date=September 1, 2013}}
In 2013, Rocky Mountain Construction signed a deal with Dutch amusement ride firm Vekoma. The agreement allows Vekoma to sell Rocky Mountain Construction's roller coasters outside the North American market.{{cite journal|title=Vekoma rides on|journal=Park World Magazine|date=November 2013|page=30}} In 2014, Kolmården Wildlife Park in Sweden announced plans to build the first Rocky Mountain coaster in Europe called Wildfire, which opened on June 28, 2016.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Wildfire|location=Kolmården Wildlife Park|rcdb_number=12032|accessdate=June 22, 2015}} To handle increased demand, Rocky Mountain Construction opened a new factory, twice the size of their existing one, in August 2014.{{Cite interview|last=Grubb|first=Fred|title=Fred and Suanne|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goJLA-f1FHU|access-date=June 28, 2014|date=June 25, 2014|work=NewsPlusNotes}}
In a press release on April 11, 2023, amusement ride manufacturer Larson International, known for its Fire Ball models, merged with Rocky Mountain Construction.{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=John |date=2023-04-11 |title=Coaster firm RMC merging with Larson International - Theme Park Tribune, theme park news |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/?p=231512 |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Theme Park Tribune |language=en-US}}
Technology
File:RMC Track Types (26669969379) (cropped).jpg
- I-Box Track (also known as Iron Horse Track) – Rocky Mountain Construction's most common product. A formation of replacement steel track for wooden roller coasters. The first installation of this track was on New Texas Giant in Six Flags Over Texas.{{cite web|last=Sandy|first=Adam|title=Six Flags turns to Gerstlauer to deliver themed trains|url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_may_2011_web.pdf|publisher=Amusement Today|access-date=July 9, 2012|date=May 2011}}{{cite news|title=Steel track for wooden coasters|url=http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1736/Steel_track_for_wooden_coasters.html|access-date=July 9, 2012|newspaper=Park World Online|date=July 7, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403103606/http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1736/Steel_track_for_wooden_coasters.html|archive-date=April 3, 2011}}
- I-Box (Large Track Version) – Specifically designed to run the S&S Free Spin 4D coaster clones.
- Topper Track – Installed on several coasters around the United States.{{cite web|url=http://content.sixflags.com/news/overgeorgia/rides/georgia-cyclone?ic=I0028E136&gc=GTEST0000000002|title=Georgia Cyclone: A Classic "Woodie"|publisher=Six Flags|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106031653/http://content.sixflags.com/news/overgeorgia/rides/georgia-cyclone?ic=I0028E136&gc=GTEST0000000002|archive-date=November 6, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=July 8, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/two-six-flags-rides-receive-topper.html|title=Two Six Flags Rides Receive "Topper Track" for 2011|date=March 7, 2011|publisher=NewsPlusNotes|access-date=July 8, 2012}} The track is designed to reduce the maintenance required for a wooden roller coaster and provide a smoother ride experience.{{cite web|title=Rocky Mountain Construction Company|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/blogs/160-rocky-mountain-construction-company/|publisher=Coaster-Net|access-date=July 9, 2012|date=February 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206231428/http://coaster-net.com/blogs/160-rocky-mountain-construction-company/|archive-date=December 6, 2011}} This steel track replaces the upper layers of laminated wood.
- Wooden roller coaster trains – specifically designed to run on the company's own Topper Track, however, they could be added to other wooden roller coasters as well. The trains feature steel wheels as opposed to polyurethane wheels found on most trains.{{cite web|title=IAAPA 2011 Trade Show Part 3 Orlando Florida Theme Park Review Rocky Mountain Sally|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYwvDhh30aw|work=Theme Park Review|publisher=YouTube|access-date=July 9, 2012|last=Alvey|first=Robb|author-link=Robb Alvey|last2=Schilke|first2=Alan|author-link2=Alan Schilke|date=November 16, 2011}}
- 208 ReTrak – Debuting in 2021 on Silverwood's Tremors roller coaster, similar to the I-box track, 208 is designed to be used as a replacement for sections of old wooden coasters to decrease maintenance and add lifespan to the coaster as well as increase rider comfort and enjoyment.
- Wild Moose – A version of the classic wild mouse coaster type using I-Box track, featuring entirely redesigned trains and a compact layout.
- Raptor Track – A single rail steel track that features inline seating for passengers.
- T-Rex Track – Similar to Raptor track, the T-Rex track is a single rail track. It is a larger single rail model that permits two seat-wide trains on the track rather than one.
- Swing Axle Trains – Debuting in 2018 on Twisted Timbers, the Swing axle train features a pivoting front axle allowing for smoother transitions between elements.
List of roller coasters
As of August 2023, Rocky Mountain Construction has built or refurbished 25 roller coasters around the world, all of which are currently operating, and two more are being constructed.[https://rcdb.com/10583.htm Rocky Mountain Construction - rcdb.com]
Other projects
=Topper Track, no layout changes=
=Construction=
=Repairs=
- The Boss at Six Flags St. Louis
- Corkscrew at Silverwood Theme Park
- Cornball Express at Indiana Beach
- Hoosier Hurricane at Indiana Beach
- Hurricane: Category 5 at Myrtle Beach Pavilion
- Mega Zeph at Six Flags New Orleans
- Predator at Six Flags Darien Lake
- Psyclone at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Woodland Run at Kentucky Kingdom{{cite web|title=Timeline Photos|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=612354222132087&set=a.599973010036875.1073741827.150584424975738&type=1&comment_id=1899078&reply_comment_id=1901456&total_comments=1|publisher=Facebook|access-date=August 2, 2013|author=Kentucky Kingdom|date=July 28, 2013}}
- Timber Terror at Silverwood Theme Park
- Tremors at Silverwood Theme Park - 208 ReTrak
- Twister II at Elitch Gardens Theme Park
- Hurler at Kings Dominion
- Blazing Fury at Dollywood
- Hell Cat at Clementon Park - 208 ReTrak
=Miscellaneous=
- Boulder Beach – water park
- Great Escape – Skycoaster installation
- Six Flags America – Skycoaster installation
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Skycoaster installation
- S&S Free Spin 4D clones - Construction of the track using the I-Box Large Version
- Kentucky Kingdom – Skycoaster installation
- Stoneridge Resort – miniature golf course
- Triple Play Indoor Water Park – water park
- Utah Olympic Park – Xtreme ZipRiders
- Wild Water West – water park, go kart track and miniature golf course
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|http://www.rockymtnconstruction.com/}}
{{Roller coaster manufacturers}}
Category:Companies based in Idaho
Category:Companies established in 2001
Category:Roller coaster manufacturers