Six Flags New England 2015

A while back, I talked about possible future RMC Coaster Projects (though it's a little outdated now, because I think Holiday World is getting an RMC project). It looks like one is locked in for 2015:

http://sfneonline.org/2014/05/20/iron-cyclone-rumors/

SFNEOnline posted an article on a possible Iron Cyclone on May 20, 2014. They first mention an interview with SFNE's Communications Manager, Jennifer McGrath:

At around 0:46, Conn Jackson of CTV asked how often SFNE adds attractions. McGrath then says that next year's attraction will "knock everyone's socks off."

Then SFNEOnline mentions what they know so far:

SUMMARY OF EVERYTHING WE KNOW SO FAR:

• Two new coasters coming within the next four years
• Rumors have been going around since the fall that Six Flags New England’s next coaster would be from Rocky Mountain Construction
• In the new year, rumors started spreading that Cyclone would get the Iron Horse treatment. These rumors continued to gain traction
• When the park opened for the season, construction markers were spotted all around Cyclone
• Construction instructions have been written on Cyclone’s supports
• New colors are being tested on Cyclone’s station

SFNEOnline then goes over a little history. Apparently right after New England SkyScreamer was announced, rumors started spreading that the next attraction will be made by Rocky Mountain Construction, or RMC.

Then the park president John Winkler mentions that SFNE is in line to receive two new coasters in the next four years (2015-2018).

Once the park opened, orange markings have been reported all around Cyclone (13 according to SFNEOnline), even "some around the North End," "the paths around the ride," and even some "near Flashback" (these photos are courtesy of SFNEOnline):





SFNEOnline then talks about how there are markings on Cyclone's structure itself, some marked "cut here" (pics taken by Dennis on the site):





From SFNEOnline themselves:

If you can’t make this out, it says “Cut here” with a number below it. These are on most of the supports near the entrance to Cyclone. Based off of Dennis’ knowledge, this whole helix is slated to be lowered to about 6 feet based on the cut marks. He estimates that there are about 250 + cut here markings based off of the number in the above picture. They circle the whole entrance area. Even the lift hill has some markings on it.

This next picture is a little hard to make out. If you look closely you can see the number 7.5 with a line next to it. This is exactly 7.5 feet up on the second drop supports – about 20 feet in. This indicates potentially a steeper drop on second hill.

SFNEOnline then points out that Cyclone's station has been given new colors, and point out an ACE logo on Cyclone's station in the 2014 park map (they claim it could be a hint "to enthusiasts that they should be getting their last rides on Cyclone this year").

Additionally, I found this post from May 24 on the forum (from bizarro#1, who quotes from Dennis):

"...At the top of he lift hill, to my left on the walkway, I could see the orange marker with a number 9. And parallel with that is two more orange markers. All parallel to the lift hill. Maybe the lift hill is being moved to the left 20 or 30 feet??"

 I wonder why? Maybe to allow an expanded layout?

I also wonder what could happen to Flashback in the process. The ride has been on the chopping block ever since they installed Goliath RIGHT NEXT TO IT in 2012. This ride has to be gone soon, possibly relocated to some other park (maybe SFOG). I'm not sure they would necessarily use the ride space for an expanded Iron Cyclone layout, but it has to go soon, and this would be a great opportunity.

I'm intrigued as to how they will build an Iron Horse conversion on Cyclone. If this is true, this will be the most compact coaster RMC has worked on at this point (Cyclone is pretty compact). If they're moving the lift, that will allow more work on the layout (possibly a higher lift about 10-20 ft), and if Flashback goes, that could be more space for an awesome layout.

Regardless, I believe we have our next RMC project. Iron Cyclone will probably be a HUGE hit for the park. I do wonder who else could be getting an RMC next year. We have SFGAdv rumored to get one from scratch (like Outlaw Run and Goliath), Holiday World (I believe it's possible for Voyage), and that "Lake Monster" project for Darien Lake. They all seem like possible candidates for RMC projects in 2015. But I believe we will definitely see an RMC Iron Horse project come to SFNE on Cyclone.

Stay tuned.