Craving a thrill? The New Texas Giant roller coaster looms before you. This steel giant stands tall in Six Flags Over Texas. It’s a ride with a story of transformation and adrenaline.
Originally, this behemoth was known as the Texas Giant. Back in 1990, it was the tallest wooden coaster in the world. The Dinn Corporation built it, and Curtis D. Summers designed it. For years, it ranked high in Amusement Today magazine’s Golden Ticket Awards.
But time took its toll. The ride became rougher. Its popularity waned. In 2009, the Texas Giant closed for a massive makeover.
Rocky Mountain Construction stepped in. They reimagined the coaster. The New Texas Giant emerged in 2011. It retained much of the original wooden support structure. But the wooden track was replaced with steel, featuring RMC’s I-Box track technology. It was the first roller coaster to use this innovative track.
The renovation boosted the height from 143 to 153 feet. The drop length increased from 137 to 147 feet. The drop angle steepened to a thrilling 79 degrees. The New Texas Giant also gained steeper banked turns.
The result was a hit. In 2011, it won Best New Ride in the Golden Ticket Awards. It consistently ranked high in industry polls.
The New Texas Giant operates with three trains. Gerstlauer manufactured them. These trains are themed to 1961 Cadillac Devilles. Each train has six cars. Riders sit two across in two rows. Hydraulic lap bars and seat belts keep riders secure.
Let’s compare the old and the new. The original Texas Giant had a 143-foot height. Its replacement now reaches 153 feet. The original’s speed was 62 mph. The New Texas Giant hits 65 mph.
Ready for the ride?
The New Texas Giant begins with a right turn out of the station. Then, it’s straight to the 153-foot-tall chain lift hill. At the top, you plunge 147 feet at a 79-degree angle. A double up leads into a 90-degree overbanked turn. Next comes a dip and a 95-degree overbanked turn.
Another dip and rise leads to a 115-degree overbanked turn. An air-time hill delivers intense negative g-force. The train ascends to the mid-course brake run. From there, it’s a series of low-to-the-ground air-time hills and directional changes. You will rush through three separate tunnels. Finally, you will reach the final brake run and return to the station.
The New Texas Giant isn’t just a roller coaster. It’s a testament to innovation. It’s a blend of wood and steel. This ride offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience. It’s a giant you won’t soon forget.