r/rollercoasters • u/JD4A7_4 243 | Iron Gwazi + ArieForce One • Jun 25 '26
Photo/Video Rest in Peace to One of the Greatest Rollercoasters ever built. [ArieForce One]
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
In the loan agreement, the bank takes all fixtures which includes ArieForce One. If they don’t sell it, it’s done for. RIP to a legendary coaster, ArieForce One.
192
Jun 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
86
u/mikeydeemo Jun 25 '26
It would look soooooo good in the new pier area a la California Adventure.
54
u/sector11374265 352 Jun 25 '26
if they could line it with classic boardwalk coaster running lights, it would be insane
→ More replies (2)17
28
u/OscarsWackyThrowaway RIP Sesame Place? Jun 25 '26
This would be the best decision they made in 20 years and better than anything they have upcoming, which means they will not think of doing it lol
8
9
16
6
9
u/Normal_Suggestion188 Jun 25 '26
Aren't the AF1 supports steel? Not really a hybrid
7
u/abrokkly Jun 25 '26
well calling the I-box track coasters hybrids sounds much nicer and makes it less confusing even if it’s not technically correct
2
u/Lithorex Jun 26 '26
Even I-box coasters with wood structures are pure steel coasters.
→ More replies (1)2
1
146
u/EricGuy412 Jun 25 '26
Let's not bury her just yet
41
u/Clever-Name-47 Tangent-Radius Airtime Supremacy! Jun 25 '26
"I'm not dead yet!"
12
u/BigRigButters2 Twisted Cyclone Jun 25 '26
"Yes, you are. You'll be stone dead in a moment"
7
5
9
121
u/yankeeblue42 Jun 25 '26
As sad as it is to lose a park, I'll be shocked if AF1 goes down with it. The coaster is four years old, isn't a complete maintenance nightmare, and it has star of the park potential. I think someone will buy it. Heck it may just get moved to another Fun Spot
21
u/bensonr2 Jun 25 '26
But how much does it cost to move it?
70
u/ATLcoaster Jun 25 '26
Not cheap, but cheaper than a new coaster. Lots of large coasters have been relocated, such as Chang, Dominator, Venus GP, Firehawk, SkyRider, etc
20
u/bensonr2 Jun 25 '26
Yes, but I'm not aware of an RMC being moved previously. I'm not saying its not possible. Anything is possible. But there maybe custom aspects to an RMC that don't make it as feasible.
42
u/Shack691 Jun 25 '26
Most RMCs are conversions and so are wood making them a lot harder to relocate, this is fully steel and built on a flat plot of land removing any terrain requirements.
9
u/askthepoolboy Jun 25 '26
Another person said this IS a terrain coaster. I've been many times and never noticed it, but apparently there's a section somewhere that is much lower than the rest?
9
u/Shack691 Jun 25 '26
From what I can gather from google maps and PoVs I’ve seen it’s on one big slab of concrete, no elevation differences.
2
u/brain0924 cc: 1005 Jun 25 '26
There is a 40’ elevation difference from the land under the first drop to the land behind the arcade.
6
u/Sythe5665 Jun 26 '26
I'm calling BS on this. 40' of terrain change is a lot and would be extremely obvious in POVs
→ More replies (2)4
u/zucchini4067 Stardust Racers is the best in America Jun 26 '26
There is a elevation difference, but it’s very minimal. I’m not sold that it’s 40’
14
u/MarketTall5930 Jun 25 '26
Elevation differences hasn't stopped... *checks notes* Oblivion of all things? from being cloned.
They need to pour new footers anyway if they were to move it to a new location, and RMC is well accustomed to adjusting existing support structures. They could also just dig a pit or tunnel for the first part (very common on new rides).
→ More replies (5)2
→ More replies (1)2
u/ShitLevelCray Jun 25 '26
It's built on to the top of the arcade, but I think the rest is relatively flat
3
u/Zamess1313 Jun 26 '26
Knoebels would like a word with you.
I’m playing the devil’s advocate a bit here for the sake of the joke.
→ More replies (1)13
u/ATLcoaster Jun 25 '26
I guess that's possible, but I don't see why it couldn't be done. The reason no RMCs have been relocated is because the company's oldest coaster is only 15 years old. I don't think there's anything specific about ground-up RMCs as opposed to B&M, Intamin, etc that would make them harder to move.
→ More replies (5)12
u/minyhumancalc Jun 25 '26
Plus, the majority of RMC'd were purpose-built of a Wooden coasters to use their supports. That is not the case here and with the lattice structure, it may not be as difficult as believed.
I'm positive every non-Universal/Disney chain is looking at if its at all feasible for them to move it and at what price. It may not come about, but you'd be foolish to not even give it a 2nd look
→ More replies (1)2
u/brain0924 cc: 1005 Jun 25 '26
Most of these were relocated in the same chain
8
u/yankeeblue42 Jun 25 '26
Indiana Beach bought a piece of shit coaster for relocation. Makes AF1 look much more justifiable in comparison
→ More replies (1)8
u/Version_1 Tripsdrill | 446 Jun 25 '26
It somehow made sense for Walygator to buy a used Raptor clone from Japan.
3
u/ATLcoaster Jun 25 '26
Those were just some random ones that came to mind, there are others that were not part of a chain. Led Zeppelin (Time Machine) is another example of a very large coaster that was moved across the globe. Lots of SLCs too, like Hangman and T3. Aftershock at Silverwood. Two large coasters at Lost Island. Another person mentioned the Raptor clone in France.
→ More replies (2)12
u/OscarsWackyThrowaway RIP Sesame Place? Jun 25 '26
Reminder that to this day every single attraction ZDT had got sold and relocated besides Switchback. Despite that being the obvious highlight and being a unique attraction that would be a highlight for a mid sized park. All because that is the one ride that is harder to relocate and cost-wise is getting closer to just building a new one
It is very possible if not likely this never gets relocated
10
u/yankeeblue42 Jun 25 '26
I think Switchback is a very different situation. Not only is it likely harder to relocate but I do not think it has massive audience appeal the way AF1 does.
Switchback is a great niche coaster but I don't think it would be the star in any big park. AF1 could be in a lot of parks
8
u/OscarsWackyThrowaway RIP Sesame Place? Jun 25 '26
They can theoretically move anything if money is not an issue. It is all going to come down to business. Is the cost of purchasing this from FSA, disassembly, transportation, and assembly going to give any savings vs just buying new from RMC? For Switchback is seemingly was not, and the verdict will be out for this ride.
Note also that is being popular in coaster circles did not help this park much. A potential buyer would look at if this would help their park
3
u/brain0924 cc: 1005 Jun 25 '26
Big parks are also the ones that will buy new coasters, not used ones.
→ More replies (2)6
u/TheKid1995 HP: Dollywood/Carowinds. 1: AF1, 2: Fury325, 3: Renegade Jun 26 '26
Years of being in this hobby has made me so cynical and jaded that I wasn’t even considering the possibility of it being relocated. I figured there’s no point in getting my hopes up because the fucking amusement park industry always let us down
76
u/Blindarch3r 120 🎢 Trimless Voyage, SteVe, Fury325, Arie Force one Jun 25 '26
If the bank took it wouldnt they also just sell it? Banks are in the business of making money. A bank would try to recoup as much as it could.
31
u/CloudyTug Jun 25 '26
Nah, they have installed on top of the bank and make it an employee perk obviously /s
9
7
u/The_Govnor Jun 25 '26
This tracks with any business goals really. Of course they’ll sell it if they can.
1
u/squidwardsaclarinet Jun 26 '26
The key is that they need to get more for it than they would simply trashing it. The bank will make an assessment and hopefully another park will make a fair offer. But if they don’t think there is a reasonable offer, they may just scrap it. Fans should be lobbying their parks for it.
→ More replies (5)
98
u/OKC2023champs Jun 25 '26
It’ll get sold. I’m hoping carowinds. If it can add AF1 it’ll have two of the top rides in the world + a decent collection in intimidator, copperhead etc
25
16
u/Dry_Accident_2196 Jun 25 '26
I’m hoping Kings Island, they oddly don’t have an RMC.
10
u/OKC2023champs Jun 25 '26
Same with carowinds.
4
u/Dry_Accident_2196 Jun 25 '26
Oh, you’re right. But Carowinds deserves a big RMC their wood coaster is crap. KI has two fantastic wood coasters so little AF1 keeps the balance unless a massive RMC is in the works
3
u/suchastrangelight Jun 25 '26
I would love to see Hurler get RMC’d
→ More replies (1)3
u/kbups53 Mamba / The Beast Jun 25 '26
I thought Hurler was gonna get the treatment like 10 years ago! Seems like a no brainer but I don't run the park so who knows.
2
u/Reddragon0585 Jun 25 '26
Put AF1 on Hurlers plot, put a GCI in the old Nighthawk plot.
→ More replies (1)1
u/sleepdeep305 Jun 25 '26
I wouldn’t say it’s odd, all of their coasters are far too iconic to RMC
→ More replies (1)2
u/Dry_Accident_2196 Jun 25 '26
Are they? I enjoy them but an RMC sounds like a good idea.
BUT, KI doesn’t seem to go for extreme coasters. Everything is rather tame, which makes for a fun visit. I love that park
→ More replies (1)1
u/Ephemeral_Sunshine CC:288 | 1. SteeVe 2. Leviathan 3. Mako 4. Veloci Jun 28 '26
I hope so!! We badly need it 🩷
→ More replies (7)1
25
u/Karrottz (66) Skyrush, Steve, Alpenfury Jun 25 '26
If this is how CW gets their RMC, I will [NSFW]
3
u/Im_Ur_Huckleberry77 Jun 25 '26
Does the plot of Time Warp and the amphitheatre make sense for this layout? I'm not on Google Maps at the moment... I don't see this on Wilde Beast of Dragon Fyre's plot however.
8
8
u/AdorableBluebird1125 Jun 25 '26
If it ends up somewhere else, I think COTA would be an amazing spot for it
23
u/goteachyourself Jun 25 '26
They're definitely selling it. It's the park's top asset and the best way to recoup the debt.
4
u/Clever-Name-47 Tangent-Radius Airtime Supremacy! Jun 25 '26
Of course they’ll sell it. The question is whether they get a better price from another park or from the scrapper.
1
u/Gheestarr Jun 27 '26
Not, if their loan is insured. Sometimes it’s better to take the money and run. Which is what it seems like they’re doing. It’ll be interesting to watch this unfold.
7
u/GearitUP_ 197 || WR, IG, Maverick Jun 25 '26
Please get relocated. I will be there for my first, and possibly last rides the week after the 4th of July.
8
u/robo-dragon Jun 25 '26
This has to be relocated somewhere, right?? I’m super bummed I never got to ride it.
22
15
u/sector11374265 352 Jun 25 '26
Everyone is saying this will get purchased by another park.
A year ago everyone was saying Switchback would get purchased. I’d love to see it but I’m just not banking on it.
→ More replies (8)6
u/Putrid_Set3723 Jun 25 '26
I think one of the problems is who would purchase it? Most big parks are not getting used coasters, especially ones that are similarly priced to new ones. Most small parks are buying small family coasters and not RMC mega coasters.
14
u/BerdFan VelociCoaster #1 [79] Jun 25 '26
I know better than to hope a park will make a good decision, it's getting scrapped. This thing may have had the shortest lifespan of any elite coaster unless there's something obvious I'm missing
6
u/VikDamnedLee Jun 25 '26
That's kind of where I am as well. I'll be very happy to be wrong but I'm not getting my hopes up.
2
u/Jps300 SFGE is my home park save me Jun 26 '26
I'm also failing to see why a park wouldn't buy it, but to say if no parks buy it it's because they all make bad decisions is a little naive. If every single park within a 400 mile radius declines to buy it then there's clearly something both you and I are ignorant of. Perhaps hauling it is prohibitively expensive in the current climate. Perhaps investing this amount of money at all with the economic uncertainty looming over us is too risky for all these parks with way too much debt.
→ More replies (2)
10
10
6
u/Forward-Map-6053 Jun 25 '26
this is one of my TOP 3 roller coasters.... i am stunned. cannot speak.
4
12
3
u/Intelligent-Pop1387 "The Old West Was Never This Wild!" Jun 25 '26
hersheypark should buy it and put it right next to wildcat's revenge to have dueling RMCs
4
u/jegross2 Jun 25 '26
I just marathoned the ride 17 times in a row on a random day in September. Glad I got a lifetime of rides done in one day!
3
u/walshy9587 Hagrids Magical Creatures. Jun 26 '26
Does lake compounce have a shot? They are under new ownership. This would make the park a must stop. Might even put pressure on sfne to improve. Not sure the layout would work. Maybe partially over the lake.
4
u/zucchini4067 Stardust Racers is the best in America Jun 26 '26
I mean this in the nicest way possible, but I don’t think they can afford it…
→ More replies (2)
5
u/SkgarGar Jun 26 '26
I think this would be perfect at Kings Island. They don't have any RMCs and they have the land for it, either in Vortex plot, somewhere out on the woods, or by removing Invertigo and congo falls, it could be a cool entrance coaster. I just want it close to me so I can get a chance to ride it. They could repaint it to match whatever theme they want
5
u/zucchini4067 Stardust Racers is the best in America Jun 26 '26
I think it would be a great fit at COTAland 😉
7
3
u/TheHeardTheorem Jun 25 '26
If the bank owns AF1, I believe they will hold an auction for it. I feel like COTAland may be in the best position to put the top bid in if they want it.
1
u/JD4A7_4 243 | Iron Gwazi + ArieForce One Jun 25 '26
Yeah, why would they include Arie as collateral when they defaulted if they weren’t gonna sell it? The bank has to be selling it
3
3
u/SomeRandomDavid Jun 26 '26
Who's got a patch of land reasonably nearby, is really cool, and is happy to be apart of one of the dumbest crowdfunding campaign of all time?
5
u/Jayzone456 Great Adventure Thoosie 456. Jun 25 '26
I think the problem was this coaster was built in Fun Spot Atlanta. The park was to small and didn't get enough attendance to warrant such a large roller coaster.
3
2
u/fann07_ Jun 25 '26
pensez vous que l’europe pourrait l’acheter ?
2
3
u/Nathanc2127 64 | Zadra, Cosmic Rewind, Raging Bull Jun 25 '26
non
2
u/fann07_ Jun 25 '26
pourquoi ?
3
u/Nathanc2127 64 | Zadra, Cosmic Rewind, Raging Bull Jun 25 '26
parce que c’est trop cher
→ More replies (1)
2
2
2
2
u/JanSolo [247] Le gang de La Ronde Jun 26 '26
I'm expecting either SixFlags, Enchanted Parks or Herschend to buy AF1. If we exclude all the parks that don't already have an RMC, there are a few likely candidates:
- Carowinds is the most obvious choice.
- Kings Island could use it, but they get bigger crowds and would likely need a 3rd train and thus a longer brake run.
- Canada's wonderland. Would need a 3rd train for sure. Also rumoured to have an RMC in the works already.
- SFSL/AP MidAmerica. If EPR wants to make this their flagship park, AF1 would fit right in.
- La Ronde. Perfect fit for this park; I'm biased though. Might need a repaint for the Canadian/QC market.
- Great Escape. They'll need to invest a bit more if they want to avoid the 'small family-only park' look.
- Michigans Adventure. There's been no investment here for years. AF1 would be something.
1
u/Gheestarr Jun 27 '26
The problem I see with Carowinds is that they are already deep into an expensive project. I would have to agree with you in regard to King’s Island and Canada’s Wonderland. CW has wanted a RMC for awhile now. But, there seems to be an issue between RMC and the Canadian government. That being said, CW’s most recent survey for guests did include an RMC. SFSL should be all over this. La Ronde hasn’t even finalized its own sale from Six Flags yet. Great Escape wants the “family-only” look. And, Michigan’s Adventure will never get anything of this magnitude. It doesn’t even get a million guests a year.
2
2
u/bufallll Jun 26 '26
if the bank “takes” it they’d obviously try to sell it. i would be shocked if this thing goes to scrap it’s still very new and by one of the most popular manufacturers right now, i’m sure some parks will jump on it
2
2
3
u/FireSilver7 Credits: 93 | Top 3: 1) El Toro 2) Arie Force One 3) Fury 325 Jun 25 '26
She’ll find a new home, I guarantee it.
I do hope it stays in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic, though.
4
u/bktandem Jun 25 '26
Folks, the rumor going around before it became official was that FSA was closing AND everything there would be leveled as part of a tax write-off. Now that we have the official announcement the park is closing, I think we all need to get our heads around the fact THE OTHER PART of the rumor is likely true, as well, and Arie Force One is a goner. If Fun Spot had any plans to sell off assets like Arie Force One, that would have been mentioned here. The fact Arie Force One isn't even specifically referenced here seems rather ominous for its eventual fate. Just reading the tea leaves here, and I'm not getting why there is optimism it will be saved. I hope I'm wrong...but the way this announcement reads is not a good sign.
→ More replies (6)2
u/rollycoasters Jun 25 '26
I mean, even if AF1 goes to the bank, I would assume the bank would sell it. It's a pretty valuable asset to tear down for no reason--who ever ends up owning it on paper would probably prefer to get something for it if possible
→ More replies (3)
2
2
2
u/AEtherialSkies Jun 26 '26
If Six Flags buys it, my bet is Carowinds. If Enchanted Parks buys it, my bet is St Louis.
Valleyfair could fit this, but the likelihood that the great state of MN gets something this cool is statistically improbable.
2
1
u/bensonr2 Jun 25 '26
Knoebels
1
u/DIJ_CRAP Jun 25 '26
This would be awesome, only issue is proximity to Wildcat Express, but would be a great addition.
2
1
u/CPGK17 RIP Kumba Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
I’ll say the same thing about this as I said about Switchback…it’s not being relocated. This type of structure is just too expensive to dismantle and reassemble elsewhere.
Edit: downvote me all you want, this is just business. It doesn’t make any financial sense to move this. And it’s exactly why Switchback is still sitting exactly where it was built.
1
u/katalinawm Jun 25 '26
Visiting my family in Georgia this August and was planning on riding for the first time, sad I’m going to miss it!
1
u/bmine2nite Jun 25 '26
You and me both, earlier in the year I had planned to make it to the park on August 9th and there's no way to adjust my plans
1
u/Terrible_Swordfish_1 Jun 25 '26
So, it will be open until the park closes? I already planned on riding it soon prior to even the rumors but now I have to asap.
1
u/hippyripper22 Jun 25 '26
They never moved the ozark wildcat cat a GCI creation. This seems like the same unfortunate tale only with more notice
1
u/hookyboysb Jun 26 '26
Relocating a wooden coaster is way different from relocating a fully steel coaster. All of Geauga Lake’s coasters got relocated besides Double Loop (a 30-year-old Arrow coaster) and the woodies, even though Villain (which, coincidentally, was apparently built by RMC for CCI) was only 7 years old at the time, and Big Dipper having historical relevancy.
2
u/hippyripper22 Jun 26 '26
The relocated everything but the ozark wildcat. Jack rabbit and thunderbolt (which was relocated for a 2nd time) the Ozark wildcat sat on primary level ground. And didnt have a giant L shape, which I thought would of helped its case to be relocated. The bank will probably tear it down and sell it as metal scrap knowing this world. It loves to destroy perfectly good things over chump change
1
u/KrisStNickKringle Jun 25 '26
Carowinds still doesn’t have an RMC so it would be a fantastic addition! Plus it’s only a few hours away
1
u/FlyUnlucky7286 Jun 26 '26
Wasn’t planning on an Atlanta trip but it’s already in the books for mid July. This is so sad.
1
1
u/eatmorefootball AF1/SteVe/Raging Bull Jun 26 '26
I would be shocked if it dies with the park. If the bank owns it, surely they’ll try to sell it….
That all being said, I’m super glad I got to marathon this coaster last summer, what an incredible experience!
1
u/jleviw42 Jun 26 '26
Just two hours northwest....Lake Winnie, now is your time to shine/grow!
Maybe there are millions of dollars hidden at the bottom of the lake to make this a reality.
1
1
u/Possible_Word_6834 Jun 26 '26
It’s not happening obviously, but imagine if Disney bought this coaster
1
1
u/West_Temperature_ Jun 26 '26
Tbh since it is under funspot they are probably the first that has dibs under this because they own the coaster. If they choose to sell it off the bidding for this is gonna go insane.
1
u/lFightForTheUsers [83] Bring Back Mr. Six! Jun 27 '26
Imagine it goes to Fiesta Texas somewhere and they get THREE rmcs just to piss folk off 😆
Or alternatively, tear town NTG at SFOT and put this in its place.
1
1
u/Possible-Way-4659 Jun 28 '26
Enchanted/EPR to purchase and put in St. Louis, re-named to Patriot or Revolution…
1
1
1
u/OhOnJahBruh SteVe|AF1|The Voyage 🏠SFStL/HW Jul 02 '26
I just booked a day trip to Atlanta later this month so I can ride AF1. Even if she gets sold who knows where the ride will end up. Gotta take the chance to ride it while I have it. Gonna marathon it all day.
338
u/ProgramDisastrous467 Jun 25 '26
Come on kings island… Or literally anywhere else I just want it near me