X2 Trains - Backstage Tour Photos & Video

[robbalvey]

Hello everyone!

I want to share with you all some photos we took during a backstage tour of Six Flags Magic Mountain's new trains for X2.

The following photos and video were shot today in the transfer shed of X2. All of the following pictures have been approved by Magic Mountain's management, and at no time did anyone from TPR walk into an un-approved "questionable" area to get these photos.

So far 2 rows of cars have been delivered. The paint job or the "X change operation" is nearing completion and the park is anticipating a Spring 2008 re-opening.

Check out both the photos and there is a link to our video where park General Manager Tim Burkhart explains more in depth some of the changes to the new trains.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_37_157.jpg
From outside the park you can see that almost all the track is now red. The "X Change Operation" which will take X from being girly pink & yellow to manly red & black is almost done!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_36_714.jpg
If you look REAL close, you can still see some yellow left.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_16_193.jpg
Wait a second! That's a trash bag with a wheel sticking out! You can't fool me!!!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_20_120.jpg
Oh. *blush* I see. There really IS a train under there!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_10_187.jpg
So Tim Burkhart, SFMM General Manager explained that one of the main differences was converting the old "Pickle Forks" into "Pickle Spoons." (The actual technical term. We're not making this up! Someone went through YEARS of engineering school for this so please don't make fun of their names!)

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_24_204.jpg
Here you can see the old "Pickle Forks" that the seats rest on...

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_03_381.jpg
The new "Pickle Spoon" is one giant piece, and while lighter than the old pickle fork, should be more stable and make for a smoother ride.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_02_308.jpg
The wheels...while yes they are still round...note that the assembly is one solid piece on the new train...

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_28_140.jpg
...Whereas on the old trains there were a lot more welds and bolts that held it together.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_12_819.jpg
You can see here where many changes were made to help lighten up the trains. All those holes used to be solid on the old trains.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_18_795.jpg
Here's some bolts.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_13_111.jpg
Here's some steel!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_11_128.jpg
New train.....old train!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/x2_trains_34_155.jpg
Yup. When it opens it's going to launch at 85MPH! Didn't you hear about that part? Ok, ok, I'm just kidding!

For more photos and to view the video we shot, where Tim explains a lot more about the trains, click here:
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41602 (http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41602)


If you are a member of TPR, you can download DVD image of the video as well as the high res version of all the photos here:
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7 (http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7)

Hope you all enjoy the pics!

--Robb

[thatdancingbear]

Cool Photos! Its really neat to see all the small details of the new trains!

I was there at the park today too, I must of missed you by about 30 minutes, too bad.

[CedarFair Kinda Guy!]

A-mazing photos, that super cool that you can get into the shed and right up in there and all. Great information, the new trains look so much simpler yet sound so complex and way better. Great explination on everything! I look forward to more of these kind of updates on the trains if you can get them!! Thanks a lot for taking the time to post them!!