17 replies to this topic

[pkiknex25]

Stuck in the middle of uncertainty for the past few years, California's Great America finally gets the new coaster it's been needing. So far, it looks to be themed to gold mining, and the park claims it'll be a record holder (regional record?).



Picture credit to Screamscape.com

Now the layout in the pictures above doesn't seem to be the final product, as construction pics of the large fan turnaround differs from the plans. So it looks like we'll find out the true layout on August 29, when the park announces the ride.

[TheRandomGuy]

GCA's new woodie update:





I got these pics from GCA's fb page.

[moose517]

it amazes me how wooden coasters hold up with such little framework for the forces and weight that flys across them, this coaster looks pretty interesting.

[LaMbChOpZ]

Anyone in California, prepare for another GCI at California's Great Adventure! Gold Striker is the next GCI woodie! 108.2 feet high and reaches speeds up to 53.7mph. Opens spring 2013. The drop looks almost like something from I305.

Facebook: https://www.facebook...216035878525394

New in 2013: Gold Striker







Look at those happy riders!

[pkiknex25]

Yep, there have definitely been minor layout changes from the 2009 model. Same relative shape though.

[< NCcoaster >]

I can't believe this coaster and the one going to Knott's. I went to California to soon:(, Which was this year. Anyway it looks like a great GCI even thought they all look the same and it is hard to tell if one is better than another.

[Jplaz]

Damn, these guys totally jacked the layout for the coaster I was building.

[pkiknex25]

Damn...


From California's Great America's Facebook

[TheRandomGuy]

I'm surprised how fast construction has been going so far, especially with a wooden coaster! I feel stupid for saying this, but I have a feeling CGA will have this coaster opened sooner than expected.

[pkiknex25]

^ The park is in the Bay Area, far enough north that it needs to close for the winter. They open in March though, and I'm sure that's been the target date from the start.

[Andrew Hansis]

New video posted to YouTube with the progress of the construction of Gold Striker...

CGA Gold Striker First Drop - YouTube

[Witting]

if only compagnie des alpes would invest...

[Knexrule11]

Holy crap, trains got put on yesterday, and today we have a test video! Ahem, Cedar Point, take some notes:)

[Turtle Man 24]

^Ok.....but Cedar Point says they have a legit reason to wait till May 6th to post the test video....so....yeah....(if this is what you're talking about)

But this does look like an amazing coaster!

VI was thinking it might be because of an anniversary or something.

Edited by Turtle Man 24, 16 April 2013 - 09:46 PM.

[Knexrule11]

^ I'll see that when they post the test vid on May 6th:p I'm guessing they're gonna paint the towers in some cool theme.

[Helmut]

That's an amazing coaster! The ride looks longer than I thought it would be.

[Chubs33]

That looks like it has the "GCI random pops of airtime goodness" that might be comparable to... (do I dare say?)...Thunderhead. Only way to find out is to get out there and ride it. Can't wait to hear rider reviews when it opens.

[pkiknex25]

^ I was thinking the same thing. With the same hesitance of comparing it to Thunderhead.