How a specialized steel track revolutionized the wooden roller coaster experience
In short: Wooden roller coasters were once limited by their rigid timber structures. That changed when Rocky Mountain Construction introduced advanced steel track technology, enabling impossible maneuvers like heartline rolls and extreme drops, while simultaneously reducing the heavy maintenance typically required for these massive wooden structures.
Founded in 2001 by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon, Rocky Mountain Construction (R.M.C.) has transformed from a general construction firm into a premier roller coaster manufacturer. The company's breakthrough came through a partnership with Alan Schilke of Ride Centerline, who began providing design and engineering work in 2009. In 2011, the I-Box track—a steel alternative for wooden coasters—first appeared on New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas.
This innovation, alongside the grout-filled Topper Track, allows for unprecedented ride dynamics. For instance, the technology used for Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City took four years to develop and allows a square beam of wood to be twisted. This capability enables maneuvers like heartline rolls, which were traditionally impossible for wooden coasters. Another notable achievement is Goliath at Six Flags Great America, which features an 85-degree drop, a dive loop, and a zero-g stall.
R.M.C. continues to expand its engineering repertoire with specialized products like the 208 ReTrak, which debuted in 2021 on Silverwood's Tremors to increase lifespan and rider comfort. They also offer the single-rail Raptor Track and the larger T-Rex Track. In 2023, the company merged with Larson International, a manufacturer known for Fire Ball models, further expanding its industrial footprint.
As of January 2026, the company has built or refurbished 29 roller coasters worldwide, with 28 currently in operation. Their reach is global, evidenced by the 2016 opening of Wildfire at Kolmården Wildlife Park in Sweden, following a 2013 deal with the Dutch firm Vekoma to handle sales outside of North America.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rocky Mountain Construction
- Also: Wikidata — Rocky Mountain Construction · CC0
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