In 2012, Kings Island had the opportunity to convert Son of Beast into an RMC coaster but opted against it due to high costs and RMC's limited experience at the time. The decision was influenced by the need for extensive structural repairs and the financial implications of such an investment.
In the world of amusement parks, the decision to renovate or replace a roller coaster can be a complex one, influenced by various factors including cost, safety, and the reputation of the companies involved. This was the case for Kings Island when they considered the future of their infamous Son of Beast roller coaster.
In 2012, Kings Island had a unique opportunity to build a second Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) roller coaster, with plans to open it in 2013. RMC had begun to gain traction in the amusement industry, known for transforming traditional wooden coasters into hybrid experiences that combined wood and steel. However, Kings Island ultimately decided against this venture.
One of the primary reasons Kings Island chose not to pursue the RMC conversion for Son of Beast was the state of the ride's structure. At the time, RMC had limited experience working with steel supports, which meant that they would have needed to replace a significant portion of the wooden supports on Son of Beast. This was a daunting task, as the ride had a notoriously poor structural integrity.
The estimated cost for these repairs was between 15 to 20 million dollars. Given that Kings Island had already invested approximately 30 million dollars in the coaster and its repairs, the prospect of spending even more money on a ride that had already faced numerous challenges was not appealing.
Another critical factor in Kings Island's decision was RMC's relative inexperience at the time. In 2012, RMC had only built one coaster, and their work on wooden roller coasters was still in its infancy. The company had not yet proven its capabilities on a project like Son of Beast, which was a significant concern for Kings Island.
If Son of Beast had remained operational until after 2014, the situation might have been different. By that time, RMC had successfully opened Iron Rattler, showcasing their ability to transform wooden coasters effectively. However, the timing of events did not align favorably for Kings Island.
In retrospect, the decision not to RMC Son of Beast was influenced by a combination of financial considerations and the timing of RMC's development as a company. While many enthusiasts speculate on what could have been, the reality was that Kings Island was not willing to invest heavily in a ride that had already proven problematic. The opportunity was there, but the circumstances simply did not align for a successful partnership at that time.
As the amusement park industry continues to evolve, it raises the question of whether Kings Island should have taken the risk on RMC. The debate remains open, and fans of the park will continue to ponder the possibilities of what could have been.
