The Accident-Prone Superman The Ride - A Problematic Roller Coaster

Superman The Ride at Six Flags New England might be one of the most accident-prone roller coasters to ever exist. The ride's history is also quite polarizing, and so is the ride's reputation amongst roller coaster enthusiasts. Buckle up as we take a deep dive into the world of Superman The Ride, otherwise known as Superman Ride of Steel and Bizarro
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Channel artwork designed by Casie Jo Johnson! @blockbrakes
Closed Captions by Pineapples Foster Media Services allmylinks.com/pineapples-foster
Thumbnail Source: www.coastersandmore.de/rides/s...
Video Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:24 - The Origin Story
00:04:40 - Construction & Grand Opening
00:08:03 - Ride Experience
00:11:37 - Awards
00:13:06 - Design Differences
00:19:24 - Brake Run Issues
00:23:09 - The Collision (Accident 1)
00:26:49 - What Caused the Collision Part 1
00:30:47 - Block Zones
00:32:29 - What Caused the Collision Part 2
00:41:13 - A Rider Gets Ejected (Accident 2)
00:45:46 - Restraint Modifications
00:50:12 - The Transformation to Bizarro
00:53:10 - The Awful New Trains
01:02:02 - The Transformation Back to Superman
01:04:09 - Virtual Reality Brings New Issues
01:10:54 - Other Ride Issues
01:14:00 - Superman Is Great But Needs Work
01:17:07 - Future New Trains?
01:20:50 - Conclusion
Video Sources:
Kingdakev - ‪@Kingdakev‬
Coaster Brothers - • Superman The Ride Cine...
Coaster Brothers - • Superman Ride Of Steel...
Coaster Brothers - • Superman The Ride [5K/...
Coaster Brothers - • Superman The Ride Reac...
Coaster Brothers - • Superman The Ride Cine...
CoasterNick3157 - • Bizarro At Six Flags N...
CoasterNick3157 - • Superman Ride Of Steel...
CoasterNick3157 - • Loch Ness Monster At B...
CoasterNick3157 - • X At Six Flags Magic M...
The Coaster Spot - ‪@TheCoasterSpot‬
Coasters and more - www.coastersandmore.de/rides/s...
ThemeParkAds - • Presentation Premier P...
New Jersey Coasters - newjerseycoasters.net
Ron Thompson - • Riverside Park TV Comm...
comma commercials - • Riverside (Agawam, MA ...
Ian the Postie - • USA 2001 "Coaster Ody...
Tony Mangano - • 1999 - Riverside Park
Bob Cornellier - www.flickr.com/photos/2766510...
East Coasters - • Superman The Ride POV ...
East Coasters - • Video
East Coasters - • Superman: The Ride Aer...
Menachem Piekarski - • 2001 videos superman r...
Cedar Point - • Millennium Force - Off...
Coaster Thrills - • Expedition Ge-Force Ho...
Coaster Thrills - • Expedition Ge-Force Of...
Coaster Thrills - • X2 Off-Ride 4K60FPS - ...
AmusementInsider - • GOLIATH Roller Coaster...
Coaster Hipster - • Hyperion, Energylandia...
Coaster Hipster - • NO COPYRIGHT X2 - Six ...
Canobie Coaster - • Kondaa POV (Front Row,...
Jay Ducharme - • Darien Lake's Ride of ...
Jeff Spaulding - • Superman Ride Passenge...
Alberto Jr - • Monte Makaya - Terra E...
Six Flags Darien Lake - • Official Ride of Steel...
ericlohr1 - • Magnetic braking rolle...
HIKAWA RIDES - • 【4K60P】2002 Millennium...
Cbabygirl91580 - • Millennium Force POV- ...
Carowinds - • Fury 325 Official On-R...
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems - • Pneumatic Cylinder: H...
Norgen - • Single acting cylinders
Kevin Osborne - • Cedar Point Power Outage
TecknoMechanics - • Pneumatic Cylinder Wor...
Automatedo - • Solenoid Valve Explain...
Tameson - • Indirect Operated Sole...
American Coaster Network - / channel
Steam83 - • Six Flags New England ...
Liseberg - • Åk Balder - hemifrån! ...
Amusement Hunter Photo - / amusementhunt
Theme Park Videos by acquaz10 - • Bizarro Six Flags Anim...
Six Flags Great Adventure - • Official BIZARRO Ride ...
Six Flags New England - • Bizarro POV
Six Flags New England - • SUPERMAN™ The Ride Vir...
Theme Park Review - • Bizarro Roller Coaster...
CoasterForce - • Bizarro off-ride HD Si...
CoasterForce - • Bizarro Front Seat on-...
CoasterForce - • Superman: Ride of Stee...
CoasterForce - • Superman The Ride VR C...
Six Flags - • New for 2016 at Six Flags
Thrill New England - • Six Flags New England ...
東京ドームシティ - • サンダードルフィン Thunder Dolp...
Music:
Aaron Kenny - Saving the World - • Aaron Kenny - Saving t...
Cinematic Superhero Music - • Cinematic Superhero Mu...
Royalty Free Epic Heroic Music (For Videos) - "Terminus" by Scott Buckley • 🎖️ Free Epic Heroic Mu...
Omega' by @ScottBuckley 🇦🇺 | Epic Progressive Music (No Copyright) - • 'Omega' by @ScottBuckl...

[@kmb1779]

Worked there as a security officer at the time of the fatal accident. Prior to being ejected from the ride, the victim fell partially out of his seat, his arm went under the car, and his hand was amputated. The police force of Agawam isn’t very big, and they couldn’t find the hand. After they removed the body they had a bunch of our security officers (me included) out there with them grid searching the ground for the hand that was missing. Not something I was expecting to do for a $10 an hour security job at six flags.

[@joehung1552]

I hope you weren't the one to find it.

[@ElToroRyan]

That’s absolutely wild. Crazy stuff dude

[@thejunkman]

Wild. Not something I would want to have to do. Other note $10 an hour was good money back then.

[@stevenbarnes9881]

My sister was on the ride. She doesn't like talking about it.

[@jimmyrade7815]

My neighbor was part of the team brought in to clean up the dude who flew out of his seat. Needless to say it was traumatic and devastating for many.

[@CZsWorld]

The absurd amount of detail is exactly why i subscribed

[@Roto_33]

Crazy seeing you here bro ! I’m a big fan of your videos as well 🤘🏻

[@ElToroRyan]

Thanks for joining in!!

[@JoshuaDemersProductions]

This is my first video and I got so much entertaining education I decided to respect the research with a Subscription too. I used to watch FPV videos of rides every now and then but this takes the exhilarating subject to a whole new level. I love learning how things work and this was done excellently! Check out my comment in the main thread, I worded it well.

[@TopNotchTii]

Honestly I was gonna click on another video, but he just kept spewing random facts that kept me listening 😂😂😂

[@Sumanitu]

And yet he repeatedly describes less than a second negative G sections as several seconds

[@Krolitian1]

Us: "Say the line, Ryan!" Ryan: "Block zones" Us: "WOOOOO!"

[@russellharrison1462]

this man had me whooping and cheering at 30:50

[@seriomarkj]

WOOOOO!

[@JoeMamaLlama1234]

"with intamin being intamin" is the best way to sum up this entire video

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

Lol

[@simplestu9449]

As an engineer who works with pneumatic cylinders all the time, I gotta say, you're descriptions of their operation was spot on.

[@ElToroRyan]

That's awesome to hear! Thank you!

[@leeowen4989]

I was just about to say the same thing, for only a few days research I was impressed.

[@macsignals]

As a former ride mechanic who now works on railroad air brakes I wanted to say the same thing.

[@timothytorigian7932]

As a Financial Advisor with no experience with pneumatic cylinders, I also wanted to say the same thing.

[@chinesemonk7424]

It is a good explanation but pressure was incorrectly cited a few times in place of force

[@micoasters]

For those of you who are unfamiliar a block zone is a section of the ride that only train may occupy, at the end of a block zone is a way to stop a train incase the block zone ahead is still occupied, this is the safety system that keeps coaster trains from colliding with one another. Or ask past etr what a block zone is

[@birdz_2939]

But how would I know I’m a gp

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

Not the spiel again😂

[@micoasters]

@@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters for those of you who are unfamiliar a block zone is a section of the ride that only one train may occupy, at the end of a block zone is a way to stop a train incase the block zone ahead is still occupied. This is the safety system that keeps coaster trains from colliding with each other

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

@@micoasters That is such a beautiful saying🥹

[@huntzzio]

@@micoasterssorry could you repeat the question please 🤓

[@Pinecracker1]

Problematic coasters series is one of KZbin’s best

[@12carmenards]

It’s the best

[@Kykymonkey1]

Agreed

[@gregutz4284]

💯

[@lucaswilliams1011]

Totally agree. I’m from the asshole of earth in bumfuck nowhere in Australia. And Eltoros PCS has brought me to the interesting world of coasters. Hopefully get to try some one day .

[@Asshat237]

​@@12carmenardsThat's what I was going to say. If anyone knows a comparable series I would be crazy fired up to watch it.

[@jackwtat]

Fantastic video! The death of Mr. Morbarsky is an excellent example of the swiss cheese model in safety and engineering. Each layer of safety is like a slice of cheese, and a vulnerability in a layer is a hole in that slice of cheese. In theory, a catastrophic incident can only occur if the holes align to allow a threat to pass through. Holes in Superman's design, quality control, and ride operator training aligned perfectly in 2004 to lead to Mr. Morbarsky's death. This incident should be required case study for all aspiring engineers and project managers in the amusement industry if it isn't already.

[@StvBnsn]

If there are "holes" in Superman's design it's because Six Flags chose it, Werner Stengel designed all the Supermans and Millennium Force, Intamin and Stengel only do what the client instructs them to do.

[@Japanlover79]

@@StvBnsnwhile Intamins rides are great there not exactly reliable. Kingda Ka is closed because a launch piece broke again. This is quite a common occurrence. I wouldn't be shocked if it goes the top thrill 2 route like cedar did

[@StvBnsn]

@@Japanlover79 Ohh no doubt when I worked on Dragster we used to taunt the ride to throw up a trouble light and 20% of the time it worked lol.

[@C.I...]

I know it's a bit morbid, but " The death of Mr. Morbarsky" sounds like a really good title for an indie comedy film.

[@roxycauldwell544]

Six Flags seems shady in general especially with the new CEO. I live closest to Great America and that park looks like it's rotting on the inside. If they can't even keep up with cosmetics and upgrades they might not even be giving a second thought t ride safety and upkeep

[@aleksthevoyager1260]

This is a feature length documentary of the highest quality! This is premium content! Thank you Ryan!

[@llamadeus11]

I spent half my life within an hour of Darien Lake and got the coaster bug at an early age. My first real coaster was Viper there. When Superman popped up it was a big deal, along with the Mind Eraser. I'm still very fond of both. I can tell you that when Superman was running fast it was friggin sick, especially in the fog!

[@FernieSenders]

I think the viper was a lot of kids' first real coaster. We'd come down from Canada once a year and getting to do multiple laps of superman as the park was closing is a highlight of my childhood.

[@TheJacklikesvideos]

Mind Eraser was a headache machine. it was super intense, but would have been a hundred times better if it didn't slam your head a hundred times in 30 seconds. mind, i rode it in '05 so it may have gotten improved. i think i might have actually liked a VR experience on it if it was smoother by then.

[@llamadeus11]

@@TheJacklikesvideos I can agree Mind Eraser can be rough, Raptor at Cedar had a smoother ride. Though the Predator beat me up more, personally. Of course being wooden it's expected but even Cedar's Gemini didn't rattle me as bad. Loved sitting in back on Predator but had to take any earrings out (I had almost a dozen as a teen) or I'd have bloody holes in my head. Don't get me wrong though, still loved it! Wonder if the retrack will help.. I live out west now but make a point to go when I visit back home 😊

[@Rock48100]

Mind Eraser is a hellish headache-inducing experience that I swore never ever to ride again

[@darksu6947]

Did you know that a wolf is standing behind you? You should probably quit walking around with hamburgers in your pockets. That's a very dangerous habit to get into.

[@TheFu453]

The only amusement park person I usually watch is Defunctland, and I was always sad he never did a video on this ride. This is the ride of my childhood, and I rode it many times in the mid 2000's and even a few times as Bizzarro. It's been over a decade since I've rode it but I still know this is just a great ride that no safety modifications can take away. Watching this really brought back some memories and I really want to ride it again! Thank you so much for making this! I'm happy to know there's still some respect for the Ride of Steel.

[@kellybaker6353]

Since I work in industrial safety, specifically with machine guarding systems, I find roller coaster redundancy and control-reliability fascinating. Thanks for doing this series, it's one of my favorites!

[@technoandrew]

This was so engaging, I can't believe an hour & 20 minute video went by so quickly. Great job Ryan.

[@lexa_power]

I grew up in CT and this was my first rollercoaster as a child that made me fall in love with theme parks and thrill rides. Moved to Los Angeles at age 18 and haven’t been on this thing in over 20 years and appreciated all of the history and updates. Six Flags Magic Mountain, our local park out here, had nothing comparable. This coaster will always have a special place in my heart. Saddened to hear about all the troubles it had over the years.

[@michaelonskis]

Ryan, we know these videos are not easy to make and we LOVE your commitment to this series! Keep em' coming man!

[@Materialist39]

It speaks to the timelessness of the design that despite your incisive technical and QOL critique you hold it in such high regard. This was an EXCELLENT documentary for a coaster I’ve been fortunate enough (having spent all my childhood in MA) to have ridden many times.

[@FunkAndFluff]

If you were a professor, I'd be one of your most eager students. Marvelous as always! (Also, the very slight whiplash when you suddenly start talking about X2 is making me look forward to the eventual X / X2 Problematic Roller Coasters episode.)

[@TheAlfredapple]

As a ride op on Wildcat's Revenge, there is so much potential there for a problematic coasters video. When you were at the park Monday you talked with my buddy who was at Wildcat that day, but he is normally at Skyrush. I've seen a lot of stuff I wasn't supposed to see with that ride and from the way the maintenance team talks about the ride, the issues aren't going anywhere and HP has done a great job hiding a lot of stuff from the public. Also I have a good idea of what's next for the park.

[@Coolsomeone234]

what is next then?

[@EagleEye8196]

This coaster has been one of my favorites that I’ve ridden. Six Flags NE is the closest theme park to me since I’m from RI so this honestly gave me so much history about it that I never knew. My mom rode the Thunderbolt coaster when the park was still Riverside Park!! Learning what happened in between my mom’s era and mine is amazing!!! Thank you, El Toro Ryan!!!

[@bobymcgee]

Fellow Rhodie!! I wish we had our own amusement park. I was too young to experience Rocky Point :-(

[@zacnierman8977]

as a person who calls sfne it’s home park. thank you ryan. true masterpiece.

[@CptSwiggums]

I was excited when you mentioned possibly doing this and today is the day! My home park and the ride that got me into coasters. Thank you, Ryan, for another banger video!

[@ZeroKage69]

I was there one time, the lines were nonexistent and so me and a friend went on this over and over trying it from the front, from the back, in the middle seats. It was great. Normally the lines were insanely long. I'm no coaster enthusiast or anything but I gotta say this coaster just may be the best one I've experienced thinking back on it now.

[@jesh_]

I love these videos! Could you make a technical breakdown on how multi-move works, as well as an analysis of the different types and how it has evolved over the years. I've always wondered how some modern coasters don't have it but Matterhorn, a very archaic coaster, does. I'd also love to see a problematic coaster video of Matterhorn Bobsleds!

[@ItsaMii]

It’s always a bit painful watching a coaster like steel vengeance or valravn that gets such long lines not have multi move and take upwards of 30 seconds to park in the station. I have wondered why they don’t have it, considering how much it could benefit the capacity.

[@sjb626]

One of my favorite memories of this coaster was being at the media day when they introduced the VR. They had a ceremonial first ride with “local heroes” such as firefighters and EMTs wearing the headsets, and they all came off looking like they were gonna be sick saying things like “uhhhh yeah it was something” when asked how the ride was lol. I thought it was alright personally but the hit to capacity was horrendous.

[@Lizrich3303]

I went once with my sleepaway camp and we weren’t allowed on the ride. We later found out it was shit down for the day cause someone tried to high five something in the VR and lost a finger. Insane

[@newguy371]

​@@Lizrich3303I think you mean "shut down."

[@ARCHIVED9610]

@@Lizrich3303oh m god 🤢

[@SPVLaboratories]

Lmfaooo do you know if video of this exists online? I remember going in late 2016 when they had the VR. Super goofy experience and my headset definitely could’ve flown right off my head 😂

[@ftilxe]

The slightest error or oversight can easily lead to tragedy. I'll never forget the last ride I took on Wicked Twister at Cedar Point about ten years ago - though my belt did get buckled to the over-the-shoulder restraint, the restraint was not locked in placed when the ride began. While it was probably unlikely that I could have fallen out, as the belt connected to the restraint from in between my legs, the experience was terrifying and definitely the most I've ever feared for my life. Good riddance!

[@Clay3613]

F Wicked Twister, the shoulder restraints were too bulky and wouldn't fit me properly.

[@jeremyAyeH]

The Superman megas seemed cursed.... 3 ejections and a collision between this one and the Darien one.... and sadly the ejections were mostly negligence on ride ops letting people too large or, literally without legs, onto the ride. Glad to see all 3 coasters have survived (as well as the one in Maryland having no issues afaik) - I have only ridden the SFDL one, and it is phenomenal. Can only imagine how good the SFNE one is. Thanks for the literal DOCUMENTARY about this ride. Your content is better than any individual documentary or show that ever aired on cable i.e. Travel Channel and whatnot. Worthy of awards.

[@guyt6244]

Your videos are several “next level” notches above the rest. You’re smart and intelligent. You do the research. You do the work. Thanks for being awesome!

[@beccareichard6669]

I didn’t even realize how long this video was til you said at the end it’s your longest video yet and I looked and was shook lol. it didn’t even feel that long because I was so engaged with it. absolute great video my guy!

[@Materialist39]

Same I shared this with friends thinking it was only like 30 minutes until I got close to the end lmao

[@SeraidenAF]

I am unsure on the year but my mom's now husband is part of the rollercoaster enthusiasts of america club so like pre-2009, before the Bizarro change we got to side of Superman so learning it's chaotic/sordid history is pretty surprising. I liked my mom this and she was just like "Weird to think we've been on that thing."

[@kid6156]

This is one of your best videos. I used to work maintenance at SFNE and know that maintanence staff has some experts working on this ride, while operators often don't care. I even saw one girl crying because it was about the leave without her seat belt fastened. I can tell you from experience, there won't be any changes made to it, even with the merger. I like the smoothness of the front better, but I think nothing beats riding it at night. Thanks for the great information you provide!

[@colin2319]

Thank you so much for making this video, Ryan. SFNE is my home park, and Superman is the coaster that made me the enthusiast I am today. It has sentimental value to me, and is undoubtedly my number 1 coaster, even with its flaws. This video is insanely detailed and accurate, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I love that you included how Superman can sometimes roll back into the station. I was fortunate enough to operate the ride for the 2021 season, and this did occur once while I was operating. It seems to be most possible in the rain, as you mentioned, and it was certainly jarring to have happen. Luckily it is extremely rare, and chances are you will never experience that happening. While I think the negativity regarding the restraints is overblown, I hope some day the ride can be upgraded with new restraints, and restored back to is golden age, but I doubt that will happen, at least anytime soon. Superman is relentless, diverse, and full of character. It’s definitely a coaster that shouldn’t be slept on.

[@Noct31]

It'll never not blow my mind how well-made your videos are, Ryan. Absolutely incredible, informative and entertaining throughout. You should take your talents to the Well There's Your Problem podcast as a guest some time and go full engineer over there about roller coaster disasters.

[@kevinmorris6984]

The GOAT of coaster deep dives. Thanks for another great installment

[@TheFikeAttack]

Towards the end of the video you mentioned that you got impacted by the flooding of the Connecticut river. That was caused by the historic rain event that hit New England especially in Vermont as they had a High risk of flooding which I heard was the first time ever in Vermont's recorded history to ever happen. Hear in the Hartford area of Connecticut we got almost 14 inches of rainfall, making it the 4th wettest July in recorded history.

[@oldladyhater]

Connecticut born and raised, had the pleasure of riding Superman many times on school field trips and summer vacations as a kid. One of the finest roller coaster experiences I've ever had-- unreal how high up you feel at the top of that first lift hill. Glad to see it given such an in-depth look here. Thanks for the video!

[@beneaston4490]

I find it so bizarre that the first accident even happened. In every situation I see a pneumatic/hydraulic cylinder in my field of work there will always be a feedback system to monitor its position, ie a reed switch or a proximity switch. I've never known a system to rely on an output to solenoid to determine its position/state.

[@jzckvsn]

Superman’s history is so interesting but I’m glad that we get to learn more about it!

[@CoasterStats]

Great video and - as always, very interesting! One short note: Expedition GeForce features a electronic system to check if the restraints are sufficiently closed. We originally planned to make a measurement using one of our dummies, but due to its large legs the restraint wouldn’t close enough and prevented the ride OPs from dispatching the train. So something has to be in place. I can’t tell you when this system was installed, though. ~Kevin

[@kendra8549]

god i love this ride with my whole heart. i also love telling my friends this ride’s history when we’re in line for it lol

[@CaseFamilyVlogs]

"Kids get the popcorn " lol we're all about to sit and watch

[@joeeckroth2932]

Cant wait to refresh my memory on block zones

[@DuecePiece]

This is one of my frequent coasters at my "home away from home" park and its absolutely world class! Needless to say I was beyond jacked to see this was being made, thanks mang!! 🤘🔥

[@emilymuns4696]

As an ex employee of this six flags this is such an interesting watch, so much history in just one park. Some people today still call it riverside.

[@ShizeiTigras]

WOW one hour and 20 minutes? This is crazy!

[@randihotlin]

Ryan, your insight and hard work in creating videos of this series are absolutely unmatched. What an awesome episode this is! Thank you so much!! SFNE is technically my home park and StR is my favorite here w/ WC a very close 2nd. I learned so much more in this 1 1/2 hr than ever before about this ride and its unfortunate history. I might be a liitle hyped about my new KD and I305 credits today, but this vid completed my day for sure! Again, thank you mang!

[@SentaiAce]

This was a work of art my friend. The amount of research and intricate details are second to none. Absolutely phenomenal!!

[@rongarrison3246]

I live twenty minutes away from Darian lake near Buffalo NY. It's interesting cause we also got the big expansion to the park that included mind eraser, shipwreck falls,new water park, new entrance and a Superman ride of steel. All of this launched the popularity of the park into space. Both coasters are amazing and the new water attractions are really good. The park today has more coasters cause of this expansion making this park a destination for people all over Buffalo and beyond to come and have an amazing time.

[@lucassipka2591]

As a mod head, the idea of a speedway hosting nascar modified tour races in an amusement park is something I wish still existed, riverside was so badass according to my parents and based on the races I’ve done on it in sim racing

[@laurentodd9912]

This is my home park and this came out while me and my friends were on vacation. We love Superman and I am so lucky as to have never had a problem with the restraints. That being said, I was SPRINTING to get my friends as soon as the notification came out to let them know the video we’ve been waiting for came out, and I’ve watched it in chunks throughout the day! Amazing work as always!

[@HHPYEPIC42]

yo ryan i saw you at hershey today lapping wildcat. i think i may have ended up in the back of a shot for whatever video is being filmed lol

[@kayeights]

Definitely appreciate the kickass level of detail and analysis that goes into the series, helps to satisfy my need to absorb coaster engineering

[@nathanielthomas2502]

This is why ElToroRyan is the best coaster enthusiast channel, another incredibly informative video. The evolution of the channel is something to be commended & awarded

[@Howlingburd19]

I like how in these videos he mostly looks as things objectively instead of being “overly nit-picky”. The latter of which describes many coaster enthusiasts.

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

Body dimensions are a big problem when it comes to roller coasters. Im currently in the process of trying to get my weight down to fit in rides more comfortably. I fully understand the difficulty of accomodating every body dimension. You want kids and average sized adults to be able to fit, but some people tend to be larger, and you don't want to shame someone for their weight. "One size fits all" is a difficult concept in terms of manufacturing and design. And of course incidents like the ones mentioned here lead insurance companies and lawyers to make drastic changes like the U Bricks. Every accident hurts a park. But I believe that restraints could be more inclusive in some ways. Last year I was able to fit on Leviathan but not Behemoth because the seats on Leviathan are bigger. Why not have those seats on Behemoth? They're the same model. Also, if kids can sit in the bigger seats on B&M wing coasters, why not make every seat like that? Two people of the same weight can store fat in different areas. Someone can have skinny legs but large hips, and others can have a small gut but a larger face. It really is a challenge.

[@cynicanal111]

The reason that only some seats have the "big boy" seats on B&M floorless/inverted/wing coasters is that those seats are always in the middle, where the forces (especially lateral forces) are the weakest. They don't want smaller riders in the bigger seats in the rows where there are stronger forces; even if they wouldn't get ejected, they'd get tossed around in the seat more than B&M thinks would be comfortable.

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

@@cynicanal111 That makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

[@ThuhOthers]

Thank you SO much for making this video and for your comments. As a native to the Springfield area, a frequent visitor of SFNE, and a coaster enthusiast, I can't tell you how difficult it is to explain to other enthusiasts that the ride is NOT bad ride! It's not the same as it was opening day, but it's still extremely good with the same 10/10 layout and unforgettable airtime

[@akiridesstuff]

Fantastic, in-depth look at this ride. Thank you for never settling on how much you put into these videos. Been a fan since the Japan trip and I still love everything you put out!

[@ibrahimmian517]

Thanks man! This has become my favourite roller coaster I have ever done and it was wonderful hearing a full history about it.

[@sammygd5693]

I was literally watching your visit to new england yesterday night and you talked about making this video and I was so exited and I see the video this morning, Im so happy you made this problomatic coasters video, love your content

[@JakeBrickmobile]

SO EXITED for another problematic rollercoasters video! thank you for the best coaster content around! keep up the awesome work!

[@protowave]

exited

[@youtubeletmeintoyoutube4580]

I worked at this six flag and when he said “Agawam, Massachusetts” I felt like I was on the Truman Show

[@RafisOasis]

I HAVE WANTED YOU TO MAKE THIS FOR SO LONG!!

[@Ace-du7vw]

Massachusetts native here, the state truly does have a vendetta against this park. The surrounding neighborhoods were not happy about Superman’s construction, and the park gets pushback from the locals every time they want to build something. The consequence of it being in an otherwise quiet area I suppose. Once the state of MA has a demerit against you it is REALLY difficult to get them to lay off. I was too small to ride Superman prior to its tragic accident so I never knew the old restraints, but I refuse to let a less than perfect restraint system ruin such a beast of a ride. If that’s the only thing stopping you from visiting, you’re missing out on a fantastic ride experience. Thank you for such an in-depth look at this ride’s long history. The graphics you provided with the descriptions of the breaking systems were so informative and easy to follow. I know long videos like this are exhausting so thank you for all the time you put into making this a documentary-worthy episode 🫡💜

[@jjupiter_nwn]

Not fully related but I almost jumped cause my true first "big kid rollercoaster" was a coaster named "Superman: Atracción de acero" (ride of steel in spanish) in Parque Warner in Madrid, and when you mentioned that there were more than one, I wondered if you meant that one, but I checked and the one I went on was made by B&M, which explains why it was so different from these lol Great video btw!!! I love this series so much

[@jessicaweirback9588]

I laughed when you spoke about the chain being slowed so the car wasn't as high on the hill. I went in 2015 and bazzaro was my dad's favorite ride. We rode it a bunch of times (in the back as you should) and did happen to get stuck on the lift hill, pretty high up for a while. Still a memory to call out to my dad who is very afraid of heights. We had to walk off one other roller coaster before but it wasn't that high off the ground. I was waiting to walk off this one but thankfully did not have to. You're my favorite rollercoaster nerd 💜

[@jamesalexander2566]

SFNE was my home park growing up and I used to marathon this ride all the time. It's easily my most ridden coaster and to this day it's my #1. Thanks to Ryan for the excellent video on it! I watched all the way through and really enjoyed it.

[@bertcx8056]

Was hoping for this video someday, and here it is. Awesome. Being from Canada and not being able to afford much travel, this is one of the few rides I’ve been on. And it was during the bizarro era 😅

[@skychaserthedragon2046]

Rule #1: Nothing is ever failproof. Ever. Expect your designs to fail and add failsafes.

[@sabrinaevans7727]

This is officially your best video! I think we need a whole series of videos on how roller coasters work. Really enjoyed the in-depth explanation of how the breaks worked.

[@willscannell8596]

Awesome video. I remember Bizzaro being my first big coaster back when I was 8 years old. I was so scared that I kept delaying getting in line until later in the day which resulted in me getting a night ride. With all of its special effects kicked into full gear (and all of my pent-up fear), it gave me 60 seconds that I’ll never forget. Walked off feeling like I could conquer the world.

[@matthewloeser2824]

I've always been interested in the mystery that is the superman mega coasters! So glad to see a problematic coasters episode on their history!

[@Cje_-yj8ov]

My favorite coaster 😌 not my #1 in terms of ride experience or anything, but the one I have the most love for having been riding it for more than half my life now. What I would give to go back and ride this with the original untouched trains

[@chatterfun6162]

The research, effort & detail you put into this was impressive. I was listening while doing other things and didn't even realize this was an hour & 20 mins. It was so interesting time just flew by. Very well done.

[@PracticallySquared1]

Thank you for everything you do. This had to have taken forever to edit and put together, I really enjoyed it.

[@srgmidgetpanda2121]

Every problematic roller coaster video gets better each time. Love your videos ryan:)

[@coopdaloop1000]

This is an amazing video and it feels a little closer to my heart growing up near Darien Lake as I love Ride of Steel. I am however surprised you did not mention the 2011 accident at Darien lake where yet another passenger was ejected due to prior crew negligence not restraining/no denied boarding. Other than that I was straight eating.

[@haywoodyoudome]

42:05 "..unique body dimensions.." in other words the bar couldn't hold Mr. Fatfuk back.

[@DeepDiveProductions]

I just have to comment. This was incredibly researched, and well explained. Thank you for explaining the mechanics and science in such an easy to understand way. Airdropping the best vibes

[@Posirep]

Im surprised you didnt talk about the little hop it does halfway down the first drop in the back car. Its the weirdest feeling. Some shuffling going in the helixes but like you said...its fine. I always ride it a few times every time I go to SFNE..which as a local is every other week or so lol I rode the original version but I couldnt tell you anything about it cuz it was basically my first large scale coaster after Wildcat at Lake Compounce scared me off coasters for like a decade

[@Roccondil]

By the way, It's a really interesting experience when you've mostly ever ridden Superman from the front, only to one day jump into the rear train. I ended up being so familiar with the various forces at specific spots along the track while riding front row, that it totally felt like a completely different ride from the rear seat, as I wouldn't be expecting the effects of being pulled around the track compared to what I felt being pushed around the layout. Especially with the timings of these forces.

[@scottyjbd]

"I am someone who appreciates the jank of roller coasters built by Arrow Dynamics which some may disagree with" - The most thoosie line ever, I love it!!!

[@dysthymicdream]

These videos are always worth the wait, thank you for all the work you put in to tell the stories of these rides!

[@SamsonSilvo]

I'm starting to understand why Cedar Fair has been so hesitant to work with Intamin lately. They seem to have a real knack for building rides that are hits with enthusiasts and the GP alike but end up having a laundry list of problems for operations and/or maintenance. (Yes, I know this coaster is at a Six Flags park but my point still stands.)

[@SnowghostFilms]

The Cedar Fair laundry list of Intamin issues include Millennium Force, Xcelerator, Top Thrill Dragster, Avalanche Run, Maverick, Intimidator 305, Shoot The Rappids and Volcano The Blast Coaster (the last one wasn’t built by Cedar Fair, but they operated it for the majority of its life).

[@joemarais7683]

Cedar Fair isn’t the only ones. There’s a reason why Intamin has resorted to building rides in China. Being “not risk adversed” and “pushing the envelope” with safety should but be what a roller coaster manufacturer does.

[@MidwestBoom]

Cedar fair is a bunch or cry baby's If you ask a coaster manufacturer to push the limits you're not asking for reliability. Cedar fair apparently has a problem with pretty much. Every manufacturer that has put them on the map kind of funny.

[@Molinda32]

​@SnowghostFilms you forgot Wicked Twister too on that list many issues with that in the first season it was open!

[@SeanAthiestson]

Ryan, thank you for this series. You do a great job bringing together the hidden histories and motivations behind these gigantic investments in fun. ❤

[@xiiphiase]

Thank you so much for making this video. i grew up going to six flags NE, Superman (and Bizarro) was the ride that spurred me into a coaster enthusiast. To know so much more about my OG favorite ride has given me so much joy. Your videos are always amazing but this is my favorite!!!! Thank you again.

[@StevvieZz]

This is my home park and my first major coaster, must have ridden it in the hundreds of times since the early 200s, and while there are certainly many more much better coasters out there, it'll always feel like home sweet home. So happy to have had this ride growing up and whenever I'm back home. Thanks for the spotlight!! Love all your vids, keep em coming!

[@iangraham6351]

I was always worried about the length of the Steel Phantom/Phantoms Revenge brake run. There are a lot of times when there’s a train parked in the station and the second train blasts into the brakes.

[@joehung1552]

When doesn't Phantom blast into the brakes? I can't wait for Ryan to make a Steel Curtain video. Edit: Google auto incorrect screwed up brakes and changed it to breaks.

[@iangraham6351]

@@joehung1552 It always does. It’s just extra freaky when there’s a train sitting there in the station. And I definitely think the lawn ornament should get its own problematic video.

[@Kandralla]

The difference there is that the Phantoms revenge brakes are a common, proven design, likely with very simple logic (lock fully applied, only release once the train is fully stopped). The break design on Superman is complicated, especially for a company who had gained a reputation for designing stuff that was kind of always broken.

[@aledandrian]

I appreciate the Intamin coasters I've ridden over the years (not including this one, sadly) but they were out of their minds for some of the design choices they made from the late 90s to the early 2010s

[@scottbuck1572]

Dude your explanation of the possible brake failure is SO GOOD. I also think it's accurate, especially if ride control was determining the brakes position electronically through the solenoid

[@fireflei]

DAMN this is so detailed 😭 you must be really passionate about this and have put in so much work- great job!

[@an.gr159]

the fact that the manufacturer is known for "taking risks" in design when they're literally responsible for the safety of human beings is troubling

[@lukerisko7601]

Hey Ryan. I would love to see a video explaining why Roller Coaster trains have a 0 car (usually the front part of the train that doesn’t feature riders). It’s interesting to me because not every train has a 0 car. Do u know why this is?

[@Kandralla]

My guess is that this is only on roller coasters where the cars only have one set of wheels each. If that's the case iw would prevent them from having to have two different designs of passenger carrying vehicles (and the resultant concerns over safety). You have one design with all the safety critical restraint systems that you test the ceap out of, and a separate front car that is essentially just a set of wheels.

[@pancake_rabbit]

probably weight for more momentum

[@henryprendergast6091]

having six flags new england as my home park I loved this video and definitely helped gain a new understanding / appreciation that was lacking due to me riding this coaster so much and noticing its flaws more then it good so I definitely see where you are coming from and cant wait to ride it again with the new mindset this video has given me

[@thrillwarrior]

I didn’t know how deep the history of Superman: The Ride Is! I rewatched ur Millennium Force Vid like 10 times! Love this series! Looking forward to more Problematic Coaster vids!

[@Outpost5Explorations]

Can't wait to watch a 1 hour and 21 minute long video 😂

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

About an Intamin maintenance nightmare😭😭😭😭

[@fionnboler787]

When the history books gets made, you have earned your own chapter brother. Your purpose in this life includes making us coaster heads happy and properly informed. How would i be an expert in all things coaster related if it wasn't for all the great people like you giving us insight into a world that many of us have no access to. Please don't stop giving us this info. We need it and appreciate it. Thanks bro! You're the best at the explaining technical stuff in terms most can understand. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Phanteaume]

Passionate and professional work is always there in your videos and it shows. You educate and entertain wonderfully. Keep doing an amazing job man!

[@colinschmitz8297]

Not even all the way through the video and you never cease to amaze me with all this detailed Information and contrasting between all these different coasters. I salute you sir!

[@colinschmitz8297]

Oh the VR, I hated that junk. It made the lines take forever.

[@Solombianos]

This man has made a video of almost 1 and a half hours and had me interested all the way. This is one of the best and highest quality youtube channels out there, and you can really see the passion in the videos. Thanks for doing these videos :)

[@mattjohnson8266]

Incredible analysis on the pneumatics of the crash my man! I’ve always appreciated the engineering research you put into these reviews

[@emmabobemma5]

Was not expecting one of my favorite rides to have a documentary, but can’t wait to come to terms with all the info I refuse to pay attention to💀

[@FinesseBTW]

One of the best series on KZbin. Not just for roller coasters, but overall. Amazing work