Roller coaster ride restoration

Buckle up for a story that’s as vibrant as the twists and turns of Tatsu, the legendary roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The repainted Tatsu roller coaster

After 16 years in the punishing California sun, Tatsu, the iconic dragon roller coaster that dominates the skyline at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, needed an exciting new look that matched its scream-filled ride. The park wanted both a refresh and a dazzling colour update that would turn heads and sell tickets.

When Six Flags Magic Mountain turned to Baynum Solutions, the company knew it was time to shine. Its mission was not just to repaint a coaster but to redefine its identity.

Baynum takes pride in the experience and the relationships it has built. Being the go-to team for amusement park transformations is not just a title; it’s a testament to the trust clients place in it.

Baynum’s secret starts with partnerships. The company teamed up with PPG for cutting-edge coatings, but it’s more than that. It’s about the years of collaboration, the understanding of what works best, and the assurance that when Baynum takes on a project, it doesn’t just bring the paint to the table, but expertise.

Roller coaster transformation

A new colour scheme is not just a fresh coat of paint – it’s a statement. That credit goes to the park – Six Flags had a vision, and Baynum was able to bring it to life. The vibrant green and orange was all Six Flags, and Baynum was more than happy to wield the brushes. Visitors are not just witnessing a refreshed coaster; they’re experiencing the magic of a brand-new ride.

But there were challenges. The topography of Tatsu’s location made this one of the trickiest projects Baynum has ever taken on. Getting to the coaster for the paint job wasn’t a walk in the park – literally. Navigating the terrain and ensuring access to every nook and cranny of Tatsu was a puzzle Baynum was determined to solve.

This was not just a routine paint job; it was an intricate dance with the landscape. The twists and turns of Tatsu were not limited to the coaster itself, but extended to the challenges faced in reaching every inch of its steel structure.

What sets Baynum apart? It’s not just the brush strokes or the vibrant colours. As the leading choice in amusement park transformations, the company’s value proposition is simple: it brings more than just a service – it brings a legacy of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a track record of turning ageing roller coasters into the stars of the show.

Roller coaster solution

Amerlock 2 epoxy spot prime and a topcoat of PPG PSX 700 epoxy siloxane from PPG Protective and Marine Coatings and distributed by The Pittsburg Paints Company brought back the beast in a single application. Six Flags Magic Mountain chose the Amerlock 2 and PPG PSX 700 system for its durability and long-lasting protection of the coaster’s steel structure. A brilliant new green and orange colour scheme makes the attraction a sight that park visitors can’t miss.

The Tatsu roller coaster before and after

The benefits

PPG PSX 700 topcoat provides long-term protection of valuable steel assets, especially in aggressive exposure conditions. It has unsurpassed long-term retention of colour and gloss characteristics, and it resists fading, chalking and general deterioration over time. It requires fewer coats than traditional finishes and is virtually maintenance-free.

Right roller coaster result

Tatsu has an exciting new look and long-term protection provided by PPG PSX 700 topcoat. Its classic thrills and chills have a new lease on life.

Read more articles like this in the latest issue of Protective Coatings Expert

Tatsu has been given a new lease on life