Alan Schilke Interview: Former Arrow Engineer [Arrow Bonus Content]

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2017
  • Here is our full interview with renowned roller coaster designer, Alan Schilke. Alan began his career in the amusement industry in the mid-90's at Arrow Dynamics and remained with them until the company's demise in 2002. While at Arrow, Alan worked on some fairly notable rides, with the most famous being X (now X2), which opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain in 2002 as the world's first 4th dimension coaster. Alan runs his own business, Ride Centerline, and works in conjunction with Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) where he is their primary designer. You'll get to hear lots of great stories in this interview, including the reason why Arrow folded in 2002.
    Ride Centerline website: ridecenterline.com/
    RMC website: rockymtnconstruction.com/
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ความคิดเห็น • 145

  • @martinsmallwood5581
    @martinsmallwood5581 5 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    I just love watching his face light up as he talks. True passion oozing from his pores!

  • @dennisdonovan3153
    @dennisdonovan3153 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    In the early 1990's I used to snow ski with this man and had NO IDEA he was so gifted as an engineer! Wow, impressive and happy for his creative and passionate work/career.

  • @nomad1517
    @nomad1517 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    The guy looks like the definition of enthusiasm.

  • @djavatar68
    @djavatar68 7 ปีที่แล้ว +102

    X2 is technically the first Wing coaster. Before B&M.

    • @seanlewis1148
      @seanlewis1148 6 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      CORRECT!!!
      THIS MAN DESERVES THE CREDIT!!!!!

    • @Kevin-yh7ph
      @Kevin-yh7ph 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Anthony Martinez I guess you can say that but arrow didn’t want to make a wing coaster they wanted to make a 4-D it was unintentional, B&M made wing on purpose.

    • @NickyD
      @NickyD 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      wrong its a 4D coaster not a wing coaster RCDB is the offical sourse your wrong

    • @empjustin6560
      @empjustin6560 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Anthony Martinez It’s actually a 4D coaster

    • @3rectilefunction200
      @3rectilefunction200 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Nicky D but it runs on the side so it’s technically a wing

  • @willthecreator
    @willthecreator 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    This guy is the creator of some of the most of my exciting moments in life, X and Steel Vengeance

  • @tismejaytee
    @tismejaytee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    This guy is a mastermind

  • @haroldbon9732
    @haroldbon9732 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    That X story is just too awesome

  • @CarolinaCycloneJames
    @CarolinaCycloneJames หลายเดือนก่อน

    Alan just has that chill uncle personality. Ome that you can talk about anything with. Or just hang out and enjoy the vibe.

  • @CoasterHipster
    @CoasterHipster 6 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    What a great interview! Alan Schilke looks like a truly nice guy, and it was very interesting listening to him. The trivia about him (not) being hired by Arrow at first and Gary Story's airport meeting, his thoughts on coaster engineering and the impact Arrow has made. Very insightful and inspiring answers.
    Thank you so much for this valuable video!

  • @Ipoop7colors
    @Ipoop7colors 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I do concider rollercoasters as art. Sometimes I like looking it at it as much as riding it.

  • @kenfrancisworld8720
    @kenfrancisworld8720 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hey Alan, X is my alltime favorite coaster! Thank you for giving me this thrill!

  • @BeMaC
    @BeMaC 7 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Schilke what a Design God :P gosh what could he do with B&M

    • @christarsitano3245
      @christarsitano3245 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Marc Gerber, He could make them go bankrupt like he did to arrow for making X!

    • @gogy4
      @gogy4 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      TheCoasterBoy X wasn’t the main reason arrow went bankrupt. The rise of B&M and Intamin, along with the failure of the Stratosphere Fish Hook coaster design were huge reasons as well.

    • @authenticNL2
      @authenticNL2 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      TheCoasterBoy omg by far stupidest comment I have EVER seen

    • @cashprinter5000
      @cashprinter5000 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      +[DW] CBG but it costed them a lot

    • @cashprinter5000
      @cashprinter5000 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      He would put intamin out of business

  • @justinpino8115
    @justinpino8115 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for Steel Vengeance, the most fun coaster I’ve ever ridden

  • @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan
    @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You can tell Alan Schilke loves what he does~~ I mean he helped Arrow Dynamics, S&S, and now Rocky Mountain Construction to build some great roller coasters. He literally revolutionized the companies in how they should engineer rides and design them. Although, it's sad that Arrow Dynamics is gone, we can't forget the legacy he created with them during his time there :) X2 is by far one of his most iconic creations, and that coaster drove Arrow Dynamics into the ground because of how expensive that was :( But I will say, X2 was a worthy final coaster, so they left with a bang :) Arrow Dynamics truly transformed what roller coasters are like today. They were the company for innovation throughout their lifetime, and left a huge legacy that more people, including enthusiasts, should appreciate the most. Without Arrow Dynamics, we wouldn't have the modern coasters we have today.

  • @EngineerCatPyro
    @EngineerCatPyro 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    i love this guy! He loves what he does.

  • @frostyhighway9011
    @frostyhighway9011 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Alan mentions Buffalo Bills Desparado Roller Coaster in Primm Nevada, I've rode this one several times, I can't wait to ride
    Lightning Rod at Dollywood. Good info here, thanks guys.

  • @jeremylando40
    @jeremylando40 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The greatest roller coaster designer of all time hands down

  • @johncastro39
    @johncastro39 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Any person who is a genius always seems a little mental. You Sir are not mental so that puts you above genius level! Thank you for changing the world. Peace and respect to you.

  • @SagaFraga
    @SagaFraga 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You could make a movie about this guy

    • @jorge3997
      @jorge3997 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They should!!!

  • @dennisatlas
    @dennisatlas 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, what absolutely brilliant answers, especially to that last question!

  • @dustinlikens7340
    @dustinlikens7340 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As a software developer, I ride X2 when I need some inspiration. It’s a masterclass in combining established concepts with novel ideas. It really does inspire me to be better at my craft.

    • @LordMalice6d9
      @LordMalice6d9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Being creative and innovative can be difficult. You need to get your inspiration from somewhere.

  • @ralphbuschmann740
    @ralphbuschmann740 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Interview with a Great man!

  • @Ari-iz3gc
    @Ari-iz3gc 6 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    The fact that Cedar Point turned down the 4D angers me lowkey

    • @Kevin-yh7ph
      @Kevin-yh7ph 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Ari 1993 they were probably saving up fo millennium force, and they new arrow had money problems.

    • @cashprinter5000
      @cashprinter5000 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Kevin-yh7ph makes sense since both intamin and arrow started working on r&d for their respective coasters at around the same time

  • @Halibut86
    @Halibut86 ปีที่แล้ว

    x2 is amazing! RMC is amazing!
    We love Alan!!

  • @kidlamborghini
    @kidlamborghini 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    He flexed on everyone with that line about how nothing on a ride really thrills him anymore.

  • @joshbower
    @joshbower 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was already a fan, but more so now knowing he graduated Purdue! Boiler Up!!!

  • @TS_Mind_Swept
    @TS_Mind_Swept 7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    What took so long to upload this interview? It's definitely the best one of them all (and I'm not saying that just cause I'm biased toward Alan) it is conclusive evidence that X2 is not what put arrow out, but the fishhook that never got built, TAKE THAT X2 HATERS!

    • @ridewithace
      @ridewithace  7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Don't think we didn't save the best for last for a reason. :-)

    • @TS_Mind_Swept
      @TS_Mind_Swept 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ALAAAN! (wooo!)

    • @danhinnenkamp4347
      @danhinnenkamp4347 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      0MindSwe

    • @alaeriia01
      @alaeriia01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is worth pointing out that Six Flags was the primary reason behind the cost overruns.

    • @olmisery3859
      @olmisery3859 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Listen, I love Schilke and I love Arrow, but X2 is one of the worst rides on the planet. It most certainly didn’t bankrupt Arrow though, you’re right about that.

  • @jimtheedcguy4313
    @jimtheedcguy4313 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the roadrunner express! It's definitely more than just a family coaster!

  • @twistedcheese1
    @twistedcheese1 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've ridden the big one it's still running Great after all these years

  • @triple7marc
    @triple7marc 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Alan Schilke is a fascinating man.

  • @youngrican07
    @youngrican07 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This man is living my dream job as mechanical engineer.To bad my grades were not good enough for m.i.t....smh .But still design in autocad....going on 18years.

  • @shanepetyko8004
    @shanepetyko8004 ปีที่แล้ว

    He’s such a god and doesn’t realize it. It’s refreshing

    • @TylerTedClubberLang
      @TylerTedClubberLang 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      X2, Steel vengeance, Tennessee Tornado, Wonder women Flight or courage, etc. He revolutionized the coaster world.

  • @Kevin-yh7ph
    @Kevin-yh7ph 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My god I would love to have his job

  • @Nismo-gy3wz
    @Nismo-gy3wz ปีที่แล้ว

    One word "Legend"

  • @TylerTedClubberLang
    @TylerTedClubberLang 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That’s crazy how Cedar Point rejected the 4D coaster prototype. I’m glad though because X2 is at my home park at Magic Mountain.

  • @squidwardshouse5431
    @squidwardshouse5431 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This guy is like the John Wardley of the USA, but works for the actual coaster manufacturers. Designs some mad coasters. Really hope he gets to design the first RMC for the UK. Thorpe Park screams for one.

  • @azertycraftgaming
    @azertycraftgaming 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    33:30 VEEEKKOOOMMMAAAAAA

  • @aaron.c.burton
    @aaron.c.burton 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This guys is legendary but he doesn't act like it. Maybe he's unaware of his genius.

    • @davidshaw681
      @davidshaw681 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He's just a prime example of loving your job and doing everything for the right reason

  • @lessardo87
    @lessardo87 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is that blueprint in the background Wicked Cyclone?

  • @mickeyvenstra5436
    @mickeyvenstra5436 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I worked for arrow development from 78 to 92 in clearfield utah. Then huss bought it, they run it into the ground. Then the employee's bought it and Ron toomey ran it into the ground. I'm glad it survived and is in Hayden idaho

  • @themeparkjunkies8471
    @themeparkjunkies8471 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I wish someone just asked him straight up , whats your favorite non arrow-rmc coaster that you rode before

  • @djsugarc1075
    @djsugarc1075 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Schilke Swagggg

  • @Meekimotosyoutubechannel
    @Meekimotosyoutubechannel 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Congrats on your new RMC coasters. Who will maintain the arrow rides still out there in parks?

    • @DomWPC
      @DomWPC 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      vekoma

    • @CumLordGary
      @CumLordGary 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      S&S

    • @Cccoast
      @Cccoast 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      S&S although I heard the lead parts woman, just retired.

    • @empjustin6560
      @empjustin6560 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      S&S

  • @jstyxx4110
    @jstyxx4110 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want RMC Shilkie.

  • @jakethecake6952
    @jakethecake6952 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Would Alan ride x2?

  • @alaeriia01
    @alaeriia01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wonder if RMC is interested in revisiting the ArrowBATic?

    • @shchorss
      @shchorss 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      God no. Vekoma already has that covered with their family inverts.

    • @jackknueve4645
      @jackknueve4645 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Justin the ArrowBATic would’ve had inversions. It’s more like a Zamperla Volare but with inverted cars rather than flying boxes

    • @coasternamegenerator5611
      @coasternamegenerator5611 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      The closest thing to the Arrowbatic was the Vekoma SLC.

  • @joebermuda6452
    @joebermuda6452 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If you’ve ridden iron gwazi u know this man is a genius

  • @CoasterChannel-fb8ee
    @CoasterChannel-fb8ee 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Layout of Twisted Cyclone right behind u

    • @alaeriia01
      @alaeriia01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Coaster Channel 1000 Wicked Cyclone, not Twisted Cyclone. SFNE, not SFOG.

    • @glade2495
      @glade2495 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Alex Snitzer Yeah cuz that doesn’t look like Twiste Cyclone

  • @threeglassjars6051
    @threeglassjars6051 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What is that coaster plan in the background?

    • @danthecoasterman22
      @danthecoasterman22 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      3 Glass jars Pretty sure that is Wicked Cyclone

    • @RollyCoaster
      @RollyCoaster 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's Wicked Cyclone.

    • @charleyhibschweiler4555
      @charleyhibschweiler4555 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wicked Cyclone

    • @aaronschatzman6645
      @aaronschatzman6645 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@charleyhibschweiler4555 you are ALL fired... Jesus o.o It's fricken' Robin Hood. the slightly;y shorter loop is the turn out of the station to the right and then the wrap around turn taking the inside of the horseshoe back to the station, with a deviation layover for the conversion. Ever single Cyclone is pill-shaped and never crosses outside of the outer structure... "Security! Who let these people in here!"

    • @tigovanrooij9926
      @tigovanrooij9926 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@aaronschatzman6645 robin hood at walibi holland? ( now Untamed)

  • @ZoniesCoasters
    @ZoniesCoasters 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What was the arrobatic?

    • @WDIJake
      @WDIJake 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was an inverted coaster concept

    • @SpiritOfTheSeasons
      @SpiritOfTheSeasons 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Zonies Coasters it was like an inverted wild mouse. Trains of four, suspended on the track like a B&M invert

    • @ZoniesCoasters
      @ZoniesCoasters 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Spirit Of The Holidays oh I see. Is it like that one on rct3?

    • @SpiritOfTheSeasons
      @SpiritOfTheSeasons 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Zonies Coasters no, the RCT3 one is basically just a wild mouse that goes upside down.
      This one was a proper inverted coaster

    • @ZoniesCoasters
      @ZoniesCoasters 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Spirit Of The Holidays no their was an inverted coaster with a mouse style

  • @seansanders4000
    @seansanders4000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How old is he

  • @floridawildones
    @floridawildones 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    its him... god himself

  • @gatewaycoasters4200
    @gatewaycoasters4200 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did Alan Schilke ever join S&S san sai?

    • @triple7marc
      @triple7marc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      RMC was founded in 2001 (essentially the year Arrow went bankrupt) so I don’t think so.

    • @gatewaycoasters4200
      @gatewaycoasters4200 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@triple7marc BUT RMC was founded in 2001 but alan schilke Joined RMC in 2009
      so I think he did

    • @triple7marc
      @triple7marc 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gatewaycoasters4200 Oh you’re right, my bad. Yeah he worked at S&S and designed a few woodies for them between 2003 and 2004 (namely Avalanche at Timber Falls Adventure Park, Falken at Fårup Sommerland and Hell Cat at Clementon Park). Then in 2006 he founded Ride Centerline LLC, while still working for S&S (he played a part in the design of El Loco). Then in 2009 like you said he joined RMC.

    • @gatewaycoasters4200
      @gatewaycoasters4200 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@triple7marc yes that’s correct he joined in 2009

  • @TS_Mind_Swept
    @TS_Mind_Swept 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    4:32 ((coughmayvrick))

  • @miniwidget6407
    @miniwidget6407 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My name is Alan Schilke
    I design rolercoasters

  • @MrBlonday
    @MrBlonday 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    But he didn't get asked why X got the paint job it did hahaha

  • @JJJJ-he8bz
    @JJJJ-he8bz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    X2 shits on any B&M wing coaster

    • @TheBroz
      @TheBroz 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wing coasters work though…

  • @darrengrimmer8541
    @darrengrimmer8541 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A fine man.. Sadly young people nowadays have no interest in learning skills like this... As an engineer myself I find it ironic I’m watching this on TH-cam... Which is all the young people want to do.... post videos here to get paid!!

    • @twistedgwazi5727
      @twistedgwazi5727 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bahhhh young people baaaad

    • @darrengrimmer8541
      @darrengrimmer8541 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      TwistedGwazi oh dear

    • @rmcjake5190
      @rmcjake5190 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm 23 and definitely ready to do this.

    • @gamingodriscoll5714
      @gamingodriscoll5714 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      WAHHHH WAHHHHH TH-cam NO REAL JOB WAHHHHHHH stfu, very respectfully.

  • @willthecreator
    @willthecreator 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    When life sucks Alan Sculkie

  • @SmithCommaBenjamin
    @SmithCommaBenjamin 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Schilke is a great designer, but he's full of shit. X certainly bankrupted Arrow. Every park will tell you that as good as RMC coasters are, they are terribly expensive, and difficult to maintain. His coasters aren't #1 in any category except price.

    • @alaeriia01
      @alaeriia01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I dunno about that. B&M are more expensive and Intamin more temperamental.

    • @alaeriia01
      @alaeriia01 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      And X did not bankrupt Arrow, the Fish-Hook bankrupted them.

    • @topthrillbran
      @topthrillbran 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Your credentials?

    • @shchorss
      @shchorss 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Some of the best in the world

    • @jackknueve4645
      @jackknueve4645 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      RMC is actually cheap. Look at Storm Chaser. Amazing, top ten ride. Only 7 million dollars. Look at Valravn. Mediocre ride. 18 million dollars.