Japan’s Steel Dragon is one of the most iconic roller coasters in the world. It is known for its massive size, incredible speeds, and its status as the most expensive roller coaster ever built. The construction of Steel Dragon took a total of three years, from 1998 to 2000, and it cost a staggering $50 million to build. So, why was Steel Dragon so expensive to construct?
There are several reasons why Steel Dragon was so expensive to build. The first reason is its size. Steel Dragon is 8,133 feet long, making it one of the longest roller coasters in the world. The sheer size of the coaster required a massive amount of steel, concrete, and other materials to construct, which added to the overall cost of the project.
Another factor that contributed to the high cost of Steel Dragon was its location. The roller coaster was built in the city of Nagashima Spa Land in Japan, which is located on a man-made island. This meant that a significant amount of land had to be reclaimed and the infrastructure for the island had to be built from scratch, which added to the cost of the project.
The design of Steel Dragon also played a role in its high cost. The roller coaster was designed to be a hybrid of a wooden and steel roller coaster, with a wooden frame and steel track. This required a great deal of engineering and design work, as well as specialized materials and construction techniques, which added to the cost of the project.
In addition to the size, location, and design of Steel Dragon, the safety features of the roller coaster also contributed to its high cost. Steel Dragon is designed to be one of the safest roller coasters in the world, with multiple safety systems in place to ensure the safety of riders. This included the use of redundant safety systems, such as multiple brakes and emergency stop systems, as well as the use of advanced materials and construction techniques to ensure the stability and durability of the coaster.
Finally, the cost of Steel Dragon was also affected by the cost of labor in Japan. Japan has a highly skilled and highly paid labor force, which meant that the cost of labor for the construction of Steel Dragon was significantly higher than it would have been in other countries.
In conclusion, Steel Dragon was so expensive to construct due to a combination of factors, including its size, location, design, safety features, and the cost of labor in Japan. Despite its high cost, Steel Dragon has proven to be a popular and iconic roller coaster, attracting millions of visitors to Nagashima Spa Land each year. Whether you are a roller coaster enthusiast or just someone looking for an exciting and unique experience, Steel Dragon is a must-visit attraction that is well worth the cost.
