coaster-crazy

Love this new color!! I wonder what color the supports will be, though. I'd guess silver or something...

The 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition "was opened initially from February 18, 1939 through October 29, 1939. It opened again from May 25, 1940 through September 29, 1940." The Thunderbolt at SFNE was infact not at SFNE/Riverside Park first, but the 1939/1940 New York World's Fair. It was at the NY World's Fair from 5/6/1939 to 1940. It then opened at SFNE in 1941. Because of the fact that the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and the 1939/1940 New York World's Fair were occuring at the same time, AND that they were both World's Fairs, it is quite likely that both fairs had the same model of woodie. However, the Thunderbolt at SFNE is for sure from the NY fair, and not SF. http://rcdb.com/3720.htm (for when it was at the NY World's Fair)

The park invited 24 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and 24 members of Theme Park Review to be a part of the first two inaugural trains on Gold Striker. A little over 12 people for each group showed up so we had one full train and a 1/2-filled second train (the rest of the second train was filled with Santa Clara dignitaries and their families). Once the first train had gone around with fireworks shooting off, there was 15-minute delay before the next ride as the pyrotechnics crew needed time to dismantle the equipment. Once the second train had made its lap, the general public was already in line waiting to ride next. In the meantime, the first row on one train was blocked off (for the first hour) for local media to get POV's of themselves. Media was told to wait at the exit and were brought in when the train was ready. All in all, it was an amazing opening day and I was fortunate enough to be in the front row on the inaugural run. Despite delays in the opening, California's Great America really pulled together a wonderful opening day celebration. --Nicholas

Pretty awesome to have California's Great America invite the GP to check this ride out! Signed up and hope I get selected - can't wait! -Nicholas

Man, that carousel looks so beautiful! ...oh, and so does Gold Striker.

CGA on their Facebook page said this date is still tentative, unlike what the paper said. Though, it will probably be near then! Great photos everyone. The park looks fantastic and I can't wait to visit again. The 2013 season is CGA's rebirth. -Nicholas

The last Cyclone was also attached to the trailer. The ride was placed in a "hole" so to have the ride itself line up with the ground. Never went on it - basically the only SCBB ride I haven't been on! ~Nicholas

A friend of mine who retired from the industry a few years back gave me BOATLOADS of stuff similar to what you are posting... ...including some Huish stuff, like you have posted above! I was wondering if they were YOU! I'll have to scan those in...

I saw your picture from the Golden Horseshoe review and totally freaked out. I SAW THE EXACT SAME SHOW YOU DID! I'll post a picture later but I was at that EXACT SAME SHOW. I am still shocked. Great TR. Been wondering about Carthay Circle Theatre and its restaurant.

Just saw that release too! Kinda cool to see my event get mentioned in it, too! Can't wait to see what is in store for next year!

^Great video! They really did a fantastic job with allowing most of everyone to get POV footage of themselves on the ride. I was also at the Media Event (along with about 10 other ACEers) and boy was the ride a thrill! I totally loved it and suggest anyone to get out there and ride it yourself!

http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/events/SeasonPassPreviewJune2012.aspx Appears this page no longer exists - maybe the date has been changed? On another note, here are some pictures from yesterday. I am getting really excited! ~Nicholas

Wow, this is really ironic timing, considering I just watched the 2006 movie "Poseidon" last night, which was about a sinking ship! LOL!

Since we are all talking about the history of CGA, you all need to REALLY check out this website: GREATamericaparks.com It was/is put together by a good buddy of mine. TONS of great photos of most of the Marriott era rides plus videos, audio recordings, music, a forum, and a whole lot more!

Is it made by a well known manufacturer?