dragon2000

From: http://www.electric-vehiclenews.com/2009/07/wicked-twister-lim-launch-coaster.html "These Linear Induction Motors certainly pack a huge punch, over 3 MW or approx 4000 hp worth of electricity is used to accelerate the train from 0-50 mph in just 2.5 seconds. "

Completely agree with this, was very surprised when I went on it this summer.

Wow, checking back to the thread after a busy day at work and am really grateful for all the fantastic information you have all given. Thanks!

Thank you both for replying. Your information is really helpful. I did see your excellent trip report Andy as I was searching if anyone had done a similar trip before, so the itinerary is shared a little. Am going to read it again now and get excited! Phil you may be right in that this is a crazy and tiring plan. Do I need to cut it down? If you had to chop anything out what would it be? It sounds like Holiday World's water park is the only one I really have to venture into. The coasters/main park attractions are my main focus. Just hope this all works out

Hello everyone, going from lurking in the forums to posting something serious. Trying to be brave this coming year and adventure out to the USA from England for the first time since 1995 when my parents took me to Disney World. In the past couple of years and I have gotten into playing pinball (hopefully some of you are familiar - think silver ball and flippers). There is a big pinball competition called 'Pinburgh' held each year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and this year it happens to be at a time of year when I can actually make it (July 2015). I'm a teacher so have five weeks summer holiday from half way through July to the end of August. Therefore, as I'll be coming from England I'd like to extend my visit by doing a road trip of some theme parks around the area in the East. I've dreamt of visiting places like Cedar Point, Busch Gardens and the Six Flags parks for many years. Can you help me make this an awesome trip? Here's my basic outline of the trip so far, though it may have to be cut down depending on cost - if anyone has any thoughts on the order, places to stay or any other tips, please advise: Day 0 - Fly to New York (which airport do most people fly into from England? Is there even a choice?) Day 1 - New York, touristy things like ferry past Statue of Liberty, Times Square; riding the Cyclone, Thunderbolt and Wonder Wheel Day 2 - Six Flags New England Day 3 - Dorney Park Day 4 - Knoebels Day 5 - Hersheypark Day 6 - Kennywood Day 7, Day 8, Day 9 - Pinburgh pinball competition @ Replay FX expo, David L Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh Day 10, Day 11 - Cedar Point (two days is best?) Day 12 - Kings Island Day 13 - Holiday World (and water park?) Day 14 - Dollywood Day 15 - Six Flags Over Georgia Day 16 - Carowinds Day 17 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg (I'd be interested in doing one of their behind the scenes coaster tours if on?) Day 18 - Kings Dominion Day 19 - Washington - touristy things like White House Day 20 - Six Flags America Day 21, Day 22 - Six Flags Great Adventure (two days is best?) Day 23 - Back in New York for flight home to England I based this the assumption that flights and car hire would work out cheaper starting and ending in the same place - would this be true? I also assume the flight from England to New York is direct. The other option would be to fly into Pennsylvania (probably not a direct flight) and start and finish the trip there. This might reduce the number of days I need a hire car by 3. Any thoughts? General questions - if anyone has any answers/advice that would be awesome: *Car hire? Has anyone from Europe got tips for hiring in the USA? What size cars are best (drive a small Volkswagen at home)? *Is it best to drive in the mornings to a new theme park each day and then have a nearby hotel for overnight, rather than driving each night to the next destination? How does it work with checking into accommodation? *Where to stay? Would you have a different place each night? Or can some of these places have a central hotel 'base' that you could drive out from? *How much would you budget for accommodation each night? *How much would you budget for food each day? I'm not a big eater at all! *Are season passes worth it for the Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks? Can they be bought by non-nationals? Can the be bought while I'm still in England or does it have to be in person? *Water parks? Are any adjoining water parks other than Holiday World's worth visiting if I only have the one day? *What queue-busting options are there at each park? How much should I budget for them? I appreciate this is a bucket load of questions. But I would be eternally grateful if anyone can provide any help to make this trip amazing! Thanks, Andrew

Video of the Waterboggan

Loefet, that coaster looks fantastic! I'd certainly love you to release it

Poor old Jaws. Another classic ride about to bite the dust. Guess it's time to bring out "Jaws the Musical" (created by the Skippers the last time management decided to shut Jaws!): Seriously, watch it, it's awesome

Very funny report guys. And Bryan - thumbs up on the Whiskey Media shirt!

Thorpe Park - £2 Chessington - £2 Alton Towers - £5 LegoLand Windsor - £2, £6 (preferred parking).

Yeah, I can't get any of my download links to work. Even tried re-downloading digital videos I'd bought from TPR in the past and they're not working either... Great prices though

Thanks for the great coverage of this event!

Donkeys are always awesome! Blackpool is one of those places I really love. No where else seems to be able to get away with lift hills like on the Wild Mouse, no restraints on rollercoasters, etc etc. I hope I can continue to feel like I'm going to die any moment (whilst actually being 100% safe) at Blackpool for many years to come. Thus I am extremely jealous of your visit - I wish I was there right now

Here's a (poor quality) video of the "OMFG Airtime!" water slide: Yup, that really is ridiculous

Sweet video dude - you looked like you were having an awesome time! And consider yourself very very lucky getting to jump out of a Skyvan; possobly the best skydiving plane around

I've seen rapids without water in the morning at parks, but I didn't know it was something that happened quickly. I assumed it would take several hours. You wouldn't happen to have a video of a rapids ride filling, would you? In case you were still looking for videos of flume rides filling up here's a couple... Thunder Canyon (rapids ride) filling: Log Flume at Silverwood filling: (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) As you can see, these rides fill very quickly, and are ready to take passengers within as little as 15 minutes from the pumps being switched on

Thank you Gregg! Thanks Benny - give your boss a big "Good luck" from me! And hopefully all the transport networks are back to normal from this volcano drama. I have to catch the first train of the day at 5.55am to make it to the start line on time Ok, so here's my update from today... London Marathon Expo 2010 So the London Marathon Expo runs from today (Wednesday) through to Saturday evening. All the runners have to visit in order to complete their registrations - picking up their running number, final instructions, kit bag, timing chip, etc. There are also hundreds of exhibitors at the expo; some companies trying to sell you their latest running technology, some charities advertising for places in next years marathon. I have to say I took advantage of the huge section dedicated to souvenirs - they must see me coming . Here's the photographic diary of my day: Seeing as London has a congestion charge, and its roads always seem to be packed, I would be travelling via public transport... My train journey would start from my local station - Southampton Airport My train pulling into the station Arriving in Central London - Waterloo Station Time to head below the surface - onto the Jubilee Line Underground Getting off the Underground at Canning Town "Bye-bye Underground train"... ..."Hello Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train!" Arriving at the ExCel centre - I guess I better follow the banners... Here it is - The ExCel Centre Yay - finally at the entrance to the expo! Time to pick up more marathon paperwork - there's a lot of it! A big thanks to the kind member of staff who offered to take my photo All the registration desks for different running numbers The clothing/souvenir section of the expo One of the big Adidas displays More of the opening show floor Everyone got the chance to write a message onto these walls Lots of awesome and touching personal messages The main show floor was a maze of exhibitors It was also very busy! People and products everywhere And to wrap up this update - FOOD! London Marathon Pasta Party, with stage presentations in the background Stay tuned for another update tomorrow... Including photos of all the junk (and important stuff!) I managed to bag at the expo today. I think I have my very own "Bag O' Crap" to rival TPR's

Hey Guys, Sorry I haven't posted an update in a while. It's all been going a bit crazy here as I relocated from University one side of the country back to home on the other side for the Easter holidays! With only 5 days to go until the big day, my nerves are building - but I'm equally as excited about taking part in such a big race with so much history and seeing it whilst growing up. Tomorrow I'm travelling into London to the London Marathon Expo which runs over the next four days. All the runners have to visit the Expo on one day to complete their registration, and to pick up their running number, kit bag, and timing chip. I'm also on the lookout for a souvenir or two, and expect I'll probably be bombarded with assorted leaflets too! Full photo report to come... Whilst away at University (and so waiting for me on my return back home) I've also received my T-Shirts and swanky running vest - so I'll get some pictures of those for you up tomorrow hopefully too. Catch up with you soon, from Andrew

Ah, I love that quote! I remember after my second jump I said to my jump master that I still felt nervous as I sat in the open door-way of the plane. He said "Why would anyone be scared? You have two parachutes strapped to your back"

Yeah, I used to skydive a lot here in the UK. Sad when I had to give it up a few months ago, and hopefully will get back into it again soon! What type of jump are you doing? Tandem/static line/IAD/AFF? I (very very slowly) worked my way along a static line course. Hard work, with lots of ground school, and many days of sitting around at the airfield waiting for grey clouds to clear away and the wind to die down. But ultimately nothing beats the feeling of being up at 12,000ft, inside a plane with the door wide open - then jumping freely out into the sky. Amazing - I guarantee you'll love it (Disclaimer: Skydiving is addictive and may end up bankrupting you )

Nice tour! Loved your report & looking at your photos.

Wow - I love it. You've got some great data there. I really like how you can see the rides characteristics from the graphs: Rush - the buildup to full swing, then the abrupt braking at the end of the ride. Zodiac - it's got some lovely symmetry to the graph! Vortex - similar to Rush in that it slowly builds up to full swing, before the brakes kick in towards the end. The amount of positive G surprises me too. Inferno - interesting to see the pre-lifthill section. Stealth - the clear pull up on the tophat, going over the top, then the pull down of the tophat. Slammer - similar to Vortex in the lovely symmetry! Can even see the 'bump' at the end of the ride where the arm bounces on the tires at ground level... SAW - can see just how manic a ride it is - and high Gs, both positive and negative! Great

Thanks! Good luck for your NYC entry too Thanks again, I'll definitely be posting a report on the marathon. 3 weeks to go - time to get nervous...

^ Haha, thanks! I'd love to do one of the Disney runs (or all of them!) one day too. Just need to get some money to get over the pond In fact, I'd love to do a road trip of the entire US, and finally get to ride some of the awesome coasters I see so much of here...

https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/andrewwilson Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of TPR! Let me introduce myself - my name is Andrew, and though you probably haven't heard much from shy little me on the boards, believe me when I say I've been avidly reading your posts for many years. Recently I've been inspired by fellow member "nay"'s fantastic reports from her many running events. And so I'd love to tell you all about my quest to run the London Marathon 2010... Entering the ballot... Whilst growing up I've always watched the London Marathon on TV, thinking to myself - "One day I'd love to do that!". I was never particularly good at sport at school but running a marathon just seemed like such an amazing lifetime experience and had a 'buzz' to it that enticed me in... And so upon hitting 18 I decided to finally enter my name into the ballot. This is easier said than done however, as only 1 in 5 applicants get a ballot place. Result -> 2008 = Rejected, 2009 = Rejected I had already started my training in 2009, and so to ease my disappointment, I decided to instead run the 'sister' race of the London Marathon - the Silverstone Half Marathon... Silverstone Half Marathon 2009 The race was to take place on the 15th March 2009 - and I would be joining aproximately 10,000 other runners over the 13.2 mile distance. It takes place along the famous Silverstone motor racing track, although there was no way I'd be going as fast as some of the famous drivers do! I chose to run on behalf of Cancer Research UK - which I'm sure you will agree is a fantastic cause. In 2007, 7.6 million people died from cancer (accounting for about 13% of deaths). And I therefore felt it was vital to support the charity and the work they do, including: -Researching the causes and treatments of cancer -Supporting cancer patients & their families Here's how it went...: Having arrived, going through pre-race checks (aka shoe-lace tying!) From my Dad's spectator viewpoint - looking towards the back of the pack... ...and looking towards the front. You can see the start line to the far left of the picture Can you see where I am? Here, I helped you out! And so the race begins, off we run! After 13 miles of running, approaching the finish line My official finish line photo - such an amazing feeling to have run 13 miles & raised so much money One relieved and exhausted Andrew, complete with medal I completed the half marathon in a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 58 seconds Thanks to my friends and family who sponsored me, I ended up raising £323.14 for Cancer Research UK! London Marathon 2010 Shortly after I had run the Silverstone Half Marathon, the ballot for the 2010 London Marathon opened. Once again I applied - the question is...could I get a place this year......... YES!! Finally, the saying 'third time lucky' had come true - I was able to run the marathon So here I am today - I want to take this opportunity to raise money for charity once again. As a young(ish!) person myself, I felt that a charity for children might be most appropriate. And so I am going to be running the Virgin London Marathon 2010 on behalf of VICTA - Visually Impaired Children Taking Action About VICTA Started in 1987, VICTA - Visually Impaired Children Taking Action, has grown and developed into a charity that now operates across the UK to support visually impaired & blind children and their families. The funds which VICTA allocates are aimed at assisting visually impaired children in reaching their full potential both socially and educationally. The charity give a wide range of grants to individual children to help to improve their social and educational prospects in life. For example - the specialist equipment (such as software, braillers and computers) that VICTA provide can help visually impaired children to be more independent in a technologically based world; while the specialist holidays VICTA fund can allow them to meet others with similar conditions, while helping to build their confidence in a safe environment. Funds are also allocated for scientific research. About the London Marathon Since its first year in 1981, the London Marathon has been run annually, growing in popularity and achieving the title for being the largest annual fund raising event in the world. Along the 26 miles distance, runners wind their way through the city streets, passing world famous iconic buildings such as: The Houses of Parliament Tower Bridge Canary Wharf And the London Eye This year the race takes place on Sunday 25th April 2010. The London Marathon differs from many other 'races' around the world, as it is a fun, family event in which many runners will put on costumes or simply run for charity. To date, more than £315 million has been raised through the race for charity. So as well as cheering on the runners, spectators get to see funny costumes worn by everyday people, plus world famous runners who are competing for the prize of first place. Celebrities from television, film, other sports, and more, also come out in their droves for this event. How to sponsor me! I'd really love it if you could spare some money and sponsor me. I have the aim of raising £1000 for VICTA, so every little bit really will help! With your help we can hopefully bring a little bit more happiness & lots of support to blind & partially sighted kids across the UK! Please visit: https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/andrewwilson Or if you use American Express: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/andrewwilson Thank you, from Andrew Current Total: