Evan1127

I knew the first one looked familiar. There was a model of it at IAAPA '05. I think it was at Martin & Vleminckx's booth. Sorry it's not the greatest photo, but it's the only one I have of the model:

Those are nice photos. We have some from Monday up on the Intern Site if anyone is interested.

Yeah, not all rides that experience accidents are removed. Parks will do whatever is most cost effective. Since Superman is SFNE's star attraction and they knew it would continue to be, it was better to just modify it. They toyed with several alternatives, and none involved its removal. SFKK can probably survive without the tower, though, especially since its popularity has probably decreased significantly. Edit: The seatbelts were already there, by the way. They added the shin cuffs and bars on the outside of the lapbars. They also added a computer system that prevents dispatch if a lapbar is not in an effective position.

Meh, it's possible. Probably not what happens in reality, though. Essentially, if they were to dispatch one train every minute (a little less), it works. That leaves a little less than a minute to unload/load, which is plenty under normal conditions. With three trains, the only other constraint is the timing of the blocks. But let's say it takes 40 seconds to get to the top of the lift. If a train were dispatched as soon as the other train clears the lift, the train ahead has <40 seconds to get to the mid-course. Follow that logic with the subsequent set of blocks, I think it's possible. If the circuit takes two minutes, the 40-second intervals work. So, as long as a train leaves between 40 and 53 seconds after the previous train on each cycle, you can reach 1900 per hour and not have the blocks stopping the ride. Therefore, mechanically/electrically, it could work. The efficiency of the crew is another story.

Recently, a group of us were cleaning out the office of Northeastern's student chapter of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) and I came across a video labeled "Arrow Dynamics: The leader in design and manufacture of custom rollercoasters". Naturally, I took it home with me, where I was just able to watch it. I found that it's from 1992 and profiles 12 Arrow rides. It is geared toward theme parks and tries to promote its products and innovations. I enjoyed it, so I thought I'd share. It's about 16 minutes long and the quality isn't the greatest because I had to condense it for posting purposes. But I think it's still alright. (Oh, and sorry it's in WMV... that was the simplest way to ensure file size limit.) Arrow.zip Zip file Arrow.wmv Arrow promotional video

I'm assuming this is still a little more work than you want to do, but creating elements is the next best thing to copy and paste. I do agree with you, though.

From Six Flags St. Louis's website: I don't think he's suing.

As I own quite a bit of Six Flags stock (and have for some time), I follow it closely... Now is a great time to buy. Despite its being low now, most analysts are predicting a huge turn-around, citing its new management turning it around in the next few years. I bought significantly when it dropped from its usual $6/share early in the summer because there was no good reason for it. While the subsequent (smaller) drops have had some rationale to them, I still believe that the worth of the company (nor most companies, really) cannot diminish that ridiculously in such a short period for no good reason. Taking a look at its history reaffirms that it will bounce back. And the following articles also suggest a regain of worth due to a variety of factors despite the projected low value as the year closes: Four Stocks that should Quadruple Soon The Six Flags No One Sees Five Stocks Under $10 Stocks with Strong Upside Potential Just my two cents.

Haha, yes. I suppose I was referring to "easy" in the "willingness to spend the money if it means putting a new ride in" sense. In any event, I have been thinking about it, and I have several theories about the use of that space now...

Bathrooms are easy to move and wouldn't be announced if it was. I don't consider those permanent facilities that need to be worked around when trying to decide where to put a new ride. Edit: The Bumper Buggies are in the large rectangular building and the bathroom is between them and Kontiki. Now I'm not sure what you're thinking of... Is it the combination changing area/bathroom that is located to the bottom left of my outlined area?

I'm assuming Kontiki and the kiddie bumper cars are being removed for The Dark Knight, especially since they said they may relocate Kontiki. But that's pure speculation. I've always thought they could do more with that section of land, especially with some "empty" space around it. Open space with Kontiki and kiddie bumper cars removed.

I agree that it would be cool to push the limits of wooden coasters, but I also think that the inherent disadvantages in wooden coasters would be accentuated with more elaborate trains. Wooden coaster structures move more than steel coasters and are, therefore, "rougher" rides. I think we can all agree on that. When trains become heavier or more elaborate (i.e. have a center of gravity farther from the structure), the roughness would increase dramatically. Just my two cents.

Not that I want to argue, but it may helpful to see... This is how the upper idler works

It's not a "fault". There's no banking in that rendering. It's just showing layout.

I can't really see it in that photo. The idler on the left side only has chain run on its top/top-right side (blocked) and the idler on the right is also blocked where the chain would be. I was trying to figure it out when I was in the park, but it's just too hard to see. From what I was told, I don't think they've taken the chain out (yet). Edit: In looking at the photo again, it actually looks like the chain is still there.

Nope. I was there today. It was down and they were telling people not to expect it open for the rest of the season. I assume they'll still try, but no one can guarantee it. Very good day anyway, though.

SFNE has cut down to one train toward the end of the season in the past and since it was closed for a significant period of time, I'm willing to bet one-train operation will be typical for the remainder of this season. Just my prediction... Edit: Also, this is the last weekend for the nearby Big E, so crowds should be down (relatively).

This is my best guess, too. Grease is probably the most common thing you don't want falling on a passing train.

Actually, they were the Wildcat trains, but since the show was about Renegade, we pulled some Renegade seat sides for Danny to install.

It doesn't have Millennium Flyers. Edit: I suppose I can answer the question and subjectively say GCI makes the best. Objectively speaking, though, knowing what I know in designing woodies (which I suppose is still somewhat subjective), GCI has the edge. They're also more accommodating to students than the others

The Discovery Channel has just posted some deleted scenes online at the following link: http://dsc.discovery.com/beyond/?playerId=203711706&categoryId=1077953604 Once there, you'll want to "Pick a Clip" in the Web Extras Section. The "Pants Optional" clip is about Millennium Flyer train construction. It's a lot of the footage that was filmed in our office at the beginning of the year.

The trim brake is always "on". It's magnetic, just like the main brakes.

I'm hoping to visit the park for a bit on the 28th. Not sure how long or how I'm getting in, but I'll be in the area that day.

I feel like there's a difference between inconsistency and not noticing something. The policy is well-posted that no loose articles are allowed on the ride, so when they do find it on you, it needs to be enforced. Especially if the policy isn't voluntarily adhered to. Edit: I don't mean to be rude. I know how you feel. But I've seen that way too often.

Despite the cuts they made to the footage they got, I will hold on to the digital recording I have of it.