N'at Man

From what I understand CCI used grade 2 lumber rather than top grade lumber when building their coasters. That was one reason they were so reasonably priced. The problem was that while most of their rides were excellent the first few years, without the needed maintenance they became rough. I'm sure the maintenance these rides required was much more than parks anticipated. Look at Cheetah and Villain (now rough) compared to the HW or Silverwood coasters (always great). CCI had great designs but the construction and quality of the structrues was cheap.

I booked a room at the Phantasialand Hotel for September. I received an automated reply with the details I entered but they didn't take my credit card info and I didn't receive a confirmation number. A message said that my request would be processed shortly. It's been over a week and I haven't heard back. DerekRx is also in the same situation. Does anyone know how this process works or how long I should expect to wait for a response? Does this sound normal? I hesitate to reply to my e-mail at this point because I don't want to possibly confuse them especially since I would be writing in English. Thanks.

I've been in ACE for 13 years. It has some politics and some stereotypes I don't like but it's the only club I've stuck with for the long haul. I do like the magazine and I find more and more that I still like ACE News. They have enough intesting articles about club events and the news is a good summary with the Internet being such an overload of scattered info. I find it more worthwhile than Amusement Today for instance. The ACE Paramount 50% discount is a good perk for those looking for some value. I've had some issues with the events recently but overall they are great. The conventions are usually very good events. It was hard to beat CP and SFGAm the past two years. I do find it funny how people think if they sign up for ACE they'll suddenly acquire all of the negative, stereotypical member characteristics but if they don't sign up they won't. I haven't done any ECC events but I am a member. First Drop magazine is definitely top notch and it has details you can't even find on the Internet. Very good articles and pictures as well.

Thanks. That's good to know about the room key privilege. We'll just buy one day tickets instead of the three day ticket package. We were looking into the bigger rooms or suites but they are not showing up as available. We have about 6 months to go but I can see that most weekends are already fully booked for all room types so we are actually running behind. I'm glad we still have some options for our Thu/Fri night stay but we're going to book ASAP.

I'm looking into the room options at the Europa Park hotels and the biggest problem I'm seeing is that the most common double rooms only have one bed for two people. Unlike many room setups I've seen in Europe, it doesn't look like the beds split apart into single beds (although they have individual comforters). Is this correct? I'm actually considering getting a family room where one of us guys can try the bunk beds. The older El Andaluz hotel appears to have a double bed with a twin bed. Is anyone familiar with this option and how it compares to the Colosseo or Castillo Alcazar bunk beds? I think it may be worth an extra $40 over two nights to get the extra beds as long as they aren't too small (truly kid sized). Finally, through Expedia I can choose not to buy the 3 day admission with 2 nights at the hotels. My question is does this prevent me from getting early resort guest admission? I can save around $40 not buying the package with the 3 days of admission included since we only have time for one day. Thanks.

I'm liking the way LSU is playing right now. I'm pulling for them to beat UCLA. I root against Ben Howland's teams because I don't like the way he exited Pittsburgh. I think the Howland system will be tough to beat if his players execute well but LSU will have a few big time answers for UCLA. How about Mason? It's the most incredible thing I've ever seen in the NCAA tournament as far as a team coming out of nowhere. But the kicker is they are no fluke. The earned and deserved the victory against UConn. I figured UConn would make another lucky shot to win but their luck ran out. I'll look forward to watching Mason play Florida. I thought I'd be rooting for the Big East teams more but I became fed up with them. I knew UConn wasn't going to win it all before the tourney started. They have the best talent but they don't always show up to play as a team. Villanova lacked the big men they needed and the shots didn't fall for them today. They just seemed like a team that expected to be handed a Final Four invitation because of the great recruiting class they had four years ago. It doesn't work that way.

Marquette is the only team in my office pool that hurts me as I had them in the Elite 8. I was very impressed with them during the season but I guess they peaked too early. Syracuse ran out of gas. I expected this Saturday night in the BET championship but they still had enough left at that point. Seton Hall was slumping and probably didn't deserve the bid over Cincy. Expect a big day from the Big East today after an awful showing Thursday. I think Pitt will win a squeaker. That would be fine with me due to several health/injury concerns. Plus they'll need a peak performance again on Sunday (like the Villanova game) for Kansas. A Pitt-KU game would be an unfortunate underseeding situation because somebody will lose that game before the round of 16.

I'm a big Pitt Panthers fan. I'm not sure what to think of this team's chances but they should do better than last year. I've seen all three of the recent Sweet 16 losses in person so I'd love to get over that hump this year.

I have XM and I haven't listened to too much Sirius. But in general XM is thought to have better music selection. If you want certain talk shows or sports then it probably will sway you one way or another. One factor for me was that Sirius has Detroit and Pittsburgh sharing the same traffic/weather station where XM has all individual city stations for traffic and weather. The shared station would totally annoy me. XM just signed the Big East Conference so that is a bonus to me.

Save the train buy-a-brick information is now available: http://savethetrain.conneautlakeinstitute.org/

I know exactly what the original post is about. Two examples come to mind. First is the way I felt after some of the old Stark Raven Mad events. After a few triple rides on the Raven at the end of the night and then driving to my motel, I felt like I was still riding the coaster when driving and then later just laying in bed. It's almost like slight alcohol impairment. The second was after a few Timbers Fest events where I had repeat rides or just many rides one after the other. I felt like I was still floating driving back to the motel and later just laying in bed.

Since I have so much park memorabilia in my house I thought I should share. I have to apologize for quality of my cheap Kodak EasyShare camera photos. Here's my way too pinkish computer room. I was going for a southwestern feel to match the rug but this is the best I could do after two paint jobs. Here's my Pitt Panthers room, otherwise known as the bedroom. That's our old Pitt Stadium bleacher seat on the wall. Is there any question I'm still single? Here's the guest room. Pretty simple with additional memorabila. Kennywood banners and an Arnolds Park print. The dining room is now a bit too yellow. It is themed with Idlewild and Story Book Forest items. This is my kitchen. It was renovated about 3 years ago but I just painted it. We're still in the living room folks. This is my famous Phantom Wall. That is the actual Steel Phantom ticket sign More living room. Around the TV I have my Raging Rapids ticket can, ticket signs, Kennywood arrow, 100th banner and Phanotm/Lost Kennywood print. This is my living room. The signs on the top are from West View, Burke Glen and Kennywood. The big picture is of the KW Racer and Jack Rabbit. Welcome to suburban Pittsburgh. My siding is new and the doors are next to be replaced.

Following in the tradition of the Holiblog, I noticed that Conneaut Lake Park now has Connie's Weekly Chronicles on its website. http://www.conneautlakepark.com/html/blog.html The initial announcement about a buy-a-brick campaign to get the railroad up and running is the first blog entry. More details will be coming but I'd ask that everyone consider this campaign. I'm seeing a great effort being put forth at the park to make progress and I'm doing my small part to spread some optimism among all of the pessimism and rumors of the past.

I could do without the reprofiled sections of Dinn/Summers coasters. Those coasters tend to need help to begin with without all of the crappy reprofiling that many of their coasters have endured. To change the topic up slightly, I have an old element I think is very good. It's the little dip and turn on older Arrow steel coasters after the lift hill. Think about how much that "lead in track" helps Loch Ness Monster on the first drop or the feel of it on a coaster like the Demon at SFGAm. For a more modern example, while Apollo's Chariot doesn't have the turn it has the little dip and straight track before the first drop to help enhance the drop.

I think Cedar Point has everyone beat. I'll add another contender. Grona Lund in Stockholm. It's a smaller skyline but it leaves quite an impression when you approach it by boat with the city buildings in the background. Credit - coastersandmore.de

I'll give a few links and then give an overview from another forum about the public meeting held at Conneaut Lake Park last evening. News Article : "Park not as debt-filled as officials previously estimated" http://www.meadvilletribune.com/local/local_story_051213414.html?keyword=topstory CLP fourm topic http://www.clpjunction.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44 On to the summary, the park is $848,000 less in debt than first estimated ($2.1 million instead of $2.9 million). If you park inside the park you get a $5 coupon for the Beach Club or Elizabeth's Dining Room (otherwise the existing business would have been hurt). $100 engraved bricks to line the walkway of the train ride will be sold. There will be a new ticketing system where all wristbands expire at 7 PM and then tickets will be required the rest of the night for everyone. Consider that the waterpark closes at 7 PM so the wristband cutoff time is probably related to that timing. It may be an effort to get a family who leaves at 7 PM due to not buying the ride option for the wristband to maybe at least buy some tickets to ride a couple rides before they leave. I guess this is actually a bit like Knoebels in that on some days the handstamps expire before the park closes and then tickets are required. I just hope CLP has more than one booth selling tickets in the evening.

I've read that Blackpool's was removed and put in storage. The terrain was flattened too. It sounded like it may end up at Pleasureland. Aside from that one, the only two other Traver models that may run next season are Kennywood's and Conneaut if they can get it open. I forget what happened the one from Whalom. The ones in Japan probably have nothing to do with the Traver company. But the one I saw is definitely inspired by the originals although the seating is forward facing instead of a tub configuration. Back to CLP in general, I like the paid parking concept as it is much like what Kennywood does. If someone really wants free parking they have that option but the average visitor will typically just pay for parking next to the main gate without even thinking about their options. Price is based on the benefit you get and is not forced upon you. Not having an operational train ride and seeing the tumble bug in pieces simply was not appealing and I'm glad the park is aiming to get those two rides open for next season. The Tempest probably isn't as crucial but it is the last old ride they have a chance to get open this year. The Yo-Yo is being sold off and the Scrambler apparently isn't an easy fix (parts) so the park is at least addressing every existing ride that can be made operational at this point. They have a long way to go but they've made some progress in the last year.

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060218/NEWS05/602180347 Article published Feb 18, 2006 Conneaut Lake Park plans to reopen rides By John Bartlett john.bartlett@timesnews.com CONNEAUT LAKE -- Get ready to ride a memory. Three long-closed or missing rides at Conneaut Lake Park will return this year. That's some of the news Conneaut Lake Park General Manager George Deshner and court-appointed custodian LeRoy Stearns plan to share at a public meeting Monday. The 7:30 p.m. meeting will be at the Conneaut Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department, 11965 Route 618 in Sadsbury Township. "We said we would have one every so often just to let people know where things stand with the park," Deshner said. "We are going to talk about where ... we intend to go." Crawford County Judge Anthony Vardaro named Deshner general manager, and he had Deshner and Stearns take over direct management of the financially troubled park after the park's 12-member board resigned in September. The park, a public trust, fell under court supervision in 1998. Deshner said the struggle continues to straighten out the park's accounting, which he said he found in disarray when he took over. Deshner is implementing a new accounting system that will provide better controls and the ability to see expenses and revenues for each individual operation. However, he said, it is proving more difficult than expected to reconcile the past system and merge it with the new so the park has a current and exact financial account. "I'm sure we will get asked about finances at the meeting. We'll tell them what we know," Deshner said. "The more I did, the more I found that needs corrected and straightened out to get a true picture of where are at," Still, Deshner believes he has a lot of positive news to share. The park will open for the 2006 season on Memorial Day; bookings for special events and picnics are going well; and three rides are scheduled to return -- The Tempest, the Tumblebug and the park train. The Tempest, a ride that both spins and circles, has been missing from the park for four years. It was sent to a repair facility in Paducah, Ky., to be fixed. But once the work was done, the park did not have the cash to retrieve it. Last summer, Classic Iron, a car club, held a fundraiser at the park and asked that the proceeds be used to pay for the repairs to the Tempest and for the ride to be returned to the park. The check has been sent, and arrangements are being made to have it shipped back to Conneaut Lake Park, Deshner said. The Tumblebug, a classic ride at the park, has been shut down for several years. However the park has raised the money to get it repaired and put back into operation. The park train has been shut down for two years. It will also be back in service this year, although that requires raising some additional money, Deshner said. The train's axles, wheels and carriages are being repaired by a local business as a donation. However, the track must be upgraded, requiring new rail, ties and bed improvements. Deshner said a fund drive will soon be announced for that project. Other changes this year at the park include a first-time parking fee. The park will maintain one free lot, the northern-most parking area and furthest from the park entrance. The main charge in the main lot on the west side of Route 618 will be $2, the Reed Avenue lot $3 and inside the park lots $5, Deshner said. Camping fees at Camper Land are also going up slightly. The park is directly operating Camperland this year, rather than leasing its operation.

Speaking of Disney World, I liked the commercials before and during the game with the guys practicing how they'd say "I'm going to Disney World" if they won. But my favorite moment was in the local postgame coverage when the Steelers Mike Logan, from nearby McKeesport, said something like forget Disney World, we're going to Kennywood. I enjoyed that one. I wish I had that one on tape. The game didn't have much of a flow to it but the score was close to keep it interesting. I had a strange feeling winning this one and thinking back to the last Steelers win when I was only 6 years old or so. It's been a while.

Here are some park recommendations: Kennywood - Try to get at least two Phantom's Revenge rides in early then move on to the Exterminator before the line gets long. Other coasters include the Thunderbolt, Racer, Jack Rabbit and Lil' Phantom (no kid required anymore). Must do rides include Noah's Ark, Kangaroo, Turtle and Auto Race. Recommended rides include Garfield's Nightmare (it's rather awful but it's still an Old Mill), Whip, Pitt Fall and the new Swing Shot along with the Flying Carpet, Log Jammer, Train and Carousel. For food, the park has a decent cafeteria (Parkside Cafe) for sit down meals but you have to start with the Potato Patch fries. I also like cheese-on-a-stick (Lucky stand near the Patch), Italian sausage (Pagoda near Parkside Cafe) and Philly beef at the stand near the Jack Rabbit. The best dessert is the Belgian waffles at the Carousel food court (beware, they're a meal alone). Idlewild - Don't overlook Story Book Forest which turns 50 this year. It opens an hour early. Obviously the Rollo Coaster and Wild Mouse are high priorities. Top attractions include Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (a must), Caterpillar, Adult Hand Cars (in kiddieland) and Confusion Hill. Recommended rides include the Trinado, train, carousel, Dizzy Lizzy's and the whip. For food, the Mineshaft Kitchen has the most variety including Patch fries. The park also has a decent fast food pasta place and the Philly steak place is also good. Lakemont - Not to much to say other than ride the coasters. Food is pretty unremarkable. I've stayed at the Super 8 next door and it is OK. My best advice is to not miss DelGrosso's Amusement Park which is 15 minutes up the road. It's perfectly clean and nice with some fun rides and great food. Aside from the two coasters, don't miss the Space Odyssey indoor caterpillar. For food, the pizza is outstanding and if you like potato salad it's famous at the park.

I'm going to side with Ted on this one. For starters, I'm very interested in following the project as it is in-house and something I have not seen in my lifetime. Another potentially force lacking B&M like Patriot really doesn't get my attention. I love Mack bobsleds but this ride should be different. More compact and potentially faster with shorter trains. I think the big question is will it be wild or will it be more of a family ride. I think I'll like it either way. I have seen POV of the old flying turns and I wouldn't mistake it for a Mack Bobsled due to the faster speed. I think that's the key more than having minimal restraints. I agree that a ride like this won't be as scary to the modern day guest but I think it still has some potential. It's hard to say what we'll get but when things are done in house, you usually get some wild moments. Knoebels doesn't have Walter and Claude doing calculations for them. Still it may end up on the milder side. It's hard to tell but that makes the project interesting. Knoebels Twister was an interesting project to follow although that ride didn't turn out as well as I hoped. I think they tried to be too faithful to Mr. Twister's original calculations but adding 10 ft to everything. That was probably a mistake as the ride is hardly an overall faithful recreation anyway. But the Flying Turns is the perfect project for Knoebels to undertake.

You've got to like the Steelers chances this time. 10 years ago they had to face a great Cowboys team. This team is much better than all of the teams that lost several AFC Championship games in recent years. Plus, in his second year, Big Ben is on fire. It will be a virtual home game in Detroit. Steelers fan will spare no expense to get tickets and being within driving distance will only add to it. Also Detroit will be backing the Bus. The slogan "one for the thumb" should finally be retired at age 25 if things go the way I expect them to.

Satellite radio is getting a lot of publicity, mostly due to Howard Stern going to Sirius. Nothing against Sirius but I wanted to see who out there subscribes to XM (I know at least some of you who do). I never figured I'd pay for radio until I had a chance to listen to XM. No commercial music and the ability to drive all over the country without trying to find stations on the radio is great. I was never much of a CD jockey in my car so to be able to drive out to a rural park like Knoebels and get any kind of music channel I want without commercials is great. The talk shows do have commercials but it is nice to know I can tune into ESPN to get some scores anytime, anywhere. I have a Delphi SkyFi2 that I use in my car and at home. Here are my preset stations: 1 - Boneyard 2 - Squizz 3 - Lucy 4 - Ethel 5 - Mix 6 - KISS 7 - Top Tracks 8 - The 80's 9 - The 90's 0 - Pittsburgh Traffic & Weather

I have a related question. Was Alpina Bahn set up for the Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart last September? Is it expected to be set up there for 2006? I'm assuming that Olympia and Euro Star will be at Munich for Oktoberfest but I'm looking to pick up Alpina Bahn around the same time in Stuttgart.

Great updates! I'm looking through some of the Japan updates and I'm thinking, hey, I ate there or I was in that train station. It's great to see some of those places again along with the parks I didn't get to visit. I was surprised to the see Titan's mess of track when I arrived at Space World in the summer. Now everyone can see what this ride does. It reminds me of the butterfly element on Anaconda at PKD and that's not really a good thing.