TheRapidsNerd

That is a more logical reason to close the rides. Thank you for pointing this out.

That's just it. Your regular maintenance IS a daily check for just that and other unforseen potential problems, and it's documented. You already have said proof there is no potential of mechanical failure. Here's a different example: My Ford Focus blows a tire. Another Focus owner hears about this and looks questioningly at his car. Now, he's just back from the shop, bill in hand, and has kept up with his regular maintnenace. The shop has proven HIS car is fine and says so on his bill. It would seem silly to take the bus to work, with a perfectly fine, well maintained, and proven safe car, sitting in the driveway.

Robb, remember, the over all goal here was self improvement and challenging yourself. Win, lose, no matter. You're proving a point and making an effort to improve yourself and you are better off than when you started. You also inspired others to improve themselves. You have taken a chance, led instead of followed, and effected positive change (AGAIN) in this world with your actions. You've grown as a human being. Is this really something be sad about?

Wow. So SFKK is taking it out huh? Nobody would want to ride that particular tower after what happened anyway. This makes sense. Feel bad for the girl and hope her quality of life improves. Still don't agree with shutting down all the similar kinds of drops across the country out of paranoya. It was 1 incident at 1 park and not a manufacturer's defect that might warrant such action. While people would've skipped the ride or questioned it, if the other towers were properly maintained, there's absolutely no reason to worry or close them at the other parks. My useless opinion on political correctness in todays fear-ridden society. As before, my heart goes out to the girl and her family.

Some great detail and I like the enviroment. Kind of like a bigger, more intense, mine train vibe with MF trains. Some Thunderhead or Boardwalk Bullet influence maybe? (grumble grumble) No Limits... (grumble grumble)

^&^^ Thanks you guys. Always appreciate the kind words. The fact this thing has had so many hits just amazes me. I'm cleaning up the rider roster a bit and will post progress later this weekend. Still working on the now named water park and former Intamin Gap. Intamin Gap only had 2 rides and was ho-hum. If I can deliver it right, it's replacement will make it worthwhile to go over to that section of the park other than a quick in and out for a credit. As time wears on, the changes and former rides/areas will be documented just for fun. It's funny, I've watched parks make decisions and went "Why on earth did they make that choice? That's just dumb!" Being in the driver's seat, you end up making similar dumb choices, because it's the lesser evil of a few options to the particular problem you're working. It's a real eye-opener and a real teacher. Balancing all this stuff, artistically, practically, and making it entertaining and fun, is really tough. Got a whole new respect for ride and park designers. I've done MANY things wrong. Got some things very right too. Just a random fun fact: Acceptable Wetness at the TPR Party Pool is modeled after the first real waterslide I ever went on as a kid. It was at a public pool in near Dayton Ohio. While small, it was great fun to ride and it's even better to share that little slide with everyone. Cheers all, and see you with screens soon. Acceptable Wetness (blue slide) at the TPR Party Pool

I heard rattling in and out of the cobra roll. Glad to see it run. Love how half the cars stopped in the middle of the road to watch the coaster.

Awww. I'm gonna miss the Kite-Eating Tree. Now it's just another swing.

I believe in them. It's a pretty good bet we're not the only sentient and intelligent beings in the universe. I believe in ghosts and reincarnation for that matter.

Hey, glad to see these new additions hope to get there summer 2008.

7/10 and I guessed on most! If only I was so lucky with lottery numbers...

Sad the he won't see the coaster that's named after him. Hope he rests in peace.

Here's some more motivation that's on Target. Keep up the good work, Robb. Thinking of the Vault Icee fans. This my best Robb "Oooo" Face.

Just remember when posting video to YouTube, that embedding in outside websites is turned on. By default it is, but I have mine turned off. If it's off, you'll have link problems like I did.

'twas indeed random. Coming soon, The Alvey bathroom PTR. Will it succeed, or just be awash? Found out today that the building next door to mine had Vault in the shopette. I know the lady who runs it pretty well, so I gave her a hug for carrying the drink. It was a Kodak moment (sniff). Stay the course man. Doing well.

The new Star Trek ship ornament (been collecting since 94) Snoopy Spaceman ornament Some minor apartment improving stuff Batman and Robin, Batman Forever, and Catwoman DVDs Dollywood or Six Flags Tickets Just small stuff. I've got it pretty good really.

^Thanks. A true milestone in my 3D career: Simulating a giant toilet. (grinning and shaking head). All that work on the new slide left me feeling flushed. Upon further thinking, that's one of the nicest compliments a person can get. Thank you VERY much Zen Coaster for that! That really made my day. Ok, first the bad news. After much testing, the structural engineers gave the thumbs down on Zydeco Scream. Seems the Katrina flood damage was more extensive than first thought. Sadly, ZS was taken back down this past weekend. Upon further review, only part of the train was salvagable. Big shame. One of the engineers suggested putting what was left of the train on display, which prompted the idea of a small park inside the Pipeline Coaster test track. Several phone calls and rushed approval meetings later, a few notable arrow trains were out of storage and on display. And, of course, there were other small additions during the weekend. See for yourself. Wow! Those folks are quick! I come back from lunch and there's more fauna in place. The Shrubbers filled in the greenspace near McDonald's Super Size. Now every low-flying plane and UFO will know what park this is. A new first aid station, ATM, and putting green were installed near TPR party pool. Yep, the golfers are grinning (me too). Vekoma Alley got one of the original Stealth Flying Dutchman trains for display near it's entrance. Overview of the new garden. Pictured are Arrow Pipeline Coaster Prototype (far left with re-routed observation deck) SFNO Zydeco Scream (under yellow and red awning), SFGAm Shockwave red train (out of storage from SFGAdv), GL Double Loop purple train, BGA Python (sent from storage at BGE), SFMM X cars, Opryland USA's blue train and Opryland's sign at the back. Landscaping forthcoming. Opryland USA's blue train in the foreground and 2007 SFMM X cars on display. The remaining cars from Zydeco Scream on display in the new Arrow train garden. Official name for the area still pending.

There's a decent chance I saw him because that was the one and only visit to the park for my family, girlfriend, and I. I too was splash victim of the Old Mill Scream, but it kicked me in the groin. Embarassing, but funny. If you do a search on Opryland Remnants, I've got a photo tr up that shows what's left as of March 2007. Hope to get up there in the next couple weeks or after the first of the year for an update. Do you remember the cheese logs that they sold near the Old Mill Scream? It was a sub bun with several cheeses melted on it with some really great seasoning. Haven't found anything like that since. So so glad to see all of these pictures and info. Thanks everybody for sharing! Edit: One of the 3 old guys in the Opry Mills / Demolition pictures is Porter Wagoner (center with hat and glasses) who died recently.

^You have a good point, but people still ride motorcycles. Yes some get killed in wrecks, but people still ride them, and they celebrate them every year at events all around the world. It takes a certain mindset. Same thing with Smarts. And Smarts offer more protection than motorcycles. Not making light of your unfortunate wreck at all and very glad you're still around to tell the tale. I just think we ought to be happy for the guy and let him have fun with his choice of a new car, whether we agree or not.

Hey, don't get bummed if the progress slows up. You're still progressing and that says a lot, especially through a holiday season known for packing a few pounds on people. Besides, you've accomplished more in a couple weeks than most do in years...and it's still going. Keep that perspective handy during the down times. You'll make it. It may not be as fast as you would like, but you'll make it, especially if you're at this point. No one-liners or bullshift. This is heart felt man.

Go with your gut. Man, I'd get one. There's just something cool there that you can't put into words. It's different. There are even clubs around the world dedicated to tuning/customizing smarts. Same here. Don't care for pick-ups or SUVs, and just about everybody has those things. When you get it, I'd love to hear more in detail about it/see pics or video.

^In the wise words of a dear southern friend, "Getchya one!" It's a hybrid energy soda. What are you doing still reading this?!? Go to the store! Seriously!

Lost River of the Ozarks looks like a great ride. Oh, there are coasters at SDC? Yep, I'm gonna get a slap for that. Great TR and really pretty during Christmas time.

Wow! That's some serious work and detail. Well done!

Why am I reminded of that line in Demolition man when Spartan kisses Huxley? Huxley - "Oh my...Are all fluid transfers like that?" Spartan - "Better." Noble goals, friend.