RIP Psyclone

Funny if those really are onboard speakers. I wonder if that was always the plan, or since when. Tim Burkhart pretty much dismissed the notion at WCB, saying onboard audio systems are very heavy and expensive. I'm glad they worked it out, because I think the "Scream!" setup just wasn't cutting it.

User EBL has visited the park at least once every year since the park has opened, so I hope he comes across this thread and shares his thoughts. Also, user montezooma is a bit of a historian and expert. His thread, Shane's Amusement Attic is a great thread and resource, with plenty of Magic Mountain stuff, so be sure to check it out. As for me, I agree with many that the park was in a state of decline for some time, but is now flourishing again. But I'm a little dismayed at the removal of classic, original rides and attractions. However, in about 5 years time, we've been promised the park will be at its best ever, and then some, so we'll see.

Well then! It would be awesome if your friend could organize a campout for Pony Express. Even better, since your friend had access to the park at all times, how about, like, a Pony Express sleepover under the track? We could ride it all night, making it the best event EVER! Aww, that is soooooo awesome you have a friend so well connected.

^,^^: I wonder how much more it would have been to replace the back flip with a full/full.

Tim Burkhart said he hopes X2 will break the 1000 rider per hour barrier, and I hope it does. I think hoping for 750 is not optimistic enough, and wouldn't have warranted turning X into X2. To break 1000 riders per hour, it would require 36 dispatches in that hour with no empty seats; dispatches averaging once every 1:40. I think that is possible, and hope they get it under 1:30.

Yes. EDIT: No, ultimately it was me who failed...I hate when I get those errors resulting in multiple posts. Ironic how my attempt at humor resulted in me epic failing.

^Yes.

^Yes.

^I think Das Boot was such an excellent film it shouldn't be joked about that way.

The Lady Gay can be a cruel mistress, so I'm glad you found her.

^Wow, thanks! I'm surprised I had not heard of them before.

Corkscrew (Arrow Dynamics) at Knott's Berry Farm opened in 1975, and was the world's first modern inverting coaster. Revolution opened 5/8/1976 and had the world's first modern vertical loop. However Cedar Point's Corkscrew, also by Arrow Dynamics, has a vertical loop as well, and opened just a week later, 5/15/1976. It's safe to say they were being designed concurrently. In this video the CEO of Arrow claims they built the first looping coaster, which isn't 100% true.

When I think podcasts, I usually think of interviews and discussions. The Mark Shapiro interview was like a podcast in my opinion. If TPR has plans for similar interviews in the future, that would be great.

People move to Alaska to get away. I think Alaska is more about nature than manmade amusement parks. As for Hawaii...it's sort of geographically limited. Not much space to build an amusement park. Also, native Hawaiians are sensitive about disturbing graves of those who died hundreds of years ago, so new construction always has hurdles.

Those are some great photos. They really give a good idea of the area. I have to admit, Chaos has piqued my interest. An 80 passenger train, seriously? I guess I'm just a sucker for strangely themed indoor roller coasters and dark rides.

I have to admit, I was disappointed by the video. Too many screens, not enough sets. However, Monsters Inc. is an example of how a dark ride comprised entirely of sets isn't always great. As for Midway Mania, the constant start/stop motion of the vehicles, stopping in front of the target screens makes it seem it's not very challenging. A self-esteem booster for kids, perhaps. The design of the targets seems to be of the lowest common denominator, as well.

He did say his name when he met with Hurley.

^Matthew Abaddon. He was the one assembling the initial landing team from the freighter that parachuted in, so it seems he's with Widmore, but last night's episode does raise some questions.

Is Dodonpa launching prematurely due to operator error, or perhaps for an unexpected thrill? You be the judge! This video also shows the complete track circuit, pretty much, which had not been seen previously. And to prove the premature launch was not just a one time thing:

There will be a t-shirt, right?

I found this video of S&S's prototype for the thrust air coaster. Note that in this prototype, the drop is symmetrical to the rise, 90 degrees for much longer than Hypersonic XLC and Dodonpa. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhdrkCMPl8A

Stacking: When a (sometimes long) line of trains is waiting to be unloaded, which doesn't help capacity. (Pic credit to DerekRx) Article on X2's fire effects: travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1803 More pics and info at: www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_magic_mountain.htm Just scroll down.

In case this hasn't been answered, Tim Burkhart told us the reason at WCB. The chassis is silver, so scratches and cracks can be easily seen if you rub dirt over them. The restraints are orange, since it's a highly visible color for safety reasons. The seats are blue, since the fiberglass came in that color and not having to worry about paint getting scratched off.

Hourly capacity comes down to thing only: dispatch times. In theory it works, and I saw a Tatsu train that dispatched one right after the hour. If the dispatching or a 2nd train had to wait until one is well underway the course, it's not as quick as having a 3rd train ready to go. We've seen that oppoptunity lost over the years with Tatsu when only loading statiomn ise used , so one can only be apprehensive when it comes to X2 and its single station.

Robb (& others): I did attend WCB, and I have to say not only was I very impressed, but it was by far my best visit to the park, EVER. If the idea of dual loading stations was ever mentioned for X2, I'd guess it would have been shot down early for budgetary reasons. I respect that, and the fact they went the extra mile for X2 rather than a just a new paint job. But Robb, myself, and others agree that we'll just have to wait and see. I'm just curious as to how the "cavernous" back half of the station will be utilized. X was my favorite coaster in the park, so of course my anticipation for X2 naturally comes along with a little skepticism.