sfmman2000

^^ At least, postponed. Although I don't have anymore information about it. About the ride testing, I'll do my best to snap some pictures and take some videos of the ride cars moving through the station tomorrow, and possibly a video ride-through! Some more info: After the riders are seated, the car proceeds from the loading area to the double doors. As the car moves forward, it spins 180 degrees, pushes through the doors, and heads at a relatively steep angle down the spiral hill with the riders still facing backwards. Almost the entire ride takes place underground. Towards the end of the ride, the car heads up two hills (equipped with anti-rollbacks) that lead to the unloading area.

FYI, the VIP event scheduled for tomorrow morning has been canceled. The ride needs to be inspected during that time. If all goes well, the ride will still open on Friday.

Might I remind everyone of the original concept image: Theming is being added as we speak (bats, spiders, lighting, fences) as well as the ghosts in the windows. No doubt the building will look cool at night!

^I don't think anyone here knows for sure if the event will be videotaped, but I'm sure an official Haunted Castle video will show up on the Boardwalk's Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/beachboardwalkfun) soon.

^ No, you aren't the only one! I'm going to hold back my final thoughts until all of the outdoor theming is in place (which they are adding daily).

I believe the ERT for season pass holders is happening sometimes the following week after the ride opens -- I will update the thread when I find out the specific date.

^I agree, the iPhone's camera is good for a cell phone camera (which isn't saying much)! If the cars were cycling, I would have taken a video. From a previous post: Upon loading onto the ride, the car will descend underground via a spiral elevator. The majority of the ride will take place "underneath" the Boardwalk. At the end of the ride, the car will travel up to the boardwalk level via a ramp. -- The building will be three levels: top level (2nd story): -new employee indoor/outdoor break area, ride department check-in area, admin offices bottom level (1st story): -ride loading area, food, and games on beach side -operations office, lost and found, etc. on the RR tracks side underground (sand level): -main ride area

Here are a few crap-tastic pictures I took today at the park. Unfortunately, all I had was my iPhone. The cars were sitting the loading area at the time of the pictures being taken, but previously were being cycled through the station.

^ I second that -- I appreciate your updates, but I don't often get around to responding. I am hoping they do something to the building to make it look more like a *haunted* castle. At the moment, it look somewhat like a Disney castle! Another minor note, the cars do have lighting which is somewhat visible from the picture posted of the ride car. The gargoyle's eyes light up red and the torches light up green/red. One more thing: there are 11 cars total. One is a spare which makes for 10 cars on the track during normal operation. Also, one car is ADA accessible, but I don't have any details about that yet.

I think that a lot of machines (rides and others) don't get inspected as they should. Next time you're in an elevator, check out the paper on the wall that states when the permit expires. Chances are it will be way past expiration and in need of an inspection...

^As one of the Giant Dipper board operators yesterday, I really appreciate your compliment!

The ride is still on schedule for opening on Memorial Day weekend with a grand opening ceremony on the Friday before the weekend.

A few notes from the weekend: At least one of the ride cars has arrived on site, although I don't have any pictures. The ride track is in the process of being installed, along with the spiral hill to the basement level. The ride is still scheduled to open on/around Memorial Day weekend with some sort of a grand opening ceremony on May 27th or 28th.

I'm curious what the maximum speed is. Because the whole thing is completely controlled, maybe it's possible for them to vary the speed....

Here's the official SkyJump website: http://www.skyjumplasvegas.com --------------------------------------------- Jump Hours: 12pm - 7pm Store Hours: 10am - 10pm $99.99 Per Jump Package 1: Jump/DVD $114.99 In addition to the jump, get a DVD recording of the event. Package 2: Jump/DVD/PHOTO $129.99 Includes one Jump, a DVD recording of the event and a photo of the high flyer. Package 3: Jump/T-Shirt/DVD $130.99 Your jump comes with one T-shirt plus a DVD documenting the event. SkyJump Facts: Direction of Travel: Vertical (Down Only) Passenger Capacity by Weight: 275lbs Maximum Passenger Capacity by Number: 1 Passenger at a time Participant Restrictions: Participants should be in good physical & mental condition. Participants must fit properly into the jumpsuit and harness. Minimum age of 14 years. Do not participate in SkyJump if any of the following apply: history of back or neck problems, recent injuries, asthma, allergies, heart conditions, epilepsy, if you are intoxicated or pregnant. Ride will close due to inclement weather. A 50% cancellation fee will be charged to guests who cancel their reservation within 24 hours of their scheduled jump. --------------------------------------------- P.S. Opens April 21st, 2010 via:

One of my all-time favorite TPR threads: Let's Learn about the Matterhorn

Would it even be possible to make Matterhorn "smoother"? As I see it, Matterhorn is much more jerky rather than bumpy. It appears that the jerkiness comes from the way the track is designed (sharp transitions, being an Arrow, etc.).

exciting stuff! btw, happy birthday!

Here are a few more pictures to add to coaster-crazy's excellent thread. All pictures were taken 4/9/10. Another look at the new paint More shingles A look at one of the new concrete overhangs onto the beach Spiral staircase alert! I am told these will be placed along side the ride elevator. More track Super rare 'undressed' ferris wheel shot! I believe the cars are newly painted and will be put back on soon. But why has the color of the frame changed from white to tan? Goodbye! Thanks for reading.

Great TR Chuck! I agree just about 100% with all of your ride reviews. But I am curious, why do you like the left side of Goliath more than the right?

2010 will be my 6th summer at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as a ride operator. I operate 14 different rides -- here are the highlights: an SDC Windstorm, Huss Pirate Ship, Chance Revolution, Giant Dipper (Prior and Church), S&S Doubleshot (125 ft), Bertazzon Swinging Himalaya & Swing Carousel. And our new Sally 2-story dark ride will open this summer.

Thanks for the great pictures Nicholas. Will you be 16 before summer starts? If so, and you are interested in operating rides, PM me.

The building will be three levels. top level (2nd story): -new employee break area, ride department check-in area, admin offices bottom level (1st story): -ride loading area, food, and games on beach side -operations office, lost and found, etc. on the RR tracks side underground (sand level): -main ride area ----- Upon loading onto the ride, the car will descend underground via an elevator where the majority of the ride will take place. Towards the end of the ride, the car will travel up to the boardwalk level via a ramp.

Great haunted castle tribute video! There's a ride we'll never forget... but I'm sure glad it's gone! Next time you're at the Boardwalk, feel free to say hi -- I'm a ride operator there, the only one that goes by Scott.

It's only been 24 hours since he posted the links - there may be people interested that haven't checked it out yet. I would be interested in other types of clothing he has, just not sweatshirts/jackets.