TXmisfit

It would be amazing to see the Bat done again with banked turns and a workable lasting and more reliable suspension system, and It is very cool that these historical materials are available to show us the progression from invention to trial, to park installation, to alterations in the industry, and finally to the viable working lasting rides we have today. Bravo to the keepers of these examples, So interesting to see the progression, and how far the engineers have come by learning from their own work. Heres some Info from Wikipedia The Bat was a state-of-the-art coaster that was only open sporadically. After SBNO (Standing But Not Operating) for an extensive period of time, on November 9, 1984, park officials announced the ride would be dismantled. Over the next two years the ride was removed. The problems that plagued the ride and ultimately led to its closure included: Excessive stress on the supports and track due to unbanked track. Excessive stress on the wheels due to brake fins being mounted at bottom of the swinging cars. Excessive stress on the trains' shock absorbers due to violent swinging. Hairline cracks on wheels and chassis. Arrow Dynamics went on to perfect the suspended coaster, starting with AstroWorld's XLR-8 in 1984. XLR-8 operated successfully for 2 decades, however was demolished after the closure of AstroWorld. XLR-8 was quickly followed by Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Big Bad Wolf. The Big Bad Wolf was, and continues to be, a success, due in large part to lessons learned from The Bat. However, it was also plagued with excessive downtime and an embarrassing grand opening delay in its first season. So fascinating to see the progression

Wow, I remember seeing the prototype footage on television when it was first released, it struck me as impossible to corkscrew a swinging suspended then, and it does even more now, I can imagine one or more of the shocks failing or downrods cracking and then POW here comes a 1000 lb fiberglass bucket with 600lbs of people in it careening towards the crowd, Hey its Bowling for Park Patrons! I can certainly see how the Bat would have been the cause of someones death or serious injury had it continued to operate. I think it was a wise choice to close it and avoid all the carnage, Hey I know, lets tie a playground swing to the bumper of a Ferrari and have the driver do repeated, High speed U turns till the chains break..... No but seriously, I 've ridden both Ninja SFMM and Vampire @ Chessington with the original trains, and I felt kinda unsafe with all that mechanica over my head, not to mention the vinyl tarps/diapers to keep our hands out of the gears oh and to catch the oil drips...... Um, I love thrills, but safe ones, Give Me a B&M Invert any day, I dont wanna die for fun...... Wow, Im pretty mouthy for a new guy, Huh? BTW, Super Groovy footage Shane, very cool to see

Viper @ SFMM

One of the earliest, Shockwave at SFMM, 1986-1989, I remember people complaining about how rough it was, but for me it was all in how you rode it, let everything relax, Dont lock your knees, and let the restraints support you, keep head against headrest, and Wow, it was like doing several layout flips from the highdive........

It was love at first sight, I rode it the year it opened, and Im still in love, not just the novelty of the loop at the time, but I love the winding through the hills and trees, pretty tame by todays standards, but still fantastic!

The Puppini Sisters In Dallas 6/19/08

Thank you, its starting to make sense now...

Here I am finding answers to my own questions again.....LOL http://www.coaster-net.com/speciallistings.php?action=displaycat&catid=99

Hands down, Matterhorn Bobsleds @ Disneyland CA, especially back in the day when they were single 4 man sleds (instead of the two hooked together) The most wretched, violent and insecure (only a seatbelt and evil log flume seating) Im surprised I ever rode another ride after that, thank god for modern technology, even the worst woodie in the world couldnt compare to the Murderhorn in the seventies... yipes!

Yes, I've even noticed some of the non enthusiasts find it wierd or even creepy, thats why its so nice to have a place to meet people who get that "airtime" is a great way to escape the daily grind...

Yes well, I've been trying to convince people that Im a geek all my life, but people wont believe me..... Im glad someone finally gets it!

Thanks all, for answering my questions, I've got this year pretty well scheduled, Italy (maybe Gardaland) and Paris (maybe Disney) at the end of July, then, I was thinking about Six Flags Fiesta Texas in October, but I dont know which group to Join/go with, until then I guess I could squeeze in a few more visits to SFOT as I live very near Dallas, I actually went for my B day beginning of June, and was surprized at how un-crowded it was, It was like ERT all day long (he he he look Im using coaster speak) LOL Hopefully in 09 I can do one of the TPR trips! Thanks again J

so then Jeff would be........ what, like keeper of the credits or....?

And what is a "credit"? and whats the donkey thing about?

Incredible, I didn't know they even made suspended loopers with any give or swing at all, I figured it would cause all kinds of death and destruction, I'm of course more for the smooth, trauma free experience, so should I stay away from Vekoma SLC's to keep my head-wound count down?

You see, Ive learned something already, When they say SLC, shouldnt it be ILC? as Suspended swings, and Inverted does not... Grin, its like learning a whole new language...

WOOOOOO HOOOOO! Thank you so much! Im going to check it out.

Hey people, I'm new and feeling a little retarded, what I'm looking for is maybe a list of coaster/ride terms you all seem to use so fluently, I mean I understand SFMM means Six Flags Magic Mountain, bit some of the other terms I cant figure out..... for instance SLC, I'm guessing, Suspended Looping Coaster? Im sure thats wrong, and y'all are giggling, Is there a list available, or do I just need to make an boob of myself till I figure it all out......... Thanks Jeffrey (previously closeted coaster lover)