chadster

Tbcoasterfan: No problem, writing it down also helps me relive the experience!! Raptor eh? Another fine product by B&M.

Great question. The lockness is a 20+ year old coaster, built during a period when computerized controls didn't do much, but of course it has been modernized somewhat. The lift hill does vary it's speed, however, I'm told if the op doesn't pay attention to when he/she sends the train, it could stop at any break point during the ride making for some unhappy riders. So in other words, there isn't any signal that it's safe to send the next train to ensure an uninterrupted ride

It rained Mon and Tues this week but were scheduled as sight seeing days of DC and Atlantic City, so not much loss there, still did some sight seeing. Today I went to Hershey Park, will post that trip tomorrow.

I drove back to KD and rode a few more things... With only one ride in on I305, and 1k miles travled, I was riding again darn it. Rode once, then the ride went down. The Silver train was draging something up the lift hill making a gosh awful noise, sounded like a rollback was broke and dragging. so...they took it off the track backing up and up and done, the mechanics then started giving it a once over. time for the volcano, it was down too, so.... I decided to ride this bobsled thingy, actually, I think it's a better ride than the single pod ride at SFoT. If it were only longer. ooooo scarey. NOT, but it does whip you around. back to 305 where they were still working on the silver train I never one blacked out or greyed out on this ride, vision blurred a little when coming back up the top of the first hill, but other than that, A-OK. did hear a little people say they were blacking out, but think it was more of a grey out.

Last was Appolo's Charriott. Unfortunatley, that part of the park had already opened and we weren't able to see the maintenance section as part of it is in a restricted area and once the ride is turned over, no one is allowed in besides the mechanics unless the ride is locked out. They open the park in stages to allow the gardeners to do their thing, and as you can see below, they kept the area blocked off until we went through (at least I like to think that, beacause the second we crossed, they allowed the gates to be opened. Look!! Empty!! I'm told that only happens when the park is closed, it's a straight shot to the back of the park, well, sort of a straight shot. Double Trains in view!! Griffon and Alpengeist in the same pic again The Chariot's control pannel Notice the Green, Red, and Yellow sections. The Yellow is for the mechanics, lets them know what the issue is along with an error code on a display next to the monitors. The Red section is for stopage, and the green section is for the operator. The ride lets the operator know that each row is secure. Becuase Apollos Chariot was in operation, we didn't get many good pics, that, and our guides were able to ride with us if they chose. I talked Rachel into riding this with me, which wasn't too hard. It's a great ride, the turn is a nice twist. Our tour guide, Bill, was training to operate the Chariot and Rachel was training to operate Griffon while not giving tours which added to their knowledge. Both were fantastic and I can't thank them enough for their hospitality. I plan on writing to BGE(W) to express my grattitude to them for giving the best service possible. Sure, we paid for it, but they made the expeience even better and deserve to be recognized. We also recieved reserved parking less than 500 feet from the gate, which was a huge plus because after all the walking, I was beat. The tour was only scheduled for 3 hours, but lasted almost 4, something they didn't have to do. Riding these rides empty versus full makes a huge difference, Alpengeist was much smoother empty than full and Griffon was much faster (which by the way I am told when they put on all new wheels, a Griffon train picks up mucho speed) After 7 hours at the park, time to make the short drive back to Kings Dominion and take care of some unfinished business there.

Next we moved on to Alpengeist. Sparkling clean maintenance bay. The mechanic has been responsible for this ride for over 10 years and worked for BG over 20 years and believes to keeping things neat and in it's place. Two thumbs up Bill! (yes, two Bill's) motors used to push and pull the cars to and from maintenance The wheel used. Bill tells me to have the wheels refurbished costs 500.00 and is sent out to the B&M authorized remanufacturer in california. A new one I am told costs around 2700.00. They refurb many many many of these throughout the season. You might not be able to tell from the picture, but like Griffon, these trains are stored at night to reduce wear on the wheels and stored in the special side rails and not on a piece of track. time to ride all by our selves, I love getting in the park early!!! But first, here is mechanic Bill explaining about the rails the trains sit on when not in use and how easy they are to work on as a result. Here we are coming back from a lap. That's Rachel in the middle, she was the photogrpaher that the park provided. To bad I'm not 21 again, because she's a sweatheart.

I was half way thru updating the Griffon portion of the tour when my internet connection dropped, not to mention, Tornado's are in my home town with one spotted less than a mile from my house, hope it's still there when I get back....Anyway, here is Griffon. Here is a shot of the lift hill that you won't get everyday, it's from a ride restricted area. going up and up Ding Ding, Mezzanine Level! And a shot of the chain. The chain extends over for multiple reasons, one of which is to push the train around to the blocks right before the drop. The train sitting in the blocks. Did you know the train wasn't orginally designed to be floorless? It was made floorless to remove weight as the design BG requested made it to heavy to fly. Proof I was there, taken by our personal photographer Train sitting in storage. Here's an interesting fact. The wheels on these trains are similar to those on lock ness in that they too must be cured, only they are more or less placed in hot water for a period of time. Trains are also stored each night on a rail on a set of wheels that are located on the edges of the trains The mechanics tell me that B&M procedure is to take the train off the track when not in use. This is to prevent the equiv of a flat spot in your passenger vehicle that sits to long. It places uneeded wear and tear on the ride and helps it keep it's smooth feel. We got to watch them add a train to the track. A last minute call was made to run all three after attendance projections went up. Sliding into place Time to test, another shot you can only get from the ride restricted area. Here are the dogs on the train. Cars 1 & 3 are of a normal setup, train 2 is place backwards. This backwards mounting allows the train to be caught by the chain before the drop thus giving you the feeling of hanging out before the drop. The control panel. Complete with touchscreen. This setup uses a double pressure switch method by the operator to dispatch as well as the button the loaders have to use. The screen tells the operator what gates are open and who is pressing their respective dispatch buttons. Also, all of the restricted gate entries have sensors as do the air gates, and if they are tripped the ride goes into e-stop. One thing I did not know, the scoops on the back end of the coaster weren't designed on purpose to get people wet and was an unintended feature that was become what the dive coasters are most famous for. They were put in as a method of slowing the train down. So...it has a very mechanic purpose. The original scoopes sprayed water so far that they had to be redesigned. Currently they have three different angles to choose from. Next, we are going over there, to take a look at another B&M coaster...

Ok, I promised something big, and here I will start. My journey has next taken me to Busch Gardens Europe (Williamsburg) 5.16.10. And led me to arrive at the park at 7:30 AM, the toll takers had not even arrived at the parking lot. So, why did I show up so early? A behind the scenes coaster tour! So, lets get started. Way early in the morning Here we are in the maintenace bay of the lock ness, an arrow inter-locking coatser. A wheel that was perviously found during testing, no park guests were on the ride I'm told Born on date? Nope, this is the date that the wheel can be used. The material the "tire" is made of must cure. The wheels on the lock ness are cured in the sun for many days. The dogs and sample of chain. These are parts from a former BG coaster, the python I think they said. The mechanics said you could build an entire train from the parts here which will ensure the lock ness runs for a good while longer. The train from under beneath the station Here is one of the mechanics, Willie, showing us how the block brakes work. He also told us that the trains would not see the maintenance shed again until the end of season unless a major problem occurs. All maintenance will occur while on the storage tracks. The control panel. On this ride, my tour guides tell me the operator can send the train whenever, a computer won't prevent them from sending the train if the one ahead has not cleared the second lift hill/breaks. Trains awaiting us to ride them. And a close up of the 1st lift hill motor. Thats me on the left, our tour guide, Bill, is in the center giving us the history behind the loop and installation. He tells me they had a six foot tollerance on where the footers for the ride portion over the water. Arrow said they could "make it work." All of the steal was welded onsite. That's it for the Lock Ness. Next we moved on to Griffon....

Hi all, thought I would share my pics from a trip that I have wanted to take for at least 10 years and finally decided to go for it. Appx 10 East cost parks in 16 days (weather permitting, it's rained all day today). First on the list was Kings Dominion (5/15/10). Flew into BWI (yes, a bit far off, but there is a method to my madness) and took a grueling 3 hour drive on a Saturday to Doswell. Traffic scared me far worse than anything KD could put together for Halloween, lol. Got to the park at 6:30 and this is what we got You know you are at a "Kings" park when you have fountains! The new Planet Snoopy sign Repainted water works or whatever it's called. Too bad it wasn't in operation, it was certainly hot enough, around 85 at the high. Not sure I can dig the colors. Hmm, what do we have here....could it be what I flew 1k miles to hop onto?? Sure is! I305 - but look at that line!!! Think I'll come back later. After asking around, I got wait time responses of 1.5 to 2 hours. A better shot of the line. The line for the volcano was equally as long. I can wait until tomorrow to ride it. For now, I'll head to the back of the park and work my way to the front. The wheel at sunset. Didn't Americana have a logo last year on the spindel? I could be mistaken. There's this flying contraption, old school yes, fun, sort of. hmmmmm how was it you get to grizzly?? over here? or over here? ahhh over here no waiting!! everytime i have come to KD, the back of the park is always empty, good for me. hmmmmm, what do we have here, a re-ride access point perhaps? I don't know for sure, but that's what I made it. Wish I hadn't, rode the front car, hands in air at tunnel, hand slapped entrance to tunnel, couldn't feel fingertips for 8 hours, bruised badly, still hurts, but not broken. The yellow train if I remember correctly was feshly painted tho, looked great. the diner. after hurting my hand, i went to the huler at sunset, and I felt let hurling even before I got on the ride, but a coaster ride made some of the pain go away... Richochet, one ride I don't like, too jerky for me, and I like most rides. Drop tower ready to let loose. Speaking of Drop Tower, got stuck at the top of that dude last June for about 20 minutes before they started to winch us down, was cool at first, but when you are up there you are thinking, what if they have to attach a harness to us and, and, and....but they did a great job of keeping us all calm (someone shook a gate too much and the ride went into e-stop, special thanks fo whoever that was) everybody say OH YEAH!!!! This side is getting some TLC, but no worries, the other side is up and running with little lines. and now up to the Dominator decieded to see what my cheap don't care if I loose or damage it camera will do. I'm trained professionally as a photog and would normall use multi flash points for this stuff zooming by in a blur again and again, not bad for an el-cheapo camera!! I got in line for I305 at 9:45. The line was still long, but shorter than in the pic above. The line started at the entrance to the ride queue and took 45 minutes to ride. The crew was hoping and didn't skip a beat, so if you come to ride and see the line that long, you will know about how long it will take. They didn't have a single rider line and the front row line was non existent until you got in the station. It doesn't seem like they did a lot of pre-planning on the queue side on this ride, or in what is becomming typical CF fashion, they are not spending much money on ride stations anymore at their non "flagship" parks. they had all the front row riders stand against the rail while those who didn't want to wait had to squeeze by them, literally. No attendant at the entrance to the station directing traffic was also casuing some confusion. But, despite killing my hand, it was a good, quick, 3.5 hours with a friendly staff. Anyway, enough of my soap box, I have a real treat in store for day two. Went to Busch Gardens and have some pictures that will blow your minds. Stay tuned. Hope to have that out by Wed. of this week.

Allow Re-rides. Ok, I know that won't happen. Just have fun and remember to greet and thank your park guests, they are, afterall, the ones giving you that sweet summer gig!

thank you, nice report

Visioneer: Your thoughts are right in line with our thinking, glad to know others have the same mentality!

Thanks for the terriffic feedback guys, it is much appreciated, keep it coming! To answer a few points brough up, 15 million is a ballpark amount, their is more available to go over (or way over) the top if needed (based on research, historical data on preferrences, and what might be the best draw to the area) which is why I brought up the dueling coaster idea, maybe even similar to Gwazi (but not as rough!!) To answer another subject that was brought up, this would be state side, but NOT in or near my home town listed on my profile. Sorry okie's. Again, thanks for the great input!!!!!

Thanks! They are both great parks!

Yummy picture you have there Dr.

Nitro: If money was not an issue, would you go for a dueling GCI?

Agreed. It was there three days in August 2009, it was down all but one time that I walked up to it. One row was closed and the seats indeed needed some work.

nitrofan: No other coasters or a park for that matter, actually, the site is a wooded undeveloped area that is being looked at for mixed entertainment usage. The only other ride to be installed is a large ferris wheel. If money is left over, I love S&S, just sayin'. Thats about all I can say about the area, sorry. I really wish I could say more.

I have been researching coaster manufacturers for about a year now working on project that I can't say why or what or where it will be happening just yet, but, if you only had a spare 15 million to spend, would you spend it on a new GCI woodie or a B&M Invert. If you'd spend it on something else (A coaster of course) please let me know. Your answers will help determine which way the project is proposed. I realize this may seem a little odd asking for opinions in a forum as most companies like to keep it supper secret, but I like to ask people who would be potential customers. You can only get so much from research companies. This is legit and not someone trying to stir up hope trust me. Neither manufacturer has been contacted for a design as of yet. If the project is approved by the investor, I wouldn't expect any annoucment would be made for at least a year, although I might give a few hints here and there prior to the unveiling. If the project is killed, I'll update this post so that no one is looking for something that won't come to light. This is preliminary work. Thanks!

CPmaverick: The only time I have been able to re-ride at Kings Island was during ERT for passholders on Diamondback, the rest of the time they've made me get off. While it is indeed a CF Policy, some ride ops tend to break that policy to keep the guests happy and them from not being bored....CF not only considers it line jumping but they also claim it messes up their turnstile numbers for rides given.

itsasamccormick: You should, Patriot and Prowler, Tops!!

hobbesx2: I always have a good time and do usually get good service there, I have been there dozens of times the last two years, and this was the first time they seemed off. They'll get their acts together, I'm confident of that. Railblazer: For some reason I thought that train was white, maybe becuase I hardly ever see it running. It's nice to hear they had a great turnout on Saturday. Sunday's for any park is usuallys slow, so I wasn't too worried, especially given it was opening weekend. I don't want anyone to take anything wrong, WoF is a great park, it was just an off day is all. Everyone was probably a little slow from opening day the day before, that's all.

Dr. Doom: you had to really hunt for the train cars, after the ride exit you turn left, their isn't anything drawing you to the right. I noticed them from on the ride. I like to look around from the sky on at least one trip on each coaster to see if there is anything I've missed. I had a fairly good experience with most of the staff, especially on Mr. Freeze, those guys were a hoot. Eveil Kenevil were friendly in the morning, then they switched over, and not as friendly, but not rude either. They too were doing alot of on the job traning like WoF, but seemed overall better trained than the new WoF staff members. My overall experience at both parks was positve, they just have some kinks to work out before the height of the season.

After waking up at 5AM, I made the 3.5 hour journey from St. Louis to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. This was opening weekend which if history repeats itself, the rides should be walk on. So, without further chatter... Patriot!!! Tops Batman the Ride without a doubt. Can't wait to get inside! Waiting patiently in line to get in 10 minutes early for being a plat pass holder. Prowler wasn't open when I got there. Was disappointed, drove all that way and then bam, not open. The mechanics were still walking the track. Waited about 20 minutes, but after the track walk they had to send for the electrician to energize the ride. Was told I'd be better off trying something else. That's cool, it'll be there later. The verkoma thingy that everyone has. The best part of these is going backwards. Fury of the Nile Nile sitting empty. Water rides here don't open until 11AM Most of the games apparently don't open until later in the day on Sunday's either. Probably a smart move, not a lot people around at 10:30. Park opened at 10 Mamba wasn't open yet either, what's the deal WoF?? Waiting for Mamba to Open Mamba's open! I got the first ride on Train 2. The lone train in operation. Here is train number 3 But no train 1. In October I noticed train 1 was missing, wonder where it went to? the wolf is checking ride heights today the other train is MIA. Even with some of the track re-work, this is still a back breaker if you sit in the back of the train. Yes!! The smoothest B&M Invert ever!! This one sports magnetic breaks when coming into the break run at the end of the ride, a very smooth slow down. No head sloshing here. I could ride it all day. Train1 taking a break. WoF always starts off with one train on Sunday's. Then, if they have to add a train, it slows the lines down even more. I'd rather start with two and work my way down, but then again, today was dead. The spinning coaster, it's an ok ride. They have a log ride An octopus and a sea dragon, old school, but they are still fun. and lets not forget about the Zulu, AND what's behind the Zulu...could it be running??? wait for it, wait for it.... Yes!!!! 6 rides, yipeeeee!!! Only running one train, the other one is patiently awaiting the need for it's services. Six Flags has cedar fair beat hands down on food and beverage. Drinks at SF: 3.49, 3.89 @ WoF. Popcorn, 7.99 for a bucket with 1.99 refills at WoF. SF: 4.99 and 1.99 refills. Vending machine cokes, 4.00 at WoF, 3.50 at SF. Cedar fair needs to wake up. I leave the park with pictures of the new light show being put together more lights lights and the "Junkyard" Who'd want to eat at the junkyard which happens to be located in "Africa" (I think it was renamed this year) Lights. And one last ride on Patriot I really hate to say it because I am a big fan of Cedar Fair, and a unit holder, but their staff seemed very disorganized. I did see several returning ride op's who were trying their best with their trainees, but it just didn't seem to click on certain rides. Some seemed like they didn't want to be there, but had to. Ride loading was slow and ride opening was slow all over. Mamba, Timerwolf and Prowler were all closed upon arrival, but all later opened up. Comaprable to SF, Food and Beverage pricing is also out of control, most people were caught in the parking lot eating and drinking (and the parking lot is quite a journey to get to at this park) Lower the price, advertise as such, and really lower the price, not just by 10 cents. 3.00 for a drink is acceptable, 4.00 is not. 6.50 for chicken tenders and fries is acceptable, 8.99 is not, and so on and so forth. That's just my opinon. I will give them a break being opening weekend, it just seems training was a little lacking this year. Management, however, greeted me where I went. Maybe it helped I had my CF VIP shirt on, maybe not.

coasterbilly: Thanks for the welcome! I have rode on prowler probably 60 times including preview and opening days. I haven't upped my pics and report yet for WOF (working on it) but I can say i terms of the "wow" factor they both rank equal, I'd say 9.5 out of 10. Both are smooth, Prowler seems to have weathered in nicely in the off season and broken in well, it's slighlty rougher than last year but that's to be expected somewhat. Both aslo get much faster at night, I'd say anywhere from 4-6mph faster. Powler sits low to the ground and keeps you at a constant turn, never level in terms of east to west. Evil Kenevil is similar but has a small track of camel humps that seem more level than the set on Prowler. All in all, if I had to pick, I would pick Prowler, just because it maintains it's speed better throughout the ride. (Evil Kenevil also broke my phone, shattered the sceen, but that was my fault) If you go, ride in the morning, then at night once the sun goes down, there is a huge difference in speed and the way the ride reacts. While the front is fun, the back on both rides gives you a better sense of the speed and gforces these baby's pull, don't expect much airtime, built for speed. I'm headed to the east coast in mid may, hitting about 9 parks in 15 days. Any suggestions? I've been to KD and SFA, plan on SFNE, Hershey, Kennywood, Coney Island for the Cyclone, Darien Lake to name a few.