Simon Baynham

Hi TPR New 'Rest of the World' Quiz added! ********************** QUIZ 1 concerns "new-for-2011/2012 European coasters." QUIZ 2 concerns "new for 2011/2012 USA & Canadian coasters." QUIZ 3 concerns "new for 2011/2012 Rest of the World coasters." ********************** Have fun and share your scores! No Googling! (Click: "*NEW* SEPT 2011 Quiz" at http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/andyshinequiz.html Simon

Hi TPR Hi TPR Andy Shine's "SEPTEMBER 2011 COASTER QUIZ" has been uploaded. QUIZ 1 concerns "new-for-2011/2012 European coasters." QUIZ 2 concerns "new for 2011/2012 USA & Canadian coasters." Have fun and share your scores! No Googling! (Click: "*NEW* SEPT 2011 Quiz" at http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/andyshinequiz.html Andy Shine & Simon B

Hi TPR Earlier than expected, Andy Shine's "SEPTEMBER 2011 COASTER QUIZ" has been uploaded. This quiz is about new-for-2011/2012 European coasters! Have fun and share your scores! No Googling! (Click: "*NEW* SEPT 2011 Quiz" at -- http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/andyshinequiz.html ***************** Also, don't forget to browse Andy Shine's stash of amusement park and roller coaster-related books and films you never knew existed! Andy Shine & Simon B

Hi TPR Andy Shine's "JULY 2011 QUIZ" is online - Have fun! This quiz covers some parks' history. See if you can score 20/20 first time, without Googling! (Click: "*NEW* JULY 2011 Quiz" at -- http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/andyshinequiz.html ***** SCORE ***** (0 - 4) ________ Go! Stand in a bad line for hours - for the ride to break down. (5 - 9) ________ Go! Ride the Boomerang - until your head throbs. (10 - 15) ______ Ride 'Meh' coasters - until you're comatose. (16 - 19) ______ Schwarzkopf smoothness - Enjoy! (PERFECT 20!) _ Go! Marathon ride Liseberg's Balder. **************** Also, don't forget to browse Andy Shine's stash of amusement park and roller coaster-related books and films you never knew existed! Andy Shine & Simon B

Hi TPR I enjoyed reading your trip report and looking at your beautiful photographs - particularly of Tivoli Gardens at night. [Q] Was Bakken quiet on the day of your visit? I ask because the two trains in your 'Scenic' photo show two trains riding almost empty. With new trains on an old-school ride, would you say the coaster has lost popularity since making the on-board brake-persons unemployed? Simon

Hi TPR Just read about a sizeable earthquake hitting Japan today. I hope you guys are OK over there. Simon

Hi TPR'ers Of course, if time is tight and your wallet can spare a little expense, a taxi from Stoke-On-Trent train station to Alton Towers' front gate is do-able. I did it in the reverse direction a few years ago, and it wasn't wholly unreasonable. Of course, you can check with the taxi driver at S-o-T station before you set off... Anyone any idea how much the taxi is these days? Simon

Hi TPR A most interesting and touching read, a real-life account of what a roller coaster may inflict. Book 318 at: http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com [bOOK 318] SUZANNE BUTLER: WHAT THEY DON’T TELL YOU ABOUT ROLLER COASTERS. [2007] (14x22cm - 150 Pages). A true story with other disclosures, revealing the extent of suffering a roller coaster ride is capable of inflicting. Many roller coasters have sustained G-forces that our delicate brains were not meant to withstand. Examples of reported internal head injuries on record from roller coasters include numerous cases of ruptured arteries inside the head, subdural and subarachnoid haematomas, aneurysms, intracerebral haemorrhages, cerebral spinal fluid leaks, retinal tears and detachments, to name the most common. Includes a chapter detailing: Roller Coaster Problems; G-Forces & Inertial Injuries; The Roller Coaster Loophole; Safety Standards; Injury Recording & Reporting; Partial List of US Roller Coasters Exceeding 4.0G; Soaring Injury Rates in Our Parks; The List (of injuries sustained from which roller coasters); References; Did You Know? Simon Baynham

Hi TPR Bling is still operating, for this season at least. The ground floor of the Space Invader building is now a large all-you-can-eat pizza/pasta buffet with unlimited soft drinks for £7.50 (£3.75 for a child). The upper floor is destined to become a 3D or 4D cinema in 2012 together with the Noah's Ark becoming a Pleasure Beach museum in the same season. The RollerCoaster/Nick' Streak has single lapbar restraints, as it is basically an in-house-refurbished train from the Big Dipper, although the seats seem an inch or so wider (unless I've lost weight). Simon Baynham http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com

Hi there I've been following/reading this thread since the beginning, and it's fascinating. [Q]What did the 'princesses' write in your book? Was it just their character names or something extra, unique and nice? Simon Baynham (Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant) http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com

Hi Robb / TPR Members Congratulations on 1,000,000+ posts. Will there be a DVD release: "Roller Coasters In The Raw! 6" If so, what is the likely theme? Did you (Robb) mention something about Japanese steelies? Read you all soon Simon Baynham (Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant) http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com

This book was never published in English because the author believed there wouldn't be enough demand for it to cover costs. Shame really as it looks like a fantastic publication, with excellent drawings and conceptual art. You can try Amazon, eBay etc... as they do come up from time to time. Or if you're ever in Blackpool (UK), you can read/look at a copy at the Roller Coaster Media Library. ** [bOOK 182] KLAUS SCHÜTZMANNSKY: DER ACHTERBAHN-DESIGNER WERNER STENGEL. [2001] (23x28cm - 168 Pages - B&W and colour photos and diagrams throughout). A unique and entertaining compilation of the numerous innovations by civil engineer Werner Stengel, who, in the 1960s reformed the construction of roller coasters all over the world. The first German steel roller coaster was built according to his calculations and in the following years, thanks to Stengel's unbroken creativity, technical specialties like the famous looping coasters that came to realization. (German script throughout). ** Read you all soon Simon Baynham http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com

Hi TPR Andy Shine's April 2011 Quiz is online - Have fun. This quiz is a general look at parks & coasters. See if you can score 20/20 first time! (Click: "Andy Shine's Puzzle Page" > "*NEW* April 2011 Quiz") Also, don't forget to browse Andy Shine's stash of amusement park and roller coaster-related books, VHSs & DVDs you never knew existed! http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com Andy Shine & Simon B

Blackpool is my home town. I'm a 40-minute walk from BPB. Have you been to these parks before, Danny (Alton & BPB)? Trains run direct to Blackpool North from Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly approximately every 30 minutes and take about 80-minutes to arrive (give or take). Once at Blackpool North, BPB is a 45-minutes' walk away, or you can get a cab at the station. Bear in mind that there are no trams running due to a closed promenade (construction work). So they'll have to take a diversion which may cost £10! I'd be interested in meeting up for the afternoon. But so too, I would imagine, are far more interesting people than I. Enjoy your time Blackpool! Take in the piers too! No coaster credits anymore - but still worth a 10-minutes' stroll on each if you fancy it. Simon Baynham

((A rhyme telling of my first roller coaster experience aboard the Grand National at Pleasure Beach Blackpool in 1978. The majority of the coaster is hidden from view, so this first-timer (aged 7) was unprepared for the experience that followed)) **** **** ROLLER COASTER **** **** A spectrum of light, a stoic cashier. Intrigued, transfixed, intention unclear. Cannot resist, powerless to try. What lives beyond? Or who? And why? Lay down my wager, welcomed in line. Chariot awaits, the pleasure's all mine. Brakes released, gravity takes hold. Journey awhile, elated and bold. Ascending, panoramic, what valleys are these? Tremulous hands grip tight in the stiffening breeze. It's all a trick! A cunning facade! Croupier laughs at my misdealt card. An animal caged within tracks in the sky. The laughter grows faint, there's a glare in his eyes. With chains removed, what way to go? Deep intake of breath, and painfully slow. One second in Heaven, another in Hell. The beast incensed by the gambler's smell. With eyes closed tight, intense gnashing of molars. Accompanying screams of under-track rollers. Through the grace of my faithful lap-bar. My contorted body in this hurtling car. Forcibly bowed, confess your lies! A further decent of considerable size. What spectre most sinister torments his prey? Oil stained joists and twisted stays. Flesh bleached white, an abrasive wind blows. Snatching owed breath, velocity slows. The hand is completed with violent chicane. My lifeblood racing, he shuffles again. His invite's so tempting, such cruel cause. This punter dishevelled pulls from the jaws. Never again! Fools granted no mercy. His eyes enraged continue to curse me. Turnstile spins, roam not so near. It feasts on your fragrance, that scent is pure fear. Simon Baynham ©1998

Hi TPR Andy Shine's March 2011 quiz is online. Have fun, and email your comments and scores to Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant (address on webpage). This quiz is all about the LEGO Company & Parks. See if you can score 20/20 (Click: "Andy Shine's Puzzle Page" > "*NEW* March 2011 Quiz") Also, don't forget to browse Andy Shine's stash of amusement park and roller coaster-related books and films you never even knew existed! http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com Andy Shine & Simon B

Hi TPR Three very good books from 2010/2011. For scans of the covers, see: http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/AmusementPark-Books-J.html * [bOOK 365] ALEX MILLER & BRYCE WALKER: CALIFORNIA THEME PARKS. [2010] (22x28cm - 128 Pages - Full colour). Amusement parks have been a staple of California recreation and entertainment for over a century. First appearing along the beaches and multiplying up and down the coastline, they ignited an industry that has grown and seen tremendous change and innovation. Discover how these magical places came to be, read the little-known secrets of each park and find out what makes them such memorable landmarks. Chapter Points: About the Authors; Foreword (Charles Canfield); Adventure City; Belmont Park; California's Great America; Castle Park; Children's Fairyland; Disneyland Park; Disney's California Adventure Park; Funderland; Gilroy Gardens; Knott's Berry Farm; Legoland; Pacific Park; Pixieland Amusement Park; Rotary Storyland and Playland; Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; Scandia Amusement Park; SeaWorld San Diego; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom; Six Flags Magic Mountain; Universal Studios Hollywood; Timeline. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. * [bOOK 370] STEVE ALCORN: THEME PARK DESIGN - BEHIND THE SCENES WITH AN ENGINEER. [2010] (15x23cm - 212 Pages). Have you ever visited a theme park and wondered, "How did they do that?" At last there's a book that shows you. Take a peek behind the scenes with a theme park engineer. With insider stories from some of the world's greatest attractions, it's a breathtaking ride. Along the way you'll experience an attraction being designed, and even get some tips on how to become an Imagineer. Selected Chapter Points: Don't Panic... Yet; Be My Guest; Up and Running; What If We...?; Rides; Shows; Other Attractions; Concept; Why Story Is King; Fitting Story to Audience; A Dose of Reality; A Brainstorm; Directors and Producers; Writers; Artists; Media Design; Getting Started; Design; Construction; Commisioning; Meet the Engineers; Building Castles; Who's The Boss?; Types of Show Control; Monitoring, Safety and Maintenance; The Ride Control Engineer; All Things That Move; Safety; Video; Keep It Sounding Good; Lighting and Effects; Nuts and Bolts; Details, Details; Welcome to My Theme Park; Why Disneyland Will Fail; Building a City; Sweating the Details; Other Markets; Mickey's Ten Commandments; How Did I Get That Job?; A Wish List; A Parting Thought. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. * [bOOK 374] VANESSA TOULMIN: BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH -MORE THAN JUST AN AMUSEMENT PARK. [2011] (25x26cm - 146 Pages - Full colour). A wonderful book about a magical place, that has given and continues to give, pleasure to millions. This is the story of the World's Greatest Amusement Park -Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, England). Chapter Points: Foreword -A Magical Place; Introduction -The Beach's International Importance; In The Beginning -Earl's Court By The Sea; Interwar Years -Entertainment For The Masses; Casino -A 1930s Masterpiece; Designers -Designing The Pleasure Beach; Postwar Prosperity -The Boom Years; Shows -Spectacular Live Performances; Roller Coasters -Faster, Faster, Faster; A Family Affair (By Amanda Thompson). Also features special pieces on: Maxim's Flying Machine, River Caves, Witching Waves, Noah's Ark, Fun House, Ghost Train, Joseph Emberton, Percy Metcalfe, Tom Purvis, Wild Mouse, Derby Racer, Arrow Dynamics, Valhalla, and Charles Paige. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. * Simon Baynham

Hi TPR It's back! Andy Shine's February 2011 quiz is online. Have fun, and email your comments and scores to Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant (address on webpage). This quiz is all general stuff about amusement parks & coasters. See if you can score 20/20 (Click: "Andy Shine's Puzzle Page" > "*NEW* February 2011 Quiz") Also, don't forget to browse Andy Shine's stash of amusement park and roller coaster-related books and films you never even knew existed! http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com Andy Shine & Simon B

Hi TPR readers. Roller Coaster Christmas Cards for sale at: http://www.joylandbooks.com ((Pack of 12 (4 designs) £6.00)) Simon Baynham (Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant!)

Hi TPR readers. I recently received a new book and documentary DVD about San Francisco's Chutes/Playland at the Beach amusement park. It seems like a fascinating and popular entertainment hot-spot, that was sadly razed in 1972. The Big Dipper roller coaster looks great, with its below-grade dip! Did any of you frequent this park? Do you have any tales or stories to share? Was the Big Dipper, Diving Bell, and Funhouse as good as they look on film? I include the book/DVD write-up's taken from my website: http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com (scans of the front cover/sleeve may be viewed here too.) Thanks all for any tales you might share... defunct amusement parks are my passion! ***** [bOOK 365] JAMES R. SMITH: SAN FRANCISCO'S PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH - THE EARLY YEARS. [2010] (22x28cm - 154 Pages - Many B&W photos). The most comprehensive and factually correct story of San Francisco's premier amusement destination. Chapter Points: Acknowledgments; Foreword (John Rothmann); Introduction; Playland and Chutes at the Beach -a Short History: (Charles I.D. Looff, Arthur Looff, John Martin Friedle, George K. Whitney, Leo Whitney, Robert Frazier, Jeremy Ets-Hokin). Views of Chutes/Playland at the Beach and Its Surrounds; Chutes' Structures; Arcades; Playland Attractions: (Fun House, Goofy Village, Noah's Ark, The Ship A'Joy, Sideshows, The Unborn "U", Motor-Drome). Rides: (Shoot the Chutes, The Bob Sled Dipper, The Figure 8 Coaster, Aeroplane Swing, Whip, Dodg-Em, Ferris Wheel, Merry -Go- Round, Big Dipper, Whirlpool, Tumble Bug, Sleigh Ride, The Frolic, Red Bug, Loop -O- Plane, Merry Mix-Up, Kiddie Rides, Lindy Loop, Rocket Speedway, Extended Bartlett Rocket Speedway). Playland Clubs: (The Billows, Hawai'Land, Topsy's Roost). Cafes; Events Held at Playland; Chutes and Playland Staff and Friends; Map of Playland 1945; Playland Tickets; Timeline (1906-1972); Index; About the Author. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. ***** [DVD 133] REMEMBERING PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH. [NTSC / 2010 / 58 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] A full-length documentary about San Francisco's famous 10-acre seaside amusement park, Playland at the Beach. Located next to Ocean Beach, it was torn down in 1972. Gone now for more than 3 decades, it remains one of the city's lost treasures. Go back in time to see Laffing Sal, the Fun House, Carousel, Big Dipper, Diving Bell, Dark Mystery, Limbo, Fun-tier Town, and much more, all through the eyes of the people who were there. The first and only documentary ever made about Playland. Extras include: [1]The Funhouse Song (2:04) -A clip from Bob Lesoine's cabaret show, "The Year They Tore Down Playland" circa 1979. [2]The Man Behind the Giant Camera (3:15) -David Warren explains the operation of "Camera Obscura" at San Francisco's Ocean Beach. [3]Playland in Miniature (4:21) -Charlie Moran gives details on the construction of his model of Playland at the Beach. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Enjoyable and informative, but perhaps too much footage of interviewees' faces instead of park-stills and film. I enjoyed the extras too. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. ***** Simon Baynham (Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant!)

Hi TPR'ers There's a great book and DVD about Lincoln Park. Fascinating stuff. Simon Baynham

Hi TPR'ers Thanks guys. That's Roller Coasters In The Raw! #5 ordered! This completes my RAW! collection. Cannot wait to receive/view it! Simon Baynham (Andy Shine's Glamorous Assistant!)

Hi there What's on Roller Coasters In The Raw #5 Robb? Will certainly purchase this when it becomes available. Simon B

Hi all Probably the largest colletion of officially-released roller coaster books and videos ANDY SHINE'S http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com The TPR vids get a high rating too.

Andy Shine says... Hey 'FEUDERS!' My puzzle will be uploaded in less than one hour (7-8PM BST). Score points for yourself or forum(s) by solving today's puzzle! Faster you are, the more points you'll score. Just for fun! (Click Feud) http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com