QueerRudie

It's not the safety in the rafts/rides that's the primary issue... It's getting TO them. The vast majority of slides, etc. require loooooooong staircases to get up to the ride. Unless parks really want to install elevators as well as HandiRamps into pools, then we're SOL for waterparks.

Gregg scores... one hell of a Secret Santa box! (Memo to me: Fill mine more.)

Jon- Agreed completely! OK: This is where the 'handicapped' me pops in and raises a point or two... Water rides, unlike water parks, can be accessed by everybody for the most part. Admittedly, the vast majority of water park attractions either require ability to get into/out of pools, or to climb long flights of stairs to reach the top of a waterslide/similar attraction. I can say that for me (And for the other 'mobility impaired' that are out there) water parks are a no-no. I'm lucky I can still walk- but for the chairbound it's a no-go. While I myself don't normally dig water rides (There are a -limited- number of exceptions) I do like having the option of a log-flume/rapids ride/splashwater falls ride at a park. It means for some of us we get to cool off- without having to change clothing, find stopgards for canes, etc. and go into a place where I'm not able to go on 90% of the attractions. There will always be a deep desire for water rides, but speaking on behalf of the handicapped, to remove them all would be a huge disappointment! R.D. "Stairs are my enemy" Sussmann

IIRC: The truss and beam support system is more of a cost-saver as well as an easier to assemble system: 1.) You don't have to put columns in all over the place, and in the case of HP, that means no funky structures to bridge Comet, sdL or the creek. 2.) It's just as effective as a standard system, but with less direct steel. 3.) I'ts as stable as a 'standard' support system- but also has one very -non- tactile feature: It looks GOOD!

Like hades you haven't. I know you've been sneaking a peak at the massive yellow erection going on in Hershey... Late at night, all alone with your screen flickering up the videos of the workmen raising the track higher and higher, grabbing a quick peek of the box-beams being lifted vertically above Comet, the obscene ground shots of the dirt curve dripping with water, etc.

Wow...now THAT shot me back 20 years or so... I had that with me when I went off to my Sophmore year of college- along with the giant map of CP that was sent in the same marketing package... Now I feel -ANCIENT-

Actually: Part of the shift from the truss to the thinner structure is the height difference between the two- Far less stress on a 201 foot tall arch vs. a 305 ft. arch. In all reality though, Intamin/IntaRide LLC most likely has been refining the design of the two-support lift structure. I'd expect in the future we'll see more of this type of build on Intamin coasters. Ummm... Who's arguing about that? You're the one who brought it up. Our member was comparing the structure of A to B.

Shipping my 'Elissa approved' (But not GOING to her...) package tommorow!

As of yesterday, 90 feet of the first drop's support structure was up. Based upon that video, the track was being lowered into place therein. Remember, this ride does NOT have the same structuring that a 'standard' Intamin does- The lift will have two support columns- the one you see going up now, and one just below the crown of the lift hill.

Wow, Chad. I'd almost think you had a thing for Montu based upon those dirty dirty pictures... And yet, only ONE Anton shot (Granted, it's a keeper!)

In a lot of ways, this comes as no surprise; they've been tinkering with RingRacer now for years without an opeing, even to the point of a POV video being shot. It's a case of technology wasn't up to the task of being so over the top. S&S tried to take two huge steps- with both ending up heading to the scrap heap too early: HyperSonic XLC and now RingRacer. It's not to say that S&S hasn't had some big success with their smaller scale launchers (Powder Keg, that insane looking launcher in China) or with creating new generations of rides, but I hope they realize now: Big steps forward BAD. Small, unique leaps forward GOOD.

Sending FOOD? Oh my dear gosh, I surly hope you have me! OR ME! Seriously the best baking I've had in years!

This could be (for one reason or another) a simple 'painted at the factory, but ran out of SkyRush Blue' issue- which I'm sure will be addressed prior to opening day.

I am pretty sure that the 747 doesn't have the upturned wingtips...... Discussion on other forums has reported that the whole plane was bought as one in scrap form and is an Boeing 737, it looks as though Merlin Studios have moved the engine mounts as this is a single engine wing and would never have an engine that close to the wing tip. It looks incredible though, I cannot wait for opening day!!! As a current plane spotter... and avid Airliner enthusiast, the plane is a 737-300. The wing is faux, and the engines are basically models- and not the real thing: Engines, unlike airframes, can be renovated often- and while the plane's life is over, the engines will live on for longer than the plane itself. As for the 747's upturned wingtips: Both the 747-400 and 747-400F have Winglets- similar to the B737NG series of planes (The 737-700-900ER) HOWEVER, they are not the blended winglets that you'd find on the 737/757/767 models. In all, they've done a pretty decent job of 'faking' a plane crash, granted, the wing is a bit undersized compared to that of a 'real' 747. R.D.

"It's Taupe." "No, it's Eggshell" "It's TAUPE." "No, it's Eggshell" "I say it's Khaki." "It's Sand Dune." "You're all wrong, it's Tan." Why am I reminded of being trapped at Lowes' paint department????

I'm going to go and change my pants now.... That new view of the first drop is -arousing- in every way...

Got it!

I'd not bet a nickel on that- at all. Viper's reliable, paid for, thrilling, and eats crowds up like they're free. It's also a visual statement for the park, and the site isn't that ride-friendly as it used to be with X2 blockading in one side. You'd have a better shot at saying Batman would be the next out (Ducks from the tomatoes...)

The former I could agree with completely... as it's the type of decision we've all come to love and cherish from the fine folks at SFHQ. The latter... notsomuch. Look at the Mr. Freeze coasters, with their transfer and launch system. Such a development for SFDK/S:UF would have been a brilliant idea, considering the -whopping 12 people every two minutes system they'll be dealing with now. (This is -one- time I'm thankful that I'm handicrapped... as I don't have to stand in the sixteen hour line to ride it!)

I like my method better: Out logic them. It's not difficult, they feel stupid afterwards, and then they shut up or go away. It's much happier that way- and I love the final outcome myself.

Awesome! I'm quite excited to be able to buy my plane tickets soon! WAIT. I get a SECOND chance to not meet you at an event????

OUTSTANDING... This is really looking like a true game-changer for parks, and for a family coaster to feature such awesomeness is over the top...

I'm guessing another unfinished project? Seriously, add more detail. It's a great block of nothing- but if you're going to post to the 'Preview' thread, make sure there's something TO preview. R.D. GFMT

I'd suspect it doesn't due to the total lack of a transfer assembly for the platform... which if they could do a transfer track, they could do a 'flip' style loading like the Mr.Freeze coaster... Either way, this ride has earned "THE MOST CRAPTACULAR CRAPACITY RIDE OF 2012!" award.

And you're not a plot writer for Syfy because???? That would be, if I might be so bold- EPIC AWESOMENESS on so many different levels. Then add in some 80s iconic one hit wonder girls fighting it out for 19 minutes, and you've got what could be the single best movie in history.