ebl

I will be there. Do you like this site?

I never thought about it, but what a ghetto computer setup---monitors mounted on the walls. Anyway, nice report. I'm actually looking forward to going out there next Sunday for West Coast Bash. For whatever reason, the thought of a visit to SFMM over the last couple of years just registered as "eh" for me. Not sure why, but I'm glad to be coming back. Eric

"the trolls were Bloop and Bleep" (PURE) Don't forget "Blop." There were three trolls and The Wizard. Amazing...even I never knew that (I'm guessing) when Six Flags bought the park they considered renaming it "California Adventure." Honestly, while I do like the name "Magic Mountain," calling it "California Adventure" would have worked as well. Ah...blueprints. That reminds me of when I first started working in engineering as a drafter in the late '70s. No such thing as AutoCAD back then! I am really looking forward to visiting Southern California's newest museum. Eric

No wood in California because of earthquakes? We have, what, two Giant Dippers, GhostRider, Colossus, Grizzly, and ROAR! A good wooden coaster is quite possible here in "earthquake country." But, of course, it needs to be structurally sound. That's why GhostRider has about twice the wood that a comparable sized coaster would have. Colossus hasn't fallen down yet, has it? (though it feels like it...LOL!!!). The area where Psyclone was has some unstable ground (from what I've heard), so any coaster that might go there would need some extra TLC in its design, or perhaps not ever use that area for a coaster again. I wouldn't rule out any new wooden coasters at SFMM, but I won't expect to see one that soon. There's too many other things to do there, and they're getting around to them. Eric

^ If they are, they're not saying... But if I were to place a bet, I'd put my money on "someone has ridden." Eric

I like the charm of Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom (Disneyland). In Florida, I don't feel it as much---perhaps because it's so much more spread out. But comparing each resort as a whole, WDW wins out. You can spend a week there and still not see and do everything. Here in California, you're done in two days. And their Tower of Terror is better. Eric

^ The yellow is easier to read anyway. As I said in the Shane's Attic thread, I missed the original Elitch's. But Lakeside is still there, so I'd better take a trip to Denver sometime before that one's gone. Eric

I can just kick myself for not ever going to the original Elitch Gardens. It's not like Denver was THAT far from Southern California. Unfortunately, I just never got out much. Thanks again for all of these updates. It's been a great way to tour old and defunct parks---all of them great in one way or another. Eric

Actually, I'm an 8-track man... Just kidding. I don't have an iPod and don't plan to get one. You don't have to recharge CDs, so I'll stick with those. Have you ever fallen asleep in class/at work?

"It has been said many times that SFMM and SFDK are over 300 miles and at least a six-hour drive apart. CGA is even farther. It wouldn't matter if SFMM got a TH or a woodie. Northern and Southern California are almost like separate states." (Sticky Nicky) Several times in our history, dividing California into two states has actually been proposed! SoCal and NoCal are so...different from each other. And just a geographical correction, CGA is actually closer to SFMM than SFDK is---by about 100 miles or so. Eric

^ Actually, that didn't arrive at SFMM till 1983, so it was really one of the newest---at least in SFMM years with respect to flat rides! Eric

It's too bad that the lower level of the tower can't be used. Such a waste of space. Eric

That Tilt-a-Whirl "whirled" its way around the park, and then into history! Eric

Nice report. Cypress Gardens looks like a very scenic park. That Island in the Sky thing looks like fun (I've always liked towers and observation type rides). Perhaps on my next visit to Florida I'll check this place out. Eric

^ and ^^ You guys ain't exactly helping the mood with what you've said... Eric

The last time? I'm still waiting for the first time! When was the last time you used aluminum foil?

^ You knew, of course, that someday you'd meet your mocker... Eric

^ See? Casio knew the truth... Eric

^ Those "freaking filthy rich" people also built Magic Mountain. I wasn't aware that Magic Mountain Parkway was supposed to be extended to the 126, but if that's the case, it'll just make it easier for me to get to the park because that's the way I come (from Ventura County). But they are setting the area up for homes. Newhall Ranch (the development's name) is supposed to have upward of at least 25,000 homes at some point, and I'm sure many will back right up to the park. And those residents will complain about the noise, no doubt. Eric

^ You are correct. It does make sense to cover any moving parts to prevent any unintended (or intended in some people's case) contact with them. But the rest of the train isn't supposed to get kind of covering or trim just as a cosmetic thing. Eric

"So maybe that reason alone will keep a coaster from going back there, or maybe it'll have to be steel." (PURE) There were two steel coasters in Psyclone's spot before Psyclone got there. Before that pile of firewood was the Sarajevo Bobsleds (1984-85) and Shock Wave (1986-88). But I have heard that there are some ground stability issues with that area, like it was a dry lakebed or something. Eric

Always remember: Wherever you go, that's where you are. Eric

So now "The Old Road" will become "The Older Road." Eric

Remember that since SFMM destroyed two coasters, they'll have to add at least three more to take over the record with regard to number of coasters. And I don't think the park will add three new coasters that fast. Eric

"EBL wrote: Also, I think Sierra Twist WAS a Schwarzkopf Bayencurve. Fixed!" (Robb) Correctus maximus. I'd forgotten that it's coming out, too. Eric