restoca

^^ I would guess they're both wrong and it's SFOG's GASM?

A neighborhood kid sent this to me in 1976 while he and his family were on vacation. I knew that Opryland had one of those corkscrew coasters and was anxious for his family to return so I could hear of his ride on the Wabash Cannonball. The park itself was only four years old at this time. Hard to believe it's been gone more than ten years now. Did Barney Bass lose his hat?... Everyone else gets one.

This beauty had a starring role* in the film Rollercoaster in 1977 and was demolished two years later, the year of her 50th birthday. *think Janet Leigh in Psycho: meets gruesome end early on, accompanied by much dramatic violin...

Here's an odd one. Wish I could have ridden it when it was in the US (or when I was in the UK). Was this thing scrapped? Or is it still sitting at Flamingoland SBNO? If by "built" they mean "shipped to the US and re-assembled", then yeah, I guess...

I'm glad you enjoyed it. To be honest, I had forgotten about several of the older ones I have until I found this post and dusted off my own collection. I've been spending some time scanning since... Here's another I had never heard of: postmark 1911 didn't "safety coaster" imply the use of upstop wheels? seems like this is too early for that.

As a postcard collector myself, I'm really enjoying this thread. If Mark doesn't mind another contributor, I'll share a few of mine. Some I've bought on my own travels, some I've inherited from other coaster enthusiasts, and some I've bought from post card sellers. I'll start with one of my faves.

(As famously spoken by Britney): Huhnnhnnn?!!!??!?

The boardwalk might also benefit from the adjusted schedule of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which no longer has a conflict with the opening of AstroWorld, and runs March 2 through the 22nd. According to hlsr.com, attendance in 2007 was nearly 2 million! (Very cool midway there for anyone considering a Houston visit for Spring Break.) Cool clip, btw. Can't wait to see it broadcast.

I'm a bit tardy with this, but I'd like to say how nice it was to take part in this event. I've been present for several press events over the years, and Robb was great, simultaneously playing the part of technician, P/R-motivational speaker, and parent, all expertly. I rode this thing more in 90 minutes than I had previously in seven weeks. It wasn't an easy task, but I signed on and was determined to fulfill my commitment. Thank God we were allowed to change seats now and then. Some were absolute murder! I wasn't able to attend the lunch gathering, as I had to go to work. However, I work at the airport the Alveys were flying out of that evening. We had a short visit before their delayed departure. Great people who genuinely enjoy coasters and their fellow enthusiasts. Great meeting other TPR members as well. Some of you I looked forward to meeting were missed. Maybe next time?

Still not come to grips with the fact I wasn't able to make it to Knoebel's this season. Was kind of waiting for FT to open, then time ran out. Top of the list for 2008! Well, thanks for your photos and the unique presentation. Anyone who's been there has some one-of-a-kind memories that these PTRs can rekindle. For those of you who haven't been, make plans now.

I'm ashamed to say that I've only been out there to ride twice since it opened. (I'll use the excuse that the weather and my work schedule have not been very cooperative...) On my few rides (with both full and almost empty trains) I have noticed what I believe to be an excessive amount of shimmy action almost all the way between the bottom of the first drop and the "big hill". Just watching from the station as the train navigates the first bay turn makes me question the gauging of the track in that area. Too wide, and too much lateral banging must certainly eat up a considerable amount of energy. I hope that both the contractors and designers look upon this ride as a showcase for their future business (Houston is certainly more easily accessible than Santa Claus or Wisconsin Dells) and will continue any and all refinements until it is operating exactly as intended. Thanks to everyone for the regular updates. It's nice to check them when I get home from another sunny day spent on the job...

Is this customary? Somewhere?

I'd also go with Cyclops.

There was some discussion here a few weeks ago about spare cars spotted somewhere around/under the structure. On Saturday I noticed two of them under the structure: one covered with its coaster-car-cozy, and the other not. Did they have intentions on the trains being longer? Unusual to have spares lying around. Here's a photo I took just before leaving Saturday night around 8pm. I waited until the train was on the first drop, but I guess it was too blurred to show. Still, quite a beautiful sight, no?

Thank you, Rastus, for taking the time to compose such an invormative account of your Kemah Boardwalk experience on the night of the coaster's opening. I was working until after 11pm that night and missed out on the excitement you described. I read your review the next day and had a first-hand experience this evening. My feelings are similar to many of the others posted on the various forums, so I'll spare everyone. But I'd like to thank Rastus again for giving such a detailed insight to so many who don't have the luxury of a 30 minute drive to check things out themselves, as I do. It's a very fun ride for those who like wood, and it's in a very nice setting. If you have to travel any sort of distance, you might want to wait until the weather is a bit cooler. Still quite humid here, and crowds seem the worst when trying to navigate the parking lots. October should be quite a contrast to the current scenario. Check kemahboardwalk.com for their events calendar for a better idea of any events that might bring big crowds.

Enjoy? That's putting it mildly. What a fantastic gift to those of us who remain "in waiting". A birthday you won't soon forget, eh? BTW, Happy Birthday Jason.

If that was a question, try page 26 of this thread.

VERY exciting to finally see this beauty coming to life. Many thanks to all who've reported recently.

These are people that are definitely in the business and know what to expect. They do not mind any concerns of the public and provide information on how to contact them. I don't think they flinch at anyone inquiry. You must be new. Repeated phone calls, e-mails, etc. will achieve little more than an undesirable reputation for yourself. And those people that you don't think "flinch" are currently being polite.

Thanks for the report and photos. BTW, it's "...ZEPPELIN"...

Monday at around 6PM. Different day, same position.

Hey Jason, any wearables in the Saltgrass souvenir shop yet? I've already shipped off a few trinkets to friends in faraway places. (cute keychains) When I asked the employee if there were any Boardwalk Bullet shirts, she asked "what's that"?... I swear, I'll call in sick to work if I have any notice that this thing is opening soon. I work at a busy airport and have had it up to *HERE* with the heat, thunderstorms, delayed passengers... GG, take me away............. Bless you Jason, for keeping the coaster-loving world informed.

This sales pitch is somewhat focused on a specific demographic... which doesn't include me. Or most of your female audience, small as that may be...

Boardwalk Bullet is the subject of a story on the front page of today's Houston Chronicle. The accompanying reader forum is quite active. And here's a photo I took last week. Rather blurry, but from a different perspective. looking south from Seabrook, the coaster sits behind all the other attractions seen.

"is there any vekoma ride that's not rough?" As Brent said, you're relatively safe if you stick with this: just try to avoid the last shoe... [photo courtesy of vekoma.com]