GayCoasterGuy

Aside from that, I wonder if they even think topper track would work. If you've ridden CI Cyclone in the front - hitting that first curve - you probably get what I'm saying (it's a steel structured coaster... less 'give'.)

Yes please! Who wouldn't!? I mean, we go on those awful Volare and Vekoma things (I haven't enjoyed a ride on a Volare yet myself, but have heard the stories.)

Yup, and a damn fine one at that! If I knew what would take it's place, I would have given it more attention that last year. Shockwave was awesome - after you learned how to ride it, of course. Under the seat pads, you could make a lot of money! (no, I wouldn't steal from the park now, as an adult). I assume everyone knows the hills under Superman's lift are the old footers buried over? My main gripes are over operation and stupid-long entrance and exit queues. But with all the complaints, I still love my home park and think it's one of (if not) the best in the chain.

While many things were "nicer," remember that there were only 3 coasters (or 2 or 4/5, depending on the year you're thinking). I remember Tidal Wave and Demon having 45 to hour waits on the weekends, and Whizzer was always under 30 minutes (even with a full queue). The efficiencies now are probably 1/2 of what they were in 1980 (or even less, in Whizzer's case; compare 2,200pph compared to whatever they do now), BUT there were less rides. Now that I'm thinking of it, Demon and Whizzer probably have longer waits on busy weekends now... but at least you have more to chose from these days

Too much stiffness in the structure (with PTCs running) is my theory. I'd be interested in what Gravity Group's opinion is.

What are the blue metal baskets under this train?

^Lucky! I would love to play around a piece of Anton track

A bit off the path of discussion... Greatamericaparks.com facebook page posted this picture today. I've never seen this one, and like it! Don't miss Whizzer with 3 trains around the lift. Very cool! Ye old "get in and go" coaster days.

^My debate would say if you take away Gemini Red, you still have a complete coaster in Gemini Blue, so they are 2

Come on Dan, that isn't a fair thing to say about the many ACE members who do NOT do that - even in 2000, or 1990... We've talked about this. I've seen members of several coaster/park groups (including this one) do wrong and illegal things. But I know better than to group them all together by poor actions... there will *always* be bad apples. I'm glad the coaster groups don't take crap anymore and ban them... that's an appropriate action. I'm waiting

High humidity probably doesn't help. But it's strange to hear the trains were barely making into the brakes... that's like very slow for Voyage.

Circus World was one of the first parks I ever went to as a kid. I think it was 1979 or 80, so I must have been 6 or 7. There was a clown that greeted us as we came in, and he gave me a red fuzzy ball, then made it disappear. I was bummed cuz I thought he was giving me the ball! Silly kid... I also remember watching the Arrow shuttle loop, and we didn't know what it was called. It reminded us of the Tidal Wave at Great America, so we called it the Tidal Wave. I think the Roaring Tiger was closed that day, don't remember seeing it in action. Was browsing online and found this video. Nothing stunning (no Weiner Looping sadly) but some good and simple ride/coaster shots: Here's another video, with POV of the Huss Enterprise!

I've probably answered this 10 times but o well... In no order: -Kennywood Thunderbolt -HW Legend -Phoenix -SFOG Mind Bender -CI Cyclone ...this is where it gets fuzzy, cuz there are so many I like. The oldies are typically my favorites (Lakemont, Kennywood, etc. etc..) but I like a lot of new stuff too. It's all fun with good friends! Anything from Anton Schwarzkopf! Cyclops, sooperdooperLooper, Apollo's Chariot, Voyage, Great Bear... the list goes on. The best coaster I EVER rode was Timberwolf 1989. GA Cyclone and TX Giant were right behind it in 1990. They all were very quickly neutered (and deteriorated) within 2 or 3 years. This curve was serious old-school - it felt like the train was riding running wheels on the right, and upstops on the left (it probably was!). Check out that 80s hair:

Mmmm... Anton designed what I consider to be the best loop ever. I've never ridden this, but look forward to it. Yet another good reason for me to get down to Mexico! I heard it could be kinda a violent ride - those were the reports when it was at Circus World. I know it's got the pseudo-shoulder bars/clamp things now, which it didn't when it was new.

Nahhh... that wouldn't be the problem. Voyage's air time has nothing on Cyclops - which has buzz bars. But Voyage has a certain extreme succession of lateral with air time that might not work with buzz bars - just my guess. It did for a few years. And it was bliss Also kept the ride smoother than it is now

After riding some *really bad* coaster trains, I can't complain too much about PTCs. I just hate that ratchet bars have ruined so many great oldies... (I'm not implying Voyage should or could have buzz bars. Could it?) By really bad trains, I think this: What would a steel structured woodie with steel topper track feel like? Would it be too rigid? Would it amplify Voyage's already high forces (not including current and or past track condition)? Would it be OK? Just wondering what others think. Also, why did HW decide against using topper track a couple years ago? Anyone know the reason why?

That used to be part of the fun of riding a roller coaster. Lateral time, lateral forces, squish time, etc. But I can understand the odd strain of doing that across a seat divider. Especially on Voyage, it's a work out. No matter what trains they put on Voyage, the ride will always be (it was built to be and should be) a work out.

Nothing like a good mom & pop refurb job! The coaster looks great, especially the red-white-blue train. The coaster at Wonderland in Texas (I think it's the same model?) used to run the 3 car train as well: Looks like they renamed it Mouse Trap? Unique anyway... but those drops in the back seat: *snap*!

Out of all the awesome sounds coasters make, I can't think of one that makes me happier than the sound of a classic Anton train thundering through a Anton box-beam loop. Pure bliss. It's probably part-sentimental, having grown up with Great America as my home park. The Tidal Wave could be heard everywhere in the park... and those blue and white lights, mmmmmm.

Real airtime: Phoenix, Viper at SFGAmerica, Cyclops "Uplift force" time (whilst being stapled): El Toro, Intamin megas, etc....

How about the dueling/racing coasters up front - "Prancer & Dancer"? Not my idea, but it's a good one! They would be family coasters of course, think Kennywood Racer.

Yes! Very good name. How about Big Foot?

^I was kinda joking... I think it's gonna be something unique, a one of a kind name. Let's hope anyway!

The Illinois Giant. Chicago Giant? A Chicago Bear's themed coaster! Either which way, it's gonna get real crowded over there by Fiddler's Fling ("the fastest ride ever built!") next year.

Leap the Dips! Loved it, can't wait to get back.