GayCoasterGuy

Gravity Group posted a great video:

You can let people pick their seats, fill a train (including most single seats) AND get that train out at interval. That idea is completely lost on many people (us coaster fans AND ride ops). Even Cedar Point has resorted to assigning seats in some cases. It doesn't have to be that way. With a little work and communication, everything can happen together. It can't always be perfect, but it can be much better than it is at many parks. My point is, this is not even a thought in training these days. Even if they wanted to do it, they probably wouldn't know how (that's not sarcasm). It's been so long since that type of operation was standard. Working in early 90s Cedar Point ride operations, you knew everything that was going on with your ride; you had very clear communication with the crew that was present and your guests. You got trains out within several (less than 10) seconds of interval; you were able to let groups ride together, pair up most single riders, let people pick seats, etc. because that was part of the job. It was part of training. It took a few days to learn a new ride; to get the rhythm of how that crew worked. If you weren't able to get it after a week, you were moved to an "easier" ride, or Kiddieland I always say working at CP long ago was a huge blessing, but also a curse. I've been hard wired (or had it beat into my head!) to look at efficiency, so it makes it hard sometimes when I look at what a current crew is doing. So it's nice to be with friends and talk about other stuff The numbers 640 and 777 are stuck in my head. Great America had dry-erase boards bragging about highest hourly capacities on their coasters one year. American Eagle and 640 and Superman had 777.

When the Great America's were built, there was a 20' hill built around the perimeter of the parks. You can see it in places at Great America, Gurnee. Of course, that's not a lot of soundproofing for loud coasters and screams. When did all those office building start going in directly next door to the park? Why would anyone build there? Strange.

I'm 6-1 and 220, and I had no problem. I did see one guy not able to ride because of his size. Your friend will probably just have to get in and try it out, hope he gets to ride! I'm looking forward to more reports! I never got to know the ride too well. I went a few times since it opened in 2005, but didn't have the greatest experiences at the park - that kept me from going more. I broke down and got a season pass this year, so I'll at least go once or twice more.

No, but we would still like to see your eyes in your avatar

This is funny, nerdy and cool all wrapped into one I miss Colossus!

I'll assume you didn't ride it last year? It was horrendous. I went for their annual "Hawg Wild" event and people weren't riding it during ERT; that bad. In previous years, the "bridge drop" could be a little rough and pot-holey, but nothing like last year.

They rock. What about them looping wooden coasters!?

She's also smart for sitting out for a ride here and there! I could stand to learn a little moderation. Remembering how sick I got one year after a double ride on Voyage... I think sometimes we can have really good experiences on rides that are usually mediocre or not-so-good. I'm the biggest "NOT a big B&M fan" I know, but I had a zen ride on Batman last year. Go figure.

After riding the new-ish Hades this weekend, I'm more excited than ever to see Timberliners on Voyage (next year! Let's hope!). The only catch is - the track needs to be almost all new. I wouldn't think twice about Holiday World stepping up to the plate if that is needed. I prefer the Timberliner lap bar over the GCI T-bar or the PTC ratchet bar (as long as I am not stapled in!)

^After a few rides on all of em my first day, it all kinda blended in! You know, first day get bruised on coasters, second day - everything is tender. All worth it, of course. So tell us Josh, have you decided between Outlaw Run or Hades? I guess we really don't have to make "lists," it does get super nerdy. Which ain't a bad thing either

^That chairlift is AWESOME, and creepy as heck. Knoebels: heaven on Earth. I already have my hotel room booked for this years PPP.

Indiana Beach has been under new ownership since about 2009. Every year since, things have quickly gone down hill. Those 2 woodies always ran great and were always reliable. I dunno, I don't want to speculate what is really or was really going on at Indiana Beach... but I've heard good reports this year so far. I hope the Indiana Beach I've known and loved for most of my life returns. The steel supported woodies are generally more jarring than wood supported woodies, especially if not maintained well. Steel doesn't have the same amount of movement - or "give" - that a wooden structure does. The non-intended accelerations (pot holes, etc.) are more efficiently transmitted through the track -> wheels -> seat and into YOU, the rider. With a brand new steel structure woodie (I'm thinking Hades in 2005, it's first season) a coaster can run GREAT. There is less momentum lost with a steel structure, as the forces, yadda yadda yadda... but when it's not maintained, things start to hurt.

Good report, and great pictures! Good to meet another coaster nerd at Hades! We're everywhere it seems. I'm sore from my rides on Hades, and just as much from the other coasters. Heck, all that walking up and down 40-50' high stations and hills is a great work out.

I suddenly have a taste for something grape With all this bickering about is it/isn't it wood, etc., I've never heard anyone acknowledge that the original Texas Giant's first drop opened with steel I-beam track. From about a third the way down and up to the first curve. The ride opened that way; the I-beams weren't put on later, as they were on American Eagle and Colossus. Six Flags learned their lesson with HUGE wooden drops and opened the ole' boy with steel track on the first drop. But guess what? It was still a wooden coaster to everyone. It was still a top rated wooden coaster (for the first few years anyway). American Eagle - with it's steel I-beams from first drop to helix - is still a wood coaster to most people. No one ever throws a fuss over that. So why all the debate about Hades/Outlaw Run, etc.? Maybe it's due to the parks claims? Here is a picture of the Giant's first steel drop. Notice, the galvanized steel "I-beam" track with matching steel track ties. Same as on American Eagle (all the steel track and ties on AE are painted blue; that's an easy way to tell where the steel track starts and stops.) In both cases, there are still 2 layers of wood track on top of the I-beam track; opposite configuration of topper track.

Prior to now, I last rode Hades in 2011. It's not *that* rough. I think they may have tightened up whatever track was not replaced (I guess that's most of it.) Zues and Cyclops are very rough as well. I wish they would eventually start putting in topper track, little by little. A more comfortable ride (a funner ride, too) is better than claiming "traditional wood track." Just my opinion I haven't experienced topper track myself, but I've heard nothing but good reports. The seatbelts are gone today.

Still a great ride

But - the track is rough to start with. Other than the ending, the corkscrew, a few new pieces of lumber and running rails, I don't think there has been significant track work done. Not complaining, just being objective. The ride is still rough. Outstanding, but rough.

Hades is an out and back, a terrain and a twister. You aren't required to pick just one

^^Great pictures! The ride is still rough, except for the cork. Went back after a long nap and caught a second wind. Then the ride kept getting better! Stayed til close ending with a front seat ride. It got so good, I think ill go back tomorrow instead of heading back to Chicago in the morn. Timberliners are interesting; the lap bar is more comfy than either PTC ratchets or GCI t-bars. I can only imagine how great they would be on a new ride. Or one that has had major track work.

The new metal running rails are much wider... hence them looking like topper track.

Only seen about 3 trainloads waiting - about 20 mins - but there are multiple noodle checks before dispatches. When I left around noon, plenty of folks were still coming in the park. Had to go eat, naptime now. Cyclops is still my fav here, but sadly, a few seats have burned out solenoids (maintenance was working on it when I left), and in the 2nd to backseat, the lapbar has been removed. Update: later in the day, other than 2nd to back, all other seats were open. Including the coveted very back

The ride is a lot of fun! Corkscrew is my favorite part just because its so different, and smooth There is a seatbelt connecting each end of both lapbars. Some GG guys are here double checking everyhing. I'll be back later for more rides.

Good call! But it's a little late in this case. I mean, they *could* go in and make the lift taller, but you know...

^That would cut down on noise, but it would also cut down on speed The more I think about it, the more I like the tunnels and walls. It goes with the mining theme. I mean, yeah it still stinks about the ride not being open, but we gotta look at the upside.