GayCoasterGuy

Those are some great old pictures! I think I may have only rode the ride once, maybe twice. I was with a friend who was ill, so had to get outta there fast. I don't remember too much about the ride, other than it being enjoyable/rideable and the station was very cool.

I rode it in 1995 (after the drop was shortened and the 7 car Morgan trains were replaced with 5 car PTCs) and that first drop still scared the crap outta me. I think it was the way it went to the right, then left then right again (or vice versa, can't think now)... plus it had/has that gradual get steeper the further you go down that we don't see on many coasters (Texas Giant had it, American Eagle still has it - which I rode twice today ). I prefer that over the "tilt down and plunge" drops that started with Magnum and are on every wooden coaster now... If no other reason simply because they are different than most of what's out there. Rattler caused all kinds of issues. John Pierce left the industry after that mess. I remember in an interview he talked about all the issues the ride caused, even harming his family. Then the story how the ride height was suddenly raised 30 feet (hence we ended up originally with a pull out that was way too tight for that height of drop) or something b/c they wanted the highest after Mean Streak, etc. a whole jaded wild crazy coaster history, indeed. I look forward to seeing the *New Rattler* rise. I never understood that helix. I mean one, maybe two times around, but three? It was ridiculous.

^Thanks, those lap bars remind me a bit of the S&S Screamin' Swing lap bars. That's a pretty awesome design for safety and comfort. Do the lap bars on Crazy Surf "staple" you in? Ketchup is the color I think. Or is it Catsup? I could swear I've seen Giant Dipper with a green train at one point. Perhaps it was the old Morgan trains from the 70s(?). Update - aha! I found some pics: Very nice retro looking train (probably cuz it is retro duh!)

Nice pictures! Who manufactures Crazy Surf? I'm trying to get a good look at the restraints and how they work, but it's difficult. Anyone know where I can find some up-close pictures? How is Giant Dipper running? There was a report a few days ago about a minor collision. I've seen blue, red, green, yellow and brown trains on Giant Dipper. I'm wondering if they keep 2 on online, and cycle the others? I've only ridden it a couple times back in 1999, would love to get back out there.

Understandable, thanks for explaining.

Did I hit the wrong button? I'm new here and have missed previous discussions. I certainly don't mean to bring up bad emotions and feelings. From what I've heard, it's just a matter of time for Revo

Hearing complaints about Flying Turns not being ready is nearly as annoying as hearing liberals complain about conservatives and conservatives complaining about liberals. Basically, none of it makes *ANY* sense and is considerably close-minded Kudos to Knoebel's for continuing to work on it. Go to most big parks (Cedar Point, Kings Island, Magic Moutain, Great Adventure) and look at your alternatives. (I left out Great America on purpose; they rock!)

Is Full Throttle really happening? Did I miss some stuff? Intamin? 500' launcher? I vote for Revolution to get at *least* the same TLC (including new lap bar trains) that was given to sooperdooperLooper at Hersheypark this year: Just enough to bring it back *online* even if they don't do track/rehab, etc, painting.... Has anyone heard the rumors about Colossus getting the Rocky Mountain treatment? I guess anything would be better than what's there now. I could even see Gravity Group "having their way" with it and making it a great ride again. Those 2 coasters were reigning champions, movie stars, fun, excellent rides up through the 80s... they're icons - SFMM has potential to "RUN WITH" the retro/nostalgia marketing campaign just begging to happen there.

Agreed about the compensation. But as for his bi-polar complaint, I can understand as I tend to be like that myself Like at my home park Six Flags Great America - I'm so happy about the variety of great and old rides we have, and how much fun they are, but I'm dead sick of seeing ALL THOSE EMPTY seats go out on stuff like Raging Bull and Superman while there are people waiting in line. I guess you gotta take the good with the bad sometimes

I hope with all the *new* coasters being crammed into parks, more SF parks will continue to turn their attention to older FUN/family/classic rides (big money has been put into Mind Bender, Shockwave, Whizzer.... New Texas Giant... sooperdooperLooper ). Just my 2 cents : This would be nice: The thrill parks have the market cornered for big/fast/intense stuff. But the older FUN/family/classic rides market could really be of value to them as well. The return on investment may not be as QUICK or as LARGE as it is for something like (I-305/MForce, etc etc.) but I think has a place in the grand, long-term scheme of things. CLARK "you're gonna pay for these pants" The big thrill parks can only benefit from having a *perfect mix* - a variety of styles and levels of intensity. It's gonna be very lame when everything is a super intense Intamin or yet another similar B&M. I was at Six Flags Great America yet again last night (my home park, at least 2 days a week as good as it's been the past few years...) and I started to realize how good I have it. Whizzer has only gotten better year after year. In the late 80s and throughout the 90s, I hardly bothered with it - or the log flumes - or the flats. But they are great rides and seem to get better every time I ride them. Raging Bull and the other B&Ms - although engineering marvels/reliable, etc, just don't have the same staying power. Add to that *DOUBLE* intersecting log flumes, old Anton and HUSS flats... and I still am in shock at this level of coolness:

I kinda *do* blame the park. A couple years ago at Six Flags Over Georgia, I was waiting in line to ride Georgia Cyclone and a guy and his daughter had a "platinum pass" so they got to ride the first seat 2 times in a row. I think they were only running one train. Either way, the park was dead. I told the guy, politely (after a ride operator nearly accosted me for moving towards that seat) that not only does the park diss me for making me have to wait extra time b/c he payed to cut, but also they dissed him b/c he clearly didn't need the pass that day. They *could* do a sort of thing like "you really don't need this pass today..." on a slow day, but I digress... It's somehow OK to have low integrity for some big companies (and people, in general). Again, I'm not totally downing the whole 'pay to cut' thing. There is a place for it - if implemented properly. In other words, it would be nice to see parks *first* get high capacity efficiencies, and then consider such a plan.

Hrm... I wonder if the "heart-line" track is still around. Wouldn't it be nice to see that re-built? With new more flexible trains, of course. That thing with lap bars and the rolls was one of the best steel coasters I ever rode. Too bad it was down most of the times I was there...

I have no clue, but you are probably headed to the park now, as it is "tomorrow." Monday wasn't bad at all. Most of the time I go to the park late afternoon/early evening. By that time, plenty of folks are tired from a long hot day and are headed home. Sure - the waterpark closes then and all those wet fiends head into the ride park, but plenty of folks are leaving so it works out. On Monday, most of the stuff I went on had a 15 minute wait maximum. July is usually a very busy time at the park, but today is a good day - I think tomorrow (July 4th) will be packed to the gills. The busiest I have EVER seen the park, however, is during Fright Fest. It's much worse then b/c the waterpark is not open to suck up some of the guest volume. I'm not sure I understand, but I'm rarely at the park at rope drop. It's probably the same as the other "big" parks. If you want to get to the new ride first, be at the front and be prepared to aggressively mow down other peeps. Or, just take your time heading to the not-as-popular big rides like American Eagle, Viper, Demon, etc... and enjoy X-Flight later in the day. After about 8pm, the crowds drop fast. After 9, many rides are a walk-on. Oh yeah, Eagle has been racing, but not until after 1pm and only one side is open later at night Beggars can't be choosers! DO NOT MISS a front seat ride on Eagle. Don't forget - the best night rides are Whizzer, Eagle and Demon. Not only do you have short (or no) wait, but those coasters take on a different personality at night. I am biased, of course. Another don't forget - if you find an empty seat - by all means jump in! The park is pretty relaxed about re-rides if the seat is empty. Just don't throw a fit if there is a random employee that says "no re-rides during the day" or something like that. Just get in, and act dumb. That would be great - but it's already tomorrow! Doh! I was thinking about going up to the park tonight, message me if you would like to meet up. Have fun! Don't miss Fiddler's Fling - it's the fastest damn ride in the park (they don't make em like that anymore!) Again - better at night with all the crazy head/tail lights. Flash Pass is lame... I mean, if the park had great ride efficiencies, I wouldn't be as against it. I don't think you need it - and only "Platinum" (or whatever the highest level is) is good for ONE ride on X-Flight (I think...) I'm always dumfounded by the folks walking up the Flash Pass entrances to ride that have NO wait. Must be a superiority thing...

Woke up very early yesterday and decided to go to the park at opening. Why I decided to go to Great America on a super hot day, in the summer, on a Saturday, alone - I will NEVER know. Those are things I would rarely even laugh about doing. But I went! Got the park just before opening, and I'm still tired from the day - so I'm gonna keep this short but sweet. Rode Whizzer, Demon, Eagle red (2x - yay for their policy "if the seat is empty, you can probably ride in it" policy), Little Dipper, Logger's Run, Yankee Clipper, Whriligig, and Sky Trek Tower. I took a break to cool down at the mall in the afternoon, then raced back to the park to use my lunch "Season Dining Pass" by the end of the 'lunchtime window' of 3:30. When I got my food, I realized my geeky ziplock "pouch" that I keep my car key, money and cards (season pass, driver's license, credit card) was GONE. I always lock my pockets with safety pins, but somewhere in the rush of getting my food, I must have somehow dropped it. Ran all around the park for about 90 minutes; to and fro between Lost & Found, security, my car, Guest Relations the whole time. I left my car windows opened a crack due to the heat, and I was able to manually winch a window down with my hands. I'm lucky the thing didn't break. So I got in my car to get my phone. Called mom asking her to come get me to take me home - where I would dig around for a spare car key. It was a fiasco. The cheap, blister inducing flip flops didn't help (they are being returned this week). The heat rash on my legs was killing me and the chafing on my inner-thighs was at me too (which is another not-so-friendly reminder that I really do need to loose weight.) At the time, I didn't know if I lost the *pouch* or if I threw it in the car trunk before I came back into the park. Back to Lost & Found one last time - they had found my geeky ziplock pouch! I called mom (who was on her way up to the park from downtown) to tell her the good news and to go back home. The day really turned out great despite this fiasco. I gave compliments to all those involved with returning my stuff (even thought they couldn't tell me the name of the employee responsible for turning it in; company policy - they cannot take rewards, either.) Even though they were stacking 3 trains, it's hard to complain when you are able to ride Whizzer: He's gonna getcha getcha getcha: This level of coolness usually only happens at places like Knoebel's: The hat was on tight: Kudos for low height requirements: Goodnight Sweetheart:

I think you guys in CA have a few more "open air" stations than we have around here. Like the ones I've seen in pictures for Vortex and Afterburn (or whatever the B&M invert is called) at your Great America park. I bet those are kinda cool at night! Speaking of Great America, I'm off to ours here in Illinois in about 20 minutes! I would think the enclosed station for the new Superman coaster may have a little to do with the magnetic motors needing to be cooled down. From the videos I have seen, I think those bright white lights would be better if they were tinted red or blue. So bright...

lockers ah... thanks mechanic. I kinda like that.

So... being new here, can some one fill me in on "fluffy fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo"? I take it is in reference to storage units for "stuff" while you ride, but am I missing something?

I'm just wondering what you guys think - do you think it's "air time" when you never actually leave the seat (because you are stapled to it)? When El Toro opened, I remember the park referenced the ride as having extreme "uplift forces." I've been able to get some true air time on Millennium Force and Superman (now Bizarro) at Six Flags New England, but what I experienced on I-305 I would describe as a "struggling yet persistent uplift force." It's a completely different feeling to me. Cyclops has the craziest 2 moments of air time I have ever experienced, next to a 1989 Timberwolf and Texas Cyclone. Another Wisconsin coaster, Zippin Pippin, has that 2nd to last speed bump from hell. It left seat belt bruises on my thighs (in the 3rd seat, of course.)

By chance, have you been on Cyclops?

^How do you feel about Skyrush? How is it compared with Voyage and I-305?

For the same reason Voyage has to have them?

^I wonder if Demon (Great America, Gurnee, Illinois) was lowered at some point to 42" so more kids could ride. I first rode in 1982 at the age of 8, but I have no clue how tall I was then. Tidal Wave had the same 42" requirement (as do all classic Anton loopers. Except Revolution - probably due to the high G's entering and exiting the loop - causing kids to lurch forward. Oh yeah, and the addition of nasty shoulder bars ) My baby cousin rode the Demon 3 years ago at the age of 5 or 6, and he was so small in that seat. Here is a picture from this year, he still looks pretty small - 3 years later and almost 48" tall

It doesn't matter. It's neither. It's both. It's like picking republican or democrat - you don't have to choose either. It's a new form of hybrid coaster. Me too! This thing looks like it's gonna be a monster.

They are to me We can differ in opinions, I respect that. Yikes! Shudder to think... I am actually surprised so many great rides have been "converted" to the dark side with those PTC ratchet bars. Us coaster geeks didn't know how great we had it until those awful ratchet bars came along. PTC was once revered as wooden coaster trains, mainly because the alternative were Morgans (think Colossus, Riverside Cyclone...). Those orange shoulder bars with the huge "Dolly Parton" HOOPS out front - you can thank a 1987 Great Adventure ride operator for those things. After the Lightnin' Loops death ( ), all Six Flags shoulder bars and lap bars were either painted or "re-dipped" with bright orange padding. All Arrow trains had those crazy HOOPS added - to make sure NOBODY would ever sit in front of an Arrow shoulder harness again.

I think those 2 twisted track rails were put out there as a hint and a tease