iZak

Wow! It's December already? Sh*t...I forgot X-mas...

I have to say this is a good find...I didn't hear anything about this one...Then again, I don't go down to the Strip at all any more...

With these new changes in the budget, I'm sure the operations management is working on a way to make it so that only one person will operate each ride per shift...Which, with a maintenance key, anyone could do! Good times...

Yeah...that never happens on reality TV as it is... I'm just pissed because I have had this idea ever since I first started working at SFMM! I remember that...I still think it would be a better idea than this... BTW, wdworld17nb...I'm sorry that you live in New Braunfels...It's all good though...At least Schlitterbahn is there...However, I can't complain...I'm there once or twice a year to visit my friends...

^^ Finally a decent, well-thought out post on the state of Flashback. Also, when I worked at Flashback back in '03, on and off we'd have wait times of 30-45 minutes...The first day we operated it that summer, the line was all the way out of the queue and that wait was about an hour. So, it is possible...Just now, it's not plausible. It is indeed a shame to see this ride go, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that I was the actual last person to ever ride it and operate it. RIP Flashback. May I see you in my backyard in 2008.

Someone also needs to tell him that sometimes...Well, sometimes he's wrong. Case in point: http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2003/02/04/220.aspx

Err, why's that? IOA has had coasters since it opened... seven years ago. I pratically grew up at USH back before USF/IOA was even considered (My Dad was the GM and later the SVP)...It's just really weird for me to hear coasters and Universal in the same sentence.

Instead of a Simpsons ride, I'd like to see the park(s) spend some money and refresh the ride...New motion bases, new screens, the new IMAX digital projectors, and a new film (perhaps based on the original script of the ride?)...Maybe even use IMAX 3-D technology? Just a pipe dream that I've thought about for a few years...

Interesting to see that NBC/Universal is doing this...I thought they wanted to dump the theme park division? Anyway, I still can't relate coasters and any of the Universal parks...My mind can't comprehend it.

Joey...That's a really good point about FF and Flashback...Perhaps they'll clean out the old queue and put something in there and use the exit and the station as the queue for the ride...Or even make it an extension of Joker's Hideout...

I am well aware that Jahan was talking about Thrill Shot...But, he also said that Shapiro was in the park one day, and all of a sudden the walls come down from around the Flashback entrance and there are mysteriously mechanics working on it? Either the park is covering something up, or he decided to actually allow the park to start working on the ride.

This is most excellent...But I have to think about what Jahan said...If Shapiro was in the park that day, perhaps it was just a ruse? Either way...I need to make a phone call. I will be there opening day for Flashback. Thank you.

I wonder if SFMM stays open, if they would plan on refurbishing X with the dropping floor? Also, now it seems that S&S has worked on the trains a bit...Perhaps the two that are in "rehab" now could be refitted or replaced with the new design? Just a thought...

^ It was really an excuse to keep the ride closed so the park can use the ride operators based there at other rides during the summer...

This is the first I've heard of it reopening... A call to SFMM GR yielded a response that has told me otherwise... Also, I drove by the park yesterday (yes, I'm in SoCal for the weekend) and strategically positioned myself for a couple of hours (at Jimmy Deans) and did not see the ride once while sitting there (on a Saturday). I smell BS.

I posted a pic of Flashback's panel in the Flashback thread that was around here a few weeks ago... Just do a search for all of my posts, and you'll see it in there.

Here's a good question for him... Is there another Space Diver coaster? If so, where is it?

Agreed. Take lots of pics! I want to see everything! =P

Intamin was the broker, B&M were the designers, and Giovanola was the fabricator. BTW, I was just thinking about this...FastLane is now the FlashPass...Do I smell a tie-in?

Considering all they REALLY have to do is bring the trains into code...Yes. It would be WAY less expensive to rebuild the trains as opposed to demolishing the ride. Let's not forget they also have to buy a new PLC and Panel for the ride as well...But, that's not very much...Just get a couple of PCs and stick them in the PLC room under the unload section of the station...

^ Yeah...What the hell? That's so ironic that you just posted those...Joey and I were just talking about the CD last night! Anyway, I'm working on a website for that place ("fan-based"). Wanna help? PM me and we'll talk...

^ Yes. A new PLC is necessary. I guess with a new PLC comes a new CP as well... Perhaps a color PanelView instead of the DOS based thing they have...Maybe after Steinbach retires...

^ It's not that simple...

If it's true that Flashback is FINALLY going to be "rehabed", then it might be worth it for me to come back and work one day just to open it! I need to make a couple of phone calls...

Well, I wish the park and Cal-OSHA would listen to you...Unfortunately, like I mentioned previously, there really is a lot of work to be done if Flashback is to reopen...