Jon Sabo

Wow. That certainly was an in-depth report. I plan on ordering the videos when I finish the move back to the mainland. I doubt they would reach Hawaii (slow-mail service aka-county workers) in time before our move. I almost had to make a comment on the paint-chips eating thing, but I will reserve those comments for another time perhaps. Umm...beer & watermelon? Is that a new combination- flavor? Great job.

^I can't believe this thread has reached about 100 pages either. I guess we all can be somewhat satisfied at the lineup for 07. Dollywood, BGE, and CP, all appear to have winners on-hand. I wonder with all of recent transactions and situation(s) going on with the industry as a whole, I hope this is a trend of coasters isn't on the decline (within the US, anyway).

Yeah! Someone bumped this thread into action again. I already submitted a post earlier in the forum, but I would like to add a couple of items. 1. Honorable (or Honorary) Mention goes out to all of the designers, show creators, engineering staff, the parks themselves and so on for a job well-done. Without these invaluable creative people, none of these rides (perhaps) would have been mentioned. 2. I wish to add the Monorail system. Granted, the ride was originally designed/built around the 1930's for a World's Fair (if history serves me correctly), but the vision of Sir Walt himself certainly ressurected that idea into a novel concept as a people-mover/transporation system. A system that is not only in use today, but other venues such as Las Vegas and other major city-hubs use some sort-of concept adopted from the monorail. The Disney PTS Monorail certainltly has a safety and reliability record that most parks dream of. 3. I would have to include the defunct BAT, formerly at Kings Island. Most all of us are aware of its history and so forth, but I would also consider the BAT as ground-breaking in terms of engineering marvel during a time period when computers/technology was really beginning to advance to where we are today. Similar to what "X" did with today's technology.

Ohh that park looks like a job-offer inline to hire a maintenance tech. Maybe I should apply there.....................NOT!. Nice TR and I am curious where those animals are now from that photo. I bet they jumped ship and went to SF.

^^^^^^WOW. Sounds like a crappy experience. I wouldn't be at all suprised if they turn around and sue the park for 'emotional distress' damages. I know of a law firm in CO. that is looking for business.

Apollo's 'Swing-low.....Sweet'...Chariot: 11 times that day. Couldn't seem to find Fabio to ask if he wanted to ride (again).

In the words of Dana Carvey and Mike Meyers.... SCHHHAAWWINNNGGG!!! "She's a robo-babe"

We wish to request another pose from the "Goblet of Fire" series. One of the all-time classics/pose on the other forum. And, since you are now considered a "star", could we get an autograph (maybe I can see how much $ to sell on Ebay and donate to your beer-fund). Nice photo's. Always looks like fun with this gang posting gatherings. (Note to self: alert security if this groups shows up at BGE next yr).

Well, of course the name Kumba is in reference to the BGT ride. For some odd reason, that is one of my favorite rides (overall), especially when it opened. The #9 represents my football jersey in high-school and always had good luck with that number in general (17 being my all-time fav, but chose not to use it). Other names were considered such as Big Bag Wolf, Drachen Fire, Mr. Maintenance, and Nessie's Revenge. I had fond memories in working on these rides during the "Old Country" days, but chose not to use them since I was sort-of lazy at the time to be creative with these names, but Kumba9 sort-of stuck anyway (and use them on other forums as well). Good topic. Some interesting stories (on name selection).

Some old time members that attended DF @BGE during opening day reported they waited about 3-4 hrs. to ride (no Fast-Pass at this park chain). Sure glad I was working in maintenance and already ridden it about 8 times earlier that morning. The line went past the BBW que-heading towards the Italy bridge. I would'nt be suprised if several members report on TTD line when it had its opening. Some were saying 6-7 hours or more(?)

Cedar Fair won’t build park in China Credit Link: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/BUSINESS06/60718010/-1/BUSINESS

Check out the website for another POV (pretty good one at that-very stable camera view). Also, there is a commercial out for the ride. I don't understand Japanese, but it appears quite funny nontheless! Link: http://www.eejanaika.jp/special2/index.html

I would add to the point that the Williamsburg (VA) brewery is in close proximity to the "Rhine River" BGE. I wonder if they use that swamp water.....

^^Someone needs some sort-of drug-testing policy for those designers. Looks like something out of a cartoon book. Some of the ones that stand-out for me: 1. Throwback jersey/uniforms in NFL. I still dont like the SD "powder blue" barf jerseys. I dislike the Bronco's uniforms and the Univ. of Oregon (how many variations do they f$#(@ need?) and Univ. of Miami-Hurricanes (NCAA-F). Even though I am a Cowboys fan (NFL), I actually loved the Redskins makeover uniforms when Steve Spurrier was coaching (I believe it was his 1st yr. and they changed the helmets/color-scheme, etc). 2. A couple of uniforms in Nascar were also gaudy. One that came to mind was that pink outfit that sponsored Shawna Robinson about 3-4 yrs. ago. They pit crew guys looked as if a gallon of Pepto Bismol exploded inside of their hauler-transporter. I couldn't even watch the race because they kept showing it so much.

**Couple of "destruction" pic updates. Within the next week or two, LMR will not only be a memory, but some will forget it even existed. It's always refreshing how BG tends to be careful with the environment (saving trees, etc). Also note how much of Nessie you can see now with the trees/land-clearing. Link: http://matt.coaster-net.com/images/pictures/displayimage.php?album=24&pos=237 http://matt.coaster-net.com/images/pictures/thumbnails.php?album=24&page=12 **BGE's website is giving clues almost weekly. Check-out some interesting additions to the 07 teaser. Link: http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/ar_rides.aspx **Host: William Bernstein, Jr. of CWN interviewed Diane Centeno, PR-Mgr for BGE/WC/Kingsmill. Although no specifics on the 07 ride, they discussed several interests within the park (including WC). Interested parties can watch the video at the following: Link: http://www.coasterworldnews.com/v2/?cat=media&page=player&address=EXCLUSIVE%20BGE%20INTERVIEW.wmv

Wow. Alot more DF fans than I would have thought. Even though it was a 'challenging' ride to say the least, I certainly loved working on the ride (maintenance-wise). I really miss those trains at nite being lit up and going up the lift and so on. Good times indeed (despite the roughness in latter years). I've also seen several posts regarding the CBC. If I recall correctly, that was one of the coasters that had a nurse stationed at the unloading platform. I would have loved to seen that and ridden that 'beast'. I already posted my time era earlier, but most of all, I would love if we "all" could go back in time and somehow change what we know now (with today's technology/accident-history/ride modifications) and mostly just have some sense in eliminating the frivilous lawsuits that occur in today's day in age. Also, pay yester-years prices within today's parks. Good Topic indeed.

*sigh* I think some posts are going in circles again.

^^That should be on the next Mastercard commercial because that was... "Priceless!"

^ 3 words for that... Makena Beach, Maui!

^ God that was hilarious (and annoying at the same time). He may have received a message in the mail: "Eli Lilly regrets to inform you that this month's supply of Prozac will be delayed by about 2 months. Thank-you for your concern in this matter."

Hawaii Temperature Update: 6:44pm 87'F Tradewinds: 15-20mph. Surf: 3-4ft Southside.

In my opinion, EVERYONE that posted a video is a Winner! Good to see a variety of talent on the site (and humor). Next thing CNN will be showing: "TPR members take over the world's largest media outlet" Fortune 100 Company.

Top 3 (in my opinion): 1. Weetopia #1-entry "Derek Potter-Goblet of Beer" 2. TokenYankeeGuy #2-entry "Escape from MM-TPR Ed." 3. Jasper2 #2-entry "Mouse Raider" *1st choice is absolutely hilarious. Based on a true story?

Doing a ride evac on a BBW @BGE coaster: 1. In a POURING rainstorm (a July 4 weekend and park was open 'til midnite back then). 2. About 10:30pm 3. Lost my raingear (and radio). 4. Maintenance pants split in the crotch area. 5. Diabetic on the ride (really freaking out). 6. A guy had too much to drink and throws up on the front car of the train. 7. Finished that evac and fixed the ride and Nessie goes down with sensor problems. Evac #2 lift.....and the story goes on... 8. Best part? 1/2 trainload on Nessie-evac had cheerleaders (and wearing white shirts of all things...ooops).

Strange that I have never been stuck on any coaster, but I certainly had my fair share of "fixing" broken down coasters from BGE during the haydays. Those hot/humid VA. summers really suck when ops had to ride evac any coaster and we had to figure out the problem(s). I think we could loose about 10lbs. in about 1 hr. (just from sweating). Nor rain, snow, nor heat of day kept us away!