Jon Sabo

Quite a few in the lists posted I would agree with. I am quite tired of all of the "red" track color-schemes at CP. For heaven sake, come up with some originality in colors-please. Hint......think: Raptor/Mantis..etc. I hated the color-scheme for XLR8 at former Astroworld.

Wow. I was just looking for this thread yesterday to see if anyone has received/posted any pics on the new trains. Has anyone here ridden the ride with the new trains? How was it? Looking at the photo's, it almost looks as if there were some modifications to the wheel assemblies. I can't blow it up enough to see it clearly. I wonder if it was just the coach/trains they modified and/or the wheel carrier units were modified as well (hopefully to improve the ride quality). The wheels themselves look a bit different too. Hmmm, new material. Now just need to have side-lighting similar to the old DF trains..lol

When I worked for BGE (ride ops/management/maintenance), I actually made an effort to talk to the guests. It was a good way to find out what they were thinking in terms of ride (likes/dislikes) and other ways that may invite comments in improving a service(s) for the guests. Most of them (guests) are really friendly and its amazing how much you find out about a family even if they traveled half-way across the US! I actually keep in touch with many of them (even hit me up on tips for coming to Hawaii..lol). Sadly, I do not see this anymore at BGE (especially last 5+ visits) and wonder what has happened to their customer service (in general). Just my opinion/thought, but it appears no one wants to even be at work. My how times have changed at the "Old Country". Alot of foreign workers there too, (but some are quite friendly).

I have an idea or suggestion, but I may get banned for writing this because it may give Robb alot of work in "installing" it...heheheh It may also just be a tweak in actually initiating this into the website, but I would leave that up to the site owner(s) to determine that. Some of these may already be in effect or on the drawing board, but did want to mention it just a random thought. Here it goes: 1. Since the mods and site owner(s) appear to keep posting links to the rules and specify that each newbie (or older members) about following the rules, I would like to make a suggestion about having this thread having a bold print lettering and RED color text so each new member will see this before entering the index/forum(s) page. I notice this more on the general forums page. Double-posts or topics appear to be more frequent lately and most of them do not use the search feature. (Perhaps make the text on the SEARCH link in a red/bold-face text). 2. Each new member should be required to read the thread and acknowledge that he/she has read the rules. In fact, I could make the suggestion of having them link directly to this page/thread as soon as their registration/confirmation is completed. This would be initiated before any new member has access to the forums/index page(s). I believe this may already be in effect, but I forgot actually. 3. I know all of us are not perfect and we do miss punctuation (and such) from time to time, but lately there appears to be some members who just don't take the time to proof-read their own comments or make an effort to edit their post and the mods appear to be "babysitters" or housekeepers in mentioning it to the member. Most of the foreign members actually make more of an effort than members in the US (go figure). Some of the comments/post really are just hard to read and then members go at each other either: a. What did he/she say? (punctuation/sentence flow). b. Comments turn into arguments between members. c. We have to ask the member what he/she is talking about, etc. **d. Not providing a proper credit link or providing credit to a member. This is occuring quite frequently lately and some posts are starting "wars" among members. A normal discussion end up being about bashing other members for not providing backup or proof to their claim/rumor. I admit I am guilty in questioning a member(s) for not providing proof/credit, but it actually is a way of asking for information that can be available if we so choose to research/read the information (and not ask stupid questions when the answer is already in a link/credit). I know the moderators work hard in policing the site, but the suggestions are only a way of perhaps reducing the workload the moderators have to do, so they can attend to their other duties. Thanks for the time! Kudos to the mods.

I can't believe I am bumping up on posting on this thread, but here is a recent article written on July 2. Although most of these issues have already been addressed, it does provide some insight on the general thought on "why" Shapiro wishes to unload the park (and perhaps its future site plans). Credit link: http://ktla.trb.com/news/la-me-magic2jul02,0,4955031.story?coll=ktla-news-1

Six Flags has customer service? Wow! (Johnny Carson comment)- "I did not know that" Sorry, just had to add that...lol Here is an article released on July 2: Credit: http://ktla.trb.com/news/la-me-magic2jul02,0,4955031.story?coll=ktla-news-1

The ride looks like it is quite a rush. From the video POV anyway. I like the added touches of the Superman character at the back of the train and how the ride looks like it explodes from the building. I sure wouldn't mind having one in my backyard. In reference to some of the posts about it being 'slow' over the tophat.....who cares, I think it adds character to the ride experience and it sort-of adds to the anticipation of what's ahead. * Random thought: To bad CP had to remove the rear spoiler and tire special effects on TTD.

Some of those pics should have copyrights on them and then Robb can sell them to 6F marketing department for their next set of brochures. "Coming in 2007......Wile E. and his Gang(sta)". Pic of the employees on cell phones, Wile E-sleeping on that bench, and the trash from Elissa's pics inside the Tatsu que-line. "We bring happiness to our family-parks" New Slogan for Robb & Elissa's Magic (Tragic) Mtn trip: 1. A set of Fastlane passes.... $20 (each) 2. Parking fees, food, and a trip to first-aid....$75 2. 1 drunk, 1 fire, and a slew of inefficient rides and a Wile E. sleeping on his bed? Priceless. Tragic Mtn-Explore the Possibilities! The way those employees are working almost makes me want to throw up. And here to think that A-B may be interested in the park? OMG, I can hear A-B corporate board meetings now (plug your ears). "Uhm, yes-Augie I would love to help with your management team in "fixing up" MM toward a A-B product....just add 30% to my salary and throw in a lifetime supply of alka-seltzer." MM just put the last nail in the coffin and Shapiro's regime has a good reason to unload the park. I'm curious what the ( **#)@)@)@ <<----insert word here) Del Holland is doing?????!!!! Does he even have control over his employees or is he already packed up and ready to leave his office?..lol

^ I would personally like to see 2-forward and 2-backward circuits at least to enjoy the ride. It almost looks like a "battering ram" ride just with an inversion.

Great Photo(s)......or ? ...Sad to see those photo's actually. It makes me feel much more proud to been a past manager/maintenance technician at BGE..lol If BGE managers seen some of those pics, I think they would just have a heart attack. Interesting perspective on how the park is becoming progressively worse (each day it seems). The employees apparently know something is up at MM (or Tragic Mtn. as some refer too). But, I also blame mid/upper management for the lack of employee training (and reinforcing) of its policies, if there are any now. The attitude and lack of positive-reinforcement has really drawn down to the employees and the "I don't give a sh*% attitude" really shows in the pic(s). It really does not take much effort to clean up the trash in those que-lines. Moral seems REALLY low and if the ride capacity is what was stated, then its only a matter of time before the Shapiro regime will finally put the lid on the coffin for MM (and other listed parks). I really can't see current management turning the park around at this point. Whooo-500th post..lol

Here is a link to show footer-markers beginning to appear at the park! Also, FUNWORLD interviews Managing Director-Amanda Thompson Credit Link: http://www.theblackpoolpleasurebeachguide.co.uk/ Interview: http://www.funworldmagazine.com/2006/jun/features/strength_pressure/strength_pressure.html Edit: 500th Post! Wow..lol

Katapult now open??? Here is a link to some photo's: http://www.theparks.it/tpdb/park.php?idPin=13&idP=2&lang=it Video-POV: http://www.theparks.it/index.php?lang=it This has to be one of the shortest coaster rides I have seen (not counting local fairs), but I wouldn't mind having one in my backyard!!

Hmm, was it my imagination or did I read a report from the 6F website that they were "beefing up security" at all of our parks? Or, was that another way to introduce the DC comic super-heroes?..lol Ok. I got that out of the way. While the situation is unfortunate I only hope that the 'innocent' victims were not seriously injured. It's hard to fathom why these incidents keep recurring. Either the park security is really deficient in their training programs, or as Shapiro put it-"we need more (qualified) staff." This is not good publicity for a themepark chain trying to boost its image as a "family-oriented" park. Nice comments on some of the posts (I love the ones about people 'dying to get in our parks' and the one 'people dying to leave our parks'. Classic! Another link to the incident: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9468509/detail.html

Several factors can do that: 1. Mechanical failure (wheel/axle/bogey separation, etc). Most likely cause 2. "Slow" launch (only 12 riders on the ride). 3. Very High Winds (but rare event) and it was not windy that day. Several coasters that actually have been stuck in the loop: 1. Demon 2. Orient Express 3. Shockwave (torn down now) 4. Any more?

Riders aboard the Afterburner-shuttle-loop coaster get more than they bargain for as the malfunctioning ride strands 12 riders as temperatures approach 90'F. Read more on this credit link: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/14950495.htm Wasn't this coaster one (of two) of the original shuttle loops from SFGA?

Assmuning the terms in the report are true (6F offering), N.O. will actually make out in the deal. Because it will be quite a task, both in terms of financial and rebuilding infrastructure just to get the park back into pre-Katrina status. Not only do I believe the insurance company will not fully cover the park/assets/damage, but for 6F to offer the city the land, $10m. and get out of the lease-terms, is a win-win for NO (perhaps 6F as well). Mayor Nagin will be shooting himself in the foot (and head) if he is to believe that 6F should or expected to remain compliant on a 75 yr lease...Has he got 'water on the brain'?

But, in a situation that exists in using it, can we really rely on a 17, 18-22 yr. old to "remain calm" in a stressful situation and actually use this device under pressure? (even under the assumption of how easy it is to use). Some past (and current) history has shown that most ride operators panic in an accident situation (because we all generally become complacent over time if no accident has happened). I really smell lawsuits all across the board. Management (at ALL parks) really need to incorporate accident-scenario's to expose employees to these situations and correct issues as they come about and learn how to deal with a situation (even if the situations have remote chances of an incident actually occuring). I have done some consulting work for a local traveling fair across the Hawaiian islands and we actually put the workers through accident-scenarios (just to expose them to the possibilities and corrective actions to take). There have been many (134 PDF-files emailed) incident/accident reports I have received that most of the ride operators begin to panic (including a recent incident at a 6F park where the ride operator actually left the ride area-completely after an incident). So, what makes us believe that some ride operators can be competent enough in a "panic" situation in actually using a device such as the AED and use it effectively? Just a thought. *What's next for the industry? Lawmakers on Capital Hill are going to have us all carry ID-cards on health issues and/or present a bill of health before riding amusment rides? *Cases to watch for considering the Bills Sen. Markey is presenting in having more control over Amusement Park Safety.

Yes. And for $25 you can be strapped into one of those H-R coaster cars and be tossed over the edge. They are building it as "The ride of your life"

Unless I have been under a rock from traveling alot lately, but is this the same park that is building the 'flying turns' coaster for this year?

Those are new seating arrangements for the so-called "big-boys".

(Insert ride name here)-Sponsored by Goody's Headache Powder.

Just an odd curiosity note. Perhaps they want to keep it there so marketing can continue the claim of having the most (tied w/ CP) coasters in the world. Operating or not..lol

Looks like a good thread going here. Reading several of the most-recent posts actually make a few (very) good points. I really believe that ride ops SHOULD be trained in CPR (at least the managers and ride supervisors). When I worked for BGE, it was mandatory for us to go through some sort of CPR training (and we were paid of course). In regards to the AED's, I would more than likely leave that up to the EMT's (and all management teams 'trained' on proper usage). Too much liability issues in relying on an 17-22 yr. old on using that product. Not trying to be discriminatory, its just how society (and lawyers) are in this issue coming up in court-lawsuits. But, in today's society with legal issues and everyone wanting to sue for strange and idiotic things, it becomes a catch-22. I would even say its "damned if you DO....or damned if you DON'T-scenario. I say this, because if the "victim" is in a life-threatening situation (and medic/EMS has NOT arrived) are we as human-beings just going to stand there and watch a person die? I think its in our genes to be compasionate and help someone out in that situation (adrenaline really kicks in too). I experienced/witnessed several deaths (not ride-related) at BGE over my years there and you really feel 'helpless' at times, because some instances become a judgement call (especially if you can't diagnose what to do or not to do). We aren't doctors. What happens if we "do" something and a person dies (or condition worsens) and what happens if we "don't" do something for the victim. 1. Do- you and the company are held responsible. 2. Don't-you (and the company) may be sued for "neglect". Sure it may seem simple enough, but lawyers surely know ways to twist a story around to blame operators/workers. We are in a bit of a quandry here. Assume you all are in management role(s) now. What would you do? This was a real difficult situation/experience to deal with when I was in management and is now becoming an increasing issue/topic from recent accidents/deaths.

One important question. Is the Dog Fart Coaster in anyone's top ten? I have yet to ride it, unless we are counting friends visiting a local Taco Bell before entering a park...hmmm If so, then I now put BGE's A/C in my top 5 DFC.

^Was part of the train actually in pieces? If you go to the park on a regular basis, is there a way you can get some close-up pics? (Especially of the trains and/or perhaps the LIMs-area-if any damage is noticable). I seen a report that witnesses said "sparks" were flying.