Jon Sabo

Awesome photo's ! I'm curious if anyone has pics of the park in Kuwait (was rebuilt after Gulf War and heard they had 2 coasters). I think ITPS re-done the management/rebuilding of the park. Just curious! It appears in the photos how young the mothers are there (or just my imgagination..lol). I heard it gets quite HOT there in summer months too. Do you work at the park or just visiting?

First, I would like to say that I'm glad that no one was seriously injured or killed! Second, GREAT photo's to all that posted them on this thread! Third, although the investigation is underway and information may take a couple of weeks to gather, I could provide my guess(es) on possible issues. This would be just speculation based on that I do not have a clear shot up close of the axle (ariel view) or the pics of the underbody of derailed train. When I worked for BGE/BGT maintenance the rigourous standards and inspections these coasters go through (especially past/present ride operators can attest to that) is amazing. End of season downtime on these coasters is a pain in the 'butt' to say the least and we spend virtually the entire winter months tearing down the train(s) and inspect/replace parts, bearings, c-clips..etc, and put the entire train(s) back together. Axle/wheel carrier x-rays can take at least 2-4 weeks and if cracks are found another 2 weeks to get replacement parts and re-install them. With aging of the ride, each (end of season) inspection actually can get more expensive as each year passses, because the ride mfg. manuals (maintenance operation) suggest many parts replacement after so many hours/years and so on. As another post was read here, metal fatigue becomes a major issue around years 5-7 on many of the axles, wheel carrier systems and its bogey (in general). Most mfg suggest replacing those parts and/or have them x-rayed after season 2 (and beyond) or after 500 hrs of usage. Case in point- Orient Express (WOF) and Demon (PGA) both Arrow coasters/chassis. Bogey/wheel stop failure-fatigue. **I can guess 3 items it may have been. The fatigue in the bogey system failed and uplift wheel or guide wheel (carrier unit) failed and the safety unit on the axle engaged to stop the train and it derailed as a result. A loose nut on the wheel assembly could also played a role (and disengage off the carrier). ** A common issue (that not normally announced to public) is that the brake-blade could have mis-aligned along the break run. Even if the unit was within specification(s), a simple knife-blade mis-alignment could actually derail an entire axle (case in point- Nessie in 94 and Python in 92 or 91, OE @ WOF 89). I need to look at the last brake run pics again and see if the blade assy. of the brake run itself has any damage. That could be a good sign this may have happened. Arrow/Morgan use similar parts in these areas and if the crew doesn't inspect the knife-blade aligment periodically, they become warped. **Case in point, those interviewed on the video described the noises as the train came into the brake run. ** My final theory is the body bolts fatigue. Why? Because sometimes the fatigue of the body bolts (and shifting of the load- ie- people/train) can cause the axle more strain and possible wheel failure (road or guide wheel). I seen a factory test on similar chassis and they just sheared right in half. As a general rule, most parks replace car body-bolts every season. Assuming this case the bolts were not replaced could have a suspect-issue.

I'm certainly the odd man out here on this posting..lol Perhaps I am looking at it from a business point-of-view and the operational costs and issues to re-brand PKI to a CF park (and the issues they are possibly facing in fixing some of the coasters/attractions at PKI). While I am not for or against CF vs. PKI, all I am saying is that CF may have quite a large investment to make in getting the coasters up to CF standards and quite possibly fixing some of the current issues (SOB-for example). Also, I truly believe that having all 3 parks within somewhat close proximity (same state-even) that the future ride selection package(s), park growth, guest services, etc may actually suffer. Case in point: Look at the 'current' situation at CP. The park is actually Reducing their admissions prices (and some food, etc) because they determined the price-hiking has reached CP peak. Now, will the gamble pay off? Perhaps, but eventually they will need to raise those prices again because of rising costs in: insurance, payroll/raises, healthcare, benefits (management/seasonal employees), fuel costs, electrical...so on and so on. **Does CP upcharge for parking? If not, watch for this to happen perhaps in the near future (as well as PKI). This is the next cash-cow parks are looking at to offset operational costs (and future expansion). Another reason to point out (example) would be 6 Flags. Look at the parks they purchased in Europe. The region was in a similar situation (economics) and 6Flags kept throwing money into the parks to generate attendance, while operating costs were soaring even higher putting the corporate portfolio deeper into debt. I see a similar problem with CF. I believe they may fall into the trap and it will be hard to bail out of in say...3-5 yrs (assuming they want to sell PKI again). What will CF shareholders, management, board members say then? I just believe this move will honestly put CF into deeper financial challenges (as a whole). I have a general knowledge of the area to some exent, but would admit that you may have more knowledge by living within the region. I would be concerned on the current economics and how long that will last. After 9-11, Hawaii (of course relying heavily on tourism) was devastated by those events and took about 3-4 yrs to recover and now we are just booming (tourism and business growth) like crazy. But, how long will Ohio and surrounding states be in an economic slump? Reports have been posted in CF stock reports, and other business news within the area. What IS the unemployment rate there? How are/is the local governments going to handle the current situation? Am I also to believe that the proposed tax increases (PKI) are going to continue or will the gov't back off if CF purchases the park? I'm just playing Devils advocate here, but mostly to generate discussions..lol I like looking at both sides of the topic and curious on others opinions here. I just hope both parks continue to grow (which we ALL want).

AWESOME photo's!!!!!!!!! With each new post, it just gets better and better. My wife was born in Germany and she has to translate the wording from the site..lol I'm going to say it again, but I really think there will be a great debate on which is better (ride/theme) Nemisis or Black Mamba (?) I had no idea how much of a small footprint the ride area/location was. THe arial photo's certainly put that into perspective. WOW! Talk about an engineering nightmare to calculate the ride parameters along with the theming..lol

Just a recipe for disaster is sounds to me...lol I've worked in the industry 14+yrs and very rarely do they work out. I'm hoping to be an optimist and perhaps CF can make it work, but I'm skeptical on this move. Case in point. Look at the similar issues with Paramount/Viacom/Universal/Time Warner/NBC/CBS. I've had to study some of these issues for my Masters degree and something just doesn't add up. Perhaps the short run, yes CF could make it work, but if they (CF) does purchase PKI, I would say they unload it and sell it within 3-5 yrs (if not sooner).

Two ideas: 1. Search and download the NEssie video & the DF (both @ BGE). Those old Arrow coasters always had a nice sound to them hitting the brakes. Having a maintenance background and working on both rides, for some reason I just LOVED! the sound of the trim brakes and block-run brakes just chatter...lol

A WARNING should be posted at the beginning of this thread: "DO NOT VIEW IF EATING" ..lol The pics in the beginning of this thread almost made me hack up my pizza..lol I "LLLOOOVVVEEE" the photo/support on GB @ Hershey. That almost looks like a mistake, a challenge NOT to have the support in the water, and an afterthought, ALL in one moment..lol I enjoy the supports on a suspended coaster (especially the village on BBW @ BGE). The reason for this is that even when the BAT was built, it was pretty original for its time and a classic, all-in-one.

Not sounding sarcastic here, but if CF is considering the purchase of PKI, they should look at purchasing this park instead (and save on the headache as well as some $$$)..lol

^^ Yes. I do know that GL is owned by CF. But, look at the current (possibly long-term) conflicts with each park. If GL had a competing vendor, I would venture a guess that it could possibly have 2 more coasters by now (perhaps even a hyper). I have not (smack me) followed GL to any great deal nor have I personally visited that park. I am merely suggesting that having three (assuming CF purchased PKI) parks in such close proximity could possibly affect the corporate strategy in maintaining/increasing attendance figures annually and possibly how it affects the corporate strategy in stock performance. Let's face it, PKI has some issues with their current coaster operations and to possibly repair, replace and invest in these attractions may be a huge expense in the near-term and long-term. I'm sure CF is closely looking at the situation and apparently have done their own homework, I just see the situation rather bleek at the current condition of: 1. Local economy is rather weak. 2. CF. stock and profits have declined recently (this trend may continue through next year). 3. The investment to be made in PKI's upgrades (rides, infrastructure, re-branding, etc).

Nice review and photos! Couple of comments: 1. Park mgr- Nice tie..lol (bet he doesn't wear that to church). 2. the ORIGINAL WW is HOT!!!!!!!!! (Lynda Carter-bring HER to 6F). 3. Batman- 2 words. JENNY CRAIG (and sit-ups). 4. With all the investment into that ride and theming, couldn't they have sprung a little more cash to put a decent que-line? (Or are those movable que's just temporary?) 5. The girl in the photo had a nice smile, but she REALLY appeared bored of the whole thing (just my opinion..lol).

Good vid! Always enjoyable to experience an E-stop on a coaster (except during a t-storm on Nessie..lol) ^love that AV-pic....I thought i seen the same on America's Most Wanted...hmmm..lol

Damn, I need to find time to take some video editing classes and learn more on posting vids and so on..lol I have about 10 videos to possibly post, but I'm not tech-savy in the video/editing department..lol Some vids that I think peeps would like: 1. Original BBW @BGE TESTING and opening day (remember who the guest presenter on opening day was? hmmm...Vincent Price) 2. Original DF testing and pre-commercial (CAD), AND a time-lapse vid of construction as well as a Dana Carvey interview (he was guest speaker opening day). 3. BBW riding without! trim brakes (last hill).....not many experienced this wolf when that was in action! 4. Kumba-time lapse construction vid (w/Mark Rose int.) and Opening day ceremonies with Drew Carey & Michael Richards (Kramer-Seinfeld) antics/jokes/interviews. If anyone has ideas/suggestions can email me! Great job to the moderators and crew as always...the unsung heroes that keep this site going!

DAMN! you beat me to this post, HOMER! LoL I guess living in Hawaii with the time difference here makes the news here later..lol I was going to post that message and found the same message regarding the CP possible aquisition. What I am curious to see is...What are people's opinions (here on this site)? I actually think this could be BAD news in that the close proximity of BOTH parks (owned by CF, Ltd) can only put a dent within each parks marketing budget. Also, reading that report, the economy around that area of the country is not doing so well and the fact of reducing (CP) priced on food, admissions, etc. to gain more park volume will only add to the troubles in having BOTH (PKI & CP) within the same corporate portfolio. I'm just not sure this makes good economic sense at this time (even with the economy down in that part of region and the selling price may be right for CF). Also, CP has been reporting losses around the $25 million range for the quarter(s). What are other peoples opinions here? I will have to look under the other posts regarding the Paramount Parks sale, but i DID state somewhere that CP was interested in buying the park(s) chain and I spoke with (ITPS) and a friend at the company was a little curious why the chain would add the park as well, being in such close proximity. hmm... Good move or not?

Awesome posts of the pics. Looks like the engineering into those supports took awhile to determine the stress levels and possibly (predict) the effects from earthquake(s). Im also curious if the hurricanes (what do they call them in Japan?) play a role into the structural dynamics within a coaster. Those are some beefy supports indeed. I can imagine that was about 10-15% of the massive cost. I believe that was the case with the SD-2000 as well. The amount of supports on that 'Magnum-wanna-be' is just astounding how much steel there is. Oh well, nice pics. I would love to feel how that overbanked turn is going to be like...Yummy!

I will very biased here, but I love the way Busch goes out of the way to really pick good names for their coasters. Case in point: 1. Aplengeist 2. Kumba 3. Montu 4. Sheikra 5. Loch Ness Monster and so on...and so on...lol

What is more sad going to a waterpark? Seeing a bus load of obese women/men chowing down on ribs and making a mess? OR Seeing a heavy-set (physically challenged..lol) woman WEARING A THONG?!!! Ouch! I seen one heavy-set woman actually wear a damn THONG to a water park this year on Oahu-HI. I told my friend that the whale season was over and they need to head back towards Alaska (talk about loosing your appetite for the day).

WC has been featured on Travel Channel and Disc. Channel on several occasion as a top 10 water park. I believe they will be featured again this year under a different format and also A&E network will do a feature on the park as well. I knew awhile back that WC received the highest rating in the COUNTRY in terms of safety.

Perhaps there is a shortage of staff and Mr. Six is now the head of the Ride's Maintenance Department for SF.

I would personally blame it on Ronnie James Dio's hair for the issues on downtime..lol Is he even still alive? (someone told me he was going to do a tour with former Whitesnake lead singer..lol).

I will look for the pic to post on this topic, but I have an awesome nite shot of the BBW @ BGE. At the time the photo was taken it had a Rhine River cruise-boat transversing around the last drop over the river and the light reflected on the track making it a 3-D type of image as the train came passing by (damn I need to find the pic and post it ). Big Bad Wolf @ BGE (1988).

Nice pics. I'm going to ask Santa to give me round trip tickets to TP and get to have fun there. I noticed that cable on a couple of other peoples photos (Stealth) and I am curious if that is a release cable of some kind or does maintenance actually transverse that cable to the top to push the train? lol

MONTU: How about "Walk like an Egyptian" by the Bangles...lol

I used to live (past exit 3) from BGE and the Brewery smell never really bothered me. I just couldn't stand those damn coal trains going by at 2 am..lol The smell coming from the brewery is more noticable (to me) in the summer time rather than winter months. Maybe the St. Louis one is more stingent because of the wind patterns there, but if I recall, that is the #1 production brewery so the smell may be more prevelant.

I'm quite curious how you can compare beer to piss?..loooool!!! I never tasted urine, but love beer (goes well with pizza, hooters chicks, and buffalo wings).

Damn, and here I thought they used the Virginia squirrels and rubberbands to catch the rollback.