Jon Sabo

Here is a link to some photo's being posted. Look for construction to begin by June! (Announcement around Mid-July). http://www.buschadventure.com/Forums/index.php?showtopic=259

Want some photos? Here is a link to the precursor of the 07 beast @ BGE: http://www.buschadventure.com/Forums/index.php?showtopic=259

I remember that Peppermint (Patty) Twist was kind of rough on the back acutally. Those slip joints were NOT the best and it scrapped your back some on the way down. Hopefully they have fixed it since then, because it was a fun ride. Rampage still rocks.

In reference to a VD coaster, you referring towards something like Sheikra? Parks would have to wait at least 5yrs in US, because BEC owns the rights for them...boo!..lol I would like to see some family-type rides and those for the kiddies to be installed and perhaps install their next beast (coaster) around 2009-10. I hope they figure out what they will do for "The blue blob" sitting at the front of the park. I keep hearing rumors (both ways) about Flashback. If they are not going to keep it, send it to a chain park that could use it (Darien Lake?)

The entry-way and the station is AWESOME!. It's not Disney-esque, but it sure is way better than those cookie-cutter corrugated steel cages being built.

I think it was called Ford Dev. Co. (I'll try to research the name or look for the website on county permits). I think the owners were going to develop a split between timeshare and high-end condos along with retail center. If what you said about the retail center is being developed, now I am curious if the land behind or West of WC will also start development. That is assuming if BEC DID buy out the land (behind WC). I'll be visiting there in next month or so for a 'corporate' job at BGE. I think it was down the road from WC...Where is the G-Wolf Lodge in reference to WC? I haven't been to Williamsburg in about 5 yrs or so. I lived in Williamsburg for about 9yrs, before moving to Hawaii. I miss the snow there (don't ask why..lol).

Damn, someone got 2!!!! credits in one day..lol Oh wait, are we talking 'bout coasters here? I can't believe how hot many Canadian women are, but come on now, they dress like its the Headbangers ball from the 80's....next thing I'll see in a Canuck PTR here is David Lee Roth jumping out of that Starbucks building and singing "Jump" on the way to Drop Zone. Weather seemed nice there. Nice photo's (boars ass enhances the view). Which Top Gun is better? PCW (Canada) or PKI?

^good job. I thought it was from that company and new the design, but I had a 'brain fart' and could not think of the name for some reason..lol I don't think HP will put that in now, but some strange reason, I think one of those will show up in Vegas. Why? Because the company has done several rides for Stratosphere and wouldn't it be cool it that ride went up most (or all) of the way to the top of the tower? Who would ride it then?..lol

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the decision to close the park was done BEFORE Daniel Snyder and Red Zone took over as board members for Six Flags, Inc. Assuming the board takeover did not happen sooner, the park could be in operation today (although financially may have been sold to another vendor). While it is a sad day for us enthusiasts, it should be noted that times have changed and perhaps the park may have closed anyway down the road considering the issues with parking (from the *($(@ across the street), state was going to increase the parks tax revenue, and other county issues. I believe the (old board members) were really scrambling to reduce the company corporate debt, but should have taken a closer look at the situation before selling. In hindsight, this may have been the case, but it also seemed rather strange (with announcement) that the old management team hastily decided to sell the park right along the time it was in the midst of having a possible management takeover (from Red Zone). Looking back now, I wonder if management decided this decision in response to reducing its debt, but did not look at the full impact of the deal. Hence, we have new management and the park still did not receive its full market value. Hmmm, a double-kick in the ass-Ouch!

Nice pics to those who have credit of taking them. I have one very important question. Does the EYES of the Tatsu sign light up?..lol

I would have to agree with an earlier post in that the new WP will surely be an good 'cash-cow' for the park. It would be a good balance between the too during those summer months. If I recall, Hershey did try to put in a rollercoaster (for this season), but had issues with the mfg (it was a layout similar to screamin' squirrel, but riders sit on the side of track). I forgot the name of mfg/ride, but it appeared that neither side could resolve their differences. I'm hearing of a hyper planned for '09 and the WP was originally planned for 07 for its anniversary (can a local person confirm this-I believe it was in HP master plan).

Good Pics! Although I am disappointed that you did NOT get a "signature" shot of that female lifeguard you mentioned..lol I miss WC. I remember when I worked for BG and we used to go to WC (before Busch bought it out from previous owners) and BG used to have softball games against WC employees..of course we beat them (lol), but certainly was a distraction of having WC women wear bathing suits to the games...I think they tried to cheat and 'distract' us. A-B apparently has done a nice job with the landscaping (as if any suprise). The last time I was there, a couple of rides have been added. I loved Rampage because many of my friends and I used to race down the slide to see who buys lunch/drinks. Looks like another trip to VA. Here in Hawaii we have a fairly good size w/p located on Oahu. Good fun for those hot Hawaiian summers. One question. Wasn't that land part of Fords Colony (or the development co.)? I heard A-B had bought out the remaining 30+ acres around the WC site now (just curious).

I have already posted my top 3 (but would love A/C @BGE also). I have followed the rest of this thread and I find it quite interesting how it appears to be an almost 50/50 split between those who prefer wood or steel. I love ANY coaster pretty much, but would have to make sure I had enough money to keep up the maintenance on a woodie..lol I am curious on some thoughts here....what makes you think the "LANDSCAPING" comes with the ride(s)??.lol Don't you have to create your OWN?..lol

I've changed my mind. It's now a Hyper-aquatrax coaster with LOOPS!..lol

My top 3: 1. Kumba 2. Expedition Ge Force 3. Talon

I would like to agree with an earlier post in that someone stated perhaps (one) reason construction is starting is because the project may be quite larger than we all assume and partly because of the harsh winters Sandusky has, so they want to be sure all of the footers in which water is involved are already placed. I would also venture to guess that even with the winter-time activity, they want to get an early start because you cant always predict the winter season and I would be sure CP wants to have this ride done, tested, re-tested and hopefully have all of the bugs worked out before opening day. When was MF construction? (wasn't the primary footers and the like started before their end of season?). The size of that project appeared like they had to scramble near the end to get the ride open on its target date. Perhaps if this is true, they dont want to make that mistake again.

Ok...scratch my last coaster idea..lol

Assuming Six Flags will retain this park in it's portfolio, I would like to see a ride similar to Storm Runner @ Hershey, but I am curious that I thought the area had a height restriction. If so, what is the height limit?

MMm. who cares now..its a COASTER!..lol That would be cool to incorporate a "Storm-Runner' ride with an Aqua-trax ride with a splash down at the end (similar to Sheikra).

I have noticed in the pictures comparing both changes and it has been reprofiled as others have noted. Look at the lift area. Just after the initial drop there has been some changes (look at the structure). Also, along the first drop the track gauge looks slightly different as do the slip joint sections. The bolted slip-joints have a 'newer' look. There were some people saying the reason for the change (as typical on some Arrow products) was the axles had alot of wear. If any mis-alignments were contributed to the g's on those axle, you surely would be replacing the road and uplift wheels more often. Case in point, BBW @ BGE had a similar problem in 85 & 86 before the last drop section was reprofiled. I had worked maintenance on that ride and we were changing ALOT of parts (eventually replacing 2 axles on 1!! train). Good job to those that supplied the photos!

No wait. http://www.thrillnetwork.com/boards/showpost.php?p=658880&postcount=31 This is going to become the new ride! The way the photo is, it will incorporate an "Indiana Jones" type of theme where the train will jump the section of track and contain special effects..lol (Sad to see this masterpiece go. I never had a chance to ride it, but seen POV's of it).

As a former BG employee, I would say all of these were modified at some point in its lifetime: All of these modifications done to the rides below were part of a directive program in response to either guest-related injuries/complaints or modified maintenance issues (most cases) in which we had more wear on certain components (track/train-chassis) than normal. 1. Nessie (trim-brake after the 1st turnaround): we installed in during the cold winter to reduce wear on that section of track and towards the entry of #1 loop. Booo 2. BBW-trims added after #2 lift in '86. Issues with welding track (literally) twice a week and the repairing of wheels more frequently. Another issue regarding the ending of the ride, but that's another story..lol 3. Alpengeist-trim brake (lift) and the MCBR. The ride WIDE OPEN AT NITE is absolutely a different beast. 4. Drachen Fire- there is not enough room to write all the issues on this one. My worst moment was actually when we removed the 1st corkscrew and modified the track. We had it valley one time in before peak winter time. Sadly, many of the modifications parks now perform is in response towards the lawsuits, increased insurance costs, and issues regarding maintenance wear. The latter of which generally can increase the budget (just off of one coaster) by about $75,000-100k a season, not including parts. That is just overtime labor to repair the ride to get open for guests.

Personally, I am not positive if the ride had been reprofiled or not, but one way you could tell is look at the track. Any color variations or 'new' paint just on one particular section(s)? If the joints were welded together (orignal sections), look to see if the 'new' sections are now bolted together.

Why CP....why RED track. Can't it be a more creative color-scheme, say MANTIS? lol

Good viewpoints. Gas prices certainly will play a factor in travel plans this year. In Hawaii, we already have crested the $4.00 mark (premium). I think one of the most-stupid ideas was initiating parking fees in the first place. Orignally, some parks were just charging campers/RV's/Tour buses, but now $10-20 just to PARK? Can you imagine, during peak summer months (based on 15,000 visitors a day-avg: parking revenue would exceed $150k per day..lol) Just some basic revenue ($3-5 parking) fees would certainly pay for the infrastructure upgrades to parking lots and maintenance costs. I would have to take a look back at BGE (when I worked there, parking was around $5), but with the major highway expansion and visitors entering the west site (Italy parking lot end) I'm sure A-B is scrambling to pay off the investment they made in the hwy expansion. I wonder if some parks (in the near future) would take a look on how CF will do this season since they LOWERED their entry fees. Parks are certainly going to increase there awareness in providing quality entertainment for the $ value. Some parks now charge the enourmous fees, guests still complain, but go anyway....lol