Jon Sabo

Good Job (sound like a teacher now..lol). An earlier post from this topic was pretty much what I was looking for (perhaps I wasn't clear in my discussion question). This was in reference to the 1800's and so on. Also, the Russian ice sleds were early indicactions of what led towards the rollercoaster era. I would sort-of disagree in that if none of the early pioneers (Traver, Church, Morgan, etc) did NOT invent early coaster items and so on, what makes "us" believe that they would even be in existence today?....provide some proof to your response(s).....research will surely give you some surprises you did NOT know (I sure found some). Perhaps to expound on the #3-related topic is that what I am looking for (more specifically) is what do YOU-PERSONALLY think is the next generation thrill ride (coaster). With new technology coming online, advancements in materials and so forth, delve deeper into your imagination (say that a coaster mfg. hired YOU). For example: to me, the newest generation will be using LSM, Magnetic-systems (launch and braking) and new advancements in this fields that will (eventually) REPLACE current gearboxes and chainlift systems. They will become more reliable (and as history has taught us so far), engage in faster speeds (over 150+ within the next 3-4yrs). I am currently working on several design ideas (currently applying for patents) on a new rail-system similar in fashion to the old "Avalanche-type" rides (PKD). Now this may sound boring, BUT incorporating the LSM, magnetics and using compressed air. Think of this for research....remember that boring-ass movie..."RUNNING MAN" ? (with Ca-gov Mr. Arnold "Califor-niya") watch the scene when those prisoners get launched into that tunnel with the sled.....hmmm use your imagination from there! A psychotic exploration using a combination of (Mummy, Avalanche, Bullet-trains, and extreme-.....................!!!

i know this may not seem possible at this time, but could someone go over that fence, untie the string/rope and Blow REAL hard (or just look under the tarp, take a camera phone-pic and run like hell out of there). I think I see B&M track, but not actual track-track..lol It actually looks like the release bar(s) for the restraint-harness system. Hmmm, this is really going out on a limb, but does someone have an actual photo of a Floorless coaster (in the station) with the floor components in the release mode?...I'm thinking now its a floorless...(God help me now..lol).

Sorry for the double post, but I clicked on that link for the pics and they do not show up (it says this page is no longer available)...did the page go on vacation?..lol If there is another link that shows the track-photo, please post it. I still have a firm belief its (B&M-Hyper Flyer), or an Intamin-based ride. You know, I recall an earlier reading (either from this forum or another) regarding the CP posts of the footers. If we all look closely, look at how the rebar-bracing are coming out of the footers. Upon closer view I have noticed the same thing another person has. B&M flyer(s)-including SFMM, has a set # pattern around each bolt pattern. The pic(s) are NOT even consistent with a B&M support footer. This sounds strange, but I may even be leaning away from a B&M project and perhaps see it as an Intamin now. Its making my head spin for sure..lol Does anyone else feel/view the same scenario (regarding those footer-pics)???

Why (or where) are some of the posts here projecting that CP is getting a Dive Machine?... For the record: research from a patent/contract office (cant find website at the moment). As of the signing with B&M contract with BEC (Busch Ent. Corp.), it states that no other park within the US and surrounding territories (including Mexico and Canada) shall not engage in acquiring a "DIVE MACHINE PRODUCT-FROM MFG-BOLLIGER & MABILLARD" The contract also states that the time period is for "FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH AN ADDITIONAL 2 YR EXTENSION DEEMED NECESSARY IF (BEC) SO CHOOSES TO PURSURE ADDITIONAL PRODUCT (DIVE MACHINE) FOR ANY OF ITS OTHER PARK PORTFOLIO'S" So, as to clarify that report, CP WONT be receiving a DM for the near future (and actually I heard that BEC actually granted that extension and quite possibly be looking at the Sea World Park (Ca?) for the 3rd DM installation in 2009 (or 2010).

As there are many links showing video(s) of the Voyage, here is another link from the HW-website (if no one has posted...lol). http://holidayworld.com/web_cam.html (Click on the TV-station link and watch the video-the picture is a bit dark in some places). Other than that, this ride absolutely hauls-ass throughout the ride. I can only imagine the speed "when it breaks-in!" But, I am hoping HW doesnt re-track/modify the ride until we all get at least one chance to ride in its current condition..lol Looks like HW has another winner on its hands-Great job HW!

I am not surprised by any means this has happened. Our society (in general) has become so litigious Disney cannot afford to at least offer a "tamer" version of the ride. Just like an example from another post regarding the media, we now are becoming accustom to parks making modifications to satisfy inspectors, insurance agents and the public. While it is sad to see it come to this, I actually believe this is NOT the end!. In fact, I will even predict that Disney will (if not already) instill a new program that offers several tame® versions of MS. Along with this, watch for new-revised signs outfront that *cough*no-one-reads-anyway*cough

I'm going to add my 2 cents worth here and agree that it may be a B&M Flyer. Having said that, I am also going out on a limb here and predict that CP will build the worlds first: Hyper-Flyer. I'm still not convinced on an Intamin ride (even that new design similar to a launch (X-style chassis) system. Invert? Already have. Floorless? That design has been rather quiet of late (unless they added another inversion-element design to the mix). This can only lead towards a flyer. I'm not really even banking on a woodie at this point based on some past issues (especially re-profiling). A hyper-flyer could very easily put other park vendors out of reach for awhile (even 6 flags!). In addition, the flyer may incorporate a new design element that we may not even see coming. I remember when Raptor was announced, it certainly was no Batman and it was the largest invert at the time.

Most of us here know the history of rollercoasters and how (and where) it actually started. Those who don't, should invest time to research our favorite pastime. From the time before most of us were even born, technology, advanced materials, and design pioneers led the way to what has become our technoligical Renaissance. The following links below will shed some interesting ideas in how history is shaping today's amusement park landscape (and perhaps a glimpse into the future). If you look carefully, you will also see B&M on the following link (middle of page) and know when they actually applied for patents on the inverted-coaster & floorless coaster patents! With this in mind, the topic of discussion would be as follows: 1. Where would we (coaster enthusiasts) be WITHOUT some of these early pioneers (ie-Church, Morgan, Traver, etc). Do you think another inventor would come up with some of these early inventions? 2. In your opinion, what was the MOST PROFOUND INVENTION on the rollercoaster? (It can be from safety, innovation, and to design). 3. Back in 1978 (when LNM @ BGE) displayed a new breed of rollercoaster with the tallest-looping coaster of its time. Reflect back to the past and look at the present (records in height/speed/cost) coasters. What do YOU envision the next generation coaster will be? Have Fun! **Links: 1. http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/v/a/vac3/table.html 2. http://capital2.capital.edu/admin-staff/dalthoff/tech.html 3. http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/v/a/vac3/rcpathome.html

OMG! You found my golf-clubs. I was looking for those

Upon closer inspection......ummm.....ahhhh....OH MY! That photo (Montu-statue) looks vaguely familiar to my mother-in-law....wow Ooops..did I say that? Why yes....yes I did

This was a good subject indeed!. Two comments on your post I wish to add is as follows: Haunted Mansion-what an innovation (far ahead of its time). I recall when I was young that I was scared out of my pants in just the pre-show...LOL To this day I believe Disney has the wraps on a couple of their "tricks" in that ride, even when most people "know" how they did it, Disney says "NO" to their respons(es)..lol Spiderman-Universal's Creative team certainly set the bar high and if I recall some of their executive mgmt comments: "It far exceeded our OWN expectations!" The graphics, creativity, design of ride system may have been the pre-cursor to the Mummy ride. I have worked for BEC (Busch Gardens Corp) for many years and have not ridden DK yet. But, I would agree that I believe it will take another innovation or an entirely NEW ride concept to surpass Spidey. On that note, I recall at one point that Univ. Management/Executives were questioning themselves if (Spiderman) would ever come to fruition based on the complications of designing the track/ride system (good that they worked out the problems). Can't wait to see whats on the horizon (for dark rides/technology) within the next 4-6 yrs.

I have a question, but not sure if it relates to the upgrade or not. The other day (and today as well) I was responding to a post in the forum. On BOTH occasions it linked me to a menu in asking me to "post a message in the Subject box" (something along those lines). THe other day I wasn't paying much attention to it and for some reason I posted a heading as it stated and ended up opening a new forum..lol I use IE (with google toolbar along with all current MS updates and security patches). Does this affect what is happening or is there an issue with IE (google-toolbar) associated with this?..

Cool site. If you do a little more research you can also find the pics and patents for the SUSPENDED WOODEN COASTER.....wheeeeee!..lol

I have also heard through various media (cough) sources that it was closed for security (terrorist) threats and the potential "target" risk it has. I have also heard (floating rumors) that there was a structural issue (internally) and was going to keep peeps out for awhile to determine a fix...ala-Statue of Liberty incident.

I was confused with Vekoma as well. Reason being that I have heard it pronounced with both versions..lol You could view it this way: Vekoma fan?-VeCOMA or hate the mfg?-VaCOMA (too bad Arrow didn't have this name since some of the roughness on their rides made you feel like you wanted to be in a 'Coma')..lol

Well, just received some pics regarding the new BG ride for 07. Construction markers now appearing within the LeMans/France landscape and soil samples/digging should begin within the month. My theory (based on the height and layout of the ride) is that the track/lift will be heading towards Ireland and have a drop around the Nessie (station-exit) and have its first inversion around that area (most likely over the water before Aplengeist cobra roll). Then, head back towards France section. It wouldn't be wise to post the website on this link, but could direct them to the link via email/private message! The fun is just about to begin-whoo hoo!

I know I am being biased here, but I would say HAWAII!. All we have is a water park on another island (OAHU) and the state would surely increase its tax revenue, year-round operation (yeah weather) and increased tourism (even though hotels are at capacity in general). **I thought there is already an action plan in developing another themepark in Nashville again. I thought Opryland (or Gaylord, Ent) was close to an announcement.

I would say this would be hard to judge based on that each person has their own personal preferences what makes a park great. I think most would agree on the basics such as the following: 1. Park beauty (landscape/clean) 2. Good staff (friendly/helful, etc) 3. Good selections of rides (not just coasters, but family rides/dark rides/water rides and so on). 4. Quality for $$ (just imagine how much parking will become in say-5yrs?..lol). We want a "bang-for-the-buck!" 5. Same as above, but with the addition of quality FOOD (and shows).

EVERY US PARK is required to have a new coaster in 07! Per the request of MARTY MOOSE! "The moose is on the loose in 07"

The scenes posted of that amusement park look almost a familiar scene compared to the park located in Egypt! http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24518

"Marty Moose" was the guilty party. He was the one taking the reservations! Shoot the Moose

I believe there are several factors that lead to this topic. 1. With all of the advancements in technology, CAD-design, materials advancements (even magnetic brakes and so on), why on earth can these design(s) degrade? There could be the "conspiracy theory" that manufacturer(s) need to generate more profits in selling parts for the rides (which would make logical sense). Therefore, rides could be designed to have a certain time limit on certain parts (track/trains, etc) and if not on top of it, the ride will degrade rather quickly (case-S.O.B.-perhaps just poor engineering). 2. I would really suggest on how the park manages their ride (maintenance) programs and budget issues. I have worked for a major themepark operator (in maintenance) and its no cake-walk. Budget costs are soaring just to maintain a (steel) coaster and even more to just perform 'routine' woodies. If a park is truly dedicated towards maintaining a wooden coaster, they have to keep up with the issues regarding maintenance. Here lies some of the additional costs to even attend a park nowadays. If I recall off a last research report I did, about $1-3 of total (admissions) park revenue goes just towards maintenance-budgets. 3. There are some parks out their that have aggressive-type maintenance programs, but then again, their are those that dont. It all depends on the all mighty $$ (and how management classifies importance on maintainance). Not in terms of safety, but longevity.

I would have to say 2 items (equally) stand out the most for me. 1. Kumba-the ride never lets up and makes you wanting more. I even enjoy it more towards the nite time. 2. Alpengeist-when first opened. The ride also can be intense (except during muggy VA summer months and those damn bugs splat your face at nite-riding in the front..lol). I actually ridden it in the rain and its hauling the mail. The wierdest moment was riding it late in the winter (test) month with actual SNOW on the ground..lol...that was amazing site/view.

I would like to know 3 items of interest: 1. With advancements in technology and new (lighter/stronger alloys), will any of these new advancements be incorporated into future rides? 2. With parks and marketing challenging each other with record heights/speeds, are there any new design challenges in keeping with client/customer requests? 3. What is the future of rollercoaster design(s)?

Glad the site is back up and running. I think its the "CURSE OF TATSU" syndrome..lol...that was the 'actual' cause.