CoasterFanatic Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 This past Friday, I took a half day at work so i could head to what has become an annual tradition. Knoebels' Phall Phun Phest has become as much about camping and friends over the years as it is about coasters and this year was no different. Now here's the photos: Saturday morning, Steve and I got up bright and early for an exclusive walk through the Flying Turns project. I have been checking RCDB, but I am still not listed as a builder! A view of the ride's top level from the top of the lifthill. Our tour is over as we walk back down to the ground. To view all the tour photos visit the Flying Turns Walking Tour feature. At 10am, I met a bunch of fellow "Fanatics" down at the International Cafe for breakfast. It is amazing what $3 will get you there. Knoebel's Looper was pretty buzy throughout the day and nobody in my group really seemed to interested in giving it a ride. I wonder why? In this photo Larry (LarryGator) is demonstrating to Melanie (FunkyBadger) why the Knoebels' Scooters are not to be underestimated. More fun on the Scooters. Alan poses with the latest addition to Knoebel's Flood Sign collection. It is strange how the park collects these signs almost like badges of honor. Unfortunately, Krista's daughter Devyn is not yet tall enough to ride the 2006 Flood ride. This was really a day of first's as Sandi got his first ride on the park's Sky Slide. A truly momentous occasion. Devyn tried her luck on the park's Frog Hopper. Next up was the park's Carousel. For those with tickets, it is time to fork out those 4 precious Twenty-Centers. Carousel Detail Now to the front of the park where a ride on the Frontier Train would become a squirrel encounter. "Through the trees" and back to the station. Rick demonstrates what happens when your hat gets knocked off on the Scooters and then proceeds to get run over by two seperate cars. Alan preparing to push the limits of the Snap Nazi's patience. Alan soars high. Todd soars higher. Todd is ejected mid-ride? WTF? Back to the campsite where it is now time to get ready for the night's festivities. That's right ... I was FatBat! You would never guess that Todd was a big Kevin Smith fan. The first ride of the official event was the Haunted House. This ride typically closes early in the night. Alan grabs a Paratrooper ride with Devyn as the rest of us just B.S. with some other attendees. The Paratrooper in action. For those wanting to get some Pierogies or Tri-Taters, you have to walk all the way to the front of the park. This stand is closed. Hearing that the Snap Nazi got relocated, a bunch of the Camp RRC'rs went over to pay him a visit. The hoarded masses are ready to grab a twister ride. This year was the first that Twister didn't have the pumpkin at it's entrance. The crew did remain enthusiastic as all were in costume. One of the highlights of the parade is these unique Knoebels icons that have been converted to Go-Karts. Scooter-Kart PTC-Kart Sunday morning has arrived and the last of the firewood is on the fire. John came up for a bit to check out how everyone was doing. Time to pack stuff in boxes. Todd tears down his tent. Packing up for the trip home. As usual, Steve grabbed the last spot on the site. Kathy was the only person from her clan to show up this year and it was awesome of her to put up and tear down the decorations. The last of the Birch Beer is waiting to be consumed. The last shot of camp. Time to head back down to the park and grab some rides before heading home. First off was the flyers and with the "good" op it would be a good ride! Krista enjoys the flyers. What would a PPP trip be without a stop into the candy shoppe for "HALF PRICE CANDY!" Last shot of the Flying Turns for all you construction enthusiasts. Awwwww. Old couples are cute. Twister as seen from the Sky Ride. One of the strangest parts of the ride. I am not used to coming back down ski lifts. That is all. Thanks for reading. snapnazi.wmv A short video of the Snap Nazi yelling at me as shot by HSTC. (Sorry. I would have linked the video instead, but i was worried there would be bandwidth issues) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Great report FatBoy. It was nice meeting you for that brief bit and riding the Flyers a couple times with you. Great photos of the Turns. And to think I had the exclusive stuff I'm sorry, but there is just something about camping that I'm just not into. If only I wasn't a bum and could actually get up for breakfast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primogen18 Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 awesome PTR, looks awesome. Sucks I coudn't make it yet again this year... eventually. Great pics though! Fatbat hahaha, thats awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 So Ted - not satisfied with the Balder hammer experience - you had to go nail something else?? Q1- Did you get to keep the hammer? Q2- Did you use the Balder hammer? Q3- Did you have beer and hard liquor beforehand? Q4 -Did you completely bust up the ride and the opening date has been put back 6 months? Great pics- you are very lucky to be able to get to experience a work in progress and thanks for sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 ^ Hey Steve! Unfortunately, I did not get to do the Liseburg add-on so this is the only time I have gotten to "nail" a coaster. It is a lot of hard work building these thrill machines for all you coaster enthusiasts! Before the "construction" I had only a cup of coffee. There was beer back in my cooler at camp, but it just wasn't time yet. Plus, I had to climb a lot higher than those drunken Liseburg builders. Thanks for chiming in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 ^ Hey Steve! Unfortunately, I did not get to do the Liseburg add-on so this is the only time I have gotten to "nail" a coaster. It is a lot of hard work building these thrill machines for all you coaster enthusiasts! . Sorry Ted - it must have been the beer and hard liquor that made me think everyone was there including your good self and the good lady. Anyway I'm pleased you stayed with coffee and did something useful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Nice to finally meet you Ted! You looked awesome as FatBat! By the way, great snappage that night. It was great phlying with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Nice action shot of me hitting Melanie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 ^ I thought you might be able to appreciate that. The hair flying and everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheStig Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Wow PPP looks like so much fun! But what was the snap nazi saying in that video? Nice PTR. Colin C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niiicolaaah Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Mmmm.... birch beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carnage Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Gotta love fat bat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 But what was the snap nazi saying in that video? You're guess is as good as mine. Mostly it was just loud jibberish. Some that I did pick out were: FLY RIGHT! SAIL STRAIGHT! STOP BANGING! // First there was "The Banisher", now there is the "SnapNazi". What will next year have in store for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobelong Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 You forgot these notable quotables: "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?!?!" "DO YOU WANT TO BREAK IT???!!!" "LADY!!!!" "YOU, IN THE RED!!!!" "COME ON, STOP!!!!" "YOU STOP THAT!!!" "DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!?!?!???" "DO IT RIGHT!!!" "DO YOU WANT OFF????" (To which Todd replied, "YES!", and then proceeded to ask if Nazi kicked him off "because I am black?") Oh...and the infamous "full body point", which can't be described, only demonstrated...but think of a hunting dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 ^ "WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!!!" Krista, what are you going to do with your username after this month. Change it to "iamlong" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkdcoaster Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 If snapping was "against the rules" wouldn't they just slow the ride down so you couldn't snap??? Very odd that some years they make a big deal out of it and others they don't JEFF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobelong Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Ted...it will be changed to "ibelong". Pretty good, huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 If snapping was "against the rules" wouldn't they just slow the ride down so you couldn't snap??? Very odd that some years they make a big deal out of it and others they don't JEFF The guy turned the motor down when I was on. I was able to keep snapping, but only moderately. He got pissed and fired it back up again and started screaming some gibberish and "TONE IT DOWN! YOU! (full body point) TONE IT DOWN!". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlong Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 If snapping was "against the rules" wouldn't they just slow the ride down so you couldn't snap??? Very odd that some years they make a big deal out of it and others they don't JEFF The guy turned the motor down when I was on. I was able to keep snapping, but only moderately. He got pissed and fired it back up again and started screaming some gibberish and "TONE IT DOWN! YOU! (full body point) TONE IT DOWN!". That guy was a total f*ing jackass. While I agree with enforcing the rules of the ride the way he did it was deplorable. Shouting at guests is totally out of line and not at all in line with what I would expect any park owner would find acceptable. That all said my understanding is that the flyers took quite a beating last PPP weekend and the park is very concerned. Specifically from the Saturday night session (which I stayed away from, but only because of the lines) I wouldn't be at all surprised or angry if they toned the ride down quite a bit next year in an effort to keep it around a few more years. One other thing that was mentioned is that snapping is scaring the regular folks and kids. Can't have your bread and butter customers doubting the safety of a ride or it's riders. My take on it is that we have had a good time on the ride and been allowed to do some things most parks wouldn't allow. If they slow it down or restrict it so be it, it's been a good run. Todd Long Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkdcoaster Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 I agree that it is very scary when you first see it. I remember my phirst PPP in 1997 (also my first time at Knoebels) I was amazed they let it run like that. I do not ride them usually anymore cause it just freaks me out, cause the ride (IMO) was not designed to deal with the constant snapping. I think they should slow it down. (pkdcoster ducks) JEFF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted October 11, 2006 Author Share Posted October 11, 2006 ^ It most certainly has been a good run, but it would still nice to get a good run in every once in a while. Apart from the people (which is the main reason for my visits), the flyers are the most identifying thing for me at the park. I didn't ride the flyers nearly as much as I have in past visits and my back thanks me for it. I have had no problem sitting down when usually my back aches for at least 5 days afterwards. The "SnapNazi", if nothing else, made me appreciate the good rides more. Hopefully they aren't all behind us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Although I complain about a Nazi-ish op from time to time on the ride, I have to agree on a few statements that were already made. I'm sure the ride is taking a huge beating and has over the years. With the way that it was running at night, and having all the good riders that it did, i was just imagining the structure collapsing or cables literally snapping and a vehicle flying off into a tree or into the line. The place does also have to look out for its customers. If you look over to the side while you are on a good run, you will see the pure terror on the faces of the children. And that is when they aren't even on the ride! I saw three kids and an adult crying on Saturday while riding, and one kid crying while watching the ride. I guess it is just that scary. I was talking to a man and he said that Mr. Knobel is planning on selling this model and replacing it. I'm not sure if the guy didn't know what he was talking out, or if Dick was kidding, or if there is some truth to it. Anyone care to chime in on that? No matter what happens, it definately was a good run. It is the best flat that I have ever been on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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