TR: BGT-SheiKra 5/21/05

[Homer]

Today, I went up to Busch Gardens to get my first ride on SheiKra. On the road at 7 AM, I arrived at the park at 7:40 and a few people (spotted some FLCCers and ACErs (with the help of enthusiasts wearing "THE BEAST: 25TH ANNIVERSARY" shirts)) were waiting. After waiting 1 1/2 hours of waiting for the gate to open, I dashed afterwards, but not fast enough to get the first ride.

 

When I arrived in Stanleyville, SheiKra was testing and as I entered the line, SheiKra tested on for another 15 minutes. When the first trainload of GP were loaded, a cheer erupted in the station. 10 minutes later, it was my turn to board it.

 

Yes, this B&M is weird in ways, loading was efficient, loading two trains at once and dispatching one at a time. I ended up getting the middle seat on the second row. I was off into the STEEP 45 degree lift, which put you face up. Suddenly, you slowly turn and your facing down for the longest four seconds ever... WOOSH, you gain a LOT of speed down the first drop and you hit 70 mph before you know it. After that, you go up the Immelman, some tasty Hangtime there, then the Carousel Curve. The curve had a LITTLE force, but not alot. Following the Immelman is the brakes to the second "near vertical" drop (at 81 degrees). The second drop gave some decent airtime before going into the third turnaround into the splash area. The splash? Not one single drop lands on ANYBODY on the train. After that, you go through a helix and you are still going fast. After that, the brakes come, and everybody says "Man, that ride kicked serious a**!"

 

But SheiKra didn't fufill everything, it still felt short, but it was amazing and had little force, I give it an 8/10. Though everything wasnt completed, the Station wasn't completed, some construction walls are up, landscape crews were still planting, and the On-ride photo section still hasn't been done. All and all, it turned out to be a good short trip to BGT, despite the crowds.

 

By the time I left, SheiKra had a wait of 4 1/2 hours! Whatever it is, SheiKra will definitely help Busch's low attendance.

 

And now, the obligatory pictures!

After the first drop.

 

Train diving down second "vertical" drop.

 

Train traversing Immelman

 

Twisted mass of vertical track.

 

Another Immelman Shot.

 

Both drops, with one train about to head down the second drop.

 

Remember where Robb and Elissa were standing?

 

When will the Immel-mania end!?

 

This train had to take a leak.

 

Monty Birdman (Harvey Birdman's half brother), says "Why are you still riding me when you can ride SheiKra!?"

[zaneymon]

The train had to take a leek LOL

 

Zane " grate Tr and hpotos BTW" Williams

[coaster1]

Hmm looks fun .. although I hope they get the rest of the area completed soon.

 

I like how the trains water splash element has the fins with pipes on them .. I don't want to get wet, but think the water splash is a cool idea that is being lost on most rides today.

[TheStig]

^Whats funny is that some of the cars have fins inside the tubes to direct the water both higher in the air and to soak people as they walk past. I liked the ride alot and I think it really needs to grow on you to be better.

 

Colin C

[Gringum134]

What a disappointment this ride was. First of all it was still half built, which is so painfully typical for AB parks, but at least worth a good laugh. And the ride looks amazing, but looks are definitely deceiving. I think Scorpion is even a more exciting ride than this thing. The best part is at the top of the lift as you make the slow turn and take in the overview of the park. Maybe they should have scrapped this thing and built an observation tower instead! Out of 10 I give a 6. For reference Montu and Kumba are both 9's, Scorpion a 7, and the Python *twitch* is a 2. A for effort D for dumb.

 

Screamscape is sooooo kissing butt with their 'second coming' review.