imawesome1124 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Wow, why did I not check this out in so long? It's even better than I remembered and I absolutely cannot wait until you get to present day with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Wow, why did I not check this out in so long? It's even better than I remembered and I absolutely cannot wait until you get to present day with this. Â Well glad to see you back! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Â 1971 - Asian Sensation? Â It's been a fantastic time for the park and they are certainly taking advantage of all the resources they can. Â Â This cursed area behind the Falls has been revived once again, this time in a characteristic Japanese style. Â Â The centerpiece, a beautiful Japanese style cafeteria, was financed heavily by the Society For Japanese Americans who also donated these ornate dragons. Â Â Oddly enough, much of the landscaping has not been done in a Japanese style. Apparently this was done to keep this area in tune with the rest of the park, being careful not to deviate too much from the already well developed landscaping in the park. Â Â It's staggering how much this park has changed in the past decade or two. Â Â But it's fate is never guaranteed... The park has always got one eye on rival park Kennywood.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imawesome1124 Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Wow, why did I not check this out in so long? It's even better than I remembered and I absolutely cannot wait until you get to present day with this. Â Well glad to see you back! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glad to see you back too. I was beginning to think you abandoned this park. Good to see I'm wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 Glad to see you back too. I was beginning to think you abandoned this park. Good to see I'm wrong.  Haha don't worry, this park will be around until it may literally die of old age. My gosh, it's been around on forums for well over 2 years.. plus about 6 months of initial construction. Jeez it's so old!  -----------------------------------------------------------------------  1971 - A Whole Slew of New  There's been tremendous change this year at the park. It's been mainly infrastructure things, but nonetheless, makes for a much better park experience.   Ahh, always glad to be back!   The huge ferris wheel has been entertaining folks for years now. As the first thing you see driving up to the park, it's really becoming a recognizable part of the park.   Always keeping the gardens pristine..   A little slide has been added next to the water. It's a cool little thing for the kids to enjoy.   The whole of Kiddieland has more or less been destroyed. The rides have all been moved. The tea cups have a nice temporary home behind Cyclone.   The sea storm has been moved next to the games building near the Falls.   Speaking of the Falls, they've planted a few saplings around the splashdown which will eventually grow to shade the area in the coming decades.   This is certainly one of the more odd additions to the park, but I think it to be quite valuable. After the last cafeteria was converted into the Bumper Cars, there's been a need for this for sure.   The always changing coaster now called simply 'Dragon Coaster' has received yet another facelift. New tracking, new station, and new trains are going to ensure this ride never falls off the pages of history.   I'm very glad that this ride has stuck a little closer to Japanese heritage.   This lovely little lagoon has brought so much good to the folks of Pittsburgh.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted May 2, 2013 Author Share Posted May 2, 2013 1971 - East Side Lagoon Amusement Park  The park has been relatively quiet lately. Summer goes on and on. The nights are cool and the days are blistering. Pittsburgh seems not to notice the noise from up on the hill. It goes about it's business and East Side goes about its own. The gentle laughter of the park gives a certain warmth to the place. The picnic groves which once dotted the park have all but been replaced in favor of inviting planters and shaded groves.   Life goes on as usual for the refreshments business at the park. This welcoming view of the Falls is assurance that the old traditions have not gone at an easy price.   Though we can all appreciate that many of these traditions still survive. The old can still coincide with the new. This antique Carousel carries on the spirit of the old East Side Pleasure Park.   Once overcrowded and in disarray, the parks midway has become a welcoming symbol to all who enter the front gates.   To break the train of thought.. rumors have been floating about saying that they may extend the layout of Cyclone by a few hundred feet. Its layout has been extended once before, after its first year of operation, but no drastic changes were made. Should this classic be tampered with? Or left alone?   They also claim that the land behind Cyclone is to be home to another steel coaster at some point, similar to Hornet. Perhaps built interacting with the extended Cyclone layout? Only time will tell... It has laid as an empty plot of dirt for a while now.   The park is no stranger to changing layouts. 'Dragon Coaster' has changed layouts twice before, and Racer was drastically overhauled once as well. Oh if only they'd get it right the first time!   Look at those new trains! Hopping over this new airtime hill. Seriously, Dragon Coaster is one of the most intense 'kiddie' coasters out there!   Backside angle.   From 60's style open pathways to this back to basics look, the park loves changing the way things are.   This part of the park is almost unrecognizable compared to just a year ago. Too many plants!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share Posted May 16, 2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------  1971 - Close of the Season  The approach of the end of the season brings about bittersweet memories. This season was one of my favorites.   My little girl rode the Cyclone for the first time this year. Though super terrified the first time, she loves it now.   At the start of the day the ticket booth gives all sorts of excitement and anticipation, but at the close of the day, it's always disappointing to know you're leaving!   I miss the Racer more every day! It sinks in more and more each time I see how bare this all looks.   The last few rides of the day.. The ride ops begin closing down the lines around 9:45. All the guests that are left rush to the nearest open ride on their route out of the park.   Looking back at these shots of closing makes me sad.. I won't see any of this again till next summer!   I stayed until Cyclone's last train ran the course. I can hear the cheering from the ground! Those passengers are certainly enjoying their last ride of the night. Lucky for them, the ride op was nice enough to send them around for a second trip!  -------------------------------------------------------------  Typing this actually made me genuinely sad and reflective!! I'm remembering all the times I've left Kennywood and how powerful that can be. Haha, I've become attached to my park, is that bad?? I seriously inject way too much from my experiences at Kennywood into this park haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rai Fox Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 You've been very successful at giving your park the same "feel" Kennywood has, that makes it so special. Â You're also making me very impatient to get back to Kennywood myself in a month and a half... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 1972 - A New Foundation   There's been some mysterious construction going on near the Dragon Coaster. It's a flat ride foundation for sure, but it could be literally anything at this point!   I did a little painting for what I think it could be.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 I like everything I see... even your title which is currently a title related to me... yay! But awesome idea for what's to come, very realistic and very fitting and just awesome looking in general! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahhculdee Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I absolutely love everything about this park the feel, the story, the rides, the detail,and amazing pictures. This should be an inspiration for anyone building a story/detailed park in RCT3. Thanks for the park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted July 3, 2013 Author Share Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) Phew.. it's been a while. I got a bit fed up with the park and have spent quite a while getting things back up to snuff for you all. I appreciate the comments guys! You are what keeps this park alive.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------  1973 - All the Pretty Planters  We don't quite pick up where we left off. Last year was quite filled with turmoil.. What with Watergate.. and Vietnam ending. Oh, and Secretariat winning the Triple Crown. And there's also that fabulous film The Godfather you may have heard of. It's all just been a huge mess and unfortunately I never got a chance to visit last year.   I decided to take a shot of the entrance looking the other way. It's not quite as interesting! Especially since Racer left.   The old ferris wheel is still just chilling there enjoying the view.. Anybody remember when the Caverns were there?? Hopefully a dark ride comes along again soon.   Hornet got a nice new sign and some maintenance. It's serving the park very well!   Back of the park, pretty as ever!   The old Snack Bar has been totally remodeled from the ground up. Though in traditional East Side fashion, of course keeping the spirit of the original structure.   What a change!   It's possible they may also take the axe to the carousel building and put something a little more modern in its place.   Another fancy addition, here's this little pavilion style burgers and fries.   And right next door they've stepped up the Paradise Falls building to fit a little nicer with the rides theme.   The park boasts a healthy collection of old trees. These babies have been growing since the early 60's and have been cared for and nurtured ever since.[/i][/b] Edited September 7, 2013 by grrt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted August 9, 2013 Author Share Posted August 9, 2013 (edited) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Â Well, I've finally got an update for you guys. As the economy prepares for decline, and will continue to be fairly crappy for the rest of the decade, it should be worth noting that during this period, more coasters were added to parks from 1974-1980 than at any point since the 1920's. Amusement parks were back on the rise. People finally realized there was some history behind all of it. Kings Island and its beautiful Racer could be considered the largest reason that amusement parks became relevant again. It was also during this time that major chain parks such as Six Flags and Marriot began springing up. So though you may think that since the country was moving into a recession, that parks would be on the fall, they did enjoy some success in this time period. Â ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Â Last Minute - 1973 Â The park has been awfully quiet this year. Summer hasn't quite hit, but there's some big changes going on still under the radar. Â Â The landscape of the park is being transformed, new additions are springing up everywhere. Â Â It seems like there had to be a steep price tag to do all this in a year. Â Â It makes you wonder where the money's coming from.. Â Â New Asian style trains on Dragon Coaster. They are open air and sport only a seatbelt and grab bar. Â Â We got a chairswing too, in case you hadn't noticed! It takes a nice place filling in some of the overwhelming vegetation. Â Â Another neat little lift hill shot. Â Â One more, this time from Cyclone. Â Â They finally did away with the canopy over that lift hill. I haven't decided which way I like best yet.. Â Â Yikes! This kinda worries me.. Edited September 7, 2013 by grrt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted September 6, 2013 Author Share Posted September 6, 2013 1973 - Darkest Before the Dawn  I've always got my eye on labor day. The park closes soon and its always good to get some nights in.   These obviously aren't my shots. They're public domain shots taken by the park at some point recently.   You really get an idea of the sprawl of the park with these overheads. The lights just keep going.   Soft lighting in the garden areas is magical at night.   Full overview. Hopefully this park can grow in size soon..   Now this is where I'm at! You can really do some good people watching at this time.. All the groups have really gotten to know (or in the case of the preteens still stuck with their parents, hate) their groups! The days romances have come to fruition and many new friendships have been forged.   Looking at the adults you see quite an array of tired moms and dads trying to force their kids to leave. And then there's the ever happy couples just looking to sit on a bench somewhere while they let their kids get their last rides in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djboss302 Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Looks really good! Keep up the good work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Thanks TPR for updating the image uploading system!! You have made my life so much easier. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Â 1973 - Darkest Before the Dawn Pt II. Â So let's rewind last night.. before everyone packed up and left, the park was completely packed till about 10. I asked one of the guys at the ticket booth on the way out and he said it was record attendance. Let's take a look! Â Â Cyclone was rolling fast tonight. What an intense ride! They had 3 trains running pretty much up to the end of the day. Â Â Let's not forget the games! A staple of any good park. Oh, how amusing it is to watch the teens spend all their cash to try and impress that one special girl.. Â Â Even the usually quiet areas are hopping tonight! People still trying to grab a bite to eat might be sitting in line longer than they probably want to. Â Â This corner of the park always gets hit with the crowds. The bumper cars are a crowd favorite and have actually started to gather a national following with their 'driftable' bumper cars, similar to the ones found on Knoebels' Scooters. And of course the middle eastern building! Â Â Hornet is really buzzing (pun intended!) tonight! Â Â The only area that's been quiet has been near the ferris wheel. It's cut off from the parks layout as it stands now, so nobody seems to venture up here often.. Â Â Let's not forget about our magical carousel! I believe they plan on enclosing the building for next season? Should be quite strange. Â Â This is what East Side is all about. Family, fun, and a little romance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickMose Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I just stumbled upon this, and spent the last 2 hours reading through the whole thing. Truly one of the best parks and the best story line I've ever seen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted September 17, 2013 Author Share Posted September 17, 2013 ^Thanks! It means a ton to hear something like that!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1974 - The Dead of Winter  Winter can hit like a brick here in Pittsburgh. It's always very calming to me seeing the park sleeping.. The lagoon swing is off in a warehouse somewhere being spared of the harsh conditions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cmbgo12 Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Wow. This is great! I just spent literally an hour and a half now reading through this entire thing... I love the story-line, though I must admit that I'll miss the side-friction coaster and Racer, but probably not for too long with this great story-line and with the late 70's/80's approching ... I will say that a more "modern" coaster should start coming into view (Maybe an old Arrow?), but in any case keep up the great work and hope to see some more time pass for the park to develop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derwildcatze Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 this park is the best!! i can't get over the realism of everything. with the limited amount of old style rides out there for rct3, you my friend have done an incredible job! i only hope one day there will be a flying scooters, or a trabant, or maybe even a whip. they would fit so perfectly in here. even if they never come though, this park was, is, and always will be one of my favorites!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 this park is the best!! i can't get over the realism of everything. with the limited amount of old style rides out there for rct3, you my friend have done an incredible job! i only hope one day there will be a flying scooters, or a trabant, or maybe even a whip. they would fit so perfectly in here. even if they never come though, this park was, is, and always will be one of my favorites!!!  Thank you! Hopefully someday.. this update adds in many 70's style rides that were missing, and the second a whip or trabant comes out, I'll put it in! And the same goes for a Calypso ride!  Wow. This is great! I just spent literally an hour and a half now reading through this entire thing... I love the story-line, though I must admit that I'll miss the side-friction coaster and Racer, but probably not for too long with this great story-line and with the late 70's/80's approching ... I will say that a more "modern" coaster should start coming into view (Maybe an old Arrow?), but in any case keep up the great work and hope to see some more time pass for the park to develop  That's great! I used to love doing that. I too miss those coasters.. But unfortunately it was necessary they go. Don't fret though! There will be plenty more coasters coming to East Side. Maybe by the end of the decade! I've been dying to add another steel coaster, but who knows how long that will be.  ---------------------------------------------------------  1975 - Filled to Capacity  It's been a while. 1974 came and went, I was unfortunately too occupied with work to find a free day to head to the park for a day, but I hope that this year I can visit much more often. There's been some major overhauls in the past two years. No new coasters, but lots of 'new' flats. Record attendance today.   The most notable initial change is the entrance, which has finally been updated. The original entrance was standing since the 20's and frankly looked ugly!   They put some office space in the top floor, what a nice view this would be!   There's not much going on back here. The kids come back here for the coaster, I just like the environment!   I liked this angle. Shows off some neat foliage.   Alright, now lets get to the good stuff.. That empty piece of dirt has been developed over the past two years and is now a second chance for numerous rides that at one point existed in the park.   This Rotor once had a place where the Bobs ride now stands. It has been heavily refurbushed and is now thrilling customers.   It's a fun, time tested ride for all!   A windmill was also added for some decoration to this rather open, bare area. But over the years, those little trees will fill in to provide shade to the whole area.   I also anticipate that a true food stand will call this area home in the coming years. Especially if these crowds continue! And one of the two new flats that were added is this Troika ride, which resides in the shadow of the ferris wheel.   The other new ride is this.. thing. It's basically just a fast ferris wheel.. not sure why they added it, but I'll have to ride it to make a fair judgement.   You get a good view of it all from this bridge.   I don't quite qualify these as flats, though they did add a more official kiddie area which is set to expand in the coming years.   I've only scratched the surface. There's plenty more to see this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronWolfman Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Yay for the use of recently released CFR's! I love your park, it is so beautiful! Everything just ties itself together. Can't wait to see the next update. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrt Posted January 3, 2014 Author Share Posted January 3, 2014 1975 - As the Dust Settles  Well construction at the park was going full tilt the past two years, but as June gets started, the park has finally begun to settle down.   People traversing the new area will be sad to see that this dark ride, planned to open this year, has been put on hold indefinitely. Following the death of its master designer, Bill Tracy, in August of 1974, plans for this dark ride have been up in the air. It is unsure what will become of this building in the future.   Thankfully the hustle and bustle of this new expansion leads the unfinished building to be mostly lost in the trees.   Twilight has settled in and the lights begin to turn on, but there's no sign that people are ready to leave. The early June crowds are magnets for school picnics.   But even amidst all the crowds, it's still possible to find a quiet place. This bridge does well to break up the crowds and cross traffic.   The bumper cars are always popular. Gotta love the strange use of the building.   And lets not forget our Asian area! The swings are one of my favorite rides at the park.   Lots of fun stuff in this shot! The Bobs are a prime place to get nice and cozy with a passenger! And by cozy I mean be abruptly slammed full force into a painful metal sidebar while the person next to you laughs their butt off.   No caption needed here. Just enjoy!   Still a pretty kick butt ride. Coasters are starting to blossom again thanks in large part to John Allen's beautiful Racer at Kings Island. Who knows how long it will be till ESLAP sees another one of these beasts.   Hornet has treated the park well.. perhaps they'll add another steel coaster instead.   As the park begins to shut down for the night, I'm left to ponder what this skyline will look like in 5 years time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beastadat Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 Nice park you got going in there and the story line is brilliant. Keep on going! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derwildcatze Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 I saw that they have a Chance Toboggan cfr out That would look amazing in here!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUWent Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Great park, but let's see an update! I look forward to seeing what happens in the '80s and '90s! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now