Six Flags St. Louis (SFStL) Discussion Thread

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

Either way, new trains will not magically make the Boomerang have air time, intensity, or anything that would make it at the bare minimum an adequate addition. It is still a terrible addition.

 

 

Yeah but the new new trains don't bloody your ears like the old trains. The new restrint system makes for a much mor comfortable ride. The guy that came up with the big foam ear pads needs to be beat from head to toe.

True; however, different trains on the Boss would be a much better investment. It would change the ride from one that is intense but rough into a great ride. Heck, new trains on the Ninja would be a better investment for the same reason.

[fraroc]

This whole talk about Boomerang has got the gears workin' in my head.

 

What if theoretically, Vekoma made a Boomerang that was capable of running two trains a la Mr.Freeze or Storm Runner/Kingda Ka? Like if one train moved to the center where the Boomerang's circuit would do it's thing while the other train waits, and then when thats done, the other train moves to the center and does its thing. Do you suppose that would be possible?

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

This whole talk about Boomerang has got the gears workin' in my head.

 

What if theoretically, Vekoma made a Boomerang that was capable of running two trains a la Mr.Freeze or Storm Runner/Kingda Ka? Like if one train moved to the center where the Boomerang's circuit would do it's thing while the other train waits, and then when thats done, the other train moves to the center and does its thing. Do you suppose that would be possible?

At the right cost I am sure it is possible, but why would you want to do this? It's not going to change the ride's experience and Boomerangs do NOT have long lines to justify this investment.

[Mr Freeze]

Why would they invest that much money into a 23+ year roller coaster. We may end up with new trains afterall .. Towards the end of the operating season the plan was that at most this ride was getting a paint job. Maybe we did get lucky with new trains.

 

I guess my question to all of you.. I realize SFSTL is one of the smaller parks but the last I heard we were making money. This ride rotation or the recent history for rides that we have received. We have received several rides over the last several years like Xcaliber, Boomerrang, etc that with their age or problems was nearing the end of their life span. The rumor is that we may have seen the last of Xcalber if they can not repair this ride. Boomerang another older ride that at the age of 22-23 years and a major relocation how long can we expect these rides to continue. Tidal Wave how many years now have we heard that it maybe removed. Bumper cars were removed this year. Highland Fling is getting parts in from Ga and another park to keep this ride going.

 

Sooner or later Six Flags corporate is going to have to sink some money into this park. These rides that they are shipping in + the rides that we have are getting older by the year.

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

Why would they invest that much money into a 23+ year roller coaster. We may end up with new trains afterall .. Towards the end of the operating season the plan was that at most this ride was getting a paint job. Maybe we did get lucky with new trains.

 

I guess my question to all of you.. I realize SFSTL is one of the smaller parks but the last I heard we were making money. This ride rotation or the recent history for rides that we have received. We have received several rides over the last several years like Xcaliber, Boomerrang, etc that with their age or problems was nearing the end of their life span. The rumor is that we may have seen the last of Xcalber if they can not repair this ride. Boomerang another older ride that at the age of 22-23 years and a major relocation how long can we expect these rides to continue. Tidal Wave how many years now have we heard that it maybe removed. Bumper cars were removed this year. Highland Fling is getting parts in from Ga and another park to keep this ride going.

 

Sooner or later Six Flags corporate is going to have to sink some money into this park. These rides that they are shipping in + the rides that we have are getting older by the year.

^My thoughts exactly. Why are we wasting the money on this coaster that frankly, we don't even need let alone want? It doesn't add anything. Previously the only coaster we received used was the Ninja and it was merely three years old at the time (if I am not mistake it had only been in use for one year) meaning it was still practically brand new with plenty of years left in it and still reasonably relevant when it was added and wasn't an outright clone. This whole situation doesn't make a lick of sense.

 

A number of our rides are not in the best shape (coasters and flats alike) and instead of investing on getting these fixed or replaced, we have to waste our resources on a crummy 23 year old Boomerang. This is not a smart move.

[Sportsdude360]

I agree. This particular boomerang began operations at SFOT in the spring of 1989, I first rode it that year. That means it will be 24 years old by the time the first riders board it at SFstL in the spring of 2013. I simply don't understand why SFstL can't recieve a new coaster like X-Flight, for example, instead of an aging boomerang which is very near the end of it's life.

[thestripedtaco]

^ I think it really comes down to what corporate is willing to let the park spend on new attractions. Some parks get big attractions almost every year and then there are other parks that hardly ever get attractions (SFA comes to mind).

[DBru]

I doubt this will really have too much affect on SFStL's future investments, anyway.

 

SFOT was going to remove the coaster, regardless, but it still had some years left on it, and apparently Six Flags thought St. Louis was the most logical place to send it.

[simaticable]

I think it's funny how Six Flags St. Louis is the hand-me-down park now.

[Sammy*]

^ You know the sad thing is thats not just any hand me down, its a 23+ year old terrible coaster. I dont expect much from Six Flags but them sending Flashback to another park in the chain is bad. I expected flashback to someday get sold to some park outside the US, if not demolished.

I guess Six Flags sees boomerangs as being timeless.

[ArizonaGuy]

I think it's funny how Six Flags St. Louis is the hand-me-down park now.

 

Well someone had to replace SFAW didn't they??? Lol

 

As far as all the comments like "why can't Sfstl get a coaster like X-Flight..." and "Sfstl deserves a better coaster....etc" seriously need to let this Boomerang thing go. It's done with. They're getting it no matter how much you bitch about it and no matter how bad of an idea you THINK it is. Obviously right Six Flags things it makes financial sense spending thousands and not millions on this park right now. If Sfstl was my home park I would just be happy it's getting something different. I don't care if there's one 3 hrs away somewhere else I've never been before, it's a new addition to the park no matter what. Many coaster dorks may not appreciate it but the GP will....and honestly that's who they care about.

 

*steps of soap box*

[GayCoasterGuy]

It's easy to make fun of Vekoma boomerangs as coaster geeks... it's a given that we make fun of them and generally don't like them much.

 

But (I'm sure this has been said numerous times) - it will make sense for the park. People *love* these rides. They are great spectator rides as well. It's a good 'business choice' most likely. In one of the parks poster (at the park) advertising the new ride, they have a rendering of what looks like the lift hill of a Vekoma flyer. Hrm... that kinda thing isn't new, but it's so clearly not the correct ride.

 

This (sorry if it has already been posted):

 

This was my first boomerang back at the ACE coaster con in 1990. It was a late night ERT, they were serving up pop and snaks; lots of good friends - a great memory.

 

In it's new home, it will be one of those "well, I can have fun on it if I'm in good company" type of rides... I had a good time riding Ninja this year with a friend. The fun wasn't really the ride, the friend made it fun. It was like "what's the least painful way to ride this?!" and of course, making fun at the wire-hanger design. (The head chopper under the lift on Ninja is great, though!)

 

I find (in my *old age* someone noted) that it's less and less about the specific coaster and more about the company. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a coaster critic!

[GrapesLie]

^ I agree and I myself have actually had some good times on a Boomerang. I was pissed when Worlds of Fun added theirs but I still went with some friend and we rode it. It was raining there was no line and we rode that thing like 20 times! Seriously it was a amazing experience! Sure, nothing amazing about the ride itself but still a lot of fun.

 

Actually I'm honestly unsure when and where the first Boomerang was built. Anyone know? Because I bet when that thing was announced it was a BIG DEAL! I'm pretty sure fan boys drooled over it! However all of that said I want my Intamin MegaLite! And I will scream and moan until I get it!

[1badgmc]

Actually I'm honestly unsure when and where the first Boomerang was built. Anyone know? Because I bet when that thing was announced it was a BIG DEAL! I'm pretty sure fan boys drooled over it! However all of that said I want my Intamin MegaLite! And I will scream and moan until I get it!

 

According to RCDB, 4 opened in 1984 (3 currently operating). There are 2 in North America (La Ronde and Morey's Piers) 1 in Mexico and 1 in Belgium.

 

http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&mo=8191&page=1&order=10

[SFOverTexasFan]

Today I have been walking around the outside of SFOT and noticed that they were painting Flashback (Boomerang) a green color. I've tried to upload pics here but it won't allow them

[SFOverTexasFan]

For those wondering if there was an extra train of Flashback sitting in the boneyard the answer is yes. Today I spent alot of time walking around SFOT and I saw a lot of things. Flashback (Bommerang) was in the parking lot receiving a green paint job. I then ventured in a wooded area by Titan and the boneyard and noticed 2 of Flashbacks trains sitting there. One was the one the park has been using with the Never Stop Screamer advertisement over the train, and another was a black train with the red restraints that looked like an older train. After reading reports on screamscape stating Boomerang may not be receiving new trains that could be true seeing that SFOT has 2 of the Flashback trains in the boneyard.

[Sammy*]

If they Sfstl is getting new trains, it would be cool if SFOT sold the old trains as they sold chuteout parts. But I dout that would happen

[ArundelHigh Coasters]

Six Flags St. Louis doesn't seem like a bad park at all. They got a really good new wooden coaster not too long ago. They also turned Mr. Freeze around this year.I think for their size, the park is really good. They just might have had really low GP comming in the past two years or so to cause them to get this ride. Six Flags knows it's not worth putting in a record-breaking coaster in a park where not that many people show up, it's just a waste...

 

Boomerang could be a nice addition to the park. Carowinds just recently installed Carolina Cobra, but nobody gave them this much hate for it. I don't think there is such thing as a "hand-me-down" park in any chain. Don't hate untill you try it , and cut them some slack, their trying to change things.

[Woodie Warrior]

I think it's funny how Six Flags St. Louis is the hand-me-down park now.

 

2004- No new ride

2005- Brand-new ride

2006- Relocated ride from Astroworld

2007- Brand-new ride

2008- Brand-new ride

2009- Brand-new ride

2010- No new ride

2011- Brand-new ride

2012- Brand-new ride

2013- Relocated ride from Over Texas

 

In the past ten years, we've gotten 6 brand-new rides and 2 relocated rides. And the last relocated ride we received, which is Superman, was added 7 years ago.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

I think the red-headed step-child is Six Flags Mexico.

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

 

Well someone had to replace SFAW didn't they??? Lol

 

As far as all the comments like "why can't Sfstl get a coaster like X-Flight..." and "Sfstl deserves a better coaster....etc" seriously need to let this Boomerang thing go. It's done with. They're getting it no matter how much you bitch about it and no matter how bad of an idea you THINK it is. Obviously right Six Flags things it makes financial sense spending thousands and not millions on this park right now. If Sfstl was my home park I would just be happy it's getting something different. I don't care if there's one 3 hrs away somewhere else I've never been before, it's a new addition to the park no matter what. Many coaster dorks may not appreciate it but the GP will....and honestly that's who they care about.

 

*steps of soap box*

An additions do NOT automatically result in attendance boosts. One of the great lessons of this was that the addition of Greezed Lightnin' to SFKK resulted in an attendance DROP, not a gain. The fact is this IS a bad idea no matter how you want to spin it as good. What does this add to the parks experience that was not already featured at the park? The Mr. Freeze already fulfilled the two way direction segment and has done an outstanding job at it. The Batman and Ninja provided the standard loop. The only thing is a crummy cobra roll which is the most pain filled part of the experience. All three of the pre-existing steel loopers are faster and have a lot more air time. This is going to drain the budget of useful resources.

 

Yes, yes, yes, let's drink the Kool-Aid and ignore that the jesters that took SF over from Time Warner have closed 3 parks, had spin off a good chunk of them, invest around $100 million in coasters over a ten year period in one park and saw attendance drop, and all the other foolish things SF has done.

 

The fact of the matter is if you want attendance to increase you have to invest money in it wisely. You can ignore it all you want, but the fact of the matter is when this park is adding something that was already offered by their closest competitor, this is not an effective addition. Also with this random, illogical bad appeals to GP arguments which are based on no analysis just assuming that people are uneducated morons, this isn't the 1970s. In this day and age, people go online to read about additions and if the reviews are all bad, it can backfire. Also, if a park gets the reputation for big build ups resulting in big let downs, people will not come back. Being that I live in the local area and I have talked to the GP and they view the park as old and outdated. If the American Thunder and Pandemonium cannot change this image, a Boomerang will certainly not.

[3Mutts]

^ You also have to remember most GP (especially teens) go nuts for gimmicks and inversions for some odd reason enthusiasts can't explain. I agree that a Boomerang is a terrible addition to this park and that it deserves much better, but if they can refurbish it a lot (look at the SFOT thread, one guy that has tie ins with the higher ups said that Flashback is getting new breaks, control systems, and possibly trains [manufacturer unknown]) so it could not be as bad as we think.

[Arrow Dynamics fan]

^ You also have to remember most GP (especially teens) go nuts for gimmicks and inversions for some odd reason enthusiasts can't explain. I agree that a Boomerang is a terrible addition to this park and that it deserves much better, but if they can refurbish it a lot (look at the SFOT thread, one guy that has tie ins with the higher ups said that Flashback is getting new breaks, control systems, and possibly trains [manufacturer unknown]) so it could not be as bad as we think.

With all due respect, the Boomerang I first rode on was merely 7 years old, had Vekoma trains and by all accounts were in good condition. Results: the worst back pain I have ever had from a coaster, a hurting neck, and a bad headache. Breaks, control systems will not fix this and I doubt trains will either. Beyond this, it will not add air time to this ride. The problem is in the design of the ride not the breaks, control system, or the trains.

[cfc]

An additions do NOT automatically result in attendance boosts. One of the great lessons of this was that the addition of Greezed Lightnin' to SFKK resulted in an attendance DROP, not a gain. The fact is this IS a bad idea no matter how you want to spin it as good. What does this add to the parks experience that was not already featured at the park? The Mr. Freeze already fulfilled the two way direction segment and has done an outstanding job at it. The Batman and Ninja provided the standard loop. The only thing is a crummy cobra roll which is the most pain filled part of the experience. All three of the pre-existing steel loopers are faster and have a lot more air time. This is going to drain the budget of useful resources.

 

Yes, yes, yes, let's drink the Kool-Aid and ignore that the jesters that took SF over from Time Warner have closed 3 parks, had spin off a good chunk of them, invest around $100 million in coasters over a ten year period in one park and saw attendance drop, and all the other foolish things SF has done.

 

The fact of the matter is if you want attendance to increase you have to invest money in it wisely. You can ignore it all you want, but the fact of the matter is when this park is adding something that was already offered by their closest competitor, this is not an effective addition. Also with this random, illogical bad appeals to GP arguments which are based on no analysis just assuming that people are uneducated morons, this isn't the 1970s. In this day and age, people go online to read about additions and if the reviews are all bad, it can backfire. Also, if a park gets the reputation for big build ups resulting in big let downs, people will not come back. Being that I live in the local area and I have talked to the GP and they view the park as old and outdated. If the American Thunder and Pandemonium cannot change this image, a Boomerang will certainly not.

 

So, I guess you don't like Boomerangs? I think there's little need to keep belaboring this point.

 

Plus, claiming that Greezed Lightning cause SFKK's attendance to drop seems to be, at best , a logical fallacy. While attendance may have dropped the year the ride was added, I believe there were other factors at play (not just Greezed Lightning).

 

Note that I am not saying that adding a Boomerang to SF St. Louis was a great idea. My message here, folks, is that there's little point to beating a dead horse.

[ArizonaGuy]

 

Well someone had to replace SFAW didn't they??? Lol

 

As far as all the comments like "why can't Sfstl get a coaster like X-Flight..." and "Sfstl deserves a better coaster....etc" seriously need to let this Boomerang thing go. It's done with. They're getting it no matter how much you bitch about it and no matter how bad of an idea you THINK it is. Obviously right Six Flags things it makes financial sense spending thousands and not millions on this park right now. If Sfstl was my home park I would just be happy it's getting something different. I don't care if there's one 3 hrs away somewhere else I've never been before, it's a new addition to the park no matter what. Many coaster dorks may not appreciate it but the GP will....and honestly that's who they care about.

 

*steps of soap box*

An additions do NOT automatically result in attendance boosts. One of the great lessons of this was that the addition of Greezed Lightnin' to SFKK resulted in an attendance DROP, not a gain. The fact is this IS a bad idea no matter how you want to spin it as good.

 

The fact of the matter is if you want attendance to increase you have to invest money in it wisely. You can ignore it all you want, but the fact of the matter is when this park is adding something that was already offered by their closest competitor, this is not an effective addition. Also with this random, illogical bad appeals to GP arguments which are based on no analysis just assuming that people are uneducated morons, this isn't the 1970s. In this day and age, people go online to read about additions and if the reviews are all bad, it can backfire. Also, if a park gets the reputation for big build ups resulting in big let downs, people will not come back. Being that I live in the local area and I have talked to the GP and they view the park as old and outdated. If the American Thunder and Pandemonium cannot change this image, a Boomerang will certainly not.

 

And just where in my post did I say Boomerang going into SFSTL was going to result in an attendance boost???? As I said before, Six Flags thinks it makes financial sense at this time to spend only thousands of dollars in relocating this coaster rather than millions of dollars installing a new coaster. Like you said

If the American Thunder and Pandemonium cannot change this image, a Boomerang will certainly not.

Maybe THAT'S the reason they don't want to invest millions into this park.

 

In anycase.......like CFC said "there's little point to beating a dead horse". It's over and done with, it's happening, GET OVER IT ALREADY!