coasterbill Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 ... Which by their standards means it will be open sometime between the weekend after opening day and 2017. (kidding, I know this coaster will probably open in the Spring). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmerleeberry Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I saw the new pictures and got very excited, especially how this ride is going to look when it's up and running. In one of the photos, I saw the track going through a tunnel that I believe will be rotating, creating the illusion of the platform itself is revolving while it's actually standing still. I love those types of illusions (especially if you visit plenty of Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museums), but I've never seen this done on a ride before (and I think that is too cool). Regardless if the other coaster is running (you know the one that rhymes with "Lying Turds"), I will be visiting Knoebles to ride its Black Diamond, the Phoenix, the Twister, and their other flat rides. "Here's a ride I want you to ride: it's called 'Lay Your Head on Me and Dream Away'!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger01 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Yayyy...Theming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VGplay Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 As a fan of classic dark rides I'm glad I'm heading out to the park this year, this looks really great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 from The Sunbury Daily Item 1 - Info on Flying Turn train problem 2 - Black Diamond opening delayed until mid-summer 3 - New smoking policy at the park April 24, 2011 Safety issues derail coaster By Marcia Moore The Daily Item The Daily Item Sun Apr 24, 2011, 08:17 PM EDT ELYSBURG — The eagerly awaited Flying Turns coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort is going off the rails during test runs, indefinitely delaying its opening. “If we could build vehicles like they did in the 1930s, it would be open. But, they’ve changed the rules,” park co-owner Dick Knoebel said Friday. The wooden, 1930s-style ride has been five years in the making. Knoebel rode the original Flying Turns ride at a Cleveland park in the 1960s and describes it as “the most thrilling ride” he’s ever been on. “It’s a real classic,” he said, and once it opens at Knoebels, would be the only one of its kind in the world. The bobsled-style ride’s connection to Cleveland prompted filmmakers in the Rust Belt city to film a documentary about Flying Turns’ rebirth in Central Pennsylvania. Construction began in April 2006, with planned openings for 2008 and then 2009 postponed because of wheel problems and other issues. Knoebel was optimistic they’d ironed out all the kinks last year, but the Flying Turn vehicles failed to make the cut during the latest round of test rides. “Back in March 2010, we had a good vehicle and ordered three,” he said. “They worked beautifully five out of six times.” The Flying Turns cars performed poorly on some test runs, even jackknifing. “It has to be right each time,” Knoebel said, explaining that new industry standards require heavier cars than were used in the early 20th century coaster design. The passenger cars are undergoing a redesign in Texas and will be tested again in about two weeks. It’s not the only attraction that won’t be ready for Knoebels’ 85th annual opening day on April 30. Black Diamond, a three-story, haunted coal mine-theme ride, has been pushed back to mid-summer as crews continue to work on it. But it’s the Flying Turns ride that has coaster enthusiasts worked up. Fans have even set up a Wikipedia page devoted to its awaited opening. Lance Hart, a coaster fan from Charlotte, N.C., has provided numerous updates about the two Knoebels attractions on his screamscape.com website over the years. In one post about Flying Turns, he wrote, “I have serious doubts 2011 will be the lucky year, but I’ve got my fingers crossed.” American Coaster Enthusiasts spokesman David Lipnicky said the ride is one of the most anticipated among its 7,000 members. “It’s been nearly half a century since that type of coaster disappeared,” he said. “I’ve ridden more than 500 coasters all over North America, and it’s the one kind I can’t wait to try. For some, it’s a piece of Americana and for others who have ridden it, they just want one more chance to experience it.” Lipnicky, a Texan who visits Knoebels each October, said he has “absolute faith” that the Flying Turns coaster will open once all safety issues are addressed. “They’ve done things the industry said they couldn’t,” he said, including creating a successful amusement park in rural Pennsylvania. Despite the setbacks in duplicating an 80-year-old ride, Knoebel said he’s determined to make it a reality. “I guess I’m stubborn. No, I’m dedicated,” he said. The park is scheduled to open noon to 6 p.m. April 30 and will be operate weekends only until May 25, when it opens daily. A new policy restricts tobacco smoking to nine designated areas within the park and one area at the pool. http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1019715828/Safety-issues-derail-coaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 ^Wow. It doesn't end does it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderhead Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Am I the only one who wants to see a jackknifing Flying Turns test video? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Spades Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 ^I'd pay decent money to see that, actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I applaud Knoebels for putting safety as a number one priority. I would rather see them get it right for opening day than have to open it and close it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bebes Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 ...dare I say the best flyers and bumper cars around? Without a doubt!!!! The BEST bumper cars by a mile, and scariest flyers ever. I also notices that their WIPEOUT program is waaaayyyy crazier than any other WIPEOUT program I've been on. AND Phoenix in the 3rd Row!!!! Yeah, Knoebel's ROCKS!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmerleeberry Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 This year is the year that I will be visiting Knoebels (in August) and I hope that by the time I get there both Black Diamond and Flying Turns will be up and running. Of course, even if those two rides aren't open I can still ride Phoenix and Twister, plus there other rides (but, in the end, I would leave feeling less satisfied). Come on, Knoebels, don't let me down again. "I don't have that problem with down times. You just lie down on me and I'll take care of everything. Am I good or what?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Cow Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 ^I understand Black DIamond, but chill about the Flying Turns. It won't be open, I'd bet money on it. It's been in this state for many, many years now. I'm not trying to be pessimistic nor anti-Knoebels. It's one of my favorite parks, the management is great, and they are legends for doing this. Despite what it might sound like above, I'm just a fan who has come to terms with the problems involved and is totally perfectly fine with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Latest word from the park: We've been testing the newest version of the Flying Turns ride vehicles and are VERY encouraged. There's still plenty of work to do but this is a very positive step in the right direction. via the about section on their facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Knoebels-Amusement-Resort/207828210550 Sounds awesome. I've heard them say they really want this to be the year it opens, but in another response on their Facebook recently they said it probably wouldn't be. If they have reason to be encouraged though, I imagine they'll set back to work on the ride in earnest later this season after Black Diamond is out of the way. There's a very good chance 2012 could be the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hayzle Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Just wondering was this posted recently or has that been up for a while and nobody noticed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidcoaster 2 Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 (edited) Just wondering was this posted recently or has that been up for a while and nobody noticed? Seems new but weird its in the about section so hard to tell how long its been there. Edited May 26, 2011 by kidcoaster 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 ^^It looks like it was posted last weekend. People have asked for more information, but their facebook rep just keeps referring to the 'about' note. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Please don't get too excited. They've been "very encouraged" tons of times over how many years now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorkscrewFoley Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 ^Same here. Only when it's opened will I believe it...I really hate being like that, but it's been like 5 or six years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canobie Coaster Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 I remember going to Knoebels back in 2006 and being bummed out that I would miss this coaster by a year. Turns out I may make a return trip to Knoebels this year and it may not be open yet. Like everyone else, I really hope that Knoebels can get this open soon, but I have to applaud the park for taking on such a unique and difficult coaster concept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myself Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 There is a very promising video on Knoebel's Facebook page... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Progress is a wonderful thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Oh snap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Looks like an interesting ride. Too bad it won't be open for my upcoming visit to Knoebels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 They're still not expecting it to even open this year though, but if nothing else major happens it'll be 2012's new ride I guess. It kind of makes me wonder though, if it took this long just to get a train down the track, how long will it take them to smooth all the other factors out? The vid looks amazing though, it looks crazier than I had thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Holy crap! That looks awesome! Great to see some progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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