coasterdime

I love stuff like this. Thanks for posting it.

I remember someone saying it was to be released in 2003, so last Christmas I began looking for it. A manager at Walden Books (who was a park enthusiast) said to start looking for it Christmas 2004, at the earliest. I have all of his books so far. Kennywood and CI are especially good.

Agreed^^^ My favorite ride in the park. Period.

Honestly, no.

Actually, the newer coasters employ simple tricks to keep G forces in a safe range. Bigger drops and higher speeds just need larger curves. I'm not an engineer, so I couldn't explain it well...but a little online digging could probably explain it. Larger radii keep G forces in check. That was the thing that always ticked me off about Markey. (from the other topics) He would equate large rides with larger g's....and he has the capability to research easily.

I wonder why they are so bad about not allowing tapes out there. Cedar Point sends me a press kit almost every year, with either a DVD or a VHS. I just got on a mailing list when I was in contact with a PR person there a few years ago.

Yeah, Steel Phantom was an absolute killer. When I lived in Pittsburgh, I rode this thing literally hundreds of times. The Morgan version was more of an improvement than I could describe. I was lucky enough to make it to a Discovery Channel shoot back in 2001. I remembered where the Arrow "jolts" were, at the bottom of the second drop and pullout. To my surprise....they were gone! It was perfect. I got 53 rides that day, and could've gone another 53. I coudn't say that about SP...and definitely not Vortex. I wouldn't mind seeing a new B&M looper someday, and PKI could call Morgan for a comparatively cheap Vortex makeover. (It'll never happen, I know.)

Two sets of scooters...one for snapping, and one for timid, ignorant, yet very vocal parents.

I remember when The Beast opened. That first year, it was touted as hitting 70 mph. Guinness published a top speed of 64.77 mph. (if my memory is clear) I can remember the structure violently swaying on the last curve before the 2nd lift, so either it has been slowed down...or the structure has been reinforced. (or both) UntamedBeast, I like your sig. When the ride opened it was touted as the "biggest, baddest, longest, fastest coaster in the world" God, I feel old.... As for the video, I'll poke around a little to see if it will be made available. A friend of mine is featured on it.

I actually thought Sunday was the busier of the two days, but it could've just been my perception. Usually (even on busy days) I have the back of the park (Beast/Eagles) to myself...or at least don't have to share too much until noon or so. It seemed to get and stay busy early on Sunday. One thing I found funny, PKI's GM was walking the park, and I saw him twice asking teenagers to put their shirts on. Maybe it's not funny, but I thought it worth noting as unusual.... I just really don't like BaFFD, maybe 'cause all my friends already have passes.

I am astonished at how pi$$ed guests get when a ride goes down. On Sunday, Racer was down for a few minutes. The ride op was telling those on the platform that it would be a short delay. She joked that "it wouldn't take an hour or anyhing." People then went down the ramp, angrily telling those in line, "It'll be down for an hour!" The line before the platform clears, and minutes later, the ride was rolling again. Just then, as the next train was unloading, there was a problem with a restraint. The ride mechanics were called back. As they approached the stranded rider, a scary woman screamed, "This is starting to pi$$ me off!" I could be a ride op for about 4 minutes before losing my cool....

^^^I'm about 90% sure it does. I think I remember seeing 2 signs at the ride entrance... one for min and on for max height, kinda like DZ.

I agree with you, Stephen. I always thought about discounts for those people who are extremely overweight. I'm not equating fat with tall, but big people usually can't ride either. I felt sorry for a woman yesterday, she had to be over 300 pounds, and confined to a wheelchair. I'd hate to think that she spent over $40 to get in. By the way, Stephen.... I have a friend who is 6'8". He is in a club called the "64 club" or something (a club for taller people)...he was approached by a member at a mall. have you ever been approached, or heard of a club like this?

I'll take the nice guy stance here. After reading about how many of you loved KC, and after overhearing people in line talking about how great Vortex is, I've realized that EVERY coaster is someone's favorite. I guess I'd say "Keep 'em all." That said, I really think we could lose Vortex. It was good when it opened...only because it was state of the art when it opened. Now we see how good loopers can really be, and that is such a good piece of real estate back there.

Nah, as I said, "No worries." I just wanted to prevent anyone from reading more into my post than was intended.

From the looks of things, not too many people even watched the episode Friends, as expected, carried the night. Almost 52 million watched NBC last night. Never could figure out the appeal of that show

Actually I NEVER said anything or even hinted anything about how this show might impact PKI. If you remember, there was a post very recently about Ed Markey trying to push more BS regulations down the industry's throat. That, the recent accident, and the show... MIGHT have been enough to stick in peoples' minds, and allow for more support of Markey's overkill tactics. And that was ALL I MEANT. I even qualified my statement by saying, "I know I'm mixing fantasy and reality here, but...." or something along those lines. The public, for the most part, is quite ignorant about how these rides work. (more importantly, how safety systems work) When there is more than one story or show questioning...or shining a negative light on the industry for any reason, people like Ed Markey always gain a little support. A quick check of the local media in New England will show his face, and quotes all over the place. He is having a field day....which was EXACTLY what I was worried about. For what it's worth, I really took no offense...but after being quoted, I wanted to just clarify my position....No worries

Plus, what do they do about that tower at the end of the fountains?

In my neighbor's yard, there was a landscaping tarp on the lawn for a few days. When the tarp was removed, there were literally hundreds of the little guys, just scratching at the surface. I'm guessing the tarp helped to heat the ground a little early. They've also made little mountains under our deck for some reason. When you break off one of the mountains, there is a cicada inside. We've decided not to open our pool until after they've gone. I really do hope they are sparse at PKI.

That sounds right^^ I know her dad still lives in Loveland, and she still visits on a regular basis. I'm not sure if she has any involvment with the other CSI.

The PKI nod might have something to do with one of the executive producers. She is from Loveland, OH.

I really, really hope not!

I wouldn't be too crazy about climbing that lift anytime! The funny thing is, it was impossible to tell just how hard it was raining....until the train hit the brakes.

I've marathonned on SE as well, but I guess the coaster was just suited for my tastes. Yes, PKI's scooters are the better set....as a few know on here, I'm addicted to 'em. Americana is closed for now, while Mr. Couch looks for a new management team. Pugh shows (I'm pretty sure) ran the park last, and there were some irregularities in the books. From what I was told, the park 'could' open as soon as a new management team was found....but I think that won't be for a while. Back on the original topic, I like what SOB_TOM said...the trees are used for Beast's theming

Americana has a couple of good rides. Screechin' Eagle is excellent in my opinion, and their scooters are cool...simply because of how heavy they are.