coasterdime

I've found that to be especially true on SoB. IMHO, the ride signficantly smooths out in cooler temps, or even after a cool rain. This past weekend, the coaster was very rideable.

The original color of the tower was a dark green. I suspect they "lightened" it to make it better reflect the lights at night.

I agree completely. I was hoping for something with a little higher quality, something with more of a "wow" factor. There is so much more they could do with a show like that.

I never felt unsafe either... I've ridden coasters w/T-bars from 2 manufacturers, and I prefer the B&M design. First, the seat are deeper, and they are slightly tilted...making standing up (or more importantly, straightening out) nearly impossible. B&M also uses that little "horn" between the riders' legs. When the bar closes, there is no way for a rider to get around that restraint. I shouldn't say never, 'cause ya never know....

I, too, prefer the T-bar restraints. It was the investigation of this very accident that has led Mass. officials to consider outlawing T-bars. (again, on ALL rides, not just Intamin's) I don't use Coasterbuzz, because on my screen the background is black, and the letters are black; making it impossible to read, and I refuse to pay $$ to just change the screen color. That said, it was CNN that I first heard the report from, and that was early Saturday evening. Virtually every other news outlet, including the newspapers, quickly followed. There was one accident, featuring similar resraints a couple weeks ago. Hydro, in the UK, tossed a rider...but she was the first "skinny" rider to meet her fate this way. I agreee for the most part though.....Intamin hates fat people!

I have a stupid, albeit related question about the TR "movie room." What happened to the soundtrack that would play before that movie? I have yet to hear it this season.

Drop Zone DOES still pack quite a punch.

^^^Except that The Beast runs not too far behind AT.

In the 70's, the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family filmed there, but I guess that was too obvious.

Good TR, Sparky. I was caught on SoB when the clouds opened up. Wow did that hurt. I got off the ride, and it looked like I had measles...rain pelting me and all. I usually keep a change of clothes in the car, but not Saturday. After pouring the water from my shoes, I decided to leave...apparently with everyone else. Otherwise, Sparky, it would have been nice to meet up on the Bisch-Roccos for some snap time.

If the public watches the news, or reads newspapers, they do. From Saturday night on, everyone from CNN to the locals was carrying a story. Some of the reports are already linking Intamin's recent fatalities. Also, usually about this time of year....one of the TV news magazines will feature a report showing some of our biggest and best coasters, and then argue their danger; using stats from smaller and older (and usually travelling) rides.

Mean Streak has made that awful squeal for as long as I can remember. When we stayed at Breakers, (94 or 95) we could hear that thing at the hotel.

For what it's worth, the original Eiffel Tower is actually painted three different colors, that get lighter...progressively farther up the tower. It's supposed to promote an illusion of increased height...

Yeah, I don't expect a programming change or anything. I just hate the idea of a seed being planted in the public's mind. This season reminds me already of the 1999 season. Too many accidents. By the way, someone from the show was visiting RRC, asking some of the enthusiasts for their opinions about the show.

Although I'm mixing fantasy with reality here, I'm worried about the impact this highly rated show will have on the public, especially after Saturday's fatal accident at SFNE. I know this Thursday's episode features an "accident" as a result of crimial intent...but with the public's (mainly media) 'coasters are dangerous' mentality, I wonder if Markey will pick up a little steam. By the way, I read tonight that Intamin's (and possibly other manufacturers) T-bar design might be outlawed in Mass.

On Sunday, 5/2, I decided to take a trip to the top of the tower. It was pretty easy to see the primer all over the bottom of the tower, around the elevators. Obviously, the tower is getting a little cosmetic TLC, but will the work stop there? I'm thinking that it may be a little late for major paint work this year, but can someone who knows for sure tell me? While I'm on the subject, does anyone remember the old color? The dark/olive green of the 70's Eiffel Tower? Which color do you prefer? I'm partial to the lighter color....simply because it lights up so well at night.

The ADA became law in or around 1990. The Demon left the park in either 1987 or '88. I honestly do not remember ever seeing an elevator, but I never looked for one. I'm wondering if this ride has (had) an elevator at its new home at Camden, since it operated after 1990.

Also, I'd expect a coaster like Beast to be a little violent.

While the Demon didn't look all that interesting, it gave quite a ride. (especially for its time) The first pass through the course was OK, but then you just waited for the launch backward. I'll never forget my first ride on this thing. I was just a kid, but it really freaked me out. The stairs to the platform kinda sucked, and the ride would be out of place today...esp with all of AZ's "big" rides. I will say though, the chasing lights on the drops and loop were cool.

Personally, I'd go with Vortex. While the ride still has an impressive visual impact....the ride is less than stellar, especially when compared to newer steelies. I don't want the coaster to go anywhere....but if I had to pick... By the way, I just yesterday noticed how loud the coaster is. It was closed all day Sunday, and you could hear things in other parts of the park...not possible with the ride running. I could hear The Beast announcement/music on the lift, and even those wacky announcements from FoF. (this could be heard near the Eagles, BTW) As far as Top Gun, this ride is really starting to grow on me, though I really miss the red track.

Sorry for splitting this post... As far as the brakes are concerned, Yes, the magnetic ones are more noticable. But they are an improvement, IMHO. The skid brakes ground at the train's speed for most of the course. The ride is now allowed to speed in places it hadn't before. I've noticed much more track work in places on the ride....I'm personally hoping for the eventual reduction of the number of brakes used.

If roughness is an issue for you, try this....Just like on SoB, the ride is noticably smoother when you sit in the middle seat. Works for Racer, too. On any coaster, you will have a less rough ride when not sitting over a wheel. All of the adult woodies in the park have three bench cars....

Most rides seem pretty boring from an aerial view. Shivering Timbers looks like a straight line from the sky, but it's an incredible ride. You've ridden (and I assume like) The Beast...so you know how great the out of control speed, the dark tunnels with their roar, and even what is considered by many to be the best finale ever...can't really be appreciated from a satellite pic. Granted, the ride was more insane before the trim brakes were installed...but it is still deserving of accolades, IMHO.

That sounds right. A group of us spent the afternoon of Jeff's birthday with him a couple of years ago, but I'll be darned if I can't remember the date.

I, too, would love to see Days of Thunder return. I'm the farthest thing from a Nascar fan, (I always thought the sport could use...cliffs! ) but that movie really made good use of the motion seats.