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https://twitter.com/KIGMGREG/status/451795471619481600 https://twitter.com/KIGMGREG/status/451796833262526464 Also, according to Greg's earlier Tweet, the sign is going to be installed today.

It seems we have re-entered an age where theming is Paramount. Will the magic of the movies meet the thrills of a lifetime this year at Kings Island? Where else?

I understand you have been a ride operator in the past and what not but DO NOT talk about a crew that works hard every single day in order to keep the ride capacity up. IF you have worked Beast, then maybe I would consider this a valid point. But you haven't… So you have no idea what your talking about. Not trying to come across as rude or anything, but I just figured a former operator would know and appreciate the work that these kids go through... If a 4th train were to be added the possibility of a train setting up on Lift 2 is VERY high. If you worked at Beast you would know that the Lift 2 motor is a bit weak and could potentially cause a fault if it were to set up. Thus defeating the entire purpose of having a 4th train. Its not a major fault, but it requires time to re-set. Not knocking you down or anything, just sharing my knowledge here. Kings Island has fantastic crews of ride operators that work very hard to keep capacity up at the highest level possible. They know what they are doing.

I absolutely love the attention to detail on this project! Even the pedestal that the sign is gonna sit on has the theme added to it! Kings Island, you've truly outdone yourself! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And we have tarps over the queue lines now!!! I really like the color Image captured from Kings Island's live Banshee webcam, which can be found here

Well I am leaving from Phoenix to be there on the 17th day after tomorrow...im driving. Why am I leaving so early? Because I am taking a long way to get there and stopping at every amusement park on the way.......

Or someone who already posted in this topic could just answer if the rumor is true or not.

It also helps that both rides will start spilling into the midway even with relatively short lines, and when the average parkgoer sees a line overflowing into the midway, it often scares them off.

The rain gives Banshee a mystical effect this morning. The Banshee webcam can be found here: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/online-fun/webcams

I see a re-occuring theme here in your posts that I will probably PM you about. Any-who, yes. Diamondback stacked occasionally this past season. Your telling me in your whole career you have NEVER stacked trains at any ride you have operated? Also, with the empty seat counter. Its in the programming, why not use it? The problem with turnstiles(other than what you have mentioned) is also the fact that a lot of people just escort others and slide through to the exit, or chicken out. Which also deems the turnstile method somewhat of a bust in my opinion. I think Rides Operations is doing a fine job keeping count, staying safe, and working fast. We should probably leave it to them to think what is best. Whatever they are doing is working, and if it isn't they are aware and are more than likely working on making it better for the guests. Not to please other CF employees simply because 'thats not how we do it'.

Ahh, Arrow Dynamics coasters...such good capacity. In the case of Vortex & Adventure Express, you thus get a solid ride on a good coaster for 20 minutes or less unless it is uber-crowded or something goes wrong. Which makes them good rides to choose on a crowded day. Oh no- a funny memory I have of Vortex just returned. It was around noon-ish, in 2012 I think. Our group was heading to Vortex and the line was spilling out of the midway near Jukebox Diner. A kid walked by and said "IT'S A 2 HOUR LINE!", scaring some people off. We got in line anyway. 25 minutes later, I was getting "looped".

Here's a rendering comparison: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/Banshee/the-latest/ride-renderings https://twitter.com/KIGMGREG/status/451796833262526464/photo/1

The Beast's brake run is as long as it is because the ride was built to run four trains. I don't know if it ever opened with four trains, but at very least I believe that it ran with four at some point while it was testing. While The Beast lacks an MCBR, it has its second lift which can be used to serve the same purpose. The Beast's brake run is as long as it is because of the original skid brakes, which required a longer section of track to bring the trains to a complete stop than the magnetic brakes that are on the ride today. That's also the reason the brake shed before the second tunnel is as long as it is. As far as your reason, that could possibly be true as well, I don't know. The way this is worded seems to imply that you think all large people who are forced to take a Walk of Shame on The Beast know that they won't fit. This is hardly the case. There is no test seat for The Beast, so there's no way for many larger people to know until they try in the actual train. On behalf of large people everywhere, let me apologize for ruining optimum ride capacity. Based on your history of previous posts, I believe that this was not your intention, but was just improperly worded. -Gator, who is a "large person" but has never had a Walk of Shame on The Beast

It also didn't have seat dividers or seat belts back then.

two weeks until media day.

Kings Island on Facebook : "Thirty years ago America's first stand-up roller coaster, "King Cobra," was the new attraction for 1984 at Kings Island everyone was talking about." Photo : Don Helbig / Kings Island via Facebook

No, it's the 43rd season. It is only the 42nd anniversary, but if you start with 1972 as season 1 and count seasons, its 43. Anyways, great article Diamondbacker! You did a nice job keeping it in simple terms for all of the gullible GP. You should have put in a paragraph to put all the insane rumors to rest. The only downside was having to see that ugly purple banner at the top. rcwizard13, NOT a fan of Elder.

These rides just sound...crazy. This Jersey park has had its share of fatalities and injuries, unfortunately. http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20140403/17278/16-craziest-attractions-most-dangerous-theme-park-all-time Definitely not quite such a Great Advencha. I'll stick with El Toro.

Ok it's official (IMO)...I haven't even ridden Banshee yet and already I'm saying it's the best ride in the park. The ride itself is spectacular, but the theming to go with it is phenomenal. Kings Island, I think you just hit a grand slam with this project.

I have to respectfully disagree. Lightning Run is smaller than I expected. Now I won't dare be an armchair coaster judge (one who passes judgement without riding.) But I am visually underwhelmed by it's stature in the park. I have seen it up close and personal a few times and I pass by it every day when headed to my office. I hope it will be a sleeper - you know, one of those fun little coasters that pack a whallop. Kentucky Rumbler (a wooidie at Beech Bend) is exactly that, and I wouldn't have expected it. But traditionally, small, compact steelies can go one of two ways: short, intense fun or short, intense head banging. Visually it has an *air* of how FOF looked when I first saw it. (Although not *as* tightly twisted.) Time will tell. I will say, thank goodness for Mark Brunner. He - with permission from the park - has documented it's construction. Although I see it routinely, he's been kind enough to keep other enthusiasts updated with progress online. Shaggy

As I continue to look at Lightning Run construction pictures, is it just me or do some of the transitions look rough? I'm sure I will be accused of bashing KK again, which I'm not, simply concerned that elements look a bit rough in the transition area. Reminds me of how Drachen Fire transitioned from one element to the next and those transitions were the roughest part. That is all, begin the flaming...

Hey KIC! I recently wrote an article about Banshee and Kings Island for my school's newspaper. Feel free to read here: http://elderhsquill.org/3546/features/Banshee-leads-thrill-list-at-kings-island/ Thanks guys! - Diamondbacker

^^you mean the one security guard who takes down the yellow rope in the morning? Good luck is all I have to say to whoever attempts it!

I'm not. I'm on mobile, 99.99 percent of the time....

https://www.facebook.com/CanadasWonderland

Thanks for posting that jandyb79! Great pictures that I had not seen before. I was lucky enough to get one ride on The Bat when I was a kid. Even in the center of the train, that was one wild ride unlike any other. At the time, it was quite an experience to have nothing underneath you and to swing out that much. It's definitely one I will always remember! And I'm pretty sure I spy a familiar face in one of those pictures...

You totally got that from Glee, didn't you? Actually, nope. I got it off of the internet a long time ago. I think it was a Facebook post. I have never watched even a second of Glee and don't even know what it's about.

I have never been a ride op but I do not see how on Earth The Beast could run a 4th train. Yeah it's a long ride, but it's not that long and at optimal running, there is one in the station, one on the first lift hill, and one on the second. Also, let's not forget that the train on the first lift hill cannot go until the one on the second lift hill has cleared, so IMO adding a fourth train would lead to constant stacking, creating more delays. With the final brake run only being able to hold two trains and The Beast already having a tendency to stack when people want to not clear out of the station quickly or large people attempting to cram themselves in when they know they won't fit, to me it seems adding a fourth train would only cause problems. It seems to me that problem would mean having to stop a train on the second lift hill, thus just creating panic in some and a whole new set of problems. Again, I am no expert, but that's just the way I see things. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk

I FIGURED OUT A NAME FOR Banshee! A Banshee is a screaming, scary creature, right? Well, let's name her Ke$ha!

Nor have I been to Halloweekends at Kings Island. Most of us on here have never been to Halloweekends at Kings Island.

Starting today, the park will start to email out the details on Banshees media day to those that have correctly RSVP'ed to attend. I ask those that receive this email please don't share it on the forums as we don't want anyone that did not RSVP for the event showing up and be denied because they aren't on the guest list. (These are public forums after all.) As a reminder to those that get the email, you must being your coaster groups member card to verify yourself at the gate. Any questions shoot me a PM. -Dane

In the world of construction.. nothing is permanent. I vote... lockers.

It's all a matter of....interpretation.

I believe the photo booth is under the station.

It says "Haunted ...." Edit: Haunted Hill maybe

A pawl from my understanding is part of the ratcheting device that keeps the restraint in the locked position, it is also what produces the click click click sound when lowering or locking in a restraint. Having 11 out of 24 pawls skip would be spread over the 12 lap bars on the coaster. However that breaks down to each tub (since this is a spinning coaster) I am unsure. The take away is that obvious maintenance and inspection has not been completed on this coaster or at least off season maintenance rebuilding of the tubs has not been done. I cannot imagine 11 out of 24 pawls wearing down at exactly the same time, this has been ongoing.

1. Just because you don't work a ride doesn't mean you can't tell how a ride blocking system works..There are so many little processes I see on plat that could free up time, some even just a few small seconds, but that adds up over an hour hindering your capacity. 2. I do see the crew busting ass..at times..Thats my largest problem is inconsistency. Some days or cycles I'll see them dispatch perfectly, other times, stack trains on brake run and lift gets held up (we were there closing day for about two minutes while the block setup) 3. I appreciate the work they do, I did just the same thing as you practically, I know the long grueling hours out in humidity with stupid guests, I've been there and done that. However, again, I'm all about efficiency and process improvement, and consistency, I don't see that at times. If I see an area to improve that isn't utilized, it's upsetting. For instance the five-ten seconds from station clear, to all clear, to actual release of the dispatch brakes, thats a few seconds earlier that train could be clear the station and let the next train bump up a few seconds earlier. Also, I'm surprised you take the side of the park on every matter lately. Last I checked, you were the one who told people to head to the park and look at things after hours leading to someone trespassing and putting this site and it's members in between a rock and a hard place. I also believe you faced some disciplinary issues as well.

I *believe* The Beast's paw tracks managed to extend all the way around the Eiffel Tower and to the right side of International Street for at least one season. However most seasons, that I recall, the tracks began behind the Eiffel Tower. The tracks haven't been consistent... they've been there some seasons, not there others. Traditionally, they wear away by mid-season or so from foot traffic. But for those years where no tracks appeared it was often because the black-top had been re-sealed just prior to the park opening. I would suspect their appearance/disappearance has more to do with "time" or the lack thereof. As other's mentioned, Vortex, Flight Commander had them. But Beastie typically had them when Beast did. Top Gun and, I believe FOF had them for their inaugural seasons.

Only natural of him to ask me for that quote, as I am more than likely the biggest coaster enthusiast at Elder (with Diamondbacker in a close second ). Gemini XL-200, who was more than happy to give Diamondbacker a quote for his excellent article.

For those interested in participating in this event, time is running out to get involved. Fundraising ends April 13 at midnight. This is tax deductible and does not have to come out of your own pocket. If you can get 10 people to give you at least $10 or 20 people to give you at least $5, you're going to have a night that you will remember for a long time.

https://twitter.com/CoasterParkKlub/status/448526332528320512/photo/1 edit: Even though its Screamscape, Lance does have some pictures to view of Lightning Run located here: http://www.screamscape.com/html/kentucky_kingdom.htm

Just so that you know, the Disneyland and Disney World trains all run Biodiesel to generate the steam. So if you are wanting a true coal experience in a park, go visit Dolly. The retrofit was done on these engines on both coasts between 2007-2009 I believe. Until there is more fuel for this fire I would call this nothing more than speculation. Then again the train at AK is steam outline.

The Beast's brake run is as long as it is because the ride was built to run four trains. I don't know if it ever opened with four trains, but at very least I believe that it ran with four at some point while it was testing. While The Beast lacks an MCBR, it has its second lift which can be used to serve the same purpose. I believe the brake shed between the "airtime" hill and the second tunnel used to be a set of block brakes. Of course, they're just trims now. I rode The Beast a few hundred times in the late '80s and early '90s. Most of the time, I remember that a train dropped down the first hill BEFORE we crested the second lift (and therefore passed underneath us). If that is true, then the brake shed in question must have been able to fully stop a train, since there was nothing else to stop that train from joining us on the second lift. I wonder if anyone here has ever been fully stopped on that brake shed, and how the subsequent ride to the second lift was. At least once I was on Vortex when it fully stopped on the midcourse brakes. When we were finally released, we crawled through the corkscrew, and the hangtime was amazing! Finally, remember that The Beast was designed for (and operated with for over a decade) single position bars instead of the current orange ratcheting lap bars. Those single position bars were faster to check and dispatch.

Mt. Olympus ordered to replace defective/worn parts before the Opa coaster can be inspected (and if passed) and reopened: http://www.wiscnews.com/baraboonewsrepublic/news/local/article_e9745da3-a833-5f39-ac46-cf596f3708a9.html - If the Opa coaster is going to be reopened, Mt. Olympus ordered to change its maintenance and training procedures. - 11 out of 24 pawls skipped during inspection, resulting in four total lap bar failures. What is a "pawl"? - The DSPS ordered Mt. Olympus to do the following: Ensure that proper maintenance and inspection procedures are completed as required by the manufacturer. Ensure that all safety bulletins that have been issued for the ride have been reviewed and that any changes that are required have been made. Replace defective and/or worn components Ensure that ride is not operated with tubs exceeding capacity limits. The limit is 660 pounds Ensure that employee training is recorded. Mt. Olympus will not reopen the Opa coaster, it will be removed: http://www.wkow.com/story/25132689/2014/04/01/mt-olympus-cited-with-4-code-violations-in-roller-coaster-accident - The man woke up from his coma. - 4 of the 12 lap bars were failing. - Total weight limit is 660 pounds, total weight in the coaster car right before the accident was 720 pounds. "Guest safety is a paramount goal at Mt. Olympus. We conduct strict daily inspections and regular maintenance of our rides, and all employees operating rides complete extensive operator training." - The Laskaris Family I do find that statement ironic if 4 of the 12 lap bars were defective and half of the lab bars were not inspected before operation.

^Give that man a cookie. Sent from my VS840 4G using Tapatalk

Here is another Coasterbob62 video showing off Banshee construction continuing towards late August. Just 15 more days until Banshee Media Day and Scream for A Kid Again, and 16 more days until Opening Day 2014!

See Six Flags Over Georgia. Emissions requirements in a non-attainment area were a major factor there. Would you rather have a faux steam train or no train at all? Those may well be the choices.

I noticed that. I wonder if they'll ever take that off the map. Or even make the map more realistic. Hint hint. I know I'm replying to an old post, but be careful what you say. Long ago, somebody decided that a realistic map was needed and we got this: (1989 park map picture from http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/ )

Thanks for your kind words! It was really hard to keep it in general terms and not go into big explanations about different aspects of Banshee

Drove past the sign in the evening. Got some pics of it lit up. Not the best angles but the screen is definitely nice. Other pics: http://i60.tinypic.com/1e1640.jpg http://i61.tinypic.com/a2ueqe.jpg