Hank

I just thought someone might really know, or maybe it was mentioned somewhere before.

Question... Since the removal of the loop and the addition of the new, "previously enjoyed", trains, does the MCBR slow the train down as much as it used to? I know that the MCBR has the capability to completely stop the train, so it can be adjusted as needed. I'd like factual answers for this - not guesses.

Ah, yes! But, starting and stopping the chain puts tension/torque on it - LOTS of weight to pull over and over again.

I have noticed that on some coasters, the lift hill chain runs continuously. For other coasters the chain is stopped after the train/car crests the top of the hill. This happens not only at KI but at several other parks. I know that on coasters, such as The Beast, a computer controls the speed of the chain, and other coasters have elevator lifts which require re-setting the catch car to bring the train/car up the hill. My question...is there a reason some chains are stopped? Is this a manufacturer decree? Is there less wear and tear on the chain's motor by turning it on and off or does leaving the motor run cause less stress on the motor and the chain? There's got to be a reason this happens. Anyone.....

Vortex is only sinking on MY RIDE LIST - until I lose some more weight and I fit in it better! Long live Vortex!

Sorry - I didn't know about that, chief!

This was in Sunday's Toledo Blade newspaper... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100214/BUSINESS03/100219805

This stuff, should they be doing something wrong, could lead to CF making toothpicks from SOB - just to have lunch money!

I have always felt that there would be a limit as to how much a park can grow and still pull-in a profit. With ever rising costs of everything, and the economy not as great as it could be, I fear parks will either slow down in adding new additions/attractions, or simply close. Even Cedar Fair is having problems (maybe they bit off more than they can chew) and we have had other smaller parks go by the wayside. Without commenting on whether you like a park or not, what think ye of all this?

When we pile into the van, and no destination was given to the rest of the family, we call it Adventure Express. Then, when my daughter is driving, we call it Flight of Fear. Do those count? I know this is coming from a Fairly Odd family who all suffer from Invertigo, has a sink that drains as quick as a Vortex, and who's head of the house is a real Beast (not to mention, his male off-spring, the Son of Beast). Now, I think I'll crawl back into my Crypt for a nap!

Let's make it official - SOB will either stay or go! I know I'm right!

Do they have any SOB First Aid kits? You know, the deluxe type - with bandages, splints, defibrillator, neck brace, etc.

...and speaking of the font used for The Fun and Only looking juvenile, it looks kinda Mickey Mouse-ish.

When I read the title of this topic, I thought I was gonna see "King's Island - bring your son 'cos we don't have one".

There was a painting company here in Toledo - Charles Mann Co. - they just went out of business this month after 75 years of operation. They used to paint the coasters at Cedar Point. I wonder if they ever did any at King's Island? Anybody know? Terpy???

If it were possible (or permissible) I'd ride that coaster in ANY weather - not to mention, in a heartbeat!

I'm guessing that an announcement will be forthcoming. (I KNOW I'm correct on that one!)

Too bad Disney wouldn't let CF borrow Magic Journeys.

Ah, yes! But will they accomdate a large person like myself?

If it doesn't shake, it will break - and adding stiffness to the ride will make it more uncomfortable. However, too much sway will cause problems. It really points to faulty wood and/or not enough support at "critical" points along the circuit. Realizing that wood gets replaced, I would guess that many spots on the ride have had new lumber and may have added lumber installed too. When dealing with something as massive as this, the word "underengineering" comes to mind (if there is such a word). Reminds me of The Bat - only no one suffered injury, only the ride itself got beat up. Can this be fixed? Of course it can - and who knows if ANY OTHER wooden coaster has these problems (the problems just haven't manifested themselves yet). But, with the huge amount of wood used, to be safe, you'd be replacing almost every piece of lumber, or at least all of the "original" lumber. This is expensive, as is demolition, as are lawsuits. The right person to make the corrections doesn't seem to have come around yet. (I could leave my phone number!)

Vortex - 'cause it's sinking. LOL!!!!! (I hope this doesn't start THAT crap again - I'm only joking!)

I'm gonna ask for an SOB shot when I get my H1N1 shot - just in case! I still stick to my opinion that this is a fixable situation, but the right people have yet to come along with key ingredients.

A VERY small park, here In Toledo, Ohio - circa 1965 - had a clone of the Lil' Dipper. It was my first coaster. My father knew the manager of the park and he would give us hundreds of free ride tickets. I must have been on that coaster more than 100 times when I was little (ha, imagine ME little!). Anyway, it was the only coaster my dad would ever ride. Seeing the pics brought back many memories. I hope that it won't get removed because of what happened. I'd love to get over there and ride it.

^ I think George Harrison wrote a song with those words. I still feel it can be fixed. Let me at it!

When the world ends, Vortex will cease - if it doesn't sink into the ground before then, or if no one else gets killed on it, or if Dippin' Dot's decides to pull their cart from next to the exit.......or any other stupid rumor you might have read or heard. Don't worry - be happy!