SOB_TOM

I remember doing a talent show at KI in 2002 in the rides department, and that was a lot of fun. It was also a great break from the lap bar monkey routine.

My Dad has been over 300 lbs. now for close to 15 years, and even though he walks with a cane, he still goes to parks, and even though he can't ride anything, he still has a great time. Oh and my Dad has lost over 100 lbs. in the last 1 1/2 years, bringing him down to 300. I am really proud of him.

But the problem is that if you smooth out those transitions, the ride wouldn't feel nearly as out of control.

Thus why I refuse to ride carnival rides that are not anchored to the ground. As I had stated in another thread, the inspection standards for Traveling Rides is not where it needs to be, which puts the rider at risk.

Lets also mention that TOGO went out of business.....

It really shouldn't matter what "ranking" a poster is anyway. If you post things that are relevant and have 5 posts, that is much better than someone who has 600 posts but none of it is relevant.

After knowing what type of inspections carnival rides go through (which is a far cry from what they -should- be at...) I refuse to ride them.

They did leave one out: Dog S**T Park. I wish I was making that up...

Here's a good story about the animal population at KI... During the construction of Drop Tower, one of the concerns was having deer step into the concrete footer for the ride. Since the concrete was extremely thick, it would have meant the end of the deer's life, as well as having to rip up all the concrete and start from scratch. Since deer are cautious around the park (won't come into the park when the regular guests are there because of the noise,) maintenance set up speakers around the work site, and started playing music through them to keep the animals away. Unfortunately for those working the area, the cd only had one song on it..... Oh and there's a great story about "Deer Repellant Tape," but that's for another time.

Terpy, I was workin on the SOB/Gun crew during that Bring a Friend free fiasco. I didn't leave until after 1am, and the park was kept open an extra hour because of all the people there. Not to mention the backup on 71N that I had to sit in that lasted close to an hour... What a day. I still have nightmares

The LAAAAST pickle! *shudder*

Most likely they had a lot of people call in sick, or not show up for work, therefor the area managers came in and worked the ride. Its not so much of staying in touch, because the majority do come from the rides department as supervisors, but more of a need to have more crew.

Thats actually pretty cool. Wonder how much that cost them... And if they are going to hit the water in a whole new way right after their vows.

You are the second person I know who has said their neck is stiff after riding. That is the one area that has never really hurt (unless I face plant hard of course.)

Ryan actually introduced me to Wake Nation last season, and ever since then, I have loved it. Half the fun is watching what insane tricks others can pull off, and the challenge is trying to pull them off yourself (which I have yet to do.) I am also a season pass holder, and enjoy every minute of my time up there, and want to go up when I cannot. Definitely worth the money to go. And Ryan, I am still jealous of you for being able to spend all night with the pros.

After working on Top Gun (back in Paramount era, I'm allowed!) for a season, I can tell you why the ride ops looked bored: Because they were. Even when SOB was open, and there was a shift back and forth from those two rides, the Gun crew seemed to be almost forgotten, and it made for painfully long days.

I don't think its a joke. Just something in my gut says that it is done and gone.

Honestly, when I saw this thread, I thought immediately that it was a debate between Shaggy and a new poster (the Shaggy on the forums, not Shaggy on the turntable...) As for a name, I say we go with Richard Shaggy McPhearson. Why Richard Shaggy McPhearson? Why not?

My thoughts, as a member who is going into the teaching profession, is a positive one. Yes, there is going to be some promotion, however anything to get children to read more is a plus in my book. Kids need to put the controllers down and open a good book every once in awhile.

That was my mistake. I don't know why I put 3 on SOB.... Also, Vortex blocking scheme has room for 4-5, but only runs 3. To my knowledge, Flight Deck is the only adult coaster in the park (minus Invertigo,)that runs with its maximum number of trains for the blocking scheme, thus why the lift slows down to allow the second block to clear. It comes down to timing inside the station really, and because you cannot time every train down to the second it will consistently leave, blocks must be left open in the circuit.

Ok, as an avid Dale Earnhardt fan, I must protest in the inclusion of the #24 Jeff Gordon car to this ride. As many know, back in those days there were two camps, one that loved Sr. and hated Gordon, and those who loved Gordon and hated Sr. Therefor, I must protest in the inclusion of the #24 car among a fitting tribute to the real "King" of racing, Dale Earnhardt.

For all intensive purposes, yes, only 4 could have been ran at a time due to the length of the brakes. However, as stated before, it was originally designed for 6-7 trains. Designers have been doing this for awhile now, for example, SOB can technically run 4 trains, however because of timing issues, only 3 were ran.

When The Beast was originally built, it was built to allow up to 6 (or 7, I forget now) trains at a time. The lift hill had the trim brake on it because the speed in which the train entered the first turn was ripping the track apart, and the brake shed was there to stop a train when the next block was occupied. The reason it is still used today is the same reason that the trims on the lift hill were initially installed: Because of the profile of the track and supports, coupled with the original speed that the train entered the turn, brakes were needed. As for why it is so heavily braked now, I have no clue, but I suspect it is a combination of wanting to limit the force on that turn, and in turn, allow for a longer running ride, and also because of the forces that were on the ride originally. As for the question that is about to ask, here is the list of the original blocks (section of track that only one train can enter at a time:) Station to top of lift 1 Top of lift 1 to brake shed Brake shed to bottom of lift 2 Bottom of lift 2 to midpoint of lift 2 Midpoint of lift to to top of lift 2 Top of lift 2 to final brake 1 Final brake 1 to final brake 2 Final brake 2 to station. I hope that answered your question.

But how dare anyone market anything towards adults in today's thinking. It has to be kid friendly, but appealing to adults as well. Or with church groups, must only make reference to their god, and banishing whatever they believe to be evil. Which, as most know, is an impossibility during Halloween, a holiday based off of a pagan festival.

I am still not sold on this Snoopy thing. I think the folks at KI (and Cedar Fair) need to go back and rethink their investment in Snoopy. I think that many kids will not recognize Snoopy and will not take to the theme. The rides, they will, but again, I think the theming is not set for kids, it is set for adults to relive their childhood with Snoopy. BTW, definitely feel that these ride names need to be reworked. Not happy with them, and wish I had a fix to how generic they sound.