coasterlink

A represenative from WKYC News contacted both me and president Mark Cole to confirm that ACE had not been given such an offer. The reporter may use this information for a possible follow up story. In addition, the existing story has been amended to include the new information: http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_articl...37&catid=45. I find it refreshing that a media outlet is interested in correcting facts and getting a story right, rather than just moving on when they so often do in such a situation. Kudos to the responsive staff at WKYC. Cordially, ~Bill Linkenheimer Secretary, American Coaster Enthusiasts

Greetings KI fans... I just wanted to drop in and set the record straight on this topic. No one approached ACE and offered Big Dipper at no cost other than dismantling it. None of the five officers were contacted with such an offer, and as far as I can tell, 10 of the 12 other directors (including all three who reside in Ohio) on ACE's executive commmittee are aware of such an offer. It was a representative from Norton Auctioneers who was quoted with that incorrect information on WKYC.com. Whether the media got this wrong or some information was miscommunicated to Norton Auctioneers, I don't know. I posted a comment after the article on the WYKC website, and emailed the news department as well. Though I don't know how much it would cost to just dismantle and store Big Dipper, I understand that the cost of dismantling and rebuilding it has been estimated at $3.6 million. That is certainly well beyond any enthusiast group's financial resources, including ACE's. ACE and other organizations can network within the amusement industry to attempt to find new homes for such coasters, as well as work to promote them as viable options for other parks, but there's a limit to what we can offer financially. ACE has nearly $100,000 in its Preservation Fund, but I'm betting a job like this would require at least $1 million. I wore a retro PKI tee shirt today at the first day of Coaster Con XXXI :-) ~Bill Linkenheimer Secretary, American Coaster Enthusiasts