Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad

[TrainedBeast]

Just out of pure curiousity, i'm just wondering what people think of the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad this year? (The Train)

Such as the crew, the ride itself and things like that..

Also, when the Train isn't going to Boomerang Bay and you decide to ride it, what makes you want to ride it? Besides getting a good look at D-back that is~

Also, any recommendations?

[KIBOB]

I really enjoy riding the train when i want to just relax for a bit. I just like to cruise through the woods, checking out DB, WWC, and the scenery while listening to the soundtrack, which i think the park did a good job with. I dont know if anyone else has, but i have noticed that this year the park seems to be putting some more enphasis into the old western buildings in the woods. The train even slows down now coming around the scenery. I think that the last time i rode, the guide even pointed them out.

[Beast79]

My two girls love to ride it, I just wish they would install some animatronic and do some TLC to all the scenes. Maybe something like how Cedar Point, bring back the indians and western theme.

[TOPGUN1993]

Save Mittens! (Only a few will get this)

And the new shipping building looks great, even thought you just moved it from the side of the train storage building to the main view looks good!

Hopefully the building next to it will get some love along with the others. The park does such a good job themeing areas of the park for Halloween Haunt with the skeleton displays why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

[Gordon Bombay]

why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

Why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the crypt?

[TOPGUN1993]

Very good point, makes you wonder, indeed.

[Beast79]

I must of missed that, I have only ridden train once so far this year.

[KIBOB]

^^^That is true, when it comes to the haunt, CF really knows how to do theming, even better than paramount with halloween actually. So why cant they be like that all season long with the rides? Specifically AE, Crypt's ride chamber, and BLSC.

[PhantomTheater]

The train and crew are good this year, of course last time I was there BB hadn't opened yet. I ride it because I love trains, especially steam powered locomotives. My complaints are, the short song list after couple of trips it gets annoying. Also, I wish KIMVRR had CPLERR's policy of "this is not the end of your journey if you choose so, you may stay on and ride again."

[Thrill_Biscuit]

I like the train ride. It's a relatively peaceful excursion through the woods.

I noticed graffiti is worse on the train this year (backs of seats).

The view of Diamondback is cool especially when you pull out of the station as a DB train is coming down TGSHOAT into the left turn.

I like "Cotton-Eyed Joe". I dislike "I Want You to Want Me". I forget the other song(s). Oh, wait: "Down Under" is a cool song, too.

The bear rocks.

Okay, thank you very much. Goodbye.

Oh, and TGSHOAT=The Greatest Second Hill Of All Time. I made it up. Yeah. ...I don't think it'll get very far off this thread, though. -Tb

[violakat03]

I think the train crew's been doing great this year. Way more excited and animated than last year. There were many times last year where they didn't seem at all interested in what they were doing, but this year I have not seen that.

I like to ride the train for a break, just to take a few minutes to get off my feet, and I always enjoy the interesting views of Diamondback, WWC and the water park. Earlier this year on my first train ride this season was the first time the bear had ever been pointed out, I thought that was pretty cool.

My only complaint is the same as one of PhantomTheater's. There are too few songs on the playlist and it gets annoying pretty quickly. I personally find Cotton Eyed Joe to be an incredibly annoying song, and I've heard it every single time I've ridden the train.

[TrainedBeast]

I really enjoy riding the train when i want to just relax for a bit. I just like to cruise through the woods, checking out DB, WWC, and the scenery while listening to the soundtrack, which i think the park did a good job with. I dont know if anyone else has, but i have noticed that this year the park seems to be putting some more enphasis into the old western buildings in the woods. The train even slows down now coming around the scenery. I think that the last time i rode, the guide even pointed them out.

I know what you mean about relaxing on the train. The soundtrack is pretty good.. Not too fond of Cotton Eyed Joe or I Want You to Want Me. Usually the conductors point out most of the "scenic" items on the train.

My two girls love to ride it, I just wish they would install some animatronic and do some TLC to all the scenes. Maybe something like how Cedar Point, bring back the indians and western theme.

They did add the W.E. Shippet & U. Storum in the place of the old Saloon and Jail that got knocked over by mean 'ol Ike! And I believe they got rid of the Cowboys and Indians partially due to political incorrectness. It would be nice if it was just the cowboys coming back though~

Save Mittens! (Only a few will get this)

And the new shipping building looks great, even thought you just moved it from the side of the train storage building to the main view looks good!

Hopefully the building next to it will get some love along with the others. The park does such a good job themeing areas of the park for Halloween Haunt with the skeleton displays why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

Beautiful shots~

XD Yes~ Save Mittens!

Thing is though, Haunt takes alot of planning from what i've learned.. they do that months ahead of time. Plus I think rides like the Train and Crypt are the last things on CF's minds right now.

[TrainedBeast]

why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

Why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the crypt?

Poor Crypt~ It's had a rough year and it's so confused on exactly what it is.. Funny thing was I saw a couple Crypt shirts around with different things.. one was a mummy.. Made me do a double take~ Crypt needs a retheme bad~ at least Train has somewhat of a theme~

I must of missed that, I have only ridden train once so far this year.

That just means you gotta ride it a few more times right?

^^^That is true, when it comes to the haunt, CF really knows how to do theming, even better than paramount with halloween actually. So why cant they be like that all season long with the rides? Specifically AE, Crypt's ride chamber, and BLSC.

Takes alot of monies to do that unfortunately~ That's prolly one of the biggest reasons..

The train and crew are good this year, of course last time I was there BB hadn't opened yet. I ride it because I love trains, especially steam powered locomotives. My complaints are, the short song list after couple of trips it gets annoying. Also, I wish KIMVRR had CPLERR's policy of "this is not the end of your journey if you choose so, you may stay on and ride again."

Awesome~ Steam locomotives have become my favorite~ and yeah I agree there needs to be more music... Actually, when there isn't alot of people, the crew usually allows rerides..

[TrainedBeast]

I like the train ride. It's a relatively peaceful excursion through the woods.

I noticed graffiti is worse on the train this year (backs of seats).

The view of Diamondback is cool especially when you pull out of the station as a DB train is coming down TGSHOAT into the left turn.

I like "Cotton-Eyed Joe". I dislike "I Want You to Want Me". I forget the other song(s). Oh, wait: "Down Under" is a cool song, too.

The bear rocks.

Okay, thank you very much. Goodbye.

Oh, and TGSHOAT=The Greatest Second Hill Of All Time. I made it up. Yeah. ...I don't think it'll get very far off this thread, though. -Tb

Realitively peaceful, until D-back roars over~ and I highly dislike people writing on the rides this year.. Ghost Riders in the Sky is another song and Down Under is one of my personal favorites~ and everyone's gotta love Teddy~

I think the train crew's been doing great this year. Way more excited and animated than last year. There were many times last year where they didn't seem at all interested in what they were doing, but this year I have not seen that.

I like to ride the train for a break, just to take a few minutes to get off my feet, and I always enjoy the interesting views of Diamondback, WWC and the water park. Earlier this year on my first train ride this season was the first time the bear had ever been pointed out, I thought that was pretty cool.

My only complaint is the same as one of PhantomTheater's. There are too few songs on the playlist and it gets annoying pretty quickly. I personally find Cotton Eyed Joe to be an incredibly annoying song, and I've heard it every single time I've ridden the train.

Glad to hear that~

It is a wonderful way to get off your feet~ and I do love the views of D-back and all the other attractions. and again, must love Teddy~

And again, I agree too~

[CincinnatiCyclone]

When I was at Boomerang Bay, the train looked great. I didn't ride it though. P.S. Today WWC was jammed, I actually saw it happen. Funny how people are excited to get off of the ride and then have to wait for an hour.

[Guest TombraiderTy]

Earlier this year on my first train ride this season was the first time the bear had ever been pointed out, I thought that was pretty cool.

They have pointed it out practically every time I've rode it in the past three years... Which is over twenty times...

Thing is though, Haunt takes alot of planning from what i've learned.. they do that months ahead of time. Plus I think rides like the Train and Crypt are the last things on CF's minds right now.[/color]

What would stop them from spending a bit of time on planning where to put some skeletons and other props on Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad and The Crypt? I mean, if they're capable of planning and organizing a full new haunted house almost every year, why can't they do the same with the railroad or The Crypt for themeing? I'd be willing to sacrifice a new haunted house one year for our railroad's themeing to be like Cedar Point's, pictured below:

[PKIAH]

-

[pcc]

We always go for a ride on the train when we visit the park. It's great to do after eating a big meal...and great for relaxing and getting out of the sun. My only gripe...I wish the ride was longer

[BHD63]

I’ll give my break down. I have been coming for years and have loved this ride. My kids always enjoy seeing the engine and the buildings. It is a shame they never had a chance to see it the way it was in its hay-day. Trains modeled after late 1800's need a little late 1800's to surround it dont ya think? See below:

A. Regarding a few rides already this year, I am slightly disturbed at the conductors lack of attention. They almost looked over staffed one visit. Yes everyone seems to have the friendly "I have to wave or I will get punished" look, kids still think its genuine, but several times groups of conductors simply stood around when a family needed help either getting out of the gates, needed strollers or wagons in the car or seem to just ignore everything around them; or to the extreme; we waited so long in the station because the conductors stood and talked to people or other crew members that the rest of the crew were giving thumbs up to their team while people got off and left. We spent so much time in the station at one point that people really got off and walked away. It seems in years past the crew was more enthusiastic and punctual. There is a real lazy feeling I get when I ride with my family.

B. Speaking on the late 1800's theme, the buildings in place are decent, but why can't they be upkept a little more? I remember lights being around the buildings, or signs being read-able, or even the fort had the nice name just a few years ago. Now everything is overgrown in the fort, its not even a fort at this point but more like a bird sanctuary. I don't see why someone can't spend a days work and trim up the fort brush that is terribly making an attack on it. With the talk of the park being amusement instead of theme, there is no reason the current areas left cannot be kept up. Lighting is another thing, at night I remember various great lighting on the hotel and along the General Store being lit up. Did some bulbs burn out or what? So replace them! I just hope they stick with the wild west and keep it around. Cedar Point has a decent display, but the crazy skeletons kinda throws it off balance. Works great up north, just not feeling it at Kings Island. I did notice the sign being changed and that is really nice that someone back there seems to care and realizes that the town has some sort of nostalgic quality. You would think with all the creative services the park has they would be able to re-vamp the signs at a minimum. These simple little moves would DRASTICALLY improve the experience for the kids. I don't see how 5-10 wooden re-painted or re-done signs would affect CF's wallet. Whatever is left of what you want to call a "town" still gives a warm feeling to my kids. And I love to see them smile when the engineer slows down to let their imaginations flow when they go bye. If CF doesn't want to spend any more money on themeing, then thicken up the woods again. Even around Diamondback there is so much land that trees could be put in, and along the track many more areas for trees can be started. There just is not a feeling of being lost in the woods that once filled America feel. Don't even get me started on why the Jail is gone. It was a simple wood fake-front structure. And its gone? SIMPLY= Something needs to be done to upkeep the buildings before they crush. There are officially TWO buildings left, a fort with a forest inside instead of out, and a hotel. The rest are actually your movie set style wood front buildings. Fix them up before they are gone.

C. Cedar Fair is a big pro-train company as visible with Cedar Point. CP owns FIVE stream locomotives for ONE park railroad. I realize one is under the weather leaving four, but still. That’s quite a roster. I am OVERLY impressed that they are running two trains. This has been a first that I can remember in quite a while. It is particularly neat when the trains are passing that the engineers play with the whistle between each other. We have went swimming only once, but it is really nice to not have to wait long to get back to the main park. It used to take almost 15 minutes. Now that has been cut nearly in half.

D. The only thing left is some of the unclean-liness. A lot of this has to do with the actual riders, and not workers. I know CF has made a big effort at being clean and keeping trash picked up, but somehow sometimes the track seems to be littered with no attention paid to it. How hard would it be to send a conductor around to clean up twice a day? Once around the middle of the day and another towards the mid evening-end. I just wish the patrons would enjoy and treat the ride with a little more respect. The graffiti in the coaches I haven’t much noticed, but I have noticed the engines seem to be having a lot of work done in the cab. I have taken my kids up for both engines and they seem to have been getting new valves/piping put in around different parts of the cab. The cab’s used to be upkept for viewing and pictures, and were painted very neatly. There is a lot of plain pipe showing now or fresh bolts which seem to be missing the nice neat work area that used to be.

Overall this ride as always is still one of the top favorites. It’s not every where you can go take a ride on a real live steam train these days. My kids love it when the engineer blows the whistle LOUD! There is nothing like a bell and whistle with some stack talk in the woods!

[paperg]

Save Mittens! (Only a few will get this)

And the new shipping building looks great, even thought you just moved it from the side of the train storage building to the main view looks good!

Hopefully the building next to it will get some love along with the others. The park does such a good job themeing areas of the park for Halloween Haunt with the skeleton displays why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

[paperg]

Save Mittens! (Only a few will get this)

And the new shipping building looks great, even thought you just moved it from the side of the train storage building to the main view looks good!

Hopefully the building next to it will get some love along with the others. The park does such a good job themeing areas of the park for Halloween Haunt with the skeleton displays why couldn't they do something along those lines year around at the train?

kinda makes me wonder bout what you said bout (only a few would get this)...

paperg goes snickerin'....

[rlentless]

curious . . . was the track layout altered when Waterworks was added to the park? As a kid in the 70's (and I know everything seems larger than life as a child) it just seems the ride was much longer. I know it use to involve actors, battle seens with cowboys and Indians . . . and I believe it even stopped once or twice. But still, I just remember the track layout being longer.

I keep looking for old brochures that may have the old track layout but none really show it before Waterworks.

[Guest TombraiderTy]

^I can't guarantee that I'll be able to find a picture, but yes, it was longer a different layout- it formerly stretched into the land where Soak City now resides.

Edit - Here we go, threw this together real quickly.

Sorry for messy tracing, but it shows the layout of the train in 1972 (possibly 1971, actually) versus 2010. Picture on left courtesy KIExtreme, picture on right courtesy Google Earth. And, regarding the pictures, I can't vouch for the credibility of the statements on the older one.

[Vortex]

What year was the fort moved?

[rlentless]

that's great . . . thx TombraiderTy.

I had completely forgotten about the Beaver Dam. Didn't trees use to fall as they cut them down?

[westcoaster]

Sure hope the park could do some good for this ride!

[ohiocolts]

I never got a chance to ride the train this year (Sorry, it's 2012, LAST year) and I better remember to ride it in 2012, probably get some great photots.

[Guest TombraiderTy]

What year was the fort moved?

The fort wasn't so much moved as it was replaced. I'd take a guess that Fort McHale (below) lasted until 1989, at which point Water Works opened.

Besides the fire effects, there were also splashes of water from "cannon balls" in front of the fort

Assuming the track was reworked in 1989 (which would make sense), then Fort Washington (below) would've been introduced the same year.

I'd assume most users already know this, but Fort Washington actually encompasses an old house built before Kings Island. You can just barely see it (pre fort) in the aerial from my last post, and you can clearly see the house's old driveway below:

[coasterfanatic83]

What was that fort used for? Anything important? or just theming...?

[Guest TombraiderTy]

Fort McHale or Fort Washington? Both were themeing, but I've heard that Fort Washington was mainly built to conceal the old house. Supposedly, the original owner of said house only sold his land to Taft Broadcasting if the park promised to not demolish the house. I can't vouch for how true that story is though.