Overhauling Backlot Stunt Coaster?

[BeeastFarmer]

22 minutes ago, SonofBaconator said:

If Zamperla Dragster is a success, could they fix up our two Premier coasters?

expound on fix up please.

[SonofBaconator]

47 minutes ago, BeeastFarmer said:

expound on fix up please.

LSMs and updated trains mainly.

[BeeastFarmer]

1 hour ago, SonofBaconator said:

LSMs and updated trains mainly.

I could see an overhaul of FOF because it's a major coaster and tied into area 72.  The junkyard...I don't see a value unless it's completely redone and could be marketed as a new attraction like ttd is. 

[Gordon Bombay]

I think such a conversion only happens if each ride gets a major overhaul/rebrand as a “new” attraction, but at that point with the cost of installing LSM’s (not that I have any idea what such a cost is), are you better off just buying a new coaster from the ground-up? It’s a great question, though, @SonofBaconator.

[SonofBaconator]

1 hour ago, Gordon Bombay said:

I think such a conversion only happens if each ride gets a major overhaul/rebrand as a “new” attraction, but at that point with the cost of installing LSM’s (not that I have any idea what such a cost is), are you better off just buying a new coaster from the ground-up? It’s a great question, though, @SonofBaconator.

Like @BeeastFarmer said, for FoF it would make sense because of its popularity to keep it running smooth for the next decade or so. BLSC is also a popular ride with the families so if you completely retheme it, I could see the benefit of LSMs, unless they replace it with a modern LSM family. 
 

TL;DR, both coasters are popular and it wouldn’t hurt if Zamperla could “RMC” our launched coasters.

[Tr0y]

 

4 hours ago, SonofBaconator said:

LSMs and updated trains mainly.

I wouldn’t say that new trains from Premier would be much of an upgrade. It’s the same restraint system for the most part except they added over the shoulder straps as well. The carts are just as cramped as well, at least from my experience on Tigris and Tempesto.

I think FoF is at age were it would need just entirely rebuilt like the what Universal did with the Incredible Hulk coaster. If possible I would probably invite an entirely different manufacturer to do it tho. 

Theming wise I think it would be cool if they added stars in planets inside were the bulk of the coaster is. Also add more theming to the interior of the alien space ship itself. Kings Dominion’s FoF is an odd ball tho being in the Jungle X perdition area technically while also sitting next to a racing themed Giga coaster. They could theme it as an emergency landed space craft in the jungle or remove everything aliens and theme it to an indoor test track facility.

Premier train:

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/03/scott-and-carol-present-tempesto-at.html

[SonofBaconator]

8 minutes ago, Tr0y said:

 

I wouldn’t say that new trains from Premier would be much of an upgrade. It’s the same restraint system for the most part except they added over the shoulder straps as well. The carts are just as cramped as well, at least from my experience on Tigris and Tempesto.

I think FoF is at age were it would need just entirely rebuilt like the what Universal did with the Incredible Hulk coaster. If possible I would probably invite an entirely different manufacturer to do it tho. 

Theming wise I think it would be cool if they added stars in planets inside were the bulk of the coaster is. Also add more theming to the interior of the alien space ship itself. Kings Dominion’s FoF is an odd ball tho being in the Jungle X perdition area technically while also sitting next to a racing themed Giga coaster. They could theme it as an emergency landed space craft in the jungle or remove everything aliens and theme it to an indoor test track facility.

Premier train:

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/03/scott-and-carol-present-tempesto-at.html

I meant a Zamperla train

[DJSkyFoxx]

As someone who isn't much of a fan of Premier coasters, I think any kind of upgrade could be beneficial. I used to enjoy FoF, but I realized after last season when taking a ride on it during Winter Fest ( as I usually just skip it all together ) I found it to be rather boring and rough. The launch is always a good time, but beyond that I just don't enjoy it personally. 

As for Backlot, I enjoyed it a lot more when it was IJ:ST simply for the theming, on board audio and the cute Mini Coopers. The ride since the off-brand has just felt cheap and like a shell of what it once was. If they replaced it I wouldn't be hurt by it. Another fun family coaster or a couple of flats could go in its place. 

I will add that those open air trains look cool but I imagine that aside from the more open feeling they probably aren't very comfortable. 

[SonofBaconator]

I’d like to see Flight of Fear with Zamperla Lightning trains which look comfortable. I’m not sure if Backlot could receive the same trains or if they could do something different like a Thunderbolt train, which seats 4 across which would more than likely require a station modification but could help with capacity.

The former I’m hopeful for, the latter I’m just hopelessly optimistic.

[SonofBaconator]

Double post:

Even though it has no trouble drawing crowds, I think the park could take it a step further with a Haunt overlay of some sort. Incorporating Halloween props and added audio along the ride’s route would bridge the gap between rides and Haunt. Put green, orange, or purple lights in the final tunnel to add to the Halloween affect. Put fun Halloween posters up on the billboards. I don’t think what I’m suggesting would cost a lot of money, just would take time setting it up. It would certainly make Haunt more of a Halloween event.

If I ever have the time I’ll come up with a rendering.

[Stoan]

It is a great transitional ride. I only really have two qualms with it; 1 - It is stupid short. 2 - As a transition ride, riders that are finally at the height to ride can't actually see out of the car. I'd like to see them just re-do the theming, which doesn't make sense anymore. Also for a dedicated loading and unloading area, and only 6 cars, the cycle time is HELLA slow.

 

What area is this ride even in really? Is it an odd off-shoot of Coney, or Rivertown? Theming could be redesigned to either a fair/festival style like Coney has, or continue the mysterious spoopy area that Rivertown is kind of turning into.

[Orion-XL200]

16 minutes ago, Stoan said:

It is a great transitional ride. I only really have two qualms with it; 1 - It is stupid short. 2 - As a transition ride, riders that are finally at the height to ride can't actually see out of the car. I'd like to see them just re-do the theming, which doesn't make sense anymore. Also for a dedicated loading and unloading area, and only 6 cars, the cycle time is HELLA slow.

 

What area is this ride even in really? Is it an odd off-shoot of Coney, or Rivertown? Theming could be redesigned to either a fair/festival style like Coney has, or continue the mysterious spoopy area that Rivertown is kind of turning into.

Operations wise, it is a Rivertown ride....the location/entrance is in a weird spot. Too bad they can't just pick the entire ride up and rotate it to have a better Rivertown entrance or even a Coney entrance. 

A retheme is needed for sure. 

[DoomPlague]

27 minutes ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Operations wise, it is a Rivertown ride....the location/entrance is in a weird spot. Too bad they can't just pick the entire ride up and rotate it to have a better Rivertown entrance or even a Coney entrance. 

A retheme is needed for sure. 

It's like the ride has its own plaza...but there's nothing in the plaza. I never understood that. I don't think they would have to turn it around to have a better Rivertown entrance though. You could easily divert the entrance to enter on the side where the big queue area is left of the restrooms. Maybe even divert it to be across from the Killmart building if you're okay with making people walk a little bit.

[flightoffear1996]

Personally, I would to overhaul it with a bull dozer.  I know its not realistic  

[OverlandTaxis30]

3 hours ago, Stoan said:

 

 

What area is this ride even in really? Is it an odd off-shoot of Coney, or Rivertown? Theming could be redesigned to either a fair/festival style like Coney has, or continue the mysterious spoopy area that Rivertown is kind of turning into.

That’s Paramount for you. They probably wanted it in the most central location in the park for the most exposure in order to promote their branding. Though that is just speculation, mind you.

[Invertigo99]

What ever happens to Backlot should probably happen at the same time as The Vortex replacement. A new mini-area that includes Kings Mills Antique Autos, WindSeeker, Shake, Rattle and Roll, The Vortex replacement, and rethemed Backlot would be ideal. The retheme could be similar to The Vortex replacement's theme and truly tie the stories of the rides together. Either that, or relocate it to Michigan's Adventure .

[WoodVengeance]

4 hours ago, Invertigo99 said:

What ever happens to Backlot should probably happen at the same time as The Vortex replacement. A new mini-area that includes Kings Mills Antique Autos, WindSeeker, Shake, Rattle and Roll, The Vortex replacement, and rethemed Backlot would be ideal. The retheme could be similar to The Vortex replacement's theme and truly tie the stories of the rides together. Either that, or relocate it to Michigan's Adventure .

I think if they wanted to do a retheme of BLSC the same year as Vortex's replacement, it will highly depend on how expensive the new coaster will be. I don't think the park would want to do a multi-million dollar renovation to BLSC if they're already spending $25+ million for a new B&M or Mack the same year.

The idea I was thinking of would be to have a two-year renovation plan for Coney Mall. The first year focusing on a BLSC retheme and some new flat rides placed in the section of the park between BLSC and Diamondback. Then build a new coaster in Vortex's plot for the second year, ideally a coaster model focused on inversions.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

I don't really think our Backlot Stunt Coaster needs much of a retheme. I think the high speed car theme fits with what I think a retheme of that back section of Coney Mall could be themed to. Give it a "Route 66" style theme. Call it "Route 72" like Valleyfair did with Route 76 and just give Backlot new theming signage with Cincinnati references instead of Los Angeles. Basically instead of riding through a Backlot in Los Angeles, you are riding through Cincinnati.  Vortex's replacement can still be themed to a "Vortex" or storm type theme, but have the storyline be along the lines of it's the 1950s and a major storm rips through Route 72 and you board your 1950s style hot rod to ride out the storm similar to how the Mystic Timbers storyline was set in the 80s. 

[Cedar Fair Fanboy]

There is a way to keep the name Backlot Stunt Coaster, without taking it down or rethemeing it. Give it a new story, here's my idea.

"You are extra stunt drivers for a struggling studio called Backlot Studios. They're working on their next blockbuster movie called "The Beast Hunters" They think it's a good idea to make a movie around the legend (Which is real) and make it come out of the woods (which he'll won't) and terrorize the city of Cincinnati. (which offended victims.) They got the sets ready, but there's only one problem. They're in a time constraint and they have to get it in one take. Backlot Studios needs your help to perform this car stunt before the deadline. Can you pull off this crazy stunt coaster?"

[BeeastFarmer]

The junkyard coaster needs a complete redo or tear out. Get rid of the shipping containers, junk cars, billboards, rip-rap.  I don't think the hardware needs anything, maybe harken back to the roots of Les Taxis or Ohio Overland Livery and put new fiberglass shells on the train and take a wild ride in a antique auto. But the area is ugly as is while it's a decent ride. Landscape landscape landscape!

[johnjniehaus]

I could see a mini land developed near the back of Coney mall themed to 1950s route 66 or whatever. A stunt car overhaul would be welcome thematically however, I personally just think it's not a very good coaster. How much money do you really want to invest in a coaster that just isn't that good to begin with theming and scenery aside? If it's between  overhaul stunt cars or overhaul/refurbish FoF I'm going to say FoF because it's a major ride that fits the theme of area 72 extremely well and it's gotten really rough in recent years. (The KD version was so much smoother this year). Just my opinion for what it's worth...

[SpectralBeacon]

On 7/11/2023 at 8:46 PM, OverlandTaxis30 said:

Because of it’s proximity to the Eiffel Tower, theme the ride to Paris, repaint the cars to resemble French taxi cabs and rename the ride itself, “Les Taxis.” 

It is not what I would want to do myself. But it is a more realistic option.

I actually like this a lot! If I get the free time I might do up some renderings 

[OverlandTaxis30]

4 hours ago, SpectralBeacon said:

I actually like this a lot! If I get the free time I might do up some renderings 

If and when you do, put me down for the “first copy.” Wink wink.

[SonofBaconator]

Could they at least paint the cars a different color? 
 

[Orion742]

47 minutes ago, SonofBaconator said:

Could they at least paint the cars a different color? 
 

Is this real???

[WoodVengeance]

6 minutes ago, Orion742 said:

Is this real???

No. Looks like they edited the colors in photoshop or some other photo-editing software.

[SonofBaconator]

8 hours ago, WoodVengeance said:

No. Looks like they edited the colors in photoshop or some other photo-editing software.

I used pixlr and just picked random colors

[burlguy41005]

On 3/12/2023 at 11:01 AM, beastfan11 said:

I don’t know. It’s occupies a lot of real estate (much of it being wasted). I’d rather see that area redeveloped to bring a bit of “park” back to the park. Between the OG cars and the loss of Swan Lake, that area has changed a lot! 

Wow...not heard Swan Lake in a long time....the tradition was to throw early Fall students leaving last day into the lake from the bridge.....was that wrong? LMFAO.....