I have to wonder why SFGAdv has chosen to put this ride down in the
land of the lost coasters. It's like, "Look! It's the park's newest
coaster! And it's right next to two rides that they can't maintain and
oftentimes don't open! hoorah!"

I hope the increased traffic in this neck of the woods brings new
interest back into Rolling Thunder ... with a bit of work (retracking
and such), and the opening of both sides, I think RT could really be a
good attraction. It's just been too long ignored in the land of the
lost coasters.

DJ

From:	DJ Gallup
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	14 Jan 2005 12:25:51 -0800

Jeez, sorry for the typos ... maybe I should preview!

Let's try again ...

Well, I wasn't talking so much about GASM, since its entrance is a
pretty
decent distance from RT and Viper. Viper is rarely, if ever opened,
and usually only one side of RT is open (at least every single time
I've *ever* been there, one side was closed, or the attraction was
closed). The RT/Viper area just seems to be the lost corner of SFGAdv.

From:	The Mak
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 20:31:53 GMT

"DJ Gallup" wrote in news:1105734351.744612.25770
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com:

> Jeez, sorry for the typos ... maybe I should preview!
>
> Let's try again ...
>
> Well, I wasn't talking so much about GASM, since its entrance is a
> pretty
> decent distance from RT and Viper. Viper is rarely, if ever opened,
> and usually only one side of RT is open (at least every single time
> I've *ever* been there, one side was closed, or the attraction was
> closed). The RT/Viper area just seems to be the lost corner of SFGAdv.
>

That's something I agree with. RT needs some loving and Viper needs to be
sold for scrap metal. SF should put in a giant frisbee or ship back Ultra
Twister.

From:	Mark Rosenzweig
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	14 Jan 2005 06:38:00 -0800

DJ Gallup wrote:
> I have to wonder why SFGAdv has chosen to put this ride down in the
> land of the lost coasters. It's like, "Look! It's the park's newest
> coaster! And it's right next to two rides that they can't maintain
and
> oftentimes don't open! hoorah!"

In my 20 plus years of visiting SFGAd, I cannot remember a single visit
when Rolling Thunder wasn't open, unless it was down for an unforseen
reason (i.e. rotted wood causing structure to collapse).

GASM is another ride that is hardly ever *not* running when the park is
open. It may not be amongst the park's most popular rides anymore, but
it's always up for dishing out some good 'ol fashioned S&M to anyone
who desires it.

>
> I hope the increased traffic in this neck of the woods brings new
> interest back into Rolling Thunder ... with a bit of work (retracking
> and such), and the opening of both sides, I think RT could really be
a
> good attraction. It's just been too long ignored in the land of the
> lost coasters.
>

Viper really seems to be a lost cause. The ride is horrific, and the
park can hardly justify staffing it, as hardly anyone rides it anymore.
The queue and station house are quite nice, and could easily
accomodate a replacement attraction. As far as Rolling Thunder, I'm
guessing Kingda Ka will draw quite a few more people to ride Rolling
Thunder. Perhaps the park will finally run both tracks on a regular
basis?

Back in '03 when SUF opened, I noted a considerable increase in the
average queue length for GASM, as compared to previous years.
-Mark

From:	Kip Ross
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 10:16:34 -0500

On 14 Jan 2005 06:38:00 -0800, "Mark Rosenzweig"
wrote:

>GASM is another ride that is hardly ever *not* running when the park is
>open. It may not be amongst the park's most popular rides anymore, but
>it's always up for dishing out some good 'ol fashioned S&M to anyone
>who desires it.

From what I've heard, GASM is still quite liked by the guests, and
that's why it hasn't met the same fate as his brother in Chicago.

>Viper really seems to be a lost cause. The ride is horrific, and the
>park can hardly justify staffing it, as hardly anyone rides it anymore.
>The queue and station house are quite nice, and could easily
>accomodate a replacement attraction.

I really would like to get a final ride on Viper. I'm hoping they
give us warning before it gets the axe. It's rough as hell, but it
*is* rather unique, and I sorta like it.

-kip-

From:	The Mak
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 20:39:51 GMT

Kip Ross wrote in
news:t3ofu0prn53n1qaf8jp5364q2t3bgbofct@4ax.com:

> On 14 Jan 2005 06:38:00 -0800, "Mark Rosenzweig"
> wrote:
>
>>GASM is another ride that is hardly ever *not* running when the park is
>>open. It may not be amongst the park's most popular rides anymore, but
>>it's always up for dishing out some good 'ol fashioned S&M to anyone
>>who desires it.
>
> From what I've heard, GASM is still quite liked by the guests, and
> that's why it hasn't met the same fate as his brother in Chicago.

Either I've subconsciously learned how to ride it or the ride has gotten
smoother. In fact the ride is excellent if you ride any train other than
the red train. I think a train/restraint rehab could do it wonders (a
good derusting on the white supports as well).

The only real rough spots are at the bottom of the first drop (jerks you
tot he right) and going up to the MCBR (again, jerks you to the right).
It also has the loudest chain lift in the park by far.

>
>>Viper really seems to be a lost cause. The ride is horrific, and the
>>park can hardly justify staffing it, as hardly anyone rides it anymore.
>>The queue and station house are quite nice, and could easily
>>accomodate a replacement attraction.
>
> I really would like to get a final ride on Viper. I'm hoping they
> give us warning before it gets the axe. It's rough as hell, but it
> *is* rather unique, and I sorta like it.

The actual ride itself is pretty rough, but the big killer is the final
turn into the station. The train takes it at near full speed with no
banking. This makes the restraints dig into my shoulders and slams the
seat against the small of my back.

From:	William J. Buckley
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Sat, 15 Jan 2005 14:30:55 GMT

"Mark Rosenzweig" wrote:

> In my 20 plus years of visiting SFGAd, I cannot remember a single visit
> when Rolling Thunder wasn't open, unless it was down for an unforseen
> reason (i.e. rotted wood causing structure to collapse).

I've been to the park many times when RT was DOA all day long. And with the
exception of a couple of CC's, have never seen both sides running on a GP
day.

From:	DJ Gallup
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	14 Jan 2005 12:21:14 -0800

The Mak wrote:
> "DJ Gallup" wrote in news:1105686682.558709.284550
> @c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:
>
> > I have to wonder why SFGAdv has chosen to put this ride down in the
> > land of the lost coasters. It's like, "Look! It's the park's
newest
> > coaster! And it's right next to two rides that they can't maintain
and
> > oftentimes don't open! hoorah!"
> >
> > I hope the increased traffic in this neck of the woods brings new
> > interest back into Rolling Thunder ... with a bit of work
(retracking
> > and such), and the opening of both sides, I think RT could really
be a
> > good attraction. It's just been too long ignored in the land of
the
> > lost coasters.
>
> Say what? Rolling Thunder and GASM are always open.

Well, I was talking so much about GASM, since its entrance is a pretty
decent distance from RT and Viper. Viper is rarely, if every opened,
and usually only one side of RT is open (at least every single time
I've *ever* been there, one side was closed, or the attraction was
closed). The RT/Viper area just seems to be the lost corner of SFGAdv.

From:	DJ Gallup
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	14 Jan 2005 13:31:01 -0800

Maybe SFGAdv should consider getting one of those spinning mouse
coasters (like Seabreeze's) for Viper's spot. It's fit nicely, and
they get decent capacity for what they are.

DJ

From:	HairComesJoe
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	15 Jan 2005 04:53:01 GMT

im may just be stupid.. or a sucker for pain .. but i acctually enjoy GASM..
althought it's been a few years since i rode it, i like the feeling of my
bladder going into my throat so i can taste my pee. it's... well.. old
fashioned? for lack of a better word.. as for viper.. i only rode that once..
that was enough for me.. but it is a pretty ride to look at..not much else can
be done with it.

my two cents..

*~JOE~*

From:	The Mak
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 08:00:07 GMT

"DJ Gallup" wrote in news:1105686682.558709.284550
@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> I have to wonder why SFGAdv has chosen to put this ride down in the
> land of the lost coasters. It's like, "Look! It's the park's newest
> coaster! And it's right next to two rides that they can't maintain and
> oftentimes don't open! hoorah!"
>
> I hope the increased traffic in this neck of the woods brings new
> interest back into Rolling Thunder ... with a bit of work (retracking
> and such), and the opening of both sides, I think RT could really be a
> good attraction. It's just been too long ignored in the land of the
> lost coasters.

Say what? Rolling Thunder and GASM are always open.

From:	Bradley Grupe
Subject:	Re: Kingda Ka: WTF
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 13:25:53 GMT

The Mak wrote:

>
>
> Say what? Rolling Thunder and GASM are always open.

What day was that? :)

Brad
"Life is a Roller Coaster-Enjoy the Ride!"