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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/24/2017 in all areas

  1. 11 points
  2. And here is another example of a roller coaster with headlights, the Rock n Roiler roller coaster has them and yes, they work. Photo courtesy of planetcoaster https://forums.planetcoaster.com/showthread.php/7321-Real-Coasters-you-would-like-to-reproduce
    4 points
  3. Actually i think the shed would probably look a lot more like this: Image from my pintrest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/25825397843908246/
    4 points
  4. This isn't an outstanding example, but it IS an example of a wooden coaster with on-board lights: (Source: forums.planetcoaster.com) National Amusement Devices was a major player in the pre-KI amusement industry. Their Century Flyer trains (pictured above) were capable of having up to three lamps installed in the first car: the two shown in the picture, and a third in place of that red circle in the middle. Century Flyers used to be everywhere, but now (to my knowledge) only exist on three coasters today: Thunderbolt at Kennywood, Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park, and Big Dipper at Camden Park (which I believe is the ride pictured above.) Lil' Dipper at Camden is (again, to my knowledge) the only coaster out there with NAD's kid-sized version of Century Flyers. I've read before somewhere (I've forgotten the source--it's been years) that the jostles and jolts of wooden coasters would knock something out of place in the lamps and destroy them. I've gotten the impression that many parks would, over time, remove them and provide some kind of non-technical placeholder that was easier/cheaper to maintain. Until very recently, all three trains on Kennywood's Thunderbolt looked something like this: (Source: Negative-G) In 2014, Penn State's Theme Park Engineering group made a proposal to restore the headlamps on Thunderbolt using LEDs. (Here's a link with a short write-up.) When Thunderbolt opened for 2014, the two headlamps on the red train were updated, but the green and blue trains remained the same. Here's what the new headlamps looked like: (Source: Kennywood Connection) Unfortunately, I don't know that the restoration ever continued beyond that point--or even that the red train's lights ever were functional. I've never witnessed them working myself, and I've never read any reports that they were operational. I've also never heard whether or not the blue or green trains were completed--I don't think I've been to Kennywood in the summer since 2014. Whether this is due to the lamps not functioning or due to them not being a priority for Kennywood at the moment, I'm not sure. So yes... lights on a wooden coaster have been done before. Kinda. I just don't get the impression that it's ever worked particularly well.
    4 points
  5. There's 0 evidence that Intamin has really changed all that much. They've openly said that safety problems on coasters are an 'acceptable' part of the industry while B&M objectively has more consistent products in the way they handle their designing. Intamin's most dominate market right now is Asia and what they have built since the American market has all but abandoned them is all too similar to what has been built and has proven problematic in someway. When's the last time a B&M coaster has snapped a lift/launch cable? Or has had major track design overhauls? Or hasn't opened on time? On I-305 and Millennium Force vs Leviathan and Fury 325, I've heard mostly mixed reviews on the 2 Intamin rides while I've heard much more consistently good reviews of the B&M creations. Everything B&M has built along side that (the B&M hypers, Banshee) have also been wildly successful ventures for Cedar Fair. Why should they stop? Say what you want about your opinion on B&M's forcefulness or lack thereof, but the GP clamors over them. The ROI has worked in favor for CF. Also, Mack has pretty much caught up to Intamin in providing nearly every kind of coaster type Intamin offers and also has a better track record which has really boosted Mack in the European market. That's not to say Intamin isn't still selling in the Western markets (just see a few of Busch Gardens' and Sea Worlds' recent purchases), but Intamin just doesn't have the leverage it used to have. If you're really that down about Intamin not selling well in the US market, blame Intamin for not innovating or proving they can meet the standards that the B&M's and Mack's of the world have set.
    3 points
  6. Maybe it's a headchopper effect for WWC!
    3 points
  7. Maybe it will look like this inside the shed............ image found on Pintrest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108086459783989953/
    3 points
  8. And it should be pointed out National Amusement Devices was based in Dayton, Ohio.
    3 points
  9. 3 weeks, seems like forever. I pray 6 is my lucky #
    2 points
  10. I'm wondering if there's enough in the budget to theme parts of wwc and the train to MT
    2 points
  11. Aren't those cables attached to that stump at the bottom? It looks like there is some sort of connection on the right side of it there. That is really weird! I didn't notice any of that when I saw the snap. I think the red chicken scratches were meant to draw attention to the cables, tho. I'm intrigued even though I can't make head or tails of it.
    2 points
  12. We were talking about woodies~ /\ From KingsIslandPR snapchat I womder why those red marks are there.. i feel like ot was some accidental drawing and... I have no idea why there's cable hanging off of two of the ledgers in this shot, weird.
    2 points
  13. Reminds me of the Ciruque Imagines wall texture [emoji14] actually Origins: A Cirque Experience had a similar texture as well~
    2 points
  14. I went to Camden Park a many a years in my childhood (I live about 20 min. from the park) and I don't think I've ever seen it run at night with the headlights actually on. It's very possible it's happened! I just never noticed it [emoji846] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2 points
  15. This probably my favorite part of the ride, It just looks too good. It looks like an Intense banked S-bend into the turnaround. Only 50 more days guys!
    2 points
  16. 2 points
  17. This is the pic I was talking about I got this picture from @ki_entertainment on Instagram Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2 points
  18. http://www.garnerholt.com/ghp-inc/projects.aspx Check them out^ This is the same company that themes the animation for parks like Disney, Knotts, and many other theme parks. It would be awesome to see some Garner Holt work done on MT, let alone other parts of the park.
    2 points
  19. @DonKIPR Are there any plans to plant trees in some of the bare areas of the construction site following Mystic Timbers' completion?
    2 points
  20. I'll trade The Beast for Lightning Rod (backlash incoming)
    2 points
  21. This, unfortunately, has been a long time coming. It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that I am moving on from KICentral effective immediately. Over the past 14 years, I have seen this web site grow from a second place fan site to a media powerhouse. We crashed through the glass ceiling of being just a "fan site" and because a legitimate source of Kings Island and amusement industry news. Although I am grateful for the professional experience that I have gotten from this site, I am more grateful for the friendships that I have forged over the years with many of you. This goes from Dane, my former business partner and one of my best friends of 14 years, all the way to the many of you that I met as recently as this past season. Many times this KICentral Universe that you guys formed felt like family and these forums felt like home. We are a Universe of thousands upon thousands of people. We are all different ages, different races, and of different backgrounds. We are all only united under one unified banner: a love for Kings Island. Through all the ups and downs, I still feel like Kings Island is a great park and is run by even better people. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful place to create memories. Why am I stepping aside? Unfortunately due to a constraint in my personal time the growth of my own personal business I simply can not serve as an asset to the team any longer. Recently we appointed two new staff members: malem and IndyGuy4KI - which is a decision that has worked out fantastically. Their ambition and passion for the site has breathed a new light into the forums and as a result of this it became the perfect opportunity to pass the torch. Thank you for taking to time to read this, and thank you for a wonderful 14 years! Ryan aka BoddaH1994
    1 point
  22. I had not seen this footage until you shared it with me. It's terrific! To add on to what you said about the original Dodgem/Cuddle Up... many think the Cuddle Up was removed when Coney Mall was overhauled for 1986. However according to park maps, it could have been removed as early as 1984. Although I did visit KI in those years, I don't remember riding Cuddle Up then - so it was likely gone. In addition, what is now the Candy Shop at the end of Coney Mall was the location of Ki's Fascination Parlor. Fascination transferred from Coney Island as well. I believe it bit the dust in 1986 when the Coney Mall update happened. Although I've never known it as fact, I have heard that KI's Fascination games were sold to LeSourdesville Lake - which eventually became Americana. They had a working Fascination Parlor until the final years, but I'm not sure if it was ALL KI original equipment, or if KI's was used for replacements.
    1 point
  23. I did this for Banshee and managed to raise $1200 so I am throwing my hat into the ring again.
    1 point
  24. I'm no expert (but the more I hit this site that might change, lol), but I just can't imagine how Paramount can make the decision to remove something so popular as the antique cars for a coaster that has such a terrible capacity. Great ride, but to wait 30+ minutes most of the season for it isn't worth it. I'd love to see a locker system for Diamondback. And the more I think of it, Rivertown is going to be packed this season...more than what it usually is.
    1 point
  25. Yes, that first pic is the Big Dipper at Camden Park [emoji846] I knew it the moment I saw it lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    1 point
  26. 7-1 is truly where it is on Vortex. Sure it has its awkward transitions but what do you expect from something designed 30 years ago. I love Vortex and hope it's at the park for many years to come. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
    1 point
  27. It's an interesting little park. I stopped by on my way to Erie last year and spent a few hours there riding everything a few times. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
    1 point
  28. Sounds a lot like Celebration and we all know how that turned out for the Mouse...
    1 point
  29. Ultimately I would like to see Triotech come in and redo Boo Blasters. That way during the summer you could have one attraction, switch to a Halloween attraction for Haunt and then change it to something Chrismassy for Winterfest. The could even have the Peanuts characters for all three. Do one based on summer vacation, one on the Great Pumpkin and on on Charlie Brown Christmas.
    1 point
  30. I've watched shows with my ears plugged the whole time with my fingers. I look really rude... but I'm literally just trying to enjoy the show without wincing from the prolonged loudness.. though.. if it werent loud.. i probably wouldnt be able to hear the show over people talking `~~~~` Might be a safe bet to expect Hollywood Nights to return as well
    1 point
  31. Dane applied a minor update to the IPS forum software tonight, which might have fixed that issue. Let us know, Chris. Also, report here if anything broke with the upgrade.
    1 point
  32. That's what I mean--rather than playing the standard pop music that gets played throughout the park in MT's queue, play the dramatic instrumental music from the announcement or the tracks that SonofBaconator suggested. Makes Mystic Timbers more of an experience from queue to exit ramp!
    1 point
  33. How would we hear the pop music if they're trying to put a theme song for MT?
    1 point
  34. ^ I wouldn't mind having that track myself.
    1 point
  35. Or even the audio tracks they played at the announcement! There was something really unique and engaging about the intense drumbeats and mystical chimes combined with chainsaws and shouts of "timber!" It's thematically appropriate, it helps tell the story, and it makes standing in the queue that much more engaging. I'd really, really love it if they'd do that. If you're going to go to the bother of theming a ride at all, why not use audio tracks you've already got prepared to make the experience that much more magical? But again, that's me. I'd rather have an immersive experience than listen to the same pop tunes I could hear outside the park. For me, that drives repeat visits and encourages me to invite more people to the park with me and [insert other things from Cedar Fair's Q4 financials that they are aiming to improve]. (But seriously, I might actually WANT to invite more people I know to join in a themed experience than just another roller coaster. But I'm sure I'm in the minority, and CF obviously knows their audiences better than I do.) A side note... Don, if you're reading this: if you aren't going to use the music from Mystic Timbers's announcement for anything for the ride, would you mind posting a tracklist here? It really made an impression on me, and I'd love to purchase the songs from iTunes or Google if possible.
    1 point
  36. I'd love to listen to this type of audio while I'm waiting in the que line or when the coaster enters the shed. Blowing wind, saw mills, owl hoots, crickets, bliss.
    1 point
  37. Yeah, all those extra couplings between cars and wheel sets are pretty loud on Millennium Flyers. GCI's may be many things, but quiet sure ain't one of them.
    1 point
  38. I agree with TombRaiderFTW on the lights idea. That would be awesome! As far as sounds? Hearing sounds on a wooden coaster would be hard. Based on my experience on GCI lift hills, I can hardly hear anyone around me. The sound of the train going through the course is generally not quiet either. Diamondback has had several complaints about noise from the neighborhood behind the park.
    1 point
  39. Well.... even with all that not finished they are under the 60 day mark so it's home stretch. How long before Banshee or Diamondback opened did they add the trains? JW.
    1 point
  40. Its getting closer and closer to opening day, so I've decided to give you more Kings Island questions, enjoy! 1. What is the best day ever at Kings Island that you have ever had? 2. What is your favorite Kings Island flat-ride? (Past or Present!) 3. Have you ever heard one of your favorite songs playing at Kings Island? If so then what song? 4. Should Kings Island make The Racer go backwards again? 5. What's the worst part of the off-season? 6. What do you think is in the shed? #WhatsInsideTheShed
    1 point
  41. That was a beautiful post, BoddaH; I'll miss you but I do hope you come to the park and hang out with us sometime. Good luck in your personal endeavors and thanks for being a leader in making this site a great place to be. And I agree that Malem and IndyGuy are doing a fantastic job running things.
    1 point
  42. Best of luck Ryan, you've done a great job making KIC the great place it is today, hopefully I'll see you at Escape The Room Challenge sometime!
    1 point
  43. You've done a wonderful job here at KICentral, helping make the site what it is today! Good luck with your personal business and all the things you want to do! You're always welcome here friend!
    1 point
  44. I personally want to thank Ryan as well. He made me a staff member here on KIC back in 2005 (hard to believe that was twelve years ago). This site had been a big part of my life, and will continue to be. Thanks for your hard work Ryan and having trust in me to be a staff member. I have been in constant contact with Malem and IndyGuy4KI over the last several months and can assure you there are exciting things ahead. Good luck with your future endeavors, Ryan!
    1 point
  45. Thank you for everything you have done for KIC. It has not, and will never go unnoticed. Farewell, and good luck on your next venture.
    1 point
  46. Your hard work over the years and passion for Kings Island has been truly appreciated by us all. I can't thank you enough for helping build KIC as a place centered around mutual respect and friendship. It has become a special place for many. I'm still humbled to have been asked to help in a leadership role here. It has been a joy to work with a team of great people eager to make KIC even better. Thanks for your support and advice, and best of luck with your current projects!
    1 point
  47. Haha, I pronounce the user name like c-hugh jackman.
    1 point
  48. 1. Hmm...I have had lots and lots of awesome, memorable visits to Kings Island so this one is tough to choose. I am gonna have to go with my visit in 2009- I returned to the park, conquered my fear of roller coasters, and just had a blast. Had that day not gone smoothly I might not be here now. 2. Delirium 3. Enter Sandman by Metallica, fittingly in line for Beast for a night ride in 2014. The song fit so well. "EXIT LIGHT...ENTER NIGHT!" 4. Not needed and I know PTC is probably against it, but if Kings Island found a way, it would be cool to bring it back. I never got to try it backwards. 5. Being unable to ride ANY roller coasters unless going to a Florida park or something. 6. Probably a dark ride-like section with screens or animatronics. Also the transfer track and stuff will probably be in there but not visible under normal conditions.
    1 point
  49. From what I've heard from videos of No Coaster Con in Chicago where Pete Owens spoke, it seems like they are putting in all efforts to get it fixed to run more reliably. I have a friend who works in the rides office who has said the park has been in constant contact with RMC/third-parties as work is completed to ensure it runs smoothly. We won't know until closer to time whether it'll be open or not which kind of stinks.
    1 point
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