HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: hempling@quorum.com (David B. Hempling)
Subject: Re: Velvet & Velcro -or- When Coaster Gods Are Smiling
Originator: hempling@parker
Keywords: Rattler and Texas Giant in one weekend
Organization: Quorum Software Systems, Inc.
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 21:10:47 GMT

buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com () writes:

>So Dave,

>Did FT *ever* open that back seat on the Rattler?!?  A
>friend from DEC was there last week and had some back
>seat rides.

Sorry, Buck. I guess I forgot to mention that the back seat
did open up after an employee shift. It was open for
the rest of Friday night and all day and night Saturday.
Which brings up the subject of consistency.

We noticed that depending upon who was running the ride, we could
ask to wait for the front or back seats. For the uninitiated,
the Rattler loading dock does not allow folks to wait for the
seats they want. They only let enough people into the loading
area that will fit on one train, keeping the rest behind the
turnstyle. Getting the front or back seat is a roll of the dice.

When we talked with the Ride Operations Manager, we brought up
the idea that they might let folks wait for seats they want to
ride in. He said that it was being considered. We made it a point
to stop by the Information booth at the front of the park and
fill out compliment/complaint forms. We complemented the park
on its fine coaster and also suggested a more relaxed seating
policy. (BTW - it's always a good idea to take the time and
fill out one of these forms when you go to a park. Especially
if you have something good to say. Things can only get better
this way.)

Until they decide to load folks the correct and proper way, we're 
at the mercy of the employee running the turnstyle.

dave
hempling@quorum.com	"Friends don't let friends vote Republican!"
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: robert@monster.saic.com (Robert W Mangum II)
Subject: Re: Coaster for Busch Gardens, the Dark Continent???
Reply-To: robert@monster.saic.com (Robert W Mangum II)
Organization: SAIC, McLean, VA
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 92 21:14:29 GMT

In article <1992Aug28.141820.22505@ccd.harris.com> wjf@controls.ccd.harris.com (Bill Figie) writes:
>
>I have heard rumors lately (not on rec.roller-coaster) that Busch Gardens, the
>Dark Continent (Tampa, FL) is putting in a new coaster this next year.  One rumor
>had the Drachen Fire being moved from Williamsburg (I doubt this one).  Another
>had a Drachen Fire clone being built (this sounds possible).

Why would anyone want to build a Drachen Fire clone?  Isn't one bad enough?

>			Bill "hope it is a suspend looper" Figie
This would be a very good choice.

Robert Mangum
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: Arrow PIPELINE (Was Re: alright, a new question)
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:13:38 GMT

An addendum to a note I posted yesterday:

>>What convinced me about their story was them coming out and saying that CP
>>OWNS and HAS OWNED the rights to the ride. 

>Hmmmm, I must admit that is the first time I've heard that.  I'm not 
>sure what to think about it either, as last year, Morey's Pier in 
>Wildwood, NJ, was displaying a model of the PIPELINE coaster at the 
>park.  The park also said it had a "one year exclusive rights" on the ride.


To inject even further speculation on the statement that Cedar Point
(CedarFair) "OWNS and HAS OWNED the rights to the [pipeline coaster]"...

Did you know, Kevin, that the Six Flags Corp. are the people who
originally came up with the concept of the "Pipeline" roller coaster?
Yup.  They gave their ideas to Arrow Dynamics to go off and play with.
I remember for the longest time, people thought only Six Falgs parks
would have the PIPELINE coasters in them, since the ride was their
concept.  This was all put in question when the PIPELINE Model showed
up at Morey's Pier in Wildwood, NJ last year (as mentioned above).


FYI and FWIW...
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: rec.roller-coaster FAQ?
Keywords: FAQ
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 15:57:28 GMT

Hi Ken,

I've sort of become "Keeper of the FAQ" (with the 
passing of the former FAQ owner from the NET).  I'll
gladly mail you a current copy off-line.

The FAQ, fyi, is in process of being re-vamped
with a slightly different format, and new and 
up-to-date information.  Most noteably, I'm waiting
for Mark Wyatt of INside Track fame to send me the 
results of his 1992 "Top 40 Coasters in the World" census.
Currently, the FAQ lists the 1991 survey results, which
is fine, but by now it's definitely a tad "dated".

Look for the new and improvied FAQ to be posted to 
REC.ROLLER-COASTER by mid-September.

PS - and as always, if you have input to the FAQ (Questions
you'd like answered, things you'd like to see included,
corrections/updates, etc. etc.), please forward all mail
to myself at:

	buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com



Thanks and regards,
Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: cf170@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kevin R. Russell)
Subject: Re: The Bat
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, (USA)
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 92 14:53:33 GMT


The Bat was built with insufficient banking on the turns.  
The cost to fix the ride was more than Kings felt the ride was
worth, especially considering all the bad PR.  

The shocks were there, although they may not have been the bright 
yellow monroes currently used. 

There was some testing done that indicated that running the ride
with no shocks was kind of a bad idea
From: bw711@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (David Medberry)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: The Bat
Date: 2 Sep 1992 23:11:59 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


Yo Thrillseekers,

Kevin Rex Russell definitely knows people in the biz.  He is a
cpf of mine and I will vouch (I know some of the same).

He hasn't been on the news net that long, but he definitely
knows the buziness--inside and out.

-dave
From: smw@cbnewsl.cb.att.com (scott.wincklhofer)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Betrand's Island
Keywords: Coaster name
Date: 4 Sep 92 20:23:03 GMT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories

Hey,

	Having just returned form a trip to Dorney Park,  I was reminded
of a park I used to attend as a child and was wondering if anyone else
had been there, and more importantly, if they knew anything about
the coaster which used to reside there.  The park was located on the shores
of Lake Hopatcong, NJ and was called Betrand's Island.  The coaster was 
wooden and quite old even when I was a child.  I'm afraid that is all I 
remember of it, since I was no more than 12 when I was last there.  The park
is closed now and I am unsure as to whether it was ever torn down or not.
Anyway, thanks for any info you can provide, this was the first coaster I
was ever on, and even though I despised it at the time, I am curious as to
exactly what it was I rode.


				Thanks,

			
				Scott.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott Wincklhofer
AT&T Bell Laboratories
Whippany NJ 
scott.wincklhofer@att.com
From: mexicotb@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Brian)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Please Help
Summary: Riding the Bucking Beast
Date: 26 Aug 92 02:35:58 GMT
Organization: Purdue University

In article <1992Aug25.154937.20584@sei.cmu.edu>, mapike@sei.cmu.edu (Mary Ann Pike) writes:
> In article <1992Aug20.195015.3371@keinstr.uucp> chaplin@keinstr.uucp (Roger Chaplin) writes:
> 
> >>> original CP vs KI discussion deleted <<<
> 
> that perhaps someone who understands the mechanics of coasters can
> explain to me.  On several of the straight runs after a fast section,
> the cars actually seemed to be bouncing up-and-down on the tracks (not
> a side-to-side motion).  One person in my group thought that perhaps
> the ride was going particularly fast, but I don't know if it would
> cause something like that to occur. I didn't notice much (if any)
> braking.
> 
> Mary Ann Pike   (mapike@sei.cmu.edu)   
> Software Engineering Institute         
> Carnegie-Mellon University             
> Pittsburgh PA                          


I have also noticed this effect on The Beast, particularly in the
second and third cars (in the six-car train).  The theory that I had
was that the cars of the train were travelling at slightly different
speeds, with the middle cars going slightly faster than those in front
of them, thus "bucking" them a bit.  Only the first and last cars seem
exempt from this effect--but then I don't know which car Ms. Pike
might have been riding in.  This probably happens on all coasters, but
riders would only notice it on long straight sections of track, of
which The Beast has several (how many other woodies do?).  Note that
this is only a theory, and I'm no expert on physical motion.  Besides,
who would want to ride The Beast anywhere other than the front or the
back?  (No flames please--there are bound to be some middle seat
lovers out there!)

Brian "who hasn't ridden The Beast in four years and is seeking
counseling"
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: xor@acm.rpi.edu (Joe Schwartz)
Subject: SFOT and FreeFall
Organization: The Voice of Fate
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1992 00:08:01 GMT

Well, after reading the Texas Giant opinions here and in Rollercoaster,
I'm just about convinced to attend Texas Giant III in November.  I have
only one more question about Six Flags Over Texas:  Do they let you wait
for particular seats on their coasters?

And now an unrelated question:  What company manufactures FreeFall rides?

Thanx in advance for your help!
-- 
Joe Schwartz (xor@acm.rpi.edu)
From: dave@panda.mc.duke.edu (Dave Hoffman -- rjj)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: The Bat
Date: 27 Aug 92 18:49:12 GMT
Organization: Duke University, Nuclear Medicine

In article <1992Aug27.145333.28014@usenet.ins.cwru.edu> cf170@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kevin R. Russell) writes:
>
>The Bat was built with insufficient banking on the turns.  
>The cost to fix the ride was more than Kings felt the ride was
>worth, especially considering all the bad PR.  
>

I had heard somewhere that part of the problem with the Bat was that the ground
it was on was too soft.  Probably just hearsay, though.

Anyway, I rode the Bat soon after it debuted, and I was pretty unimpressed.
It seemed more like a fast chair lift than a coaster.  They did do a good
job of incorporating the natural trees, though.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: "Christopher E. Hagen" <cehagen@papaya.ucs.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: alright, a new question and just what does Vekoma have cooking, anyone?
Organization: Computer Science, Indiana University
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 21:22:24 -0500

buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com () writes:


>Well, Kentucky Kingdom has an exclusive contract with Vekoma
>Intl. until 1995, so I doubt it will be THAT park getting an
>ride by Arrow Dynamics.  As far as Hershey Park goes, they
>have said they do have a "money pool" for a new coaster, but
>that current park expansion plans call for a water park in 1993,
>and "something else" in 1994 -- "possibly" a coaster in 1995/96,
>so, I doubt it will be Hersheypark.


    I'm just wondering what Vekoma could have cooking up? The exec seemed 
really excited about everything, and he was very serious (with a hapopy gleam
in his eyes) about having something different. 

   (I'm just curious-as-hell)

-chris
-- 
* Chris Hagen   "<risco"  *MAIL ME ANYTIME!*         cehagen@ucs.indiana.edu *
* 409 E. 16th St.       The love you take is equal to the love you make      *
From: ptsyck@miavx2.ham.muohio.edu
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: The Bat
Date: 29 Aug 92 17:47:41 GMT
Organization: Miami University, Hamilton campus

>
> There were indeed shocks (actually they were dampers) on the bat
> the only differance between then and now is that the bat only
> had one per side instead of 4 on the current design
> 
> The idea of the dampers is that they would take out high
> frequency changes in swing, but still allow the slow swings
> that were supposed to be designed into the ride.
> 
> have a nice day woodieheads

I use to live at Kings Island back then the BAT saw there. I rode it like 6
times and every ride got worse. The sets did not have much padding for your
head and it did not have enough shocks/dampers on the cars, see above.

One of the reasons I heard why the BAT was taken out was that it have software
programs too. And for some reason they could not fix it. That's what I heard.

Patrick 
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Re: alright, a new question
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 20:42:49 GMT

Pete Babic writes:

>Buck said that the ride will be close to Boston, Geauga Lake is
>about 20 miles outside of Cleveland so I kind of doubt that they 
>are getting the Pipeline. 

To clarify, I said I was told "it would be within driving distance to
me".  Geauga Lake is a 10 hour drive ... "driving distance" to 
coaster enthusiasts (Cedar POint is a 12 hour drive, fwiw).


>My guess would be either Kentucky Kingdom or Hearshey Park if
>it's not Cedar Point. 

Well, Kentucky Kingdom has an exclusive contract with Vekoma
Intl. until 1995, so I doubt it will be THAT park getting an
ride by Arrow Dynamics.  As far as Hershey Park goes, they
have said they do have a "money pool" for a new coaster, but
that current park expansion plans call for a water park in 1993,
and "something else" in 1994 -- "possibly" a coaster in 1995/96,
so, I doubt it will be Hersheypark.


>Also, I really didn't see any major clearing going on near the 
>Raging Wolf Bobs, but I didn't really look for any either.

ACE friends of mine did go looking and verbally confirmed this.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: asente@adobe.com (A Usenet Pal)
Subject: Rendell Bird
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 04:20:38 GMT

I just got off the phone with Rendell and he asked me to let everyone know
that he is fine.  There were some interesting moments when he was outside
in 90 mph winds trying to remove an awning that was threatening to destroy
the roof...

__   -paul asente
\/     asente@adobe.com   ...decwrl!adobe!asente   moo-bear@cs.stanford.edu

...suddenly a footman in livery came running out of the wood (she considered
him to be a footman because he was in livery:  otherwise, judging by his face
only, she would have called him a fish)
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Shuttle Loopers (was Re: Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens, VA
Keywords: drachen fire
Date: 31 Aug 92 18:05:35 GMT
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Distribution: rec
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

>BTW, I don't recall which types of propulsion systems are used 
>on the rides you mentioned (although I have ridden all of them), 
>but your description fairly well clinches the type accordingly.
>
>Tom "I like 'em technical" Maglione

TIDAL WAVE -- KECO Great America ... Counterweight

MONTAZOOMA's REVENGE -- Knott's Berry Farm ... Flywheel

GREEZED LIGHTNIN -- Six Flags Astroworld ... Flywheel


(In storage)

TIDAL WAVE -- Six Flags Great America ... Counterweight
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wjf@controls.ccd.harris.com (Bill Figie)
Subject: Re: Pipeline/other questions comments
Originator: wjf@rs2
Organization: Harris Controls
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 21:04:05 GMT


Kevin,
   I am a member of ACE and have been for over 13 years now.  You seem to know a
little about ACE to have asked the question.  I know some members feel that the
$50 is too much to pay for membership.  I am married and pay $65 (although I put
a little extra in the for the preservation fund).  To me ACE is worth every last
cent.  I would gladly pay $100 dollars to belong (don't tell our President or
Treasure that).  
   What do you get for your money other then belonging to the best club in the
US.  Well ACE publishes a magazine 4 times a year called RollerCoaster!.  The
magazine usually runs about 40 pages with about 1/4 of the photos in color. 
There are lots of stories, pictures (usually 50 to 100), information, fiction,
ACE profiles, letters to the editor, old coaster articles, new coaster articles,
convention coverage, etc.  It is one classy magazine.  You also get about 8 to 10
times a year our newsletter called ACE News.  It is a black and white newsletter
very nicely printed with b&w photos and more immediate news than what RC! covers.
 It usually runs 10 to 16 pages.  There are also extra mailings throughout the
year with a membership directory, information about upcoming events (like the
Texas Giant III gathering), sales information (like the video cassette on Coaster
Con XV or the roller coaster calendar) and stuff like that.  When you go to the
conferences, get togethers, and conventions ACE members usually get a 10 to 20
dollar break over the general public.  That about covers what membership includes.
   Like I said I have been a member for quite some time and have enjoyed every
minute of it.  If you like coasters and want to come along for the ride, you can
contact ACE at P.O. Box 8226, Chicago, Il 60517.  Please allow several months for
memberships to be processed because it sometimes takes a while.  ACE is all
volunteers and 75% of your membership is tax-deductable because ACE is a
non-profit organization and is also considered an educational institution (of
sorts)
    As far as your question on favorite coasters and a list being published, ACE
doesn't really publish a ranking.  Each member has their own opinion as to which
coaster is the best.  This even can change from year to year and even day to day
or even hour to hour (try the Rattler in the morning and then at night).  Inside
Track takes a poll every year and I am sure others on rec.roller-coaster can fill
you in on their rankings.  I don't really like to rank coasters myself.  I
probably have about 30 coasters that are in my top 10.  Some of my favorite
coasters would probably not make many top 10 lists.  I like what I like.  I am
sure you will be getting more responses on this question.  Take care and I hope
you decide to join ACE and feel that you have gotten your moneys worth, just like
I have.

			Bill "one of ACE's biggest supporters" Figie
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: rhb@ucs.usl.edu (Bird Rendell H.)
Subject: Magic Springs
Organization: Univ. of Southwestern La., Lafayette
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 15:09:18 GMT


Does anybody happen to know the operating schedule for Magic Springs
(Arkansas)?    A co-worker of mine and I are making preliminary plans
to go to the Ozark mountains and see the leaves change colors.

(*Here is southern Louisiana, almost every tree is some kind of evergreen 
tree; or else it is a liveoak which doesn't shed it leaves until spring*)

Naturally, since the Magic Springs is between here and the mountains, I
feel "obligated" to stop by and sample their new Arkansas Twister.  ;-)



Any info (even the park's phone number) will be greatly appreciated,
Rendell
From: hanke@CS.ColoState.EDU (brandon laine hanke)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Elitch Garden's News
Date: 4 Sep 92 19:34:55 GMT
Organization: Colorado State University

I saw this article in the Longmont Daily Times Call on Tuesday, September 1,
1992.  Since there has been some intrest in the move, I decided to share 
this information.
__________________________________________________________________________
ELITCH'S DEAL: (DENVER) -- an 
agreement between the Denver city
government and Elitch Gardens will put a
$10.3 million bond issue before voters and
give the city a portion of the amusement
park's revenues, city officials announced
Monday.
  The bond issue, to go before voters Nov.
3, would help finance the 100-year-old
amusement park's move to the Central
Platte Valley.
  If the park's relocation plans are
successful, Elitch Gardens will enact a $2
per head surcharge that would be given to 
the city, Sandy Gurtler, president of Elitch
Gardens, said.
  Elitch's is now located at West 38th
Avenue and Tennyson Street.  It hopes to
open at its new location, between Speer
Boulevard and the South Platte River, on
May 1, 1994.
__________________________________________________________________________
Now I have a few questions and comments.

1. I am also interested on how a roller-coaster is moved, it will be 
   interesting to see the move of Mr. Twister.

2. Is there information on if when they open at there new location if 
   there will be a new steal coaster, or what is planned for the future.


BBB   RRR    AA   N   N  DDD    OOO   N   N
B  B  R  R  A  A  NN  N  D  D  O   O  NN  N
BBB   RRR   AAAA  N N N  D  D  O   O  N N N 
B  B  R R   A  A  N  NN  D  D  O   O  N  NN
BBB   R  R  A  A  N   N  DDD    OOO   N   N
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Coaster for Busch Gardens, the Dark Continent???
Date: 28 Aug 92 17:14:00 GMT
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

Bill "hope it is a suspend looper" Figie writes:

>I have heard rumors lately (not on rec.roller-coaster) that 
>Busch Gardens, the Dark Continent (Tampa, FL) is putting in 
>a new coaster this next year.  One rumor had the Drachen Fire 
>being moved from Williamsburg (I doubt this one).  Another
>had a Drachen Fire clone being built (this sounds possible).  
>Another had a 3 looper being built (in this era of 6, 7, ... 
>loops being the norm, I doubt a 3 looper unless it is something 
>unique like a B&M standup or Batman type ride).  Do any of the 
>experts out there know of anything?  I wrote a letter to BG, TDC 
>last week and hope to hear something soon (if they are ready 
>to release any information). 

BG--TDC *are* getting a new coaster next year -- a Steelie, but
it's NOT being built (or moved) by Arrow!!  The contract went to
B&M, but I'm not sure if it will be a stand-up or an inverted
looper.  I got this info from "someone at Arrow" (who'll remain
nameless!).
From: sysop@elan.glassboro.edu (Ken Denton (Supervisor))
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: rec.roller-coaster FAQ?
Date: 3 Sep 92 15:18:56 GMT
Organization: Glassboro State College, Glassboro, NJ


	Excuse me, but isn't there a FAQ for this newsgroup?  I though
	that it get posted the 1st of the month, but I seem to have
	missed it.  If anyone could forward me a copy, I would be much
	obliged.  Thanks.
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: larry@labrador.fishkill.ibm.com (Larry Pieniazek)
Subject: Re: Updated info on Lake Compounce.
Date: Thu, 03 Sep 92 19:37:48 GMT
Reply-To: lar@vnet.ibm.com
Organization: IBM East Fishkill
Keywords: directions signs

In article <1992Sep2.204430.23441@news.media.mit.edu>,
maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione) writes:
> [...] Lake Compounce will open on this coming Friday,
> Saturday, Sunday and Monday as follows:
> 
> Friday:		1 PM to 11 PM (Sept. 4)
> Saturday:	1 PM to 11 PM
> Sunday:		1 PM to 10 PM
> Monday:		1 PM to  9 PM (Sept. 7, Labor Day)
> 
> Admission is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children up to 40 inches tall. 

  [some stuff deleted]

> ... if you need up-to-date info on the parks opening in
> the event of dubious weather conditions, the following phone number goes
> directly to the park security/guard office:
> (203) 589-4699.

  [ some more stuff deleted]

> Tom "See you at Compounce" Maglione

I just called the guardhouse number you gave. They told me a couple
other interesting things:

  - they claimed they have all the signs back up on I-84 and 229
 
  - from I 84, it is exit 31, then north on rt 229 for about 10 min
    or so.

Thanks for the info Tom, I am definitely going to be there Saturday if I can

Larry "don't blame me, I vote Libertarian!"  Pieniazek