HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Subject: Re: SFOT and FreeFall
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1992 00:14:53 GMT

In article <0nryqfk@rpi.edu> xor@acm.rpi.edu (Joe Schwartz) writes:
> (stuff about the Texas Giant deleted)
>And now an unrelated question:  What company manufactures FreeFall rides?
>
For Joe and others, Intamin AG (out of Zurich, Switzerland, I believe) is the
manufacturer of the FreeFall rides.

Tom Maglione


Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: pab@po.CWRU.Edu (Pete Babic)
Subject: Re: SFOT and FreeFall
Reply-To: pab@po.CWRU.Edu (Pete Babic)
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 06:10:58 GMT


In a previous article, xor@acm.rpi.edu (Joe Schwartz) says:
>
>And now an unrelated question:  What company manufactures FreeFall rides?

I believe it is Intamin.

-- 
Pete Babic  -  pab@po.cwru.edu          ///
I'd rather be on a boat or a           ///  /\
roller coaster. Member of A.C.E  \\\  ///  /--\MIGA  
(American Coaster Enthusiasts)    \\\/// Humpty Dumpty was pushed!
From: v120p993@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Kevin F Hulme)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: alright, a new question
Date: 3 Sep 92 17:57:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41


Alright Buck, thank you for elaborating. My next question is : who/what is
CEO at Cedarfair? It sounds important.

Your theory on employee story validity is true--can you trust them; who knows.
What convinced me about their story was them coming out and saying that CP
OWNS and HAS OWNED the rights to the ride. 

Think also: Geauga lake- a fairly big park, but by no means a coaster heaven.
Cedar Point , in the last 10-15 years has establshed itself as A, if not THE,
Coaster Heaviweight in our country. I will not be surprised to see it there
next year, but as you said, time will tell. (Is it possible that people in
important positions are doing everything possible to keep this ride erection
a secret? It is a MAJOR coaster event....)

One more question--is it definite that Pipeline will Debut in 1993? If so, how
is this known? (Possible that the 1994 steel coaster at CP is to be the Pipeline
debut??)

Those park employees also said that they have seen "prototypes" (drawings/ 
video; I am not sure) of the ride; they said it concludes with a six loop 
spiral. They also said that the design of the ride has been changed, that the
cars will be completely ENCLOSED, for safety reasons. Again, take it with
 a grain of salt, but if the ride was not coming to CP, how the hell did they
know all this or make this story up so quickly?

Buck, sorry for my quick hostility; I am just an ordinary guy telling people
what I have heard, and trying to learn the FACTS. Any true info you have is
appreciated. Try O'Doules, it is non-alcoholic........

                             Kevin
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: edg@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (edwin.g.green)
Subject: Re: KI trip report
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 12:39:38 GMT

In article <1992Aug25.205329.6268@sei.cmu.edu> mapike@sei.cmu.edu (Mary Ann Pike) writes:
>I went to Kings Island last Friday, and I thought I post my observations
>about the park. . . .
. . .

>
>The King Cobra is only the second stand up coaster I've ridden; the
>other one was the ShockWave (is that the right name?) in SFGAdv. King
>Cobra was much smoother...I enjoyed it a lot more than the other one.
>

Shock Wave is the seven inversion big coaster at SFGA.  The stand up
is Iron Wolf.  My family and I preferred it to King Cobra.  Both are
fun.

Ed
-- 
Edwin G. Green
AT&T Bell Laboratories          Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
INH 1E-506                      317-845-3659
egg@inuxy.att.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wjf@controls.ccd.harris.com (Bill Figie)
Subject: Coaster for Busch Gardens, the Dark Continent???
Originator: wjf@rs2
Organization: Harris Controls
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 14:18:20 GMT


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).  I noticed that they are not members of ACE (BG, TOC and Busch
Entertainment is) so I invited them to join ACE.  I post anything I hear.  I wish
it wasn't steel but I guess something is better than nothing.  Their coasters are
getting a little old-hat.  The Scropion was built the year I joined ACE.  I can't
believe that a park as big and as nice as they are has waited so long to put in a
new thrill ride (i.e. coaster).

			Bill "hope it is a suspend looper" Figie
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Subject: Cedar Point and the PIPELINE
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 15:33:06 GMT

>This is in response to Buck's pissy message that he was so 
>offended that I heard 2 park employees tell me that Cedar Point 
>was getting the Pipeline in 1993. 

Don't misconstrue my memo -- I'm not "pissy" nor "offended" at
your post.  Moreso, I was just trying to set straight the *current*
list of "facts" in the industry as of 03-SEP-92 on the issue of 
Cedar Point and the PIPELINE.

I've found in my experience, info received from park employees can
have validity, but more often than not is better researched before
staking faith in it.  Like when Six Flags Great Adventure was "going 
to be building a monster wooden coaster" -- that rumor steemed from 
park employees blabbing to guests in the park.  Truth is, the park 
currently does have any plans in place for a wooden coaster of any sorts.


>Has this been brought up before, about Pipeline 1993, in Cedar Point? 

Yes ... since the creation of this newsgroup in July of 1991, rumors
have been flying of CP getting the PIPELINE coaster in 1993.  Again,
current facts report this is not true.


>I guess the two park employees behind me in line for the Demon Drop 
>lied or were misinformed, as they told me about next year. They did 
>also tell me about that water attraction you told me of; and they also
>said that if Pipeline was not built in 1993, 1994 for sure. They also told
>me that Cedar Point owns rights to the ride, and they said this statement
>convincingly. Who's lying Buck, me, the park employees, or both?

I'm not saying you're lying at all!  I'm just not convinced of what 
those employees had to tout.  The CEO of CedarFair has come out and 
said that a new coaster at CP is not going to happen in 1993, period.  
He *did* say that the park's *sole* expansion for the year would consist 
of the aforementioned water-based attraction, and that plans were in 
place for a new steel coaster in 1994.  

So, who do you believe, a couple of park employees who are probably
college kids working at the park for the summer, or the CEO of CedarFair?

No clues on the firm, but I'll tell you the man is VERY impressed with 
what the swiss-firm of Bollinger and Mabillard are currently doing.  
I would not be surprised at all if their New-4-94 coaster turned out to 
be a B&M product (in fact, the contract was strongly hinted at).

But think about it -- If Geagua Lake gets the PIPELINE next year as
rumored, would it make sense for CP to put *another* one of those rides
in in such close proximity??  It'd have to be a bigger and better ride
on CP's part...and still it would be pretty risky from a marketing
standpoint -- the ride would really have to prove itself.  Basically, 
the CEO said "the steel coaster contract will go to the company with the absolute BEST product in the industry".  So, time will tell on how
fabulous the PIPELINE really is, and just who the contract goes to in 1993.


>Buck-- try Heineken, really.

No thanks, I don't drink alcohol!


Cheers,
B.
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Updated info on Lake Compounce.
Summary: They will be open!
Date: 2 Sep 92 20:44:30 GMT
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory

Well, I finally have some news to report, and it is good. I just spoke to Mrs.
Norton, the wife of "Stretch" Norton (no relation to the auctioneers), and she
gave me complete info. The Norton family have been the previous owners and
operators of the Lake Compounce park for the past umpteen years until
Hershey got involved. 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. But
the best part is that nearly all rides will be open and operating, including
the Wildcat wooden coaster! The only rides NOT operating are the water flume,
the water slides, and the swings. There are picnic tables available, and
the park invites people to bring picnic lunches. The beach WILL be open, too.
Also, the train ride around the lake will operate. There will be some food
concessions open, but no alcohol will be served and the park strongly asks
that NO ALCOHOL BE BROUGHT INTO THE PARK! All of the above hours are subject
to weather conditions; 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.
Everyone should take careful notice that the signs on Interstate 84 going
in both directions (East and West) still say that the park is closed; this
is because the CT state hiway people refused to spend the money to remove the
signs for four days and replace them again. Despite what the signs say, the
PARK WILL BE OPEN AS STATED ABOVE. As I can best recall, the exit from I84
to Lake Compounce is exit number 31 or 32 (for Bristol, CT, I believe). For
anyone coming from the New York area or south, please be advised NOT TO TAKE
Interstate 95; apparently there is much construction/destruction on this
roadway, the Norton's themselves lost about three hours traveling that
route just recently.
So, it looks like I myself will just have to take a trip down there, probably
on Monday. I hope that us coaster enthusiasts can show up and help them keep
the record for the longest continuously operating amusement park in North
America, and show support for the wooden Wildcat coaster, too.

BTW, Quassy Lake amusement park is also located about 6 miles off I84 at
around exits 16 or 17, although I don't know anything about their schedule,
prices, etc.

Tom "See you at Compounce" Maglione
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Subject: Lake Compounce Wildcat coaster.
Summary: Looking for info.
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 00:56:38 GMT

A while ago in this news group someone posted something about Lake Compounce
amusement park (Bristol, CT.) regarding their possibly opening only for the
Labor Day weekend, albeit with few rides operating, etc. I am interested in
going down there one day over the LD weekend, but I want to be sure that
the place is going to be open, for what hours, and that the coaster is going
to operate during that time, too, since it's a 3+ hours ride for me.
So, does anyone out there have any definitive news on this? I would really
like to get a phone number (maybe for Mr. Norton, reportedly the man who
is trying to open the park for this one weekend) so that I can call for
myself and verify what I need to know. Also, is anyone else maybe interested
in this outing?
Anxiously awaiting a reply,
Tom.

Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Subject: Re: Updated info on Lake Compounce.
Summary: A clarification.
Keywords: directions signs
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 01:53:51 GMT

In article <1992Sep03.193748.51242@watson.ibm.com> lar@vnet.ibm.com writes:
>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

The signs I was referring to are permanently erected Interstate hiway signs
on Route 84. There are two of them: one seen when approaching the park exit
from the East, the other from the West. The signs have ALWAYS said something
like "Amusement park, blank line, this exit". But, when the park closes for
the off-season, the CT hiway dept. places a small rectangular "CLOSED"
sign in the blank line location on the big sign. My point was that the
"CLOSED" signs are still on the big signs; I never said that there were ANY
signs taken down on I84, and I don't know anything about route 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
>
Well, Larry and others, I hope you have a good, safe time. It looks like I'll
be there on Monday, as I posted previously. Hope to see some ACE'ers there!

Tom "I'll probably vote LIbertarian, too" Maglione
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Batman
Date: 31 Aug 92 13:41:41 GMT
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Distribution: na
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

Stephan Meyers writes:

>	I think your count of 3 corks is correct, which brings us to
>an interesting point:  Each cork counts as 2 loops, so why are they
>not pushing Batman as having 8 loops?  (2 vertical 3*2=6 corkscrew)
>Shock Wave only has 7 loops (3 vertical, 1*2=2 cork, 1*2=2 bowtie) and
>the press for Shock Wave pushed the loop count.

I hate to correct people, but the above information is grossly mis-leading!

Batman does NOT have 8 loops/inversions, it had 5 loops/inversions!

BATMAN INVERSIONS -- in order:

(1) Clothoid (verticle)
(2) Heart-line flip
(3) Clothoid (verticle)
(4) Left Single Corkscrew
(5) Left Single Corkscrew


The problem is with you touting corkscrews as two loops.   Arrow usually
builds rides with double corkscrew elements (two in line), but more 
recent rides (Steel Phantom, Drachen Fire) have proved the validity of
single corkscrew elements.  I guess this can be summarized as saying
1 corkscrew does not equal two inversions!


Also of note, the 2nd inversion on BATMAN is not a corkscrew -- it's
a brand new looping element  develops by B&M called a "Heart-line Flip".
Aptly named as this "loop" centers gravity in your heart while inverting.
It's the best loop on the ride!!


>	Now, let's get them to put in one more vertical loop on Batman!!

No, lets get them to add one more of those Heart-Line Flip's!!


Wassail,
Buck a roo
From: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Elitch Gardens, Denver ... Moving ?
Date: 2 Sep 92 17:52:04 GMT
Reply-To: buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com ()
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation

Dave Weinstein writes:

>Elitch Gardens will not be moving to the new site until 1994. Now that
>the funding is secure, construction and the early stages of the build
>out will start this year, and continue through the 1993 season. At the
>end of the 1993 season, they will move a limited number of the rides
>to the new location. Initial reports from EG were that 8 rides would be
>moved, and 15 new rides purchased. They are presently going through the
>lists again to determine which rides they are bringing. Mister Twister,
>The Sidewinder, the Carousel, the Rainbow, and the new (ugh) Ferris Wheel
>have all been confirmed as going (the only real potential change might be
>the loss of the Rainbow). They are seeking a buyer for the Wildcat (bad move,
>bring it with! bring it with!).

Well, my "inside source at Elitch's" tells me that the person
whos providing a large percent of the financial backing for the
EG move in 1994 is a BIG FAN of the WILDCAT coaster -- apparently
it holds a lot of personal significance to him, as it was his first 
coaster ride ever.  He says "it's going"....Elitch Gardens doesn't
want it!  

Not sure what will happen ... just FYI on what I've heard from Denver...


Buck
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: jmd@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (joseph.m.dakes)
Subject: Re: Dorney Park & HERCULES News
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 14:13:24 GMT

In article <1992Aug28.165723.10073@pmafire.inel.gov>, buck@cavlry.enet.dec.com writes:
> In other Dorney news, looks like their New-4-93 Steelie is 
> probably NOT going to be an Arrow ... possibly B&M, due to
> ValleyFair's CEO's high impression of the company and their
> work.

Excellent!

> In still other Dorney news, there was a mini "Riot" at the 
> park this past Satruday.  This even made the local 
> papers if you wanna read all about it.
> Apparently, this woman cut several hundred people 
> in line for a ride on Hercules.  The woman was
> spotted and apprehended by park security.  Security
> was in the process of escorting her to the front
> gate (eg -- kicking her out of the park for line
> jumping) when she made a stink to some friends 
> she was with (she came in on a bus from NYC), who
> apparently had "gang" connections, and a mini-riot
> ensued.  Local police had to be called to the 
> disturbance.

Gang connections?  I guess if a 47-person church bus trip led by
a 67-year old minister can be considered a gang:-).  Actually,
there were two riots.  The first between the visitors and park
security for throwing the girl out of the park.  After order was
restored, DP officials escorted the entire bus group out of the
park.  It was only after South Whitehall Township police (the
most incompetent police force in the area) arrived and insisted on
arresting two members of the group that the second riot ensued.

> Gee, Dorney is becoming more like Great Adventure 
> with each passing day!

C'mon, let's not get carried way over one incident which has
been blown way out of proportion.


Joe Dakes
AT&T Microelectronics
555 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA  18103
alux2!jmd

Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: jhansen@convex.com (James Hansen)
Subject: Re: Shuttle Loopers (was Re: Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens, VA
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 18:37:17 GMT
Distribution: rec
Organization: Engineering, CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, Tx., USA
Keywords: drachen fire
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

Something else that differed between Tidal Wave at Great America and Greezed
Lightnin' at Astroworld: the braking of the train when it zooms backward
through the platform.  Greezed Lightnin' doesn't brake at all, allowing the
back of the train to end up way on top of the back slope before dropping
down.  Tidal Wave braked before the back slope, making for a very wimpy
end to a great ride.

--
James B. Hansen                                  {sun,uunet}!convex!jhansen
CONVEX Computer Corporation                              jhansen@convex.com
3000 Waterview Parkway, P. O. Box 833851
Richardson, TX 75083-3851                              Phone: (214)497-4802
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: maglione@media.mit.edu (Tom Maglione)
Subject: Unofficial official ACE election results.
Summary: The latest poop.
Organization: MIT Media Laboratory
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 1992 20:56:25 GMT

Well I couldn't resist beating everyone else to the punch, so here are the
unpublished quasi-pseudo official ACE 1992 election results:
And the winners are...

President:	Ray Ueberroth
Vice President:	Jan Kiser
Secretary:	Joan Api
Treasurer:	John Biacofsky

My congratulations to the lot, and best wishes for the next two years.

Tom Maglione, Photo Editor, RollerCoaster! magazine
From: cf170@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kevin R. Russell)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: The Bat
Date: 2 Sep 1992 23:20:17 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: cf170@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kevin R. Russell)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc4.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, bw711@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (David Medberry) says:

>
>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
>
Dave-shut up
thanks

-- 
Kevin Russell	"The best roller coaster ride I ever had was when 
cf170		I cracked three ribs" 
		Unidentified ACE member
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
From: wjf@controls.ccd.harris.com (Bill Figie)
Subject: Wood coaster for Great Adventure????
Originator: wjf@rs2
Organization: Harris Controls
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 12:01:53 GMT


A couple days ago I read a letter on this news group that made reference to the
posibility of a huge wood coaster for Great Adventure.  As some of you know I do
the letters to the editor column for both RollerCoaster! and ACE News.  About 6
months ago a kid wrote me about a new wood coaster for GAdv. that he said some
park employees were telling him was going to be built.  He said it was going to
be called the Cyclops.  Perhaps some of you remember the letter which was titled
"Here's Looking At You Kid".  Anyway, I got a letter from this kid about 4 months
ago and he was very upset about my response.  He said my response called him a
liar (which it didn't).  Well, in my response I said that no one I had talked to
knew anything about the coaster and that there has never been a Cyclops coaster
(which he said there once was one that was on the ocean and had gotten destroyed
by a Hurricane).  I had talked to Randy Geisler, Ray, Meg Keehan, Mike Chew and a
couple other more knowledgable ACEers and they knew of no new coasters for GAdv. 
They also had never heard of a Cyclops coaster.  I even contacted Great Adventure
and they denied they were putting in a Cyclops coaster.  I said in my response
that he may of gotten it confused with Cyclone because Six Flags was planning on
putting in a Cyclone clone coaster in each of its parks.

Now that I laid all this ground work, what is the scoop on a new woodie for Great
Adventure?  Are they going to be putting one in?  Is there some truth in what the
park employees were saying to this kid?  As we have learned, your really can take
what a park employee has to say as the whole truth.  If anyone has any
information, please let me know.  Again, thanks in advance.


			Bill "I like the name Cyclops" Figie
From: mamros@athena.lkg.dec.com (Shawn Mamros)
Newsgroups: rec.roller-coaster
Subject: Re: Shuttle Loopers (was Re: Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens, VA
Keywords: drachen fire
Date: 31 Aug 92 22:00:03 GMT
Reply-To: mamros@athena.lkg.dec.com (Shawn Mamros)
Distribution: rec
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation


While we're on the subject...

Does anyone know/remember who was responsible for manufacturing the (now
vanished) Laser Loop at Kennywood?  I distinctly remember it being a
flywheel-driven shuttle loop, but have no idea who built it...

-Shawn Mamros
E-mail to: mamros@athena.lkg.dec.com