SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => Construction/Rumors => Topic started by: BackInTime on January 29, 2012, 08:17:58 PM
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Does anyone think it would ever be possible to extend the circuit on TNT? It's a fantastic ride, but It's always bugged me how short the ride is, particularly how abruptly it comes to a end after the long lift and offers a mere single drop to close the circuit.
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I've been thinking the same thing. Very often I hear people say, "Is that it?" as the train pulls into that first building, I guess its the workshop.
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Absolutely it could happen, but it would be far more likely that they would just take the ride out and replace it with a different, maybe similar experience. TNT was produced by Arrow Dynamics as one of the last mine train type roller coasters the firm ever built before going out of business in the early 2000's. This type of coaster is actually what catapulted Arrow into becoming a giant in the roller coaster industry. They built dozens of these things around the world, but SDC's was probably the last and greatest of them all (most of them were pretty boring honestly, so it's not that big of a compliment).
Anyway, the point is that TNT is part of a legacy that has past on. The park has made a lot of effort in keeping the ride up over the years, but it is still a bit rough and of course the layout is now overshadowed by the rest of SDC's coasters. Arrow Dynamics was purchased by S&S Power (the company responsible for Powderkeg and TGS), so parts are still available, but the practicality of renovating and/or extending the ride on top of what currently exists is minimal.
With the new coaster that is coming to the park, TNT may become upstaged and with the passage of a little more time management may feel it warranted to finally replace it. In 2004 it actually sounded like they were looking into the possibility of replacing it with a new mine coaster, but luckily they choose to replace Buzzsaw Falls instead.
I don't feel like I would miss it too badly if they went ahead and replaced it with a new mine coaster in the same spot. It holds a sentimental place for me, but it could be so much better, and now without the backwards facing cars it has lost a bit of what used to make it special.
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The park has made a lot of effort in keeping the ride up over the years, but it is still a bit rough and of course the layout is now overshadowed by the rest of SDC's coasters.
I agree that it is overshowded by the other rides. It is very rare (except on extremely crowded days) that TNT ever has a line long enough to call a line, maybe having to wait for 2 or 3 groups of people before riding, but for the most part, hardly anybody is there. Probably because everybody is over at PK and TGS making those lines last for EVER! It is still one of my favorites rides in the park :)
TNT is as old as I am! 1993!
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I am not sure if the ride could be expanded, but I sure think the que-line could be shortened. Back in Thunderations hay day the zigzag que-line was a necessity, hoards of people would be standing in line waiting. But now, it takes more time to walk through the que-line than it does to actually ride the roller coaster.
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Agree with all of the thoughts thus far. For a mine train coaster, I've always thought it was a great little ride. The double helix is an amazing element, but in my opinion the only thing that really makes the ride for me. And while I totally appreciate the attention to detail in terms of theming, something has always bugged me about the replica locomotives leading the train. I just don't particularly like how they obstruct the view of the rider(s).
All that said, if it's ever fiscally feasible, I would also be in favor of seeing them replace TNT with a newer, longer mine type coaster. Just hope they would pay homage to its predecessor with the inclusion of a double helix into the circuit.
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
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That's fair. It was just a hypothetical question. I don't think anyone expects this to happen anytime soon, if at all.
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This may be worked on quicker than you think.
Have you noticed the lift hill when you are climbing it?
Its real real crooked, as it half of it has moved over to one side, very noticibly.
They may have to work on this at some point, thats when they may make a change.
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It's been like that for as long as I've been riding it. The arrow rides were built with different "techniques" than what are employed today. Namely, they built a lot of these sections by hand, using drawings. I suppose by the time TNT was built they could have had some kind of CAD drawing to look at, but probably not much.
They've already gone through and rebuilt a lot of the structure in recent years from what I can tell. Lots of fresh wood every year.
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Back when it was first open , they had a model of the ride at the stand where they sell the show passes. (Maybe Zephon can go to the storage area and get a picture of it) But it showed that TNT was suppose to go into the underground tunnels at least three time after the duble helx. I would love to see the lift hill change to incorparate that element back into the ride. Does anyone notice over the years how the mining camp has been taken over by the trees? I always love this theming element.
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
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Just thought I would re-post these pictures for those who missed it over on the refillable mugs thread. This mug was purchased opening day of ThuNderaTion.
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
And I agree, too! ;D
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
And I agree, too! ;D
We think the same way!! FITH is my favorite, and TNT is 2nd!
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Love the TNT mug. very nice,
No change to TNT, and hopefully never take it out. It is a landmark, just like FITH and FM.
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If a change were to be made..........I would make it longer by sending it back down the mountain again, but that's becaue I really like the ride a lot and could ride it all day. Honestly though, I think it is great just the way it is. It is the best "runaway mine" coaster out there....there is not another mine coaster that can compare with it.
The Disney parks have the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coasters, which have great theming, but as far as the ride goes are not very thrilling at all. You cannot find a more thrilling drop and helix on a mine coaster than what is on TNT.
Jay
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I and my children like TNT for the corkscrew and the tunnel if they could add another dark element or two without making it a 'tougher' ride I may chance my tune. If you make it longer how do you compensate for the wait increase. One of the things we like is that its a fast ride and requires very little waiting when we attend the park and over the years we have learned when to avoid the crowd crushes.
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I doubt if "big" lines will be a problem at TNT on a regular basis.. with 3 BIG coasters on the other side of the park, TNT will be out of the way...
dont get me wrong, On large capacity days, there will still be a line... But on an average day... no problem
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I doubt if "big" lines will be a problem at TNT on a regular basis.. with 3 BIG coasters on the other side of the park, TNT will be out of the way...
dont get me wrong, On large capacity days, there will still be a line... But on an average day... no problem
3? I really wouldn't call FITH big. Getting a little ahead of ourselves aren't we? ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
And I agree, too! ;D
We think the same way!! FITH is my favorite, and TNT is 2nd!
Count me in too.
My least favorite ride, which I've never even been on, is the Giant Swing. It just looks like a carnival ride with some minimal theming. It doesn't fit the City at all.
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Include me in the FITH #1, TNT #2 crowd! TNT was my first roller-coaster ever (unless you count FITH) and will always hold a special place in my heart. Now that I'm older I can see how it is unique compared to other coasters. I would be sad to ever see it go.
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Larson, by BIG I meant PK, WF and NC!!! you know the "New Coaster"!. ;) LOL.
I realize FITH isnt a big coaster because I will ride it.! LOL! ;D
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I love TNT but it's funny how the older I get the rougher it gets. My favorite coaster on park is still Powderkeg.
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I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
And I agree, too! ;D
We think the same way!! FITH is my favorite, and TNT is 2nd!
Count me in too.
My least favorite ride, which I've never even been on, is the Giant Swing. It just looks like a carnival ride with some minimal theming. It doesn't fit the City at all.
I have been on the GS and it is my least favorite ride. Scared the #$%^ out of me. Something about being 50 or 60 feet up and having my feet higher than my head as I was looking at the ground.
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Larson, by BIG I meant PK, WF and NC!!! you know the "New Coaster"!. ;) LOL.
I realize FITH isnt a big coaster because I will ride it.! LOL! ;D
I know what you meant. I was just giving you a hard time. ;D
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I wouldn't ever want to see TNT replaced, but do wish it was a longer ride. The first 2/3 is such an unparalleled experience for a mine train coaster, that I feel the last 1/3 (lift and one drop) is very anticlimactic. Not a ding on the ride at all, just wish they would have added a few other elements after the last drop. Still hope someday they will.
I think we're all in agreement though, TNT is without a doubt an SDC institution. So glad they have it.
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TNT was my first "big" roller coaster. Technically, Runaway Ore Cart was my first roller coaster, but TNT is a little more intimidating. Sadly there is now a picnic table where it used to be. :'(
Everytime we walk past the spot where Runaway Ore Cart used to be, my sister and I slow down and frown really big and give it, sort of, a moment of silence. You never realize how much something means to you until its gone. :(
I can still remember exactly how it sounded and can remember the very happy feeling I got the second we walked under the train track and heard the cars rattling around the track. Ok, I'll stop before I start crying!
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I too was fond of that ride. I cant remember but isnt the new kiddie coaster similer its layout?? My kiddo and I are looking forward to his first big kid coaster year. Yay. ;D
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The old coaster just did an oval and the new one loops under itself. I remember how close the trees felt i don't know if you could but it always felt like if you put your hands out to the side you just might lose them!
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
I also agree with that! My wife and I still have big metal buttons they gave out for TNT's first year that read: Thunderation- What a Ride!
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On Runaway Ore Cart, he ride operator would always say "Keep hands a feet inside the car at all times or else the squirrels will grab onto your arm and you'll have somebody else to ride with." I used to get a kick out of that when I was little!
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Thunderation is a classic! I’m not sure if the ride needs to be lengthened necessarily, but a nifty overhaul on existing elements would be awesome. This of course would include shortening the queue line.
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I love TNT but it's funny how the older I get the rougher it gets. My favorite coaster on park is still Powderkeg.
[/quot e] Me too, last week I was noticing how sore my neck was afterward. Thank God they took out the backward option. My daughter always wanted to go backward. Die hards!
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I strongly agree, my great nephew has anxitey disorder and his mother thinks he's getting on a coaster, I suggested TNT or the little one in the Grand Exposition. He's only five.
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I'm actually sad to see the backwards option go... that was the only way I used to ride it. After that was taken out, I have yet to set foot on TNT
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My fondest memory of TNT is that I had to bribe my sister to ride TNT with me when she was 12.
I wish riding backwards was still an option, but I still like TNT a lot.
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If TNT was ever removed I would be devastated! It was my first roller coaster and to this day I find it to be the most fun ride at the park! And I'm a coaster enthusiast! Flat out its just a flat out fun ride! I don't want them to touch it other than a refurbishment!
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It will only "survive" as long as the lift hill is safe to continue to run. We'll leave it at that.
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It will only "survive" as long as the lift hill is safe to continue to run.
Well Swoosh it does appear that they have made corrections and adjustments to it this year. It does not seem to have hearly the shift that it did in the past. I am sure they will do what they can to keep it going for a while. It is getting rough though. Maybe time for some new track.
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But when I rode it last (I have not rode enought wooden coasters to know this but...) the lisft hill was feeling off. It would pull and stop pull stop pull stop. They were breif stops but still.....It was odd. Again could be normal and I could be nutso. But to me a lift hill should be fluid.
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I think Swoosh is referring to some settling in the supports. I appeared in the last few years the lift hill wasn't what I would call sraight. About 80 percent of the way up the tracks seemed to bend. ;D I know this is an issue on hillsides and with the rain events over the past couple years that the hillside may have slid a bit. An example of this is power or telephone poles at a base of a hill not being vertical but slanted some after a few years due to the pressure of the soil pushing it.
Thunderation is an Arrow. Arrow is gone the their coasters are leaving us one by one. That said, it'll be difficult to due major rehab to the ride when it comes to tracking and supports. It would pokey be easier to have another company replace it. The park could keep the queue and prominate features like it not staring with a lifthill and the coil into the tunnel but Silver Dollar City without a runaway mine coaster is unthinkable. The end is the ride's weakness.
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But when I rode it last (I have not rode enought wooden coasters to know this but...) the lisft hill was feeling off. It would pull and stop pull stop pull stop. They were breif stops but still.....It was odd. Again could be normal and I could be nutso. But to me a lift hill should be fluid.
It's been like that for as long as I can remember. A lot of the older coasters feel like that, something in the way the train engages with the lift gets a little resonance going.
Most of the older Arrow coasters were constructed piecemeal with the welding and shaping of the tubular rails being done on-site rather than having track sections manufactured off-site and put together like what is done now. This is why there is so much bouncing around even in relatively smooth areas of the ride.
As much as I hate to see the classics messed with, it's getting to the point where it wouldn't be so bad if they got someone else to come in and rebuilt TNT. It's still pretty rough in some seats, and people are growing to expect rides to be perfectly smooth these days. I would hope they would keep the layout of the first half of the ride, then build outward from there. Maybe Zierer could do it and they could add a drop-track in a tunnel or something.
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But when I rode it last (I have not rode enought wooden coasters to know this but...) the lisft hill was feeling off. It would pull and stop pull stop pull stop. They were breif stops but still.....It was odd. Again could be normal and I could be nutso. Bujt to me a lift hill should be fluid.
It's been like that for as long as I can remember. A lot of the older coasters feel like that, something in the way the train engages with the lift gets a little resonance going.
Most of the older Arrow coasters were constructed piecemeal with the welding and shaping of the tubular rails being done on-site rather than having track sections manufactured off-site and put together like what is done now. This is why there is so much bouncing around even in relatively smooth areas of the ride.
As much as I hate to see the classics messed with, it's getting to the point where it wouldn't be so bad if they got someone else to come in and rebuilt TNT. It's still pretty rough in some seats, and people are growing to expect rides to be perfectly smooth these days. I would hope they would keep the layout of the first half of the ride, then build outward from there. Maybe Zierer could do it and they could add a drop-track in a tunnel or something.
No way ;D!
I've decided that element needs to be in a revamped FITH. You are crossing the burning bridge and you stop because a beam just fell across the tracks and boom you drop straight down and from there you go through the finally much like is is today but on less jerky track.
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Now that's not a bad Idea Shave! I wouldn't mind that
I just don't want it to lose its feel. Its brilliant!
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Keep the coil into the tunnel and revamp from there.
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Silver Dollar City without a runaway mine coaster is unthinkable. The end is the ride's weakness.
Agreed, when I bring first timers they always seem to think the end is gonna really be something and nothing occurs short of the nice drop. I think that is the weakness of the ride. There is a lot of land there and they have the building and the tunnel, I sure think they could pull another Buzzsaw Falls / PowderKeg remix.
They sure did come up with a winner that time. My hopes are that they leave or prop up TNT as long as they can and when time comes pull out agreat new Mine Train. Its a natural fit for SDC.
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I know I'm speaking out of turn, since I'm a huge SDC fan who hasn't been to the park in six years :'( ....
I know that TNT was maybe a little rougher 6 years ago than it was 14 years ago (the first time I rode it). But, I love the ride. My favorite features:
1. The initial gravity drop. It's nice when a coaster just starts out slowly, silently, and all of a sudden you're hauling butt around curves with nothing but gravity driving you.
2. The sudden pitch after the lift. Seriously, it's a long slow lift climb, where you have a chance to catch your breath, and then you hit the peak and... nothing! Nothing, that is, until you pitch to the left with almost no forward momentum, so that you think you're about to be tossed out upside down.
3. The tunnel dive. Brilliant. Everyone ducks, no matter how many times they've ridden.
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If HFEC and SDC wind up loving RMC's work on The Outlaw, I wonder if TNT might be a candidate for a refurb utilizing the topper-track? Certainly would smooth out the ride, and I'm sure they would have some ideas for improving the layout a bit. Might be a long shot, but would love to see it happen. Just hope this ride is beloved enough to warrant continued improvements and maintenance to ensure it's a family fixture in the park for generations to come.
All that said, even if it's five years down the road, I would love to see HFEC delay their next major park investment and re-direct those funds for a simultaneous rehab of TNT, FITH & AP. They could market the whole thing as "SDC Classics Revisited."
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Dont forget a fresh coat of paint for GM. His house was looking down on its luck when I was there last. I would love to see money and not just beans funneled into thses rides. All classics and still amazing. They kinda started it all right?
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I'd love to see AP refurbished and expanded using some of the old Jim Owens float trip canals...that would be so awesome...
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TNT can be a very popular when I was working on it we would run 1000+ people in an hour.
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TNT can be a very popular when I was working on it we would run 1000+ people in an hour.
Just curious, how long have you been at the park? Did you also work at River Blast?
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I find it interesting that people complain about this ride. It is the absolute best mine coaster on the planet. You could argue that Big Thunder Mountain was better, but as far as the coaster part of the ride, there isn't a better mine train out there.
The final drop, is better than any final mine train drop that I have ridden. Most are not much more than a 30 or 40 foot drop into a tunnel. TNT's final drop is twice the size (over 80 feet) as any other mine coaster out there.
The only thing I would want to see done, is enclose the final drop as it was originally proposed. I don't like seeing the backstage of the park when on top of the lift. And if they wanted to make the ride longer with another run down the mountain, second lift and bigger final drop....that would be okay too. But if they didn't change anything, it would still be my favorite mine coaster.
Jay
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^ Agree!
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I agree. It is the best mine train I have ever rode (ridden). I would like to see a longer TNT. However consider this is a great "beginners" coaster. It might just be the right lenght for the coaster newbies. This just might be the perfect coaster afterall. Nice nostalgic ride for the old timers. (Just long & wild enough to wet the appetite for the bigger coasters). Just short & mild enough for the youngsters experiencing a (big people) coaster for the first time.
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Was reading about Seaworld's IPO and how they were paying very little tax. They get a tax break by using accelerated depreciation on major capital projects. I imagine Herschend doing the same and that's why you are seeing these projects coming right after another.
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TNT was one of my first coasters. They removed the backwards cars before I was brave enough to ride them. :(
I think that if a renovation was done they should keep the all of the ride track leading up to the helix. The part in between the tunnel and the lift should be completely redone. Maybe add some tunnels? Then (like pretty much everyone agrees about) add more after the drop.
If the ride was completely removed they would have to put a different mine train there. Sdc without one would be like Peanut Butter without Jelly. ;)
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The ride will not be lengthened, but it does go through periodic track segment replacement. This is not uncommon on rollercoasters though. For instance, MAMBA at WoF had at least 3 segments replaced this past season. Now this does not always mean the entire track segment is replaced, some times it is just one or both of the bars that the wheels ride on.
Yep, the more you know
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I know I am in the minority here, but I wouldn't change a thing about ThuNderaTion! Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, and a little sprucing up. Yes, the final drop is a little tame, but it adds to the character of the ride. If anything, I wish they would plant more trees around the east side of the ride to hide the employee parking lot.
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I know I am in the minority here, but I wouldn't change a thing about ThuNderaTion! Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, and a little sprucing up. Yes, the final drop is a little tame, but it adds to the character of the ride. If anything, I wish they would plant more trees around the east side of the ride to hide the employee parking lot
Not going to happen, but I wish I could ride it backwards like we used to.
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Didn't Thunderation have a storyline or something of the sort when it opened?
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I know I am in the minority here, but I wouldn't change a thing about ThuNderaTion! Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, and a little sprucing up. Yes, the final drop is a little tame, but it adds to the character of the ride. If anything, I wish they would plant more trees around the east side of the ride to hide the employee parking lot.
A more logical solution would be to put a tunnel on that drop to hide it -- BUT it has been that way since it opened, so I don't see them spending the money to do it now. There is just no ROI on doing so
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I know I am in the minority here, but I wouldn't change a thing about ThuNderaTion! Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, and a little sprucing up. Yes, the final drop is a little tame, but it adds to the character of the ride. If anything, I wish they would plant more trees around the east side of the ride to hide the employee parking lot.
A more logical solution would be to put a tunnel on that drop to hide it -- BUT it has been that way since it opened, so I don't see them spending the money to do it now. There is just no ROI on doing so
But, sometimes you just do it. Knott's revamping their flume this past season.
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all i know is, TNT is great to ride at night, you cant see a thing!! :o
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all i know is, TNT is great to ride at night, you cant see a thing!! :o
Not only would the tunnel on the last drop hid the backstage area it would address the criticism of the track after the lift hill. Making it dark would enhance the otherwise thud on a finale. Just like FITH seems like so much higher of a drop because it's in the dark.
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Reviving this tread for a minute here... I talked to the people running thunder action and they said the people who made the mine train came in and said that they were never designed to run backwards. Upon hearing this, legal made them turn it back around.
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Leave it alone, it's a great stepping stone for kids that have to build up to the bigger coasters like powder keg and then wildfire. Some folks get caught up in their experience e and overlook others.
I agree. TNT is actually my 2nd favorite ride in the park behind FITH. It's just enough coaster for me.
And I agree, too! ;D
We think the same way!! FITH is my favorite, and TNT is 2nd!
Yup! I like it the way it is - sort of rustic and old fashion in a charming kind of way.
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Reviving this tread for a minute here... I talked to the people running thunder action and they said the people who made the mine train came in and said that they were never designed to run backwards. Upon hearing this, legal made them turn it back around.
Only problem with that is that Arrow has been gone for quite some time.
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Reviving this tread for a minute here... I talked to the people running thunder action and they said the people who made the mine train came in and said that they were never designed to run backwards. Upon hearing this, legal made them turn it back around.
Only problem with that is that Arrow has been gone for quite some time.
Except that it hasn't -- it was bought out by S&S (the company that built PowerKeg)
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Reviving this tread for a minute here... I talked to the people running thunder action and they said the people who made the mine train came in and said that they were never designed to run backwards. Upon hearing this, legal made them turn it back around.
Except that it hasn't -- it was bought out by S&S (the company that built PowerKeg)
Only problem with that is that Arrow has been gone for quite some time.
Quote fail
but anyways, S&S bought them out of bankruptcy but if you went out and wanted replacement trains for old arrow coasters it would likely be Vekoma doing it. I think S&S wanted the 4D technology that they are still working on.
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Looks like TnT might be getting some nice lift hill lights for next year to replace the rope lights and attached construction lamps that are there now. Coming out of the building on the lift hill I noticed a stack of nice lamps that look like they are ready to go on the lift. Should add a nice look for sdc's expanded hours next year.
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Those lights are still stacked there. I wonder when they will remember to install them.