46
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: August 16, 2017, 11:11:52 AM »
All spinning. That's a huge letdown for me. 
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47
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: August 16, 2017, 10:48:16 AM »48
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: August 11, 2017, 09:24:23 AM »
^^Agreed. I think there are multiple reasons. A few of my speculative thoughts:
1. Outlaw Run's construction marked 8 years since the opening of SDC's last coaster (PK). That's a long gap for a coaster.
2. At the time, the addition of a woodie to the park had been long overdue. Knowing one was finally coming created a tidal wave of anticipation.
3. Size. One of the first things that took shape upon vertical construction was the initial lift hill. Seeing the height that quickly came to fruition generated a lot of excitement about OR being a legitimate thrill ride.
4. Revolutionary Elements. Despite much of OR being hidden from plain view, we knew early on it would be an RMC with topper track, both of which were still relatively new to the coaster scene. Additionally, we saw elements that defied previous logic and reason that were cause for much conversation over how in the world such things could be achieved on a wooden platform.
5. Oops. All be it very late in the game, the final details of OR were sadly leaked prior to its official announcement, which not only was unfortunate for the park, but continued to fuel discussion and speculation about the ride.
I think the fact that so much of this new coaster is out of plain view and the park has been so good about keeping its details under wraps have played a major role in giving us fewer things to talk about around its construction. Lack of legitimate confirmation as to the manufacturer and "type" of coaster alone have all but exhausted much of the conversation as we've covered all the "what ifs" six ways from Sunday.
I for one am excited about the addition, but concerned at the same time in regards to the rumored spinning element(s). If this is an exclusively "spinning" coaster, I'll never be able to get on it. Praying if that does in fact become part of the draw to the ride it is merely having a spinning option if you so choose to push the ride experience to another level. I think they would be wise to go this route so as to cater the attraction to a far wider demographic.
1. Outlaw Run's construction marked 8 years since the opening of SDC's last coaster (PK). That's a long gap for a coaster.
2. At the time, the addition of a woodie to the park had been long overdue. Knowing one was finally coming created a tidal wave of anticipation.
3. Size. One of the first things that took shape upon vertical construction was the initial lift hill. Seeing the height that quickly came to fruition generated a lot of excitement about OR being a legitimate thrill ride.
4. Revolutionary Elements. Despite much of OR being hidden from plain view, we knew early on it would be an RMC with topper track, both of which were still relatively new to the coaster scene. Additionally, we saw elements that defied previous logic and reason that were cause for much conversation over how in the world such things could be achieved on a wooden platform.
5. Oops. All be it very late in the game, the final details of OR were sadly leaked prior to its official announcement, which not only was unfortunate for the park, but continued to fuel discussion and speculation about the ride.
I think the fact that so much of this new coaster is out of plain view and the park has been so good about keeping its details under wraps have played a major role in giving us fewer things to talk about around its construction. Lack of legitimate confirmation as to the manufacturer and "type" of coaster alone have all but exhausted much of the conversation as we've covered all the "what ifs" six ways from Sunday.
I for one am excited about the addition, but concerned at the same time in regards to the rumored spinning element(s). If this is an exclusively "spinning" coaster, I'll never be able to get on it. Praying if that does in fact become part of the draw to the ride it is merely having a spinning option if you so choose to push the ride experience to another level. I think they would be wise to go this route so as to cater the attraction to a far wider demographic.
49
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: August 09, 2017, 01:58:03 PM »
I'm sensing some theme around the idea of time? Anyone else getting that vibe? The should call it Time Traveler. 
50
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: August 05, 2017, 02:32:29 PM »
Thanks for the updated pics. I know it's so hard to know considering the fact that this ride has yet to be in full view, but unless I'm just very ignorant as to what things cost these days, I'm wondering even with the size of the station and wha the assume may be a mid-circuit launch, how will this ride as we know it live up to the SDC claim of being more than twice the size of anything they've ever installed. Maybe there is an absolute mess of track still to come, but the existing footprint just doesn't look like the makings of a $40 million addition. Now, I'm as excited as any and not hating on the project whatsoever, just curious as we all are in terms of what's still to come that we may not be privy to right now.
For additional perspective, WF was a $14 million project, but came to SDC little more than 15 years ago. While a great ride, it isn't a physically imposing ride interns of layout or its general size. I wonder what the cost comparison would be if the same ride were built in that same spot today. I know the new coaster required what we have speculated to be much more earthwork and concrete due to its location and that certainly begins to eat up a budget quickly, but from the overhead shots, existing footers and pics we've seen thus far, I am very intrigued about this "more than twice the size" claim that's been thrown out there. Keep in mind, I have yet to see the project in person so my somewhat blinded view may be completely of the mark. Just wanted to voice that while I'm as excited as any, I still have some skepticism about what's to be when all is said and done. Love to hear some other perspectives based on others who have seen this in person.
For additional perspective, WF was a $14 million project, but came to SDC little more than 15 years ago. While a great ride, it isn't a physically imposing ride interns of layout or its general size. I wonder what the cost comparison would be if the same ride were built in that same spot today. I know the new coaster required what we have speculated to be much more earthwork and concrete due to its location and that certainly begins to eat up a budget quickly, but from the overhead shots, existing footers and pics we've seen thus far, I am very intrigued about this "more than twice the size" claim that's been thrown out there. Keep in mind, I have yet to see the project in person so my somewhat blinded view may be completely of the mark. Just wanted to voice that while I'm as excited as any, I still have some skepticism about what's to be when all is said and done. Love to hear some other perspectives based on others who have seen this in person.
51
Other Parks / Re: Ohio State Fair Ride Accident
« on: July 27, 2017, 03:43:45 PM »
Watched a separate video of eyewitness accounts from those standing in the queue. One speculated that the operator feared someone was slipping out the ride and hit the emergency stop button in a panic. The result brought the ride to an abrupt halt and looked to be the cause of at least two riders being ejected, as well as one of the seating rows to be sheared off and thrown from the structure. Obviously speculative, but the video and account are terrifying and tragic put it lightly. While these types of accidents are such a statistical anomaly, they are truly horrific.
Thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
Thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
52
Dollywood Discussion / Re: Lighting Rod's Continued Issues
« on: July 27, 2017, 03:27:34 PM »
Moot point, but I can verify that it was opening and running for at least part of the day yesterday. A friend of mine lost his phone while riding. And no he wasn't trying to use it. Sounds like it came loose in his pocket and fell out during the ride.
53
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: July 16, 2017, 02:30:57 AM »
Thanks for sharing the pics, Swoosh.
Do we honestly believe they went through the trouble and expense of hanging all that iron for a mere foot bridge? I'm not buying it, but what do I know. That just doesn't seem plausible, or financially prudent to me.
The multiple openings on the station continue to make me wonder as well. I think there's more to the story here than simply queue, coaster entrance/exits and maintenance openings.
Do we honestly believe they went through the trouble and expense of hanging all that iron for a mere foot bridge? I'm not buying it, but what do I know. That just doesn't seem plausible, or financially prudent to me.
The multiple openings on the station continue to make me wonder as well. I think there's more to the story here than simply queue, coaster entrance/exits and maintenance openings.
54
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: July 14, 2017, 10:39:18 PM »Quote
I missed what looks like "massive" excavation? concrete? footers? on the NE corner of project... there was some major work going on there..
that would indicate lots of weight. or maybe allowing for lots of "g-forces"? Or???
Would be cool if this is the early makings of a themed passthrough or tunnel element. Thinking the train could drop straight out of the station, bank left, into an immelmann loop then into this element.
55
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: July 14, 2017, 12:17:03 AM »
^ Very interesting. Soooo, Gravity Redefined. That doesn't point to anything related to a mountain in my book. I wouldn't say gravity insinuates anything related directly to time travel either. However, the gratuitous addition of the gears throughout the design certainly does tie into that notion. The type treatment almost bears the markings of a steampunkish theme. Makes me think of Baron for some reason. Too bad this isn't going to be a dive coaster. This "Gravity Redefined" teaser sure has me spooked. Hoping that isn't some early nod to the dreaded spinning component we've hashed and rehashed for months.
And I thought we were due for an official public announcement on 8/16. This seems to indicate this is an internal announcement.
And I thought we were due for an official public announcement on 8/16. This seems to indicate this is an internal announcement.
56
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: July 04, 2017, 11:28:39 PM »
Thanks a million for sharing the photos. So appreciate everyone helping to keep all of us abreast of the progress who cannot make it to the park as conveniently as others. Lots of great perspective from the aerial photos. It's such a relief to see that despite what had been speculated to be massive land clearing isn't quite as barren as we thought. Looks like they were plenty mindful about sparing as much vegetation as possible. I had feared this would look like WF 2.0 until now. Between plenty of track and some strategically saved trees, this could be another gem of a ride. If this tops the ride experience of OR, SDC is going to continue to turn heads and turnstiles.
57
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: June 28, 2017, 10:38:24 AM »
My thoughts exactly.
58
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: June 27, 2017, 01:52:07 PM »
Awesome. Thanks a million for grabbing and sharing that shot. A few things have me intrigued with this photo. First if all, it gives some additional perspective around the drop out of the station. Second, while a potential long shot due its proximity to EH, the shape of the retaining wall gives me the impression this could be a later pass through element behind, under or over the initial drop. Perhaps its just an illusion given the angle of the photo, but the wall almost appears to have curve to it. Lastly, the presence of the white PVC pipe has me excited and wondering of this area of the circuit will have some element of water or fog to enhance the drop and/or pass through element(s). It's killing me not being able to get there to take an aerial shot to give us all some real perspective as to how much the site has changed since the Springfield News-Leader article came to light in early March.
59
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: June 01, 2017, 11:47:07 PM »
^^^Thank you for the thorough response, Swoosh. Appreciate the insight and answers to my own questions and speculation. Totally understand the process of elimination theory in terms of what may or may not set this apart from everything else. Since spinning still seems to be such a major source of that speculation, do you have in reason to believe spinning could be optional for some, versus a you're spinning or not riding at all standpoint?
Lastly, can you shed any light on the comparative scope of the footprint for this thing? The station seems enormous, but the aerial view we've all seen doesn't offer much context in terms of scale for me. Do you envision this being a potential lengthy ride, or is this going to be a classic SDC "it's great, but over quick" ride? With the amount of clearing that's taken place, I pray to God there are major plans for man made elements and on-ride theming touches to compensate for the expanse of nothing that's surely sitting out there right now.
Lastly, can you shed any light on the comparative scope of the footprint for this thing? The station seems enormous, but the aerial view we've all seen doesn't offer much context in terms of scale for me. Do you envision this being a potential lengthy ride, or is this going to be a classic SDC "it's great, but over quick" ride? With the amount of clearing that's taken place, I pray to God there are major plans for man made elements and on-ride theming touches to compensate for the expanse of nothing that's surely sitting out there right now.
60
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments
« on: June 01, 2017, 03:05:58 PM »
Still being presumptuous, in my view. The fact that they said it's going to be a "first of its kind" can be virtually anything. Why insinuate that "first its kind" is 100% related to the trains spinning? What little has been shared from the park relating to this being first of its kind could mean the first multi-launch coaster with inversions in the U.S., the first Mack vertical lift coaster with multiple launches and inversions, etc. Point being, clearly no one other than the PTB know what the definition of first of its kind means as it relates to this ride. The speculation is fascinating and fun, but I think its unfair and misguided to continue making making the assumption this claim is exclusively related to the technology within the train(s). If that comes to fruition, so be it. However, that's an unfounded POV as of now. Speaking of speculation, what about the idea of a vertical lift? They're obviously beefing up the support system right out of the station for a very definitive reason. Could a vertical lift be possible to give this coaster the height and/or drop to put it in some "first/tallest/fastest" category of its own? As it stands we haven't seen or heard anything suggesting this coaster will incorporate a significant lift hill or drop. Just throwing it out there for discussion. Seeing Cobras Curse and thinking about all of the work that continues around the station just got me wondering.
All that said, thanks Swoosh for the updates and pics you're sharing on the progress of the ride. Really appreciate all of the nuggets for someone who doesn't have the luxury of visiting as often as I would like.
All that said, thanks Swoosh for the updates and pics you're sharing on the progress of the ride. Really appreciate all of the nuggets for someone who doesn't have the luxury of visiting as often as I would like.