Powder Keg on YouTube

[sdcforever]

I found this pretty cool first person video of Powder Keg's launch on YouTube.  Someone sneaked their camera on the ride to get the video.  After about 30 seconds the sheer speed of the ride was too much for the camera.  The video's still pretty cool and almost makes you feel like you're on the ride.  There's also some footage of Wildfire, Electrospin, The Giant Swing, Thunderation, and others on YouTube if you do some digging.  Here's the link to the Powder Keg launch video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bI4am0OEo2U&feature=related

[Coaster]

There aren't really that many great SDC videos on Youtube or on the internet for that matter.

Don't they have camera equipment on all parts of the track on the roller coasters? Wouldn't they find out if you snuck on a camera or something once you got back to the station?

[shavethewhales]

^Yes, they watch the launch and the lifthill, and they can see if you are doing anything against the rules. Oftentimes they'll confront you and escort you from the park if you do anything overtly dangerous or illegal. I guess this guy managed to fly under the radar, but he's exceptionally lucky. You saw how he couldn't control the camera - if it had flown out of his hand he, SDC, and some innocent bystander would be tangled up in a multi-million dollar legal conundrum right now.

[Swoosh]

Yes this video is under investigation as are a few others.  Ride & Safety does not take these things lightly

[Coaster]

Yes this video is under investigation as are a few others.  Ride & Safety does not take these things lightly

I've always wanted to record a ride on Wildfire or Powderkeg but now I know it's not worth it. Although I was never seriously considering it and knowing my luck my camera or cell phone would've flew right out of my hands.

[sdcforever]

I've never wanted to record a ride.  I'd be too afraid of my camera flying out of my hands.  Plus, I'm just not a camera person.  I don't mind my picture being taken, but I just don't take pictures.  I don't know why, it's just not my thing.  There are some other cool ride videos on YouTube, most of them not taken on the rides themselves.

[DocSpeleo]

Personally I've ridden the ride with camera in hand recording it.  I've done the same thing on Wildfire and Thunderation.
I usually use the hand strap as a safety but never has my camera ever moved in my hand I hold it so tightly.  I've never been confronted and I have about 10 videos of rides at SDC. 

A few more from other parks - Six Flags St Louis & Hershey Park...

[Swoosh]

^Well obviously you hide your camera until you are out of the station otherwise you would have been confronted about it and told to put it in a cubby.

I take it that you think that the posted rules are for everyone BUT you?   

[DocSpeleo]

I guess, I do think the rules don't apply.  I'm a member of ACE and it is required to get videos on the rides.  lol not really... 
I used my cell phone to record once and was watched by the employees on the way out of the station.  I guess I never really thought I was in danger of dropping it.  I've had lots of practice!
I watched the video on youtube he didn't do that great of a job.  lol i got the whole ride.

[Swoosh]

Oh, I'm completely sorry then... if you flashed your gACE card then you were completely in your rights 

Seriously, it's gACE members like that that give all gACE members a bad name.
I belong to American Coaster Enthusiasts, but do not flaunt it or actually even let it be a known fact.  I am only a member because of ERT events and discounts at Holiday World... the magazines are nice too, even though I get them after all the "news" is way out of date.

Oh to the well.... be careful video taping though, it could get you black listed.

[DocSpeleo]

I meant to ask - Swoosh are you an employee? How do you know this video is under investigation?
Since you know that do you know what do they plan on doing with the culprit?

It isn't illegal just not considered "safe" so you think they'll have a wanted poster up by the turnstiles with "don't let this one in"
haha just curious... seems to me that there are a lot more important things to do than investigate the video, more likely to investigate and retrain some employees who let the camera slip by... I would imagine.

[shavethewhales]

^Actually it probably is illegal; I don't know for sure, but Missouri has some pretty thorough rider safety laws. If they find the person who shot the video, they'll treat him or her like they would anyone that breaks the rules, which may include not being allowed in the park.

Once again, this is one of those issues that is taken somewhat seriously because of the number of incidents that occur around it. Even if it doesn't seem important, it's a pretty big deal when some kid gets his face smashed in by a flying camera because someone just had to make a youtube video.

[Swoosh]

^^Contrary to popular belief there IS a black list that is shared among parks of patrons that are not allowed access to parks, so in a way, yes

[DocSpeleo]

Interesting. . . .
Also to note...

The cameras on Wildfire are working and Kodak is tweaking them a little bit to make sure the video made will be of a high quality.  So pretty soon you'll be able to purchase your video while riding Wildfire!
I can't wait!

[sdcforever]

^Actually it probably is illegal; I don't know for sure, but Missouri has some pretty thorough rider safety laws. If they find the person who shot the video, they'll treat him or her like they would anyone that breaks the rules, which may include not being allowed in the park.

Once again, this is one of those issues that is taken somewhat seriously because of the number of incidents that occur around it. Even if it doesn't seem important, it's a pretty big deal when some kid gets his face smashed in by a flying camera because someone just had to make a youtube video.

It is illegal, according to Missouri statutes.  Everyone is to obey the oral and posted safety rules of a ride for various reasons, including throwing, dropping or expelling an object from or toward a ride.  Loose objects (including cameras) are prohibited on all high-speed rides at SDC (this is posted all over the park, and repeated on the PA system and the website over and over again).  All of this is for the safety of everyone on the ride.  Anyone who violates these provisions is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.  You can check out all the details here:
http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c300-399/3160000230.htm