SF StL has announced they will be getting the new $2.5 million "Glow in the Park Parade" beginning Memorial Day weekend 2009. Not many details are known except that it will feature state-of-the-art floats, incredible light design, and Cirque-style music. Find out a little more info here:
http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/entertainment/GlowinthePark.aspx (http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/entertainment/GlowinthePark.aspx)
They will also be adding Wahoo Racer to their water park next year. This is a six lane head-first speed slide from Proslide and it will feature a triple drop layout that will provide maximum speed and airtime.
Besides the new parade and water ride it looks like Tidal Wave might be on its way out. According to Screamscape major work is being done on the ride right now. It almost looks like some of the control systems are being removed, but they could just be doing a major overhaul. It also appears that some of the lift system is being removed. It wouldn't surprise me if it was being removed because it seems as if a lot of shoot-the-chutes rides have been removed from other SF parks recently.
Project 2010 is going there and over the train tracks... shhh!!!
Screamscape is reporting that SF StL has removed the Slingshot upcharge attraction and that it is most likely headed to another SF park (possibly SFNE). The park will be open later in 2009 during the summer for the new Glow In the Park parade. Also, Boss and Screamin' Eagle will be getting a lot of love in the off-season, including some major amounts of re-tracking.
Here is the employee website that shows the current updates from the park
http://sixflagsstlouis.net/park-updates/2009/
Freeze being repainted, Slingshot gone, WahooRacer location, etc
^Thanks for the link. Wow! I didn't realize how faded Mr. Freeze had become.
Six Flags may be in trouble next year. Here's a bit of news I found:
"An article posted on Yahoo takes a good hard look at the current financial conditions, the downfall of big chains Circuit City and Linens 'n Things, and makes some predictions about which companies are being carefully watched to see if they might be the next to fall. One of those listed is Six Flags which one group has predicted may report negative cash flow in 2009 which could put them into a final tail-spin if they are unable to pay down some big debts due between late 2009 and 2010."
no ... six flags can't be in trouble i own 1000 shares..
Here's the latest update on 2009 season prep for SF StL:
The repainting of Mr. Freeze is finished and not only did they fix up the ride itself but also repainted the outside and inside of the ride building as well as the queue line areas. The Boss is also getting tracked in numerous areas this year, Shazaam is getting repainted and the Wahoo Racer slide will be going up in a couple of weeks. While we're talking about the waterpark, know that Hurricane Jane's food court will be transformed to include Johnny Rockets, Papa John's and a Cold Stone Creamery. As for the entertainment side of things this year, the year should be good as the park will be offering a number of shows this season such as Dance Dance Revolution Challenge, a Karaoke show, The Kryptonites, Looney Tunes Talent Show, Rockin' Country, Show Stoppin' and The Best of Dick Clark.
^Sounds like they're making some much needed improvements.
Yah the place needs the work, even if it is just a coat of paint. The old spinning barrels-much like Disney's Teacups- are still there, just taking up space. They shoehorned in Tony Hawks Big Spin, as well as built on top of the Moon Cars to create Evil Knievel... Space there is at a premium. Rumors were last year that we were a few of the last riders to go on Screaming Eagle, and that it is slated for either extensive repairs, or demo...Any ideas?
I would love if they brought back the "Chevy Show" or a similar theater attraction.
The attraction served as a first step in the evolution toward the modern day IMAX theater and the precursor to motion simulator rides. Next to the small, white air-conditioned building housing the presentation, the automobile company displayed its latest models underneath a canopy. It presented a twenty-minute film projected onto a 180-degree curved screen looming above several rows of wood benches. The film featured first-person footage of a ride on a roller coaster, a trip down a ski slope, a flight through a canyon, a ride down a raging river, a frantic drive along a mountain road, and a mad dash through city streets.At the end of the Chevy Show film, you would experience a drive down a hilly, twisting country road from the perspective of a camera mounted on the front of the car. Suddenly, a car stopped at an intersection would appear just ahead, and it looked as if your car was going to smash into the one ahead. Everyone in the theater would stick out their right leg to apply the imaginary brake. They all flowed seamlessly into one another, a car might drive off a bridge, then you were soaring in a helicopter etc...It was great.
The Chevy Show was a highlight of our trips to SF in DFW, too. I'm sure we would think the original pretty lame at this point, but a 1st-person 3D show could easily be made (better yet, a 4D experience). Just about anything fits the SF theme these days; they threw out the real theme a long time ago.
You've got a good point. I went to the Chevy show for the last time in probably 1992-94 (sometime in there) at SF StL, and since then I have gone on the "4-D" type rides at the major parks. It really was simple. I would really think that with the technology today something better could be done, I would love to see something like it as an attraction in the park. "Soarin" @ Disney is a similar concept of film-making wouldn't you agree?
Whoa! I totally remember the Chevy Show. Good memories! Grew up going to that park. Best log ride ever (from a kid's perspective)
I remember the Chevy Show as well. I also went on a similar attraction at Disney World in 1992; it was a motion simulator ride.
It'd be great if SF brought back the Chevy Show!
SixFlagsStLouis.net has a page of photos up depicting the construction of the new Wahoo Racer slide and the nicely repainted Mr. Freeze. Check 'em out!
http://sixflagsstlouis.net/component/option,com_morfeoshow/gallery,2/task,view/ (http://sixflagsstlouis.net/component/option,com_morfeoshow/gallery,2/task,view/)
I was at SFSTL last week as a chaperone on a field trip and took over 200 photos
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/sixflags352.jpg)
The rest can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32289589@N05/sets/72157618792986895/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32289589@N05/sets/72157618792986895/)
I am headed back tomorrow for yet another school field trip...ahh the downfalls of being a teacher!
Has anything changed much in the past couple of years? It's been a while since I've gone.
Not alot has changed in recent years just new things were added every year. This years new addition was the WaHoo Racer and a night "glow" parade (I am envisioning like Disneys Light parade scaled down even though I have not yet seen the parade). Last year they added the Evel Knievel wooden roller coaster above the Moon Cars (this is probably one of my favorite wooden coasters). The year before that they added Tony Hawk's Big Spin where the Robin Hood Show/Dolphin Area once was. In 2006 Superman Tower of Power was relocated from Six Flags Astroworld. In 2005 The Tornado was added to Hurricane Harbor. Xcalibur was relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure in 2003... So it is worth a trip if you haven't been in a while.
Wow, that is a lot of changes since I've been there. It's probably actually been around five years or so, so I should go sometime soon.
SF StL suffered a power outage earlier this week at closing time and it took over an hour for people to be evacuated from the rides. Read more about it here: http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-six-flags-power-061709,0,1212730.story (http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-six-flags-power-061709,0,1212730.story)
Quote from: SDC Rules! on June 19, 2009, 08:28:13 AM
SF StL suffered a power outage earlier this week at closing time and it took over an hour for people to be evacuated from the rides. Read more about it here: http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-six-flags-power-061709,0,1212730.story (http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-six-flags-power-061709,0,1212730.story)
Wow, would have sucked to be on top of the ferris wheel.
Just a little rumor to report. Screamscape reports that sources tell them that the new Gerstlauer trains from SFKK (SF Kentucky Kingdom) may have been brought to the park as replacement units for The Screamin' Eagle, which is due for a major rehab over this coming off-season.
I road the Screamin' Eagle last year on what was rumored to be one of the last days it would be up and running before the rehab, but they DID bring it back for this year. I rode it twice this year on 2 separate occasions, and it was a SCARY ride simply for the fact that it is in dire need of work. Despite un-needed changes over the years I have attended, changes drops, banked turns, etc., This classic, out and back, figure-8 wooden coaster debuted at Six Flags St. Louis in 1976 CANNOT be lost to neglect. Screamin' Eagle at one time held the Guinness World Records for tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster debuted . It at one time held the Guinness World Records for tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. For those that do not know...it is an out and back, figure-8 wooden coaster. It is merely a shell of its' former self. Though there is maintenance on the old coaster, it doesn't even come close to what it once was. I would guess that it doesn't even break 60mph (it was touted after they put in new cars that it ran 70+). My best memory is in 94' when they ran the coaster so you went backwards (much like Georgia's Scream Machine in 93'). Now with Eval Knieval in the park, and the boss (both woodies) I hope they do The Screamin' Eagle justice this off-season, these harsh past 33 years have been rough but it can be saved.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/eaglecar.jpg)
a decomishioned car (with the newer seats)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/screamineagle.jpg)
the original signage for the ride
This one I just figured out today (it might be old news to some of you). SF-StL has The River King Mine Train which debuted in 1971 as a duo along with another Arrow Coaster, that was removed in 88' to make way for Ninja. It was relocated to Dollywood as Thunder Express and placed next to Blazing Fury (the FITH type ride) in 1989, then removed from DW in 1998 to make room for the Tennessee Tornado. It was nearly scrapped, but then in 2002 it was sold to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls in Arkansas and is running as "Big Bad John". Funny how these things change hands!
^^I, too, love The Screamin' Eagle! It is one of my all-time favorite coasters, so I really hope they do it justice with the off-season rehab.
It appears SF StL has become a dumping ground, as they've received another odd delivery from SF Kentucky Kingdom. The drop cars from SFKK's infamous Superman drop tower (Formerly: Hellivator), have been delivered. We can only assume that the cars will be used for spare parts, and that the cables will not be used. ;)
AT the flea market I also found these gems of SF StL... it was worth $1.50
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/hoohoo.jpg)
Log Flume-still there but only with one flume now
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/minetrain.jpg)
Mine Train more than likely the one removed to go to various other parks, now residing in Arkansas-Magic Springs-sky way in Background removed in 81' after 3 deaths from a falling car :-\
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/skychuter.jpg)
Yah this looks safe!!-needless to say it is gone now removed in 82'
^Wow! :D Those are great and what a bargain, too! Thanks for posting!
The Sky-Way accident occurred July 26,1978 because they victims were reportedly rocking the car. We rode that ride at least a day before the accident several times mom said I loved being up there.
The mine train in the photo with the Sky-Way is side b that got removed for Ninja. We rode that in 1978 as well. Mom hated the Sky Chuter parachute and held me back in the seat as we dropped. The Sky Chuter got relocated to Six Flags Great Adventure because it was closed frequently due to high winds at SFSTL.
SFSTL had a walk thru attraction similar to Grandfather's house called Angle Tangle later Tiltmore Hotel the building that housed it is now used for season pass processing. SFSTL used to be called Six Flags Over Mid America.
The sky way had a mechanical malfaunction.....though it wouldnt surprise me if something else also contributed. When I see people rocky gondolas, either on the big farris wheels or another ride I just cringe. Saftey rules are there for a purpose. Anything that involves heights and people acting stupid is never a good combination. DUH!
I will be at SF Stl twice this month, and hope to get some then, and now photos...also I hope to get in to see the old Hannibarrels / Powder Keg (Intamin Drunken Barrels) - opened in 1971, closed end of 1996, Currently waiting for a need to be removed....I have a few of the exterior, we'll see if I am granted access to photo the area or not.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/sixflags252.jpg)
Alright so it was a no go, last week to get up there, we'll see if I can finagle my way up there for some photos this week
Got a look at another engine out at the park yesterday, Anyone know anything about it? Steam freak might...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/531606306_1878275217_0.jpg)
I believe it says
red seal down the side, and continentalacross the front
Quote from: rubedugans on May 27, 2010, 02:10:19 PM
Got a look at another engine out at the park yesterday, Anyone know anything about it? Steam freak might...
I don't think Steam cares much for internal combustion. ;)
As for this one... hmmmm. Two axle light industrial switcher, but I don't recognize it. Google images for "industrial switcher", and you'll find a bunch that are similar, but most are bigger. This would have been used at a railcar shop for moving one car at a time, more than likely.
It was in fact what was outside of their "shed"
Any idea what the gauge is?
It is a 25 ton narow gauge steam train. (4-4-0, 36" gauge). Is it odd that the train (The Tommy G. Robrtson Railroad) is run on natural gas?
Here is a video I found of the pictured locomotive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnirAzPtqWg&NR=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnirAzPtqWg&NR=1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00W6aZ7edo&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00W6aZ7edo&feature=related)
Quote from: rubedugans on May 30, 2010, 11:16:41 PM
Is it odd that the train (The Tommy G. Robrtson Railroad) is run on natural gas?
Not really. Real working railroads would reconfigure steam locomotives to burn whatever was most economical. Many engines ran on coal and fuel oil at different times in their service lives, and some ran on LPG too.
They were preaching the natural gas aspect on the train ride, so I figured it was pretty uique, or important. That...or it was just a way to claim their clean burning train as an aid in the fight against pollution.
Hey all, sorry I havent posted for awhile been a busy month.....after six flags, I have a friend who still works out there. I heard through the grapevine they are planing some big things for the 50th anniversay next year. There MIGHT be a new rollercoaster. I do know that this might be the last year for the bumper cars, tidal Wave and my old ride i was a operator on The flying chairs. Hopefully they will start expanding past that soon. The park still owns 300 acres of undeveloped land to the right of the screamin eagle. Also about the coaster, te last couple of years they cut down the queue area from the area due to the fact that the waiting area was too large for the decreased attendance, but just looking at the area it is in such disrepair. Its really sad that it has gone downhill. Toms Twister was removed a few years ago. I do agree that there is much room for improvements.
Found an old slide of SF StL from the railroad crossing in 1976...enjoy
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/Picture031.jpg)
Goodness rube, is there any photos that you don't have? ;)
Maybe one or two! I have about 3-4 more from this trip to Six Flags that I picked up from the in-laws while cleaning out a family estate. This one is by far the most interesting since this area of the park looks basically the same!
The parks I remember from my childhood are Six Flags/St. Louis, SDC, Jesse James Territory, Opryland, Dogpatch, Six Guns West and Silver Springs (both in Florida) Chain of Rocks Amusement Park at St. Louis, and Kaintuck Territory. If you have got photos of any other parks from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s, post them, please! I'd love to see them. Maybe we ought to start a thread with Six Flags St. Louis shots...I've got some old brochures, maps, and so on some of you might like to see, plus an old map of Dogpatch and a map of Opryland from the mid-70s.
Being from StL I have a big collection of maps, flyers etc from SF StL. I will try to post some here periodically. I would love to see a close up of the map from DP.
That would be terrific rube! ;D
I knew you were a Silver Dollar City history buff, but you are really amazing me with all of these other antidotes, and pictures you are pulling out of a hat.
OK! Let's jump into the time machine and travel back to the 1970's! Posted on my Flickr site are the following: 1) 1973 Brochure for SIX FLAGS OVER MID AMERICA 2) 1977 Map Detail of SIX FLAGS, and
3) 1976 Map Detail of OPRYLAND USA Hope you all enjoy! (But I admit, I can hardly wait til Rube posts some of his Six Flags stuff here for all of us to see!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan
Look at the back cover shot of the 73 Six Flags brochure. Can you imagine a whole day of fun back then for that admission price!
IN case you haven't seen these earlier in the posts...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/hoohoo.jpg)
Log Flume-still there but only with one flume now
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/minetrain.jpg)
Mine Train more than likely the one removed to go to various other parks, now residing in Arkansas-Magic Springs-sky way in Background removed in 81' after 3 deaths from a falling car :-\
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/skychuter.jpg)
Yah this looks safe!!-needless to say it is gone now removed in 82'