Busch Gardens Tampa Discussion

[palmer]

This rumor is now 100% true. The Land of the Dragons area is being transformed into a Sesame Street Land and rumored to have a kiddie or family coaster and a possible 4-D theater.

I went last year. Land of the Dragons looked dull and a kiddie/family coaster would be good. 4-D theater is nice, but you have a 3-D show and two theaters with stage shows. Highly doubt the 4-D, unless the 3-D becomes 4-D.

[nitrofan]

I'm kind of sick of hearing about kids areas. Six Flags builds too many of them, now we're talking about Cedar Fair's, now this?

[palmer]

It's all fun for the kiddies. Well, there is a 2011/2012 coaster rumor for BGT. This is a starting step.

[nitrofan]

It's all fun for the kiddies. Well, there is a 2011/2012 coaster rumor for BGT. This is a starting step.

I think they were supposed to get a B&M Hyper every year since 2007...

[palmer]

That's better than losing a coaster for another kiddie area.

[nitrofan]

That's better than losing a coaster for another kiddie area.

Where did that happen?

[palmer]

Python. They took it down and used the area to help make Junglea. or a walk way of some sort to it.

[nitrofan]

There have been rumors floating around lately about BGA getting a B&M Hypercoaster since mid 2007. The evidence is finally appearing that the coaster could be on the horizon! The park is rumored to have been flying balloons to measure height.

With Sesame Street Safari of Fun debuting in 2010 and the recent ownership change, it may be too early for a project this big, but this rumor is starting to sound solid.

What is everyone else's opinion?

[palmer]

It would be great for BGA to get another big coaster. Yet, if BGA were to get a B&M Hypercoaster (to point out, BGA already has a B&M coaster at 200ft- Sheikra), BGE would have to also get a coaster. Since Busch Gardens/ Blackstone owns 2 simliar parks, they try to keep the coasters on an even keel. They both have around they same coasters. They try to even out the thrills between all the coasters. If BGA were to get 2 coasters over 200ft, BGE would have to get one to even it out (they have 1-Griffion)

[nitrofan]

It would be great for BGA to get another big coaster. Yet, if BGA were to get a B&M Hypercoaster (to point out, BGA already has a B&M coaster at 200ft- Sheikra), BGE would have to also get a coaster. Since Busch Gardens/ Blackstone owns 2 simliar parks, they try to keep the coasters on an even keel. They both have around they same coasters. They try to even out the thrills between all the coasters. If BGA were to get 2 coasters over 200ft, BGE would have to get one to even it out (they have 1-Griffion)

Well the rumor of a new country and a B&M Flyer going to BGE soon is still out there. Maybe BGA will get a new coaster in 2011 and BGE in 2012.

[palmer]

Yet, the new coaster rumor has been flying around for 3 years now. The flyer has been around for a while. This all might be just some hype that a random guy started.

[nitrofan]

This all might be just some hype that a random guy started.

Screamscape is usually pretty accurate though. Both rumors came from them.

[palmer]

^True. Yet have you seen a rumor that has been flying around for 3 years come true within the next two years?

[Shayne]

^ Forgetting about Appollo's Chariot? BGE already has a B&M hyper. The rumors are that BGA is getting an Intamin ride of some sort.

[nitrofan]

This picture was posted on TPR:

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/screen_shot_2010-03-05_at_11.jpg

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53855&start=50

It appears that Gwazi may be getting Millenium Flyers!

I love Millenium Flyers, and while I have not ridden Gwazi, I have heard that it is very rough and uncomfortorable in PTC trains. This sounds like ot could turn out very well!

What does everyone else think?

[Changsucks]

I think BGT is stupid for waiting so long to do something like this.

[Austin]

I believe those might be the Ozark Wildcat trains from Wild Adventures in Valdosta Georgia (coincidentally, a stop on my 2010 vacation, but only as a overnight stay but might be able to convince people to go lol).

They are working on a renovation of their coaster Cheetah and when Ozark Wildcat in Silver Dollar City closed they bought the trains but have only been placed in storage. So its very likely they borrowed these to test out since they were pretty close to BGT.

[palmer]

Yeah, but why would they close BOTH sides of Gwazi. If that was so, one side would still operate while the other side hold Ozark Wildcat's trains. Clearly, if both sides of Gwazi is closed and the trains are spotted, covered up, and appear to be a little bit different in shape and color, that might mean Gwazi is gettin MF trains.

[Austin]

They had to install a new anti-rollback. You cant do that with the ride in operation.

[palmer]

^They did that in January. Does it really take three months to install anti-rollbacks?

[nitrofan]

^They did that in January. Does it really take three months to install anti-rollbacks?

It shouldn't, but construction never seems to go as planned at the Florida parks.

[Austin]

How could they have done them in Janurary? They were waiting to be installed back on March 2.

(3/2/10) Behind the Thrills (http://behindthethrills.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=517:bgtsesame-and-gwazi-updates&catid=64:news-&Itemid=121) has posted a new update showing off some new Sesame pics as well as something interesting found near Gwazi… some new Anti Rollbacks waiting to be installed. It kind of makes you wonder why the park would be ready to install these… unless they went with a whole new train. Could it be? Could the day have come when Millennium Flyers may be added to Gwazi? Wait and see!

[palmer]

^I remember it closing in January, for rehab, where I saw on, I believe, Screamscape saying that anti-rollbacks were gonna be installed. I guess not.

[nitrofan]

If the multiple launch zones rumor is true, it could be very cool. Maybe some sort of pocher chase with scenes before each launch.

[palmer]

Why am I seeing something with this coaster being not Cheetah themed, but Rhino themed? Something with the removal of the water area is giving me the notion that this coaster might be Rhino themed. It can have launch with Rhino theming because rhinos seem to charge at each other. Otherwise, maybe a stampade themed ride, sort of.

[Jp]

Look what someone found..
(Spoiler Alert)
http://www.wichmanconstruction.com/plans/busch/BGTpackage1_11x17A1.pdf

[nitrofan]

Look what someone found..
(Spoiler Alert)
http://www.wichmanconstruction.com/plans/busch/BGTpackage1_11x17A1.pdf

Yay for themed pathways!

[Jp]

(Spoiler Alert)

Launch Coaster...

Screamscape did this...
http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2011_plans1.jpg

[nitrofan]

Where does Screamscape get these things?

It looks like an interesting layout. I don't think something like this has been built before.

And Palmer was right about Rhinos.:confused:

[Austin]

Interesting. The link to the PDF's has went 404

And if you take off the file location you still get 404 and if you take off busch as the folder you get a list of folders to view so they apparently took off busch folders today.

[Jp]

A member of TPR went to Busch Gardens Africa today and he found markers of the new coaster coming in 2011.

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/hpim1582__640x478_.jpg
Path from the Skyride.
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/hpim1585__640x478_.jpg
Path towards Edge of Africa.
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/hpim1610__640x478_.jpg
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/hpim1614__640x478_.jpg
Outline of construction? You may notice the spray paint on the edge of the cliff next to the flags.

[nitrofan]

Does anyone know if these trains were actually installed?

[nitrofan]

http://bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/gallery/541x700-images-stories-cheetah.jpg

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2010/06/pr-already-knows-whats-coming.html

So the new ride is called Cheetah. Will it be wooden, or is it just a coincidence that there is a wooden coaster in the background? I'm guessing it's just a coincidence since I can't really see BGT adding a 2nd wooden coaster when their 1st kind of failed.

[DarienLake:D]

this is going to be exciting!!! i can tell!

[palmer]

http://bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/gallery/541x700-images-stories-cheetah.jpg

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2010/06/pr-already-knows-whats-coming.html

So the new ride is called Cheetah. Will it be wooden, or is it just a coincidence that there is a wooden coaster in the background? I'm guessing it's just a coincidence since I can't really see BGT adding a 2nd wooden coaster when their 1st kind of failed.

I'm pretty sure that coaster is Gwazi.....And it really didn't fail. Just didn't get as much credit as other woodies.

[nitrofan]

I'm pretty sure that coaster is Gwazi.....And it really didn't fail. Just didn't get as much credit as other woodies.

I think that may be Great White at Morey's Piers. Gwazi didn't completely fail, but I think it explains why you don't see many new woodies being built in Florida.

[palmer]

I think that may be Great White at Morey's Piers. Gwazi didn't completely fail, but I think it explains why you don't see many new woodies being built in Florida.

That's because Flordia's two core parks are Universal and Disney. Disney is not a thrill-seeker's paradise (yes, I understand there's RNR, TOT, EE, and some others) and Universal Studios is not quite the coaster kingdom, nor is IOA. I'm not saying they don't have thrilling coasters, but Universal and Disney are there to give one-of-a-kind experiences and to-of-the-line rides that you never have seen before. I understand BGT is a great park, one for thrills, but it is not on Disney's or Universal's level. BGT is considered a failure, and most of it's rides (excluding SheiKra), because of the greatness of Disney and Universal.

Plus, Gwazi is a dueling woodie. Unless you are like Hershey, who can pull off having two great, thrilling, and "big" woodies and have them get huge lines all the time, I can't see BGT getting another woodie. I'm pretty hooked with an Intamin idea, like a launching coaster.

Anyway, i solved the riddle of this spanish ad. It says:
I yell first on Cheetah

You could be one of the six winners to travel and ride you with four companions in the new roller coaster Cheetah and appear in all advertising

Sounds like a contest.

[Jp]

If you want to follow the ride through it construction it's on here: http://www.buschgardens.com/bgt/buschgardens2011.aspx

[Jp]

A new video!

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TpgQxDkGTcw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TpgQxDkGTcw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[nitrofan]

So is the ride going to launch from 0-60, or am I taking it too literally?

[Austin]

Your not lol.

[Jp]

Here are some screenshots "traincrossin" got on TPR.
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53855&start=520#p929682

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/bg2011.png
Turn around?
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/bg20112.png
Looks like some kind of animal's mouth on the left.
http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/bg20114.png
Blurry plans! But what does it all mean?

[SFNE Expert]

Hey who wants to see some leaked concept art? :P

Photos Removed

So how about some details. Well it we know its Cheetaka now. Two seater trains. Intamin. And there will be TRENCHES AND CHEETAHS!!

This was all taken from this awesome new website called:
http://parksecrets.blogspot.com/

[Austin]

This is a new blog and I'm wondering how they got them. I don't know if I believe these are real just yet.

[SFNE Expert]

What to know how real they are. Viral marketing campaign real. :P

Or just someone who hacked into BGA's servers maybe.

[nitrofan]

This is a new blog and I'm wondering how they got them. I don't know if I believe these are real just yet.

Screamscape got plans months ago, so it's possible that they are real. Plus, who goes to the trouble to make concept art that looks that realistic, but it's fake. Someone with that kind of talent should be making money working for an architect!

[Changsucks]

You guys sure it's a good idea to have these posted on here...?

[Jp]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/159693934.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1284156764&Signature=OvPtG1jLF4xRsHmuvF%2BhzeyXBbE%3D

We want to have some Friday fun with our Followers - a photo from the team working on our 2011 Attraction!
http://twitter.com/BuschGardens

[David]

Looks like they're painting it themselves. That's odd... I haven't heard of that being done in years. Possibly since Chang! Anyways, looks like it's going to be a good coaster!

[Jp]

First pics of track are here, thanks to BGTguide.
www.bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/091810/

And just to show some off now:
http://www.bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/091810/0918_00.jpg
http://www.bgtguide.com/bgt/images/stories/091810/0918_15.jpg

[Austin]

The ride is really beginning to take shape now!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lLTA-Ke6Tnc/TQPmZEMi5SI/AAAAAAAABf8/DA0kQfGH4zo/s640/DSC01709.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lLTA-Ke6Tnc/TQPmlnon9SI/AAAAAAAABgY/wt5A9NMRfYY/s400/DSC01717.JPG
Images from BGTNation

[Jp]

It's looking really good!!

[DarienLake:D]

Looks like its coming along quickly :D

[nitrofan]

Hmm, that looks interesting. I really like how the shape of the supports have kind of an African style.

[Austin]

The figure eight is now complete and It looks interesting to say the least..

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lLTA-Ke6Tnc/TQpvYglmF1I/AAAAAAAABi4/GMGejTCrAgw/s640/DSC01749.JPG

[David]

What's with all the steel?!

[SFNE Expert]

Theming.... Theres going to be banners on them also.

[Austin]

I figured It was for some kind of tree shape but now I remember the banners. Still thats a wicked looking section of track

[SFNE Expert]

I think a tree would of been better IMO. But I don't think cheetah's get up in tree's, do they?

[Austin]

Theyre fast enough to get up a tree haha

[Jp]

Construction Update!
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53855&start=1500#p977230
http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy315/CCI528/BGTpart1046.jpg
http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy315/CCI528/BGTpart1062.jpg

Another great update!!

[Jp]

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/cheetahunt/ch300a.jpg
For more pictures!!
http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/cheetahunt6.html

[Jp]

It has been cought testing!!
http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2011_0116_Gwazi11.jpg

[David]

I sort of wish Viper at SFGAm would add MFs.

[Austin]

They look better with the front "shield" on. Interesting they are using wood on the trains around the edges.

[DarienLake:D]

They might of thought it looked better... idk..

[nitrofan]

They could just not be finished yet.

[Austin]

For some reason BGT has been testing the trains without and with the front shield. They look alot better with them on.

[mattritch87]

I will admit that the trains to look nice with the shield on the front. And maybe they could throw a gwazi logo on the front of the shield also? But I am still not a fan of the Milennium Flyers as they are not comfortable.

[nitrofan]

The trains have been confirmed by the park and will debut January 22.

Here is the press release:

In 1999, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay unleashed Gwazi, the Southeast’s largest and fastest double wooden roller coaster featuring 1.25 million feet of twisting lumber. On Saturday, Jan. 22, Gwazi will reopen to fans outfitted with new Millennium Flyer trains designed by Great Coasters International, Inc., the coaster’s original manufacturer.

The new trains provide the smoothest way to ride a wooden coaster and are highly regarded for their spacious, cushioned seats and individual row design that resembles wooden roller coasters trains from the early 1900s. The open sides of the new cars will provide unobstructed views of the 7,000-plus combined feet of Gwazi’s two twisted tracks.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THRILL SEEKERS:

•To celebrate Gwazi’s reopening, any guest who rides Gwazi on Saturday, Jan. 22 will receive a coupon valid for a 30 percent food and beverage discount at any culinary location, including all restaurants and snack carts

And this is just the beginning, as Busch Gardens is keeping the fast-paced thrills coming all year long. Experience a new breed of speed with Cheetah Hunt, a one-of-a-kind multiple launch coaster opening spring 2011.

With a 2011 Fun Card, you can pay for a day and come back all year to challenge all of the world-class coasters at Busch Gardens. It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all of the amazing animal encounters, world-class thrill rides, exciting big-name entertainment and family adventure Busch Gardens has to offer.


Thread Moved

[Jp]

Testing Video!!!
<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/227OQ4lRS9k&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/227OQ4lRS9k&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>

[Jp]

You can see the Media Day for this coaster today at:
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53855&start=1750
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/gwazi_media_day_007__medium_.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/gwazi_media_day_023__medium_.jpg

[Jp]

<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Gec71g5ZsMo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Gec71g5ZsMo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train1_4.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/hunt2.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train3_copy.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train4.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train5.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train6.jpg
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/train7.jpg

[Austin]

Oooh I like them!

[mattritch87]

Ohhhh Pretty!

[David]

What's with the bulky restraints? Straps anyone? lol

[SFNE Expert]

^They're actually a whole new design. They might not look it though.

[gl2007]

Looks like some problems might have come up.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/busch_gardens_tampa.htm

"The big rumor coming in from several contacts and sources over the past 24 hours is that a couple of big issues have come up with Cheetah Hunt. First of all, several people are saying that the work in “Trench 2” has hit a snag as the digging down there may be having a problem with water seeping into the trench that has to be addressed. (It’s hard to dig too deep in Florida before you hit the water table you know…)
The second and larger issue of note has to do with that “leap” over the Skyride. The big rumor going around this week is that a serious miscalculation was made here and that there is going to be clearance issues between Cheetah Hunt and the SkyRide. I attempted to get a statement about this rumor from Busch Gardens Tampa today, but as of this writing, they have not gotten back in touch with me with a comment."

[Truth Seeker]

If a miscalculation error as large as that occured, I'm fairly certain someone is going to lose their job. How could they not perform such a simple equation?

[mattritch87]

They released the fact that there is no issue.

From screamscape: "After yesterday’s big fuss over a possible miscalculation on Cheetah Hunt, I’m happy to report that I was able to get in touch with the park for a statement on the issue, which they report to be false. False as in there was no miscalculation… they have known all along that the they were going to lower the Skyride towers in that area to allow for Cheetah Hunt to jump over it. Here is the statement from the park below…
“…part of what makes Cheetah Hunt such an amazing addition is its use of an interaction with existing park elements. To make that happen, of course it has been necessary to make major changes to several park landmarks like Rhino Rally, the Clydesdale Hamlet, the Crown Colony and the Monorail Station.
Some of the more subtle changes include raising the floor in the Monorail Station, cutting back the waterfall outcropping in Rhino Rally canyon and moving some of the Serengeti Express’ train tracks. Some of the more major changes – many of which are immediately noticeable to guests in the area – that are taking place include building new guest bridges and pathways between Nairobi and Edge of Africa, building a seating terrace in front of the Crown Colony, replacing the Clydesdale Hamlet’s wooden stalls with secure “bedrooms” for the cheetahs, and, indeed, lowering certain Skyride towers near the area where the track “jumps” the cable.”"

[Austin]

It seems like this would have been one of those pre-construction type things that would have been done long before the track was built.

[nitrofan]

A new update of Cheeta Hunt has been posted!

http://www.bgtnation.net/

I don't really like the way the banners look right now, but I'll wait until it's all done to make a judgement on them. Everything else is looking good!

[Austin]

Cheetah Hunt has a POV!

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cZdwhGJHM-M?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[nitrofan]

I still don't like the way the banners look.

I've been trying to go to a Busch Gardens for some time now, BGA opens a new coaster, and plans to visit BGE work out. :(

[Jp]

The coaster looks great!

[Truth Seeker]

Some of the movements look a little too slow for my taste ,but I'll reserve judgement until I've ridden it.

[nitrofan]

There is an interview with Mark Rose, VP of Design & Engineering posted to bgtnation.net with some interesting discussions about the tower on the coaster. He said that the tower was designed with social media in mind. (yep, it surprised me too). He said that it's such a unique-looking element that they believe it will be a highly photographed portion of the ride, and people will upload it to social networks and it will catch lots of attention, and in a way, serve as advertising for the ride. That's a very interesting point, and I'm surprised that the park would be considering things like that.

It's a pretty interesting interview. You can watch the whole video here: http://www.bgtnation.net/

[Austin]

It does seem like the coaster has some slow parts but I could see this as being geared alot more towards familys seeing as how there isnt any terrifying drops that most kids would be scared of and the speed is above average. I'm looking forward to my next trip to Florida now!

[nitrofan]

It does seem like the coaster has some slow parts but I could see this as being geared alot more towards familys seeing as how there isnt any terrifying drops that most kids would be scared of and the speed is above average. I'm looking forward to my next trip to Florida now!

In interviews, park management is calling this an extreme family coaster. I wish Six Flags would take note.

[Austin]

Oh lol. I havent had much time recently to read many interviews. I wish Holiday World would take note of this! Haha, they need a big family coaster in my opinion. Plus its steel and would attract many more people. In addition to all things people think of when they think of a steel roller coaster (gigantic drops, too fast and too scary) it turns out to be none of that. Perfect ride for those kids who are getting to old for your average skater and who arent ready for the big coasters.

[nitrofan]

Today was Cheetah Hunt's grand opening, but it didn't start out so grand. The ride opened nearly 4 hours late, and the park had pretty close to a riot at the ride's entrance!

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/cheetah-hunt-delay-angers-park-guests-at-busch-gardens

People are unbelievable sometimes. The park was doing the best they could to get the ride open as soon as possible, and they handed out free water, yet people nearly broke out into a riot. This is emberassing.

On a positive note, the ride itself is getting great reviews as an "Extreme Family Coaster".

[Austin]

Is there a reason Intamin coasters seem to always have issues when new rides open?

[nitrofan]

Is there a reason Intamin coasters seem to always have issues when new rides open?

All coasters break down all the time. B&M's are broken down all the time, but this ride will probably be overall prone to downtime. Lots of rides have downtime with 1 launch, but this ride has 3 launches that can fail.

This breakdown just happened to happen on opening day, and the park ended up with a riot. It's ridiculous.

[Austin]

True but it just seems every year Intamin coasters/rides have some kind of major delay or suffer some breakdown around opening.

Oh yeah, I think you may be looking at something like Cheetah Hunt at BGW Nitrofan. I was flipping through RCDB's 2012 list and they show one for BGW that is rumored to be a multi-launch coaster.

[SFNE Expert]

Because Intamin is innovative.

[Austin]

But sometimes innovation requires extensive testing to make sure it will work with minimal issues lol.

[nitrofan]

But sometimes innovation requires extensive testing to make sure it will work with minimal issues lol.

They've been testing for the past month and they've been doing staff previews for 2 weeks. They did plenty of testing, things just happen sometimes. Rides break down all the time, even B&M's.

[Austin]

Yes I know but I'm talking overall Intamin. Maverick had to have track replaced right before opening because they failed to take proper measurements of the forces. The boats for Shoot the Chute at CP wouldnt work and caused a lengthy delay. Plus they have a pretty colorful safety record yet haven't had a single major lawsuit somehow. Xcellerator, their part in the Tower of Power accident, allowing rides to not be equipment with software that wont allow trains to be dispatched if restraints arent secured.

Just to put their safety record in perspective, 7 of their 8 major accidents occured between 1999 and 2009. And most could have been prevented had they designed the rides correctly so that riders stayed in their seat properly, and that trains wouldn't be dispatched without all restraints being checked. Plus making sure the rides were designed in a way that would keep things like cables (power of tower) from being exposed and present a danger to guests if they were to snap. Plus not handing out the latest maintenance books for their rides to help maintain the rides and prevent accidents from occurring.

So far nothing major has turned up on Cheetah Hunt so its encouraging but then again its not been open very long either.

[nitrofan]

Yes I know but I'm talking overall Intamin. Maverick had to have track replaced right before opening because they failed to take proper measurements of the forces. The boats for Shoot the Chute at CP wouldnt work and caused a lengthy delay. Plus they have a pretty colorful safety record yet haven't had a single major lawsuit somehow. Xcellerator, their part in the Tower of Power accident, allowing rides to not be equipment with software that wont allow trains to be dispatched if restraints arent secured.

Just to put their safety record in perspective, 7 of their 8 major accidents occured between 1999 and 2009. And most could have been prevented had they designed the rides correctly so that riders stayed in their seat properly, and that trains wouldn't be dispatched without all restraints being checked. Plus making sure the rides were designed in a way that would keep things like cables (power of tower) from being exposed and present a danger to guests if they were to snap. Plus not handing out the latest maintenance books for their rides to help maintain the rides and prevent accidents from occurring.

So far nothing major has turned up on Cheetah Hunt so its encouraging but then again its not been open very long either.

Intamin has built over 100 coasters and has had millions of riders. With that considered, I think only having 8 accidents is a pretty good record. I'm sure more people have been injured in a car crash on the way to ride a coaster then have been injured on an Intamin coaster. As for the train's being checked, Disney does the same thing. On many of their rides (specifically Expedition Everest) if there is an empty seat, they just leave the lap bar up the entire ride. It's not just an Intamin thing.

After a park buys a coaster, for how long is it Intamin's responsibility to proactively do things for the park? I would expect them to be actively assisting the park when the ride is new (for example, I would hope that Intamin was helping Busch with their problems yesterday if they needed assistance), but if a ride is 10 years old, I really don't think it should be Intamin's responsibility to make sure every park has manuals. If the park wants a manual, then Intamin should give it to them, but I don't see it as their responsibility to be checking in with parks about something as trivial as a manual.

[Austin]

The ride restraint issue wasn't like that. They built I think it was Superman ROS and in 2004 a rider with Cerebral Palsy was in the front seat and he didnt secure his restraint and the train was allowed to dispatch. Now it is different if its an empty seat but for a person to be unsecured on a ride like ROS is unacceptable. Because of that accident trains arent allowed to leave unless a sensor indicates all restraints are locked in/engaged.

It is Intamin's responsibility to give the manuals to parks. They built it and if they make a new manual after the ride opens (the last one for the 2nd gens was in 97, 2 years after STOP was built) then they should give them to the park. If they did it would have saved people from that accident. The company that makes a product should be held responsible for cases like this. KK could only do what their 1995 manual said to do which turned out to be non-helpful and didn't help very much whereas the 1997 manual had improved ways to maintain the cables. I don't really see how KK was held liable for everything that happened given the reports by every inspector and tests that were done. Yes they both were negligent but if they had been given the 1997 manual would the accident have been avoided? I think the answer is yes, definitely. They were doing what they knew to do.

It may sound trivial but manuals have the power to save people from injury. Don't you think all parks should have the most up to date manual for their rides? Especially when it contains major updates on how to maintain rides and prevent accidents? Plus the parks already paid top dollar for the rides so why shouldnt the company spend the pocket change to supply them? It might cause them to keep some business by being reliable on handing things like that out at no cost since the park already paid enough for the ride, and to profit the company.

[Capitalize]

The ride restraint issue wasn't like that. They built I think it was Superman ROS and in 2004 a rider with Cerebral Palsy was in the front seat and he didnt secure his restraint and the train was allowed to dispatch. Now it is different if its an empty seat but for a person to be unsecured on a ride like ROS is unacceptable. Because of that accident trains arent allowed to leave unless a sensor indicates all restraints are locked in/engaged.


The ride op/attendants were incredibly negligent here as well. If they were paying proper attention and doing their job right that accident would have been avoided.

[Austin]

I mean you would think it would be common sense to make sure any seat occupied by a guest is locked in.