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Great Adventure Boards => Great Adventure Chit Chat => Topic started by: rjholla2003 on November 04, 2005, 02:39:33 AM

Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: rjholla2003 on November 04, 2005, 02:39:33 AM
The year is 2008.  Next year GASM will be 20 years old.  It is still a workhorse, but ridership has fallen to dismal levels and the ride's structure needs a decent amount of maintenance every year to replace stress fractures.  Would you rehaul the coaster, or replace it?

What I would do is have a celebration for the 20th year of the coaster being in service throughout the 2009 season, similar to what SFOG did for Great Gasp.  Then, towards the end of the summer season a new attraction for 2010.  This coaster would not just be another looper in Great Adventure, this coaster would be *the* looper in Great Adventure.  I would contract Intamin AG to build a 200+ foot monster of a looper.  This coaster would have at least 11 inversions throughout it's course to be the world's inversion champion.  It would be the perfect replacement for GASM, keeping great screams in the area for years to come.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: rjholla2003 on November 05, 2005, 11:32:38 PM
I guess I'm the only one here who likes playing General Manager. :lol:
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on November 06, 2005, 07:11:11 AM
:lol:  

I'm just curious, when was the most recent mega looper installed?  We could see a switch back to them by this time.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on November 06, 2005, 07:47:12 PM
I forgot to add that unfortunately, I very much believe that GASM will be gone by 2008-2010.

The paint looks nice and all but that was a rather minor investment that was basically forced upon them because of the condition of the ride.

I also think this end of the park has some big changes in store.  Maybe something with the hotel or perhaps another new themed section or ride but regardless, its days are numbered. :(
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: MForce23 on November 06, 2005, 08:08:04 PM
If Gasm leaves im going to miss it. :cry: But somthing alot better will be a better change....i guess.

 I have a question what is going on with the hotel? I thought they were suposed to be working on it by now.. :?
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on November 06, 2005, 08:45:06 PM
The hotel wasn't expected to start until after El Toro is completed because that area is being used as a staging area ;).

I would fully expect the hotel to start taking shape very early next year and its likely it won't be done until 2007.

Yes, I'll miss GASM to  :cry:
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: stew560 on November 07, 2005, 08:40:35 AM
I also agree that GASM has seen better days, but as much as it has a cult following, if you look at the lines, they just aren't there. Before I even got through all of RJ's post, I had the same idea of replacing it with an Intamin looper. (cough*Colossus (http://rcdb.com/id1412.htm)*cough) Maybe one that is a mix of airtime/twister/inversions.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Deadman on November 07, 2005, 04:14:17 PM
For the majority of the season GASM's lines aren't anything, but  I've seen it in some switchbacks a few times this season :mrgreen:
Anyway, I'd keep it through 2009 to get a good 20 years out of it, and then replace it the following season with an Intamin looper.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on November 09, 2005, 09:45:25 PM
Doesn't it seem like the mega loopers age poorly just like the huge wooden coasters out there (cough: mean streak, hercules)?

I really wonder with todays modern technology if they could pull off a mega looper again and still have it become really popular.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: ChuckR on November 09, 2005, 11:51:24 PM
Are you talking about Arrow pulling off a mega looper now a days? Or B&M or Intamin?
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: rjholla2003 on November 10, 2005, 09:21:02 AM
I think that if the Arrow Mega Loopers came after Arrow realized that heartlining was important (ie: Tennesee Tornado) then yes, they would have a higher ridership now and people wouldn't be complaining about headaches and headbanging.  The track itself is great, it's just those poor transitions that really kill the thing.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: gadvrider2 on November 11, 2005, 12:25:25 AM
Yea I will be sad to see GASM go. It was the first roller coaster I ever went on, so it will be very upsetting to see it go. However, if it has to go, then they better bring something 10 times better.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: SilverBullet on November 22, 2005, 08:31:21 PM
Quote from: "stew560"
Before I even got through all of RJ's post, I had the same idea of replacing it with an Intamin looper. (cough*Colossus (http://rcdb.com/id1412.htm)*cough) Maybe one that is a mix of airtime/twister/inversions.

Maybe Intamin would consider throwing the Accelerator *drools* restraints on the loopers since a few Accelerators are going up side down. GASM has a rather large foot print so it could hold a huge coaster although I wouldn't want the 5 heartline rolls in a row.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on November 23, 2005, 11:32:23 PM
^ Just out of curiosity... which Intamin coasters with inversions have the lap bars like Xcelrator?


It would be sad to see GASM go, any coaster for that matter (yes, even Viper) On the other hand... IF a ride like Thorpe's Colossus were to be installed, I'd be one happy camper... even something like the Intamin Coaster in Malaysia.. here's a link incase you haven't seen it.  http://www.rcdb.com/ig1607.htm Supersonic Odyssey it's called. Looks fun! I also wouldn't be upset if it were replaced by an Intamin Gyro drop, a Topple Tower, a "Bell" ride, Screamin Swing, Impulse Coaster... any type of flat ride or smaller coaster package.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: SilverBullet on November 23, 2005, 11:39:26 PM
Quote from: "Frissbeking"
^ Just out of curiosity... which Intamin coasters with inversions have the lap bars like Xcelrator?

Not the Xcellerator lap bars, but the Storm Runner, Kingda Ka, Kanonen, etc. Accelerater OSTR's
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on November 23, 2005, 11:51:18 PM
Quote from: "SilverBullet"
Quote from: "Frissbeking"
^ Just out of curiosity... which Intamin coasters with inversions have the lap bars like Xcelrator?

Not the Xcellerator lap bars, but the Storm Runner, Kingda Ka, Kanonen, etc. Accelerater OSTR's


OOOOOh ok, gotcha. I wasn't sure they were called Accelerator coasters, I thought they were Rocket Coasters. My mistake?
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: ChuckR on November 24, 2005, 12:15:23 AM
Come on Rob, get with the program!!  :lol:
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: chilled182 on November 24, 2005, 06:24:42 PM
i think its time the world sees another big inversion coaster.  We have gotten away from our roots, but six flags has generously thrown a woodie in the mix, a classic at that.

I think its time we see a classif steel coaster.  It would be awesome to  see arrow come back with a new mega looper, retro style.

however... the safest bet ofcourse would have to be intamin.


but heres something else to think about.. Kumba.  There arent many beemer loopers out there these days, what if B&M brought it back and beat the looping record, and debuted some crazy inversion.  That might being ridership back to the boardwalk.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: ChillerDude on January 05, 2006, 04:33:29 PM
IT cant go. It jus cant :roll:
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: David Jr on January 05, 2006, 07:03:25 PM
I agree with y'all on the Intamin looper, but here's another idea, S&S 4d. the redesigned version.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: lil jimmy norton on January 05, 2006, 07:24:41 PM
I dont know. GASM is a classic.  I would rather they take RT down. Just my opinion of course. And maybe put a drop tower there, as many people have suggested.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: overlord on January 05, 2006, 08:21:25 PM
A coaster for a drop tower? I wouldnt like that. A S&S 4D would be nice but would it ever fit into that section? I dont think it would ever fit in that area.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: chilled182 on January 05, 2006, 08:58:57 PM
Quote from: "lil jimmy norton"
I dont know. GASM is a classic.  I would rather they take RT down. Just my opinion of course. And maybe put a drop tower there, as many people have suggested.


welcome to the boards.. but dont say take RT down too loud.  Diana and Wade might here.  And boy, they would be unhappy.  

I personally think the 3 retro rides we have should stay forever.. but lets face it.. eventually they are going to have to come down.  

a 4D would be nice but i just dont see that idea taking off any time soon.  X was before its time it seems.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Nitro1118 on January 05, 2006, 09:18:48 PM
Any additions GADV makes should not effect GASM, at least for the next 5-10 years. GASM solidififies are collection of coasters, and makes it unique and different from many parks. It adds character to our park, and is a past record breaker and is a favorite of many visitors.

Just for fun, if it ever did go down, I would love to see a Intamin looper that would take after GASM's layout. It could be the same height, have similar array of elements (few vertical loops, the double corkscrew, maybe throw in a hertline or 2). Of course, the novelty would be it breaking the record of most inversions on a coaster, which is currently held by Colossus at Thorpe Park with 10 inversions.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: ChuckR on January 06, 2006, 12:26:37 AM
I can't picture Scream Machine not in the park. It is mainly the first thing you see pulling into the parking lot(until Ka). It is a signature ride at GADV.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on January 06, 2006, 09:37:23 AM
RT isn't going anywhere LOL

Trust me, I asked around and several in-the-know (itk) were 100% sure its staying for many more years :)  I think El Toros design and placement further solidfies RT's staying power with how the tracks interact.  Actually, I believe we'll be seeing some serious investments on RT very soon :)

Unfortunately, I really don't think GASM will be replaced by anything but park infrastructure.  Why do I say this?  The hotel and its placement.  There isn't a lot of room to work with there and I know for a fact they plan to link this hotel to the park.  Right now that will likely be through a simple pathway right into GK.  But if you think about it, they could add a nice promanade with a TGI Fridays, or something simliar with shops, etc.

Its only my opinion but for whats its worth, I think GASM is gone by 2009-2010 at the latest.  The paint was only for having the park look good in the press after Kingda Ka opened.  A rusted, decaying ride in every picture or video shot wouldn't have been very good publicity.

Hopefully I'm wrong :(
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: stew560 on January 06, 2006, 10:26:21 AM
Quote from: "WadeJ"
Actually, I believe we'll be seeing some serious investments on RT very soon :)


Like New Trains!?!?!? I love the PTC's but I think thier time has finally come. I would prefer the current trains to lose the divider and get new padding, but that would be too wishful of thinking right? With the new Intamin Trains on ET, the old PTC's are going to look weak. If we did get new trains, I would love to see some Mill Flyers on there, or even the newer 2-bench individual bar PTCs... Just no G-trains...

(Ok done ranting on a single sentence!)
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: DianaR on January 06, 2006, 10:54:00 AM
Keep the suggestions coming Stew, we did get some shaded queues and DJ booths eventually ;)
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Nozzy on January 06, 2006, 01:26:24 PM
Just as long as they get rid of the seat belts on Rolling Thunder and run 4 trains I'll be happy.  I think Scream Machine's an awesome ride, and as much as I would hate seeing it go as it was what I identified with Great Adventure for so long, I think that it won't last much beyond 2010.  It still has life left though, as it was just repainted and sounded great after it on opening day, and there's the spare parts we just got.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Deadman on January 06, 2006, 06:56:18 PM
RT on a four train operation would be sweet, perhaps put one backwards for FF like they did so many years ago :shock: . But I doubt the seat belts will be taken off since they were added a little while back for safety.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: chilled182 on January 06, 2006, 07:12:45 PM
they had 4 train operation alot this year, supposedly.  I was unfortunate to miss every opportunity.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: innervision on January 06, 2006, 07:18:26 PM
I didnt see 4 train operation one time this season. Both sides yes, but never 4 trains.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Deadman on January 06, 2006, 07:18:42 PM
I think I was actually there a day when it had four trains running. If I remember correctly it was only for a few weeks.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Nozzy on January 07, 2006, 11:45:15 AM
I saw both tracks running a lot, but only one train on each track.

And I realize the seatbelts won't be taken out but I can still dream :D
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: blazzinmatt on January 07, 2006, 03:39:58 PM
I did see quite a few days of four train operation. It was awesome to see the line so short and the ride running at such high capacity.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: overlord on January 07, 2006, 11:14:27 PM
I think i got on once while they had both trains running at the same time. I dont think it would do anygood anyways. You still gotta stop the trains on the brake run. So it really doesnt do anything except get a few more people on the train.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: chilled182 on January 08, 2006, 12:47:27 AM
it makes a significant differenace because normally RT runs 1 train and one side.  If they had both sides open, people have an option, the lines fly through real fast.

I would love to see that as a regular this coming season.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: overlord on January 08, 2006, 12:51:11 AM
Yeah after i posted, i was thinking about it. It moves the line quicker i guess but if we could just get an unload while people are loading, it would be really quick.

Back on GASM, it will be staying since our 3 year deal with intamin is terminated. Im not saying that it was going anywhere but any speculation of an Intamin Looper was just crushed.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: chilled182 on January 08, 2006, 12:51:53 AM
where/when did you hear that?
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: overlord on January 08, 2006, 12:53:50 AM
From a certain some one. Im not going to say anymore because im not sure if he wants it to get out. But there probably wont be any coasters for a few years he said. Looks like we dont have to take any down to put up any more.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: WadeJ on January 08, 2006, 08:56:34 AM
IMO - there won't be any major coasters at Gadv for 5-10 more years anyway.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: rjholla2003 on January 08, 2006, 09:13:43 AM
Great Adventure can use a break from the coasters for a few years.  We've been extremely spoiled for the last few years and we should all be greatful.  All we really need is better theming, some headlining flats every year or other year, and an overall improved experience to keep up the numbers.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Deadman on January 08, 2006, 12:12:37 PM
Ya, I don't see much along the lines of coasters for a while either. I hope we do get a drop tower soon though, we say it every year  :D
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: ChuckR on January 08, 2006, 02:43:48 PM
5-10 years?? Wow  :shock:
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: KingdaKaRuler05 on January 08, 2006, 07:08:02 PM
As for RT, I really hope its shaped up this season, especially because of it becoming part of a new section. All train running and dualing would be awesome. It seems that RT is getting a new sign too, which is great. I'd love to see the ride's station get a paint job too. Also, when you want to ride the left side, I hope your able to see ET from the queue line/station! :D

-KKR05
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: Bubba Z on January 08, 2006, 10:14:59 PM
What ever happen to talking About Scream Machine?. RJ,  start a Rolling Thunder topic.  :lol: Scream Machine will be around for a couple of more years,  Unless they need to move the hotel another 50ft towards the park. New paint, spare trains, It's not leaving for a while.
Title: If you were in charge. (Part 2: Great American Scream Machin
Post by: overlord on January 09, 2006, 07:06:31 AM
That is if Shapiro doesnt get rid of the plans to build one. :D