Stratosphere Thrill Ride

I have a few questions about the thrill ride at Stratosphere Hotel and Casino that got voted down:

Was it confirmed to be built by Arrow Dynamics?

Were any technical statistics about the ride released, like where the loading station would be, how the car would be pulled up the tower, braking, track configuration, etc?

What is the current status of the project and is Stratosphere still trying to get it approved?

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Intelligence is a God given gift: Know how to use it.

HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING ON IT IN AWHILE I THINK IT IS DEAD

No need to shout, Otto.

Coasterkrazy: It was Arrow, for sure, but nothing was released except for the concept artwork and the model, that I know of. I woud also like to know details about the ride.

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- Peabody

ops sorry I am at work and the datebase is in all capps forgot to turn them off. My bad Blame it on BANKONE its there fault

Use the news search feature at the top right of each page and you'll get about 9 news topics on this.

It's dead, and I'm glad it is. The part of town they wanted to build it over was historic LV. Any place other than over that I'd 100% support it. Don't know why they can't have it go off another side.....

Actually, I've got some info on this too. Man, I really HAVE to start writing TR's more often, lol.....Anyway, we stayed at the Stratosphere while in Vegas. The lady at their GR (some weird name for it), said that it was originally voted down, and then they resubmitted a smaller version of the original (apparently also 500', though). The HAD a model of the proposed ride, but had taken it out about a month prior (2 mos. ago now). Well, she said the hotel was *looking at its options*...suggesting strongly that the Stratosphere was not going to "drop it" but potentially sue the city for the right to build it...."it" of course being the fabled "fishhook" coaster from Arrow, which *apparently* has the potential to approximate freefall at 120 mph....as 'Moosh said in the SFKK post, "only time will tell"....

I thopught it was supposed to be 700 feet high and run on around the tower?

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-Sean

Whoops, should have said 500+'....assuming that was your *question*...yes, the original WAS over 700'...

I am going to Vegas in a couple of weeks - any suggestions on the coasters - what to do, what not to do, etc?

Honestly ophthodoc, the only coaster you will *enjoy* in all likelihood is Speed...just lean to the left on the launch so the immediate banked turn doesn't bounce your head into the OTSRs. It's a GOOD ride, and clearly the best in Vegas (the only one I'd recommend the all-day pass on). AdventureDome was cool, fun trying to convince the op I was short enough for Miner Mike. But Canyon Blaster, and Manhattan Express, are pretty rough rides...Stratosphere's High Roller is exciting for the height, but that's about it. Big Shot is the REAL ride on the Tower. The best LOOKING coaster in Vegas isn't even a coaster at all, but sits on top of a hotel on the strip.....

As a regular visitor to Vegas for business and vacation, there is not one damn thing 'historical' across the street from the Stratosphere. Period. Any developement is good to help foot traffic and business. The people who were protesting the new fish-hook ride were waiting for 'financial compensation' for the increased traffic and yet to be heard noise. They get not one dime. Same is happening at the Tropicana's expansion in Atlantic City now.

As for the Canyon Blaster, you will not find ANY steelie more quiet and smooth. That is an A-1 ride, and worth the $5.

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"Every Man Has Got to Know His Limitations"

hmmm...I had heard that Canyon Blaster was rough....Manhattan Express, too. Isn't that one a Togo?

Canyon Blaster is quite smooth. As for the fishhook, I have animation of it and it looked pretty fun.

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"...they came like a winged curse. A twin plague of demonic dragons!" - Dueling Dragons

I hear ME is smooth if you ride up front.

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-Sean

AJ, I only got one spin on CB (shoulders were still a bit sore from riding - darned OTSRs, lol). It was on the back row per the op's recommendation. The train WAS surprisingly quiet, esp. for an enclosed looper, but the restraints didn't come down tight enough to keep me from smacking into them a bit. Got many good pics at AD...:)

Sean, ME (ophthodoc, yes, it's a Togo) was better up front, and the second spin I got an enthusiast from England up front with me...:). We talked about BPB in the station and on the lift, but after the ride all he talked about was HOW could the worst part of any steelie be the first (non-inverting) drop...actually, I tought it was better that time, since I knew where and how to brace myself...I still think the "twist-and-dive" is awesome, loved it on SFGAdv's Viper as well. The front IS best for being able to anticipate, and prepare for, the "rough spots". Nothing can prepare you for the "highwayman" standing behind the cash register, though...;)

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"CCXXVI....will the drop ever stop?"
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle....unless you've got a spare planet!

Canyon Blaster cannot be described as one must experience it for themself. It was truly the most rewarding coaster of my trip (2 wks ago) and I had no problem riding it continuously for 5 hours. You may not find more forceful airtime on a standard Arrow looper (except for CP Corkscrew front seat!). It is quite aggressive, but nowhere near the rib relocating madness of Desperado. $15 from the Price Is Right nickel slot allowed me to get a pass! ;) I found ME to be much better than TOGO's stand ups. Great visuals entering that inverted dive. I also looked for the model while in the tower, but now know why I couldn't find it!
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Brad Sherman
"I had a good summer. I went to Great America, then I got Mono." - Wayne Campbell, SNL
Model coasters and rides

JUst another comment here is that the Canyon Blaster's trains are pretty much the stock Arrow had on Drachen Fire. The Manhattan Express, mind everyone, has been going non stop since January 97 without a break. That is a long time without any extensive work. Its a bit rough, but I am sure that with a little track tlc it can be improved.

There is some 'in house' casino show at NY NY for about $19.95, and that will include one ride ticket from ME. I do not have further details, but from Vegas standards, it is a bargain, especially for us.

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"Every Man Has Got to Know His Limitations"

The Strat ride is "Not" dead yet.

The council voted against it again (like 5-1) and the Management is sueing that it be built since they believe it will help its own survival in an already saturated market.

...Or something like that

A bit of news my hubby got from the las vegas boards is they are extending the tram that goes from behind the MGM Grand to Bally's. When finished, it's supposed to go very close to (if not all the way down to) the Stratosphere.

Frankly, something needs to happen to make people want to head to that part of town, or they will end up with a very expensive observation tower on their hands.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead