I really don't like the concept of the stand up coaster, regardless of how well any particular example is engineered. For me, riding a coaster whilst standing up is like electing to eat dinner whilst wearing boxing gloves. There's just no reason to do it. Ever. That being said I dislike Riddler's Revenge far less than I dislike any of the other installations currently operating. Georgia Scorcher is probably a distant second, and I never liked Chang for the reason immediately above :)
With the likely decision to remove GASM and replace with Chang, SFGA made a logical choice. True that standups aren't the most popular among us coaster junkies whom analyze and rip to shreads any coaster. When the general public, which makes the vast majority of attendance, learns of a roller coaster where you "Stand-up", excitment is stirred up tremendously. Also, most of the general public is naive to the fact the ride is used. Therefore, SFGA got a unique roller coaster at a cheap price that can draw more crowds. Yes, many of us coaster enthusiats will be less than absolutely thrilled to see a standup added to their park, but for the general public a new, unique ride is coming. Additionally, the loop-loving aspect of the general public will be satisfied.
As for the B&M design from my enthusiast point of view, roughness isn't that much of an issue. Mantis, which gets shreaded on a regular basis, is one of my favorite rides. However, I see how people have "manly" issues. My only instance being when I didnt stand perfectly up, but rather had my feet out slightly when the restraints were locked. When standing up straight like the instructions say (with ankles touching the seat-back), I have never had a bad ride (TOGO being the exception). I know standups aren't silk smooth, but they still ride better than Arrows and Vekomas in terms of the head-bashing and jerkiness.
this is sad.. if coasters didnt have any headbanging and roughness I think id honestly get a bit bored of them... gasm is one of my favorite coasters because you actually get a really different ride feeling in each seat and ever time you ride it, you honestly have no clue what to expect, but as a person whos been on it over 90 times, if you hold you head out front, there was never even a possibility for headbanging so I dont think you should complain. Chang is a horendous planned addition for the park and I can almost guarantee you that it will not be added to the park, although it looks like gasm will be out. RIP one of the rides you could enjoy without having to wait in line for
Kinda strange all the complaints about GASM being rough - has anyone rode Chang? Not only was it a somewhat boring layout (check out that 40 degree first drop) but it is rough as sin.
I still fantasize about the old Arrow loopers getting lap bars, spruce up the mechanical train components, etc., re-market/brand it, would be a HUGE hit. I know it's hard to think outside the box...
I was talking to the ACE preservation director and he heard they delayed the closing til after the holiday weekend.
884 Coasters, 34 States, 7 Countries
http://www.rollercoasterfreak.com My YouTube
Does Six Flags usually clear the removal of a ride with the ACE preservation director?
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
Jeff said:
Does Six Flags usually clear the removal of a ride with the ACE preservation director?
Did I say they cleared it with him? All I said was that was what he heard.
884 Coasters, 34 States, 7 Countries
http://www.rollercoasterfreak.com My YouTube
Just posted on SFGADV facebook page: The send off and last day of operation for Great American Scream Machine will be july 18th. There is a contest where can you send them a picture of you screamin as if you were on the coaster and you will get ERT on the ride form 10pm to 11pm. The seats on the last train at 11 pm will require a 50$ donation to the National Rollercoaster Museum & Archive and the front and back row will be auctioned off.
So, I guess the rumor was correct... RIP Great American Scream Machine, 1989-2010.
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