Coney Island Back-Fire?

Now I've heard of Coney Island catching fire...but have never heard of "Back-Fire". Probably to promote Astroland's opening, the park actually ran Cyclone backwards for a short period of time. I....don't really know if that would be fun or not? Anyway, here is a link to the footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSFhoXx88xo *** Edited 2/6/2008 12:53:52 AM UTC by cdrpointcrazy44***

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That looks awesome...can't imagine any coaster that intense would ever be run backwards these days.

It looks like it is a little rough going backwards.

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Couldn't be any worse than forwards.

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Judging by the clothes, hairstyles, and music that had to be in early 80s. As much as I love Cyclone's intensity I wouldn't want to ride it backwards either.

Same here, although I guess I just have an aversion to backwards wood coasters. To me, part of what makes the wood coaster experience is the visuals and by riding backwards, those visuals are eliminated. Plus I can't imagine an intense ride like the Cyclone being enjoyable riding backwards.

Good guess Moosh--the description says '83:

"About This Video
For a short period of time, as part of Coney Island's then-new Astroland, the famous Cyclone wooden roller coaster could be ridden backwards. This commercial shows it in action (1983)." *** Edited 2/6/2008 4:14:09 PM UTC by Vater***

Since when was Astroland "then-new" in 1983? I thought the park dated back to 1967 or 1969? ;)

Hmm, that is why I thought this was trying to promote the park's opening. Wikipedia says that the park first opened in 1962, so that "then-new" doesn't make any sense. Oh well.

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^&^^ I thought maybe the date had something to do with Cyclone coming out of hibernation...but that wasn't it either.

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Mamoosh said:
Judging by the clothes, hairstyles, and music that had to be in early 80s.

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Or if you live in my hometown, it could be last year. :)

And here I thought from reading the title the thread had something to do with Nathan's. ;)