Michigan's Adventure announces SLC: Thunderhawk

I think the Vampire trains are closer in design to those used on Vekoma's small suspended coasters like Reptar.

^^Morey's uses a pay-per-ride/ticket system (each pier uses the same tickets, or you can purchase a POP wrist band)

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If I was closer I'd say the new trains would make me definitely want to go to MiAdv just to check them out, otherwise, I've ridden a standard SLC, so I'll get there whenever and ride it if at all. I agree it's a great addition, but new trains would make it a must ride for some just to see how it is, and could give that marketability of "the only lap bar inverting suspended coaster" blah blah.

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That's probably 1% of MiA's attendance that think that even know what a SLC is. And that's not marketable. At least not the way you put it.

You're right Tricktrack....take a look at the pics of the new seats being used on the front row of El Condor & you'll notice that it shares similarities with the design for the suspension system used on jubilee odessey (sp?)when it was built back in 2002.

Instead of having the seats mounted to a column in the center of the chassis each seat has it's own support column mounted directly behind it.

I'm still waiting to hear about some of the Geauga Lake flats and their destination. For example, I'd love to know what is happening with their traditional carousel... MiA would, in my thoughts, be a great spot for that to go as well, as that is one major ride lacking from the MiA lineup.

I never cared that much for Serial Thunder Thriller Hawk. It was never the reason I went to GL. I will say that it is a lot smoother than the SLC Vekoma clone at SFKK.

Rob: I'm extremely late for it, but I couldn't help but point out that Thunderhawk -- and for that matter the entirety of the state of Michigan -- is east of the Mississippi River. :)

It's been two years since I rode Thunderhawk at GL, but I recall being very surprised at the fast pace and little headbanging...especially after hearing people complain about it.

But then again, I don't think Mean Streak is as bad as people make out either. :)

People from western MI drive either east to Sandusky or west to SFGAm to "go upside down" and bigger thrills than they can get at MiA. I, for one, believe Thunderhawk will be well received at MiA.

I've always found Thunderhawk to be one of the better Hang and Bangs. I didn't normaly get any bangs in the front seat.

Also I found this amusing.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1191338116231930.xml&coll=8

Thunderhawk is a two-seat version of Cedar Point's four-seat "Raptor."

I suppose for the average Joe, that's a good point of refrence, I just laughed when I read it though.
*** This post was edited by Jason Hammond 10/3/2007 12:27:58 AM ***

That's a prime illustration of how the "non-enthusiasts" view rides at parks - even the media who are supposed to research articles. "Oh yeah, that hangy coaster that your feet dangle - it's called Batman, but yellow." That will be most people's reaction to Thunderhawk. :)

Have there been pictures released of the Vekoma inverted lap-bar trains?

I remember something about these, but I was under the impression they were for use only on the jr/family inverted Vekomas.

One of the problems with changing from OTSR to lap bars is, thanks to Arrow designed goodness loops, many people's head will lurch forward midway through the loop.

Unless of course, like the train at Weiner Prater, there are handles to facilitate or 'help' you stay back in your seat.

It sure would be great to see all these old Vekomas and Arrows getting lap bars. It was be like a 2nd coming of the loop coaster.

It would definitely give new life to a lot of existing rides that are probably growing stale by now.

I would have to agree that it will be located closer to Grand Rapids because of the wetlands issue being dealt with by the DEQ. The entire area near WW and GR is wetlands as well as retention ponds for the sewage. I think they are trying to tell us that it will be on that side of the park.

There is a photo of the new trains in today's Amusement Today. Moreys Piers will be testing once the coach clears customs.

I live about about an hour away from MiA. I guarantee adding this coaster will make alot more people come to the park. I rode it at GL and remember it being a pretty cool coaster, a little rough but not to bad. I'll take it!!

If MIA was seeing a 10% increase every year then I could see a 25 % increase this year.