New Vekoma SLC Trains
I remember my first SLC - T2. Down the first drop, I was wracked, ouch! Other than that, even with the roughness, they are more entertaining and fun then the standard Batman... Now Great Bear, that's a different story!
Since the design for the cars features lap bars, am I to assume that they are mounted from some kind of structure below the rider's legs? The picture that halltd linked to shows trains featuring an OTSR, leading me to assume the new Vekoma trains are different.
I have no doubt this will improve an already-fine SLC by eliminating headbanging. Of course, it does nothing to fix what seems (to me) to be the main problem with coasters of the old Arrow/Vekoma track design. The condition of the guide wheels makes a huge difference. If they're worn (and therefore smaller), there's a lot of room for the train to bang around between the rails. If they're new (and therefore larger), there is less room and the train doesn't "hunt" around. Still, I can't wait to give the coaster a try next spring.
I rode Delirium (PKI) again last weekend and after three years my first though was "HOW MUCH BETTER IT WOULD BE IF YOUR FIELD OF VISION WAS EXPANDED"
It's the same reason I have no use for OVERSIZED Woodcoaster highbacks ect. It takes away from the overal experience.
PerrysburgGuy said:
Don't get excited. There is probably no ROI.
Rob Ascough said:
Yeah, those Morey's people are idiots. This is a stupid move because there is nothing to be gained by spending millions and millions of dollars on new coaster trains when the old ones worked just fine. ;)
Actually if you think about it there's tons of potential ROI - in fact, it could be argued that a move like this is made for that very reason.
Both in the sense of higher guest satisfaction (more guests, more repeat guests = more $$$) and in the sense that it costs a hell of a lot less than a replacement coaster (less $$$ spent = more $$$ kept in pocket).
Purely a business decision if you ask me. ;)
Just saying... :)
:)
Perhaps the real difference between the two is that Michigan's Adventure is strictly a POP park, and Morey's has pay per ride and wristband options.
But my ROI comment could have been me just being a smart alack. ;-)
However, www.ROIBuzz.com does get a little tedious at times. It would be nice to talk about things that may make rides better without being told how it would be a bad business decision. Sometimes it's just fun to blue sky the plussing of attractions.
Oh well, there seems to be groupings even among enthusiasts. I hope someday we can all get together at the gravy buffet and raise our fried cheese to toast to peace and harmony. *** Edited 10/11/2007 5:52:57 PM UTC by PerrysburgGuy***
PerrysburgGuy said:Talk of doing a similar train replacement for the one going to Michigan was derided by some. Would it not also improve guest satisfaction?Perhaps the real difference between the two is that Michigan's Adventure is strictly a POP park, and Morey's has pay per ride and wristband options.
^^MiA does about 20-25% of the attendance that Morey's does... ;)
Morey's has also BEEN running an SLC for many seasons, the ride is "brand-spankin' new" to MiA...so to speak. :)
edited to fill in comments since I ran over to Page-2 Land... ;)
*** Edited 10/11/2007 6:06:14 PM UTC by rollergator***
PerrysburgGuy said:
But my ROI comment could have been me just being a smart alack. ;-)
As could've mine. :)
However, www.ROIBuzz.com does get a little tedious at times. It would be nice to talk about things that may make rides better without being told how it would be a bad business decision.
Always two sides to the fence. Perhaps those folks would like to be able to mention the business side of things without being told we're sick of hearing it.
And for those that don't like www.ROIBuzz.com they should visit www.enthusiatsarethecenteroftheuniverseandalldecisionsshouldbebasedonourwishes.com
Both of those sites are two one-sided for me though. I like to there's room for everyone at www.coasterbuzz.com. All kinds of discussion are welcome - that applies to BOTH sides. :)
(although the thought of enthusiasts sharing a gravy boat with two straws is awfully romatic ;) )
Lord Gonchar said:
Actually if you think about it there's tons of potential ROI - in fact, it could be argued that a move like this is made for that very reason.Both in the sense of higher guest satisfaction (more guests, more repeat guests = more $$$) and in the sense that it costs a hell of a lot less than a replacement coaster (less $$$ spent = more $$$ kept in pocket).
My comment was a wise-ass response to another thread where it was debated that spending money on new trains is a waste of money. I disagreed with that, so I agree with what you said. The fact that Morey's Pier has a lot of guests that ride with tickets and not POP wristbands means a better Nor'easter will attract more riders and thus make the park more money. But even if that wasn't the case, making the guests happy isn't usually a bad decision.
But since we're on the topic, if Morey's thinks that it makes sense, more power to them. If I had compelling data, like reduced ridership, complaints and maybe even lawsuits (see: Flight of Fear), then yeah, I'd consider spending the bucks. There's always a bigger picture.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
MiA, given the givens, probably is going to do just as well with the old trains. As for another SLC it *might* make sense for....PCW's perhaps?
*** Edited 10/11/2007 8:09:26 PM UTC by rollergator***
Besides, what I said in my last post illustrates why this could be perceived as entirely different from the situation where Thunderhawk is being rebuilt at Michigan's Adventure. Yet on the flip side of the coin, this could just be a matter of one company paying more attention to the details. Morey's- an independently-owned company- is spending their own money to improve a ride that still gets more than its share of riders. Maybe there is a mechanical need to replace to original trains but maybe they simply take some kind of satisfaction out of providing the best possible experience, even if no one suggested a change be made.
*** Edited 10/11/2007 8:03:37 PM UTC by Rob Ascough***
Guest (rider) satisfaction DOES play a part no doubt, but realistically, the biggest reason to have happier guests is so you can pry their wallets open a little further... ;)
Lord Gonchar said:
Always two sides to the fence. Perhaps those folks would like to be able to mention the business side of things without being told we're sick of hearing it.
The problem is that each side seems to think the other side is mental. Responses tend to be like "What would the ROI on that be?!?!?" or "I want more new rides at my park!!"
Granted you can usually predict who will say what. Maybe it's just a broken record affect from some people that I find wearying.
The Crowd: Go away then.
It will be interesting when Jeff finally gets around to his "Night of the Virtual Long Knives" he's alluded to on the podcast.
What was this thread about again???????
Oh yeah, the lap bar trains sound cool. Too bad
I'm nowhere near Jersey (Never thought I'd say that).
PerrysburgGuy said:
Granted you can usually predict who will say what.
Actually, I think that's part of the problem. Pretty much everyone who's vocal or outspoken around here seems to have a reputation. I know I'm often considered a bleeding heart that wants to save every old amusement park and coaster. There are times when that's not all that far from the truth. Then again, there are times when I actually have something else to say and I think those comments go unnoticed because someone's more or less hearing the words coming from my mouth as soon as they see me taking part in the conversation without actually hearing what I have to say. I'm certain the same situation applies to others, regardless of what they're known for.
Not to get all preachy, but maybe we- as a group- need to stop imagining what each of us is going to say and actually pay more attention?
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