Ozark Wildcat is Up and Running!

I am gettin pics on Sunday, I'll be sure to post them on MIG!!!

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"I often thought of becoming a golf club"
And yes.. I am coasterBill...
I was, yes was, the first person to have the whole "Coaster..." name... back in 98 at an anonymous coaster site. So don't try to take credit!!! -Bill Jansen

I remember hearing about your visit! They're really always glad to give tours, as it serves as a little break from office stuff for them!

I'm trying to talk them into getting some kind of trinkets with their logo on it...a key chain or a bumper sticker perhaps, for when people do stop by the office.

Any suggestions?

Well, I talked to Jeffbo (his "unofficial" married name) about 2 hours ago, and they're almost done with the ride (testing and the like). This is off the record ;) but Jeff and the guys have taken many rides on it, and says it's the best one they've done so far! It's fast the whole way through, and is sure to be worth the wait! :)

I don't know about you all, but I can hardly wait to ride on May 9th...it'll be the best birthday party I've ever had! :D

A

Hey Andrea, do you think sometime this summer I could stop in for a tour? I live a few miles up the road in Mifflinburg (I'm sure you've heard of it) and I'd love to stop by. Clair knows my best friend's grandfather as well.
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If at first don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

You *do* realize Andrea, that you're automatically a celebrity here, right...;). I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I don't mind admitting that I'm a little "star-struck". But thanks alot for contributing, I've certainly loved all of the GCI's I've ridden. Thinking of those guys on the West Coast riding the "wilder version" of Roar in the rain, no less makes me drool. East coast Roar was amazing, and those MF trains are fantastic. The Hershey duo was *amazing*, and Gwazi has been restored to "like new" condition. GCI builds fantastic rides, and the cars for this ride certainly looked beautiful at IAAPA...:)

I've been away for a few days, but this is good news to hear look forward to hitting the park this summer. If only there is to be a GCI at the new Council Bluffs park....

Andreaa - I know it would not be a huge source of income for the company, but, it would be great if GCI offered official gear. Hats, shirts, magnets, etc.

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Jim Wolgamuth

watch www.ace18.org for May 9th event at Celebration City details

*** This post was edited by Wolgamuth 3/16/2003 10:11:05 AM ***

Man, I'm gone for one week in O-town and I come back to find out that I missed out on the initial testing of OW. :( Bill send me a line when you get back from Branson. I just got back last night at 2:00 CST and I am still a little "off kilter". We ended up going to 7 parks while we were down there and I am soooo tired right now that I think I'm ready for a nap.

Jim did you get pictures while you were down there?
-DH
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SWOOSH
MIG-The Midwest Information Guide http://sfne.com/~swoosh

Marimbaguy87: I think it'd be fine if you stopped in for a tour. Just email Jeff (jeff@greatcoasters.com) and set something up...I'm sure he'd love to do another tour!

Rollergator: Aww, thanks! Although I am not an official GCI person, I do try to get involved when I can. I really like to be somewhat of a "go-between" for them and their fans (lol...it's weird to think that Jeff might have fans! ;) ) because I figure that they should know what you guys think, as you guys are the ones who drive all over the states to ride their rides! I grew up in Los Angeles and have met many celebrities, and trust me, there isn't anything that will make me boycott a certain actor's movies quicker than when they're rude to fans. It's just not good form :) And btw, having the MF car at IAAPA was my idea! :D

Wolgamuth: I think it'd be nice to have a line of official GCI gear too. As it stands right now, the only way to get any of it is to marry a GCI employee, and the only single one left in the bunch is Chris Gray! ;)

Well, I just talked to Jeff again, and he said that they have two train operation going! The rest of the day is going to be spent fine tuning and of course, riding! Jeff says that there isn't any "throw you out of your seat" air time, (awww.... :( ) but that there are a couple of floats :) He also says that he got some really good pics with our digital camera, and when he gets home tomorrow, I'll post some of them :)

Talk to you all later! :)

A

Hey Guys, I just got back a few hours ago from my trip to Branson... The strip was it's usual bumper-2-bumper self today :( I got about 12 pictures that I will send to you right away DH. and guess what....

IT WAS TESTING!!!!!!!!!! That thing looks amazing!!!! Well, it started testing AFTER I finished the roll :( so no pics of it testing, sorry. But that (the ride) sounds awesome, literally ;)

P.S. ,Andrea, I know you dont know me, but I would like a tour too!! haha

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"I often thought of becoming a golf club"
And yes.. I am coasterBill...
I was, yes was, the first person to have the whole "Coaster..." name... back in 98 at an anonymous coaster site. So don't try to take credit!!! -Bill Jansen

Sounds good Bill, I'll be looking forward to seeing those photos!

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SWOOSH
MIG-The Midwest Information Guide http://sfne.com/~swoosh

Andrea, sending that car to IAAPA was a stellar idea. I know it must have cost quite a bit to ship it out here, but there's certain expenses that will justify themselves....I think that was one of 'em. Sure, originally it may have just been *us enthusiasts* singing the praises of the MF trains, but I'd be willing to bet that the good people maintaining the track at Hershey and SFMW have spread the word that they DO save on track repairs as well....nothing like a better mousetrap...;)

bill, just a *fan* now, but somehow, some way, I'll end up in the business....

P.S. What JW said....we'd be happy to pay you to advertise for GCI...:)
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Dr. Thrill IS my family practitioner
Bracketology, half art, half science, ALL excitement...:)

When I did the tour of the shop right before IAAPA I got to sit in the seat. I really liked the stiffer spring in the lap bar!

I'll stop by the office again after I ride the Cat in June.

I always thought a GCI hard hat would be cool to have since I work construction!

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After 4 1/2 years I'm a "single" rider again!

XBox Live Gamer tag: Coasterpunk

Andrea - you mentioned posting some photos in the coming days. Are you putting them on the GCI web site?

Thanks
Jim Wolgamuth

Jim, I'm sending mine to DH right now

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"I often thought of becoming a golf club"
And yes.. I am coasterBill...
I was, yes was, the first person to have the whole "Coaster..." name... back in 98 at an anonymous coaster site. So don't try to take credit!!! -Bill Jansen

Bill, check you email.
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SWOOSH
MIG-The Midwest Information Guide http://sfne.com/~swoosh

Ohh boy

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"I often thought of becoming a golf club"
And yes.. I am coasterBill...
I was, yes was, the first person to have the whole "Coaster..." name... back in 98 at an anonymous coaster site. So don't try to take credit!!! -Bill Jansen

Just a head's up, but there are now NEW pictures of Celebration City at MiG, including one of the train. I hope to have a more extensive update soon of the park and of course of White Water Branson and Silver Dollar City. There might be a Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun update soon as well.

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SW:):)SH
MIG-The Midwest Information Guide
http://sfne.com/~swoosh

The pix look good Billy and Swoosh. Just got back from SDC and the 'toboggan is coming along nicely. Wildfire is running the same as always. Stopped by the overlook on the way home hoping to see the OW testing but it was not.
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Jim Wolgamuth
WGCGTI & weekend OW op