Serious accident on Xcelerator caputerd on Video

The last thing a park wants to do is tick off an ACEer. NOT!

Given the givens regarding California and the legalities of re-opening the ride, I see one of two outcomes as being likely.

First, Intamin may actually figure out a way to house the launch cables in a way that makes them significantly less likely to "spray debris" in the path of oncoming riders (might even be a safety enhancement they could migrate to the drop towers).

Second, and maybe more likely, Xcelerator might find its way to another CF park.

Hopman said:
The last thing a park wants to do is tick off an ACEer. NOT!

Was that directed at me? Was there need for that hostility? I was mentioning the event because someone expressed intrest in going to an event.

Your info regarding the event was appreciated, Jason. Might be more doable than the Solace event...and I'd stand a better chance of getting those pesky "missing credits" in the area... ;)

As far as "posts that inflame/irritate/incite".....my experience tells me they're best ignored unless absolutely necessary. :)

Sounded just like a failed attempt at sarcasm to me. Never really noticed Hopman being hostile toward anybody. And yes, the information is appreciated, Jason.

Second, and maybe more likely, Xcelerator might find its way to another CF park.

Nope, not going to happen.

If Cedar Fair didn't remove Perilous Plunge after it flung a rider to their death and didn't remove GhostRider after a piece of lumber hit several riders, they are not going to remove Xcelerator.

CoasterDemon said: I can't help but think how many more injuries Revolution has now WITH those wicked shoulder bars. Seems like a big thing is California.

The over-the-shoulder restraints on Revolution were installed by Six Flags long before California passed the ride inspection laws. They have nothing to do with the state.

Six Flags installed a three-point seat belt restraint on Revolution around 1991 and followed up a year or two later with the horrific OTSRs.

The question is, WHY did they do any of that to Revolution? Had they been having problems with that ride that Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Six Flags over Georgia, Knott's Berry Farm and Busch Gardens Tampa did not have with their Schwarzkopf loopers?

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

RyanTTD said: If Cedar Fair didn't remove Perilous Plunge after it flung a rider to their death and didn't remove GhostRider after a piece of lumber hit several riders, they are not going to remove Xcelerator.

You don't understand. What happened with Perilous Plunge or GhostRider is meaningless. Every accident investigation and the outcome is unique. In fact, the incident on GhostRider (August 1999) happened before the law took effect in 2000. Xcelerator is essentially owned by the state of California at this moment. If they don't certify it to reopen, it won't ever see another rider again and Cedar Fair may have no choice but to remove it. The state can also order the park to remove the ride. I don't expect this to be the outcome.

One of the major problems with the California ride inspection laws are the loose guidelines. Every single time they get involved in an investigation they seem to gain even more ground over the parks.

Jason, no that was not directed at you. Some ACEer's have a "holier than thou" attitude about that. I saw firsthand and heard about it a few times from the ride ops when I worked at CP in '05.

No offense was intended.

egieszl said:

CoasterDemon said: I can't help but think how many more injuries Revolution has now WITH those wicked shoulder bars. Seems like a big thing is California.

The over-the-shoulder restraints on Revolution were installed by Six Flags long before California passed the ride inspection laws. They have nothing to do with the state.

Six Flags installed a three-point seat belt restraint on Revolution around 1991 and followed up a year or two later with the horrific OTSRs.

From what I have heard, the reason the shoulder restraints cannot be removed now is b/c there is a law - something about a ride with shoulder bars - the shoulder bars cannot be removed... i dunno, some crap.

And what's up with all the ACE bashing? Trust me, every coaster group, and forum, comes along with it's stereotypes. I love ACE. Every group has it's ghoulies.

Rideman, thank you for the information. If I actually get to make the trip (need money) at some point I will consider that. I am mostly a coaster enthusiast, over a park enthusiast, so I am not sure that Gilroy Gardens has much to offer me. If I ever actually get to do this, I might consider it if I can extend the trip a little more. I went to CGA in 1991 and have not been back since. I know it is not the greatest park out there, but if I am in NoCal anyway, I would like to go. I have never been to any other park in that area.

As far as the Revolution, I hate the OTSR's. The ride was much better without them. With the OTSR's I bang my head on every turn, which causes me to not be able to ride it as much as I would like. I wish they could remove them and use a lap bar and seatbelt like Monte, if they don't feel that a lap bar alone is enough. I don't know all the specifics about laws and regulations, so maybe this is not realistic. Just my opinion. Revolution has a huge amount of sentimental value as the first coaster I ever rode the first time my parents took me to SFMM in 1983.

If you change your mind and go to Gilroy, make sure and get the Garlic Fries. They're awesome.

Gee, I though everything in Gilroy was garlic flavored! :)

Well, that may be. But, I didn't try licking everything, so I can't speak to anything except the fries. :)

Gilroy is imho the best landscaped park I've ever been to.

In regards to Xcelerator. I'm sure they will have the ride up and running before ACE's event next year. But, it wouldn't bother me if this wasn't running for any future events unless they change their policy on eye-ware.

Without my glasses, I wouldn't have a chance of seeing flying parts. I need to see which way they're headed so I can duck.

Not to mention that I believe one of the injuries when they shredded a haul rope on Top Thrill Dragster was, in fact, eye-related.

Seriously.

Eye protection is a good idea on *any* coaster, and on a ride that shreds parts, it probably ought to be mandatory.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

They could sell the leftover Disaster Transport 3D goggles before entering the station, although I'm not sure it'll protect you from much of anything.

~Rob Willi

Mamoosh said:
I'd agree...except it is Nov 1, sunny, and 80* outside. Kinda hard to complain about that : )

Makes this a bit easier to deal with then, huh?

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-state-tax31-2009oct31,0,2028140.story

"Outsize deficits are projected for years to come. Such temporary measures as the withholding tax increase don't really fix the budget gap, "they just more or less hid it," said Christopher Thornberg, a principal with Beacon Economics in Los Angeles. "I call it a fraud.""

How can Mr. Thornberg say such a negative thing about actions taken by politicians? Doesn't he know they are just trying to help people? LOL