SFAW's former coasters? Where are these now?

Anybody know what's up with the stand-up coaster and Vekoma SLC that was sent to Great Escape soon after AstroWorld was closed? And what about the Togo heartline/pipeline (Ultra Twister) that went to Six Flags America? Were these rides scrapped or are they still in storage? Just curious. Thanks to anybody that has any idea about where these rides are right now.

They are both still listed on RCDB as "in storage" at the parks you mentioned. I thought I remembered hearing something about Great Escape possibly rebuilding the Stand Up. But I forget where I heard it at.

I know the SLC went to Great Escape and is still sitting there today, but I thought the Stand-Up went to Darien Lake and then was sold with that park when Six Flags gave it up, otherwise the coaster would have probably been moved to Six Flags Property prior to the sale of the park. As for the Ultra Twister, I heard it was damaged from shipment and it, too just lies dormant.

Each of these coasters have now been sitting around "outside" for quite some time. If they did decide to re-construct these rides, would there be a lot of refurbishing costs associated with the construction? I'd assume if they planned on doing something with them, it just seems that they would have been stored better.

I have heard that the SLC trains were sent to SFNE for parts however I do not know this for fact.

The Stand-up was still in Darien Lake's boneyard in July. Truth be told it's a horrid ride...hope it isn't rebuilt!

Viper and XLR-8 were scrapped, no?

I remember that stand up coaster from when it was Shockwave at SFMM from 1986-1988. I loved it when it was there and was sorry to see it go. If it were ever rebuilt Great Escape would be getting a great ride.

Great Escape un-officially announced that they would be adding a thrill ride for 2009. Everyone thought it was the coaster, but when the official announcement came it was a tower ride named Sasquatch and the coaster remains in storage.

Likewise, when DL announced Motocoaster, I think that may have been a death-knell for the stand-up. It really was pretty awful at AW, but I'm still kinda surprised it'll probably be finding its way to the recyclers...

That Intamin Stand-up was a good ride in it's day only because there were few stand-up coasters to compare it to. It was a novelty at the time and the thrill came from the riding position itself. The layout left a lot to be desired especially post-MCBR, which was a slow meandering mess with nothing to offer except a way to get back to the station.

I say let it continue to rot in the boneyard or sell it for scrap!

By the time I finally got to Astroworld the Batman was in pretty bad shape, and as Moosh sez, the thrill factor in subsequent stand-ups was much higher. I would much rather have had a spin on the Sleighride that used to be in it's spot! Batman's entrance was through the mountain that used to be part of that ride.

As I was leaving Darien last summer I noticed all the track in an empty lot across the street- I turned around and drove back to see it up close. After talking to a friend I remembered that it was Astroworld's ride sent out to pasture. I'm not sure it would be a good fit at Darien or anywhere else for that matter.

^Possibly a dumb question but was that stand up ever a comfortable ride? I went on it once in Houston and thought it was just sketchy first generation engineering that made it a painful ride. From your post is sounds like it was old age or not so great maintenence which probably makes more sense.

I was more fascinated by the remains of the old Sleighride track that was around the ride. I read all about it on a very detailed webpage once and it sounds like a really interesting and uniqe ride that Arrow made. With a room that was supposed to generate snow but usually just dripped on people, an echo effect created by an analog record and playback system, and a live action attacking Yeti..the camp factor alone on that ride is mindblowing! Too bad I missed it :(

^ you know, I dont remember it being all that uncomfortable, it was a slow day and we went on it several times, so.... It was more rusty and kinda klunky if that makes any sense. I think the restraints were over the head toilet seats, but I dont recall a lot of headbanging either. It was just so-so.

Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) had a great article about the Sleighride in one of their publications a couple years back, complete with old pictures, postcards, and a layout of the ride. It seemed so truly unique, and looked like a ton of (mild) fun. It was a dark ride of sorts with outdoor sections, and a couple speedy runs, too. The descriptions of the indoor winter effects were almost comical. When we hit Astroworld I didnt know much about that park, and I expected the Sleighride to be there, but alas, Batman was standing in it's spot.

DAFE sleighride article - very long, but very interesting: http://www.dafe.org/attractions/darkrides/alpinesleighs/alpinesleighs-p1.php

^No idea that even existed. Wonderful read, exactly the sort of thing I will always wish I had the chance to have ridden.

I have the smallest memory of riding that ride, one of the first things that I remember. Thanks for the link!

Cropsey said:
^Possibly a dumb question but was that stand up ever a comfortable ride? I went on it once in Houston and thought it was just sketchy first generation engineering that made it a painful ride. From your post is sounds like it was old age or not so great maintenence which probably makes more sense.

I don't remember that coaster being uncomfortable when I rode it in 1986 when it was Shockwave. Of course, I was 10 years old, so maybe I could take more of a beating then I can now. Although my father rode it when he was 42 and he never complained about pain or being uncomfortable so I am inclined to believe it was a comfortable ride, at least in its early years.

Here is some pics of darien lake from last march. Most of them are of the old batman coaster and a few of the trains in a different location. You can see how bad of shape the coaster is in. Many of us think SF purposely beat the thing up when moving it to DL.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034352&l=9df37&id=207803081

And why would they do that?

^Exactly. What purpose would that serve. It's possible for stuff to get damaged during shipment, but to do it intentionaly? Get real.