The Flying Coaster @ SFEG

Does anyone who has riden the Flying Coaster at Six Flags Elitch Gardens like it? Just wondering if it is still popular after a year of operation.

Nope. I thought it was a decent ride when I rode it on opening day, but now I don't see any reason to go near it (unless I'm heading to Sidewinder)!

I also rode it opening day and I liked, and now I don't care for it much either. I think I was just caught up in all the excitement of us just getting a ride.

If you are going to visit SFEG, ride it just for the expierence. It is the only one in the world, and even the one being built in 2004 at Prater Park is going to be different. The first drop of the ride is the best part, and it is kind of cool to see how the lift works. I still ride it every time I go though because I don't consider it a horrible ride, just not the best in the park.

And to answer your other question of if it is still popular, I would say no. I have visited the park around 4 times this year, and the most I have ever had to wait for it was about 10 minutes, and all the other times it was a walk-on. Thats pretty sad even though its a weekday.

------------------
"Here's my ten cence, my two cence is free"-Eminem
*** This post was edited by RubberDucky 7/15/2003 12:48:32 PM ***

I haven't ever ridden it, but from looking at some pictures of it I wouldn't want to. I love flying coasters but that looks like it wouldn't even be fun because you're completely enclosed which wouldn't give a good flying experience like on Vekoma's or B&M's. Just my opinion though.

Mike

I still have no idea what the cages on the front are for. They just drive me crazy.
------------------
"Here's my ten cence, my two cence is free"-Eminem

The cages on the front are for safety reasons, like so someone won't try to spit off the ride. And if someone pukes, it is supposed to deter it from going on other people down below. It's also supposed to make you feel safe by being closed in, but being able to see through it adds to the flying experience (I guess).

(Comic book guy from the simpsons...) "Worst coaster ever"

I never knew you could have "throat-banging" on a coaster. OUCH

------------------
- "I used to be in the audio/visual club, but I was kicked out because of my views on Vietnam........and I was stealing projectors" - Homer Simpson

The cages don't stop anyone from trying to spit or to hold puke. The only thing that holds vomit is the plastic along outside of the handle bars. Their awkward shape makes cleaning anything on it hard and annoying.

------------------
J.
Go hang a salami, I'm a lasagna hog.

Throat banging? Nah....to easy ;)

------------------
A random Mooshter's Dawntionary listing: Rectitude [n.] the formal demeanor of a proctologist just before he exams you.

Yikes...

------------------
-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
------------------

The cages have to serve some purpose...

------------------
"Here's my ten cence, my two cence is free"-Eminem

I rode it and I disliked it. It is nothing compared to S:UF or Air, or Batwing, or Stealth, the only cool thing about it is its lift system. Here is a picture of it to better understand it. http://www.coastergallery.com/2000/E40.html

You should have been able to tell it wasn't going to be as good as those just by looking at it.

------------------
"Here's my ten cence, my two cence is free"-Eminem

Exactly how DOES the lift hill work? I can't figure it out from pictures ( http://www.rcdb.com/installationdetail1711.htm ) and its driving me crazy.

------------------
Intelligence is a God given gift: Know how to use it.

Watching the video on Zamperla's site may help: http://www.zamperlarides.com/main/volare4.htm

-Nate

The lift works by having the center part of it turn in a circle thus pushing the cars along the track and up the hill

To clarify the lift system, each car has an arm that sticks out to the side. On the end of the arm is a wheel. When it is time for the car the engage the lift, the car is pushed forward by tires, far enough forward so that the spinning paddlewheel in the middle of the lift structure will contact the arm. The paddlewheel pushes the car around the circular, rising track, and the wheel on the arm allows the car to ascend smoothly. In all honesty, it is a very simple way to get the car up the lift in the smallest amount of space.

Odd that the video practically ends while repeating the refrain, "you make a grown man cry."

What sort of marketing is that?

------------------
--Maddie--
What do I Listen-To?
May the Schwarz be with you.