the scoop on PGA's GREASED LIGHTNIN' at SFMW

As many of you know, Paramount's Great America's Schwarzkopf shuttle loop, known as the TIDAL WAVE and GREASED LIGHTNIN', will operate no more at the Santa Clara, CA park. Last month PGA issued this statement:

"In an effort to continually update the park with new rides and attractions, Paramount's Great America has retired the Greased Lightnin' shuttle loop coaster. After more than 25 years in operation at Paramount's Great America, the coaster has been sold back to the Anton Schwarzkopf family, designer of the shuttle loop roller coaster."

"While Greased Lightnin' has seen many milestones and has sent many riders for "a loop," we are sure the coaster will continue to please thrill seekers in its new home once it is restored and refurbished."

So why did the coaster reappear in the parking lot at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo?

http://home.surewest.net/acraig/SFMWGREASED.html

The same Schwarzkopf crew that is putting up SFMW's ZONGA Schwarzkopf multi-looper is also handling the dismantling and return of GREASED LIGHTNIN'. That's why it was stored in the Vallejo parking lot. GREASED LIGHTNIN's final destination has not yet been released.

Steven

Thanks Steven. This is kinda what I figured, but this is much more official.

I also get the feeling something quite interesting is heading up to PGA in 2004.

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"Run Betty! The giant chicken's sticking to the pan"!

PGA has just enough room to squeeze in something big or small. maybe a intamin impulse(i hope not cuz thats a bit boring) or some prototype of some kind.

Actually, this is really good news to me...sure I'll probably never to get ride it again, but at least the ride will be refurbished and sent *somewhere* to thrill more riders, as any good Anton should...

bill, wondering *which* little birdy has been in DWeaver's ear...;)
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Dr. Thrill IS my family practitioner
Would you just LOOK at what you've done to CoasterBuzz - you're going to have to clean it up ;)

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forum.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=29704

Here is the thread on this topic which was started yesterday.

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Xcelerator- Put the Pedal to the Metal!

CoasterFanMatt,

The purpose of the new thread was to clearly set the record straight on the GREASED LIGHTNIN' story, rather than have the correction buried in a long thread that includes a lot of misinformation.

Great American Thrills is also trying to clear up the misinformation and is referring readers directly to this thread on CoasterBuzz.

Steven

Thanks Steven, I was wondering about that. It's good to know the whole story behind the removal and the subsequent storage by Six Flags.

Justin "I'll miss you Tida...er, Greased Lightnin" Adams

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Never look a gift horse in the mouth, because horses have very bad breath

Oh Ok, I get it now. Sorry about that. :)

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Xcelerator- Put the Pedal to the Metal!

I think it would be a great addition to Knoebels! Sure they have two corkscrews but a loop would be nice. Where could they put it though?

Afterall Pa doesn't have a launched coaster either.

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Visits to Knoebels in 2002: 10 and PPP!

XBox Live Gamer tag: Coasterpunk

Besides the fact that you have *obvious hidden objectives* coasterpunk, that *does* make a lot of sense. It's uniqueness to the area is a big draw, it's simplicity of operation fits in well with the park too. The fact that it sits on a narrow strip of land makes good sense, as well as the fact that it can't really have an obscene price tag...overall, a perfect fit. Sure it's close to YOU, but it also looks like a wise business move. Will it happen, probably not. But I like the way you think...:)

gator beter look out, there's business afoot....;)
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Dr. Thrill IS my family practitioner
Would you just LOOK at what you've done to CoasterBuzz - you're going to have to clean it up ;)

I would LOVE for a Schwarzkopf shuttle to wind up at Knoebels! I have always wanted to ride one, and I can't think of a place that needs a decent looping coaster more. The only problem I see with the ride is the noise factor... would it ruin the atmosphere at the park?

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-Rob

Downdraft makes a ton of noise. Heck you can hear that just about everywhere in the park. Maybe they could put it over near Skloosh and 1001 Nahts with the loop toward the campground. it could run along the Pioneer train and pavillions. All the noisy rides would be in one area.

I can't remember how loud it was when I was at PGA in 2000.

I have a good idea once in a while, gator! ;)

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Visits to Knoebels in 2002: 10 and PPP!

XBox Live Gamer tag: Coasterpunk
*** This post was edited by coasterpunk 3/13/2003 5:17:50 PM ***

They should just splice it onto Zonga!

Greezed Zonga

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"Know thyself!"
*** This post was edited by janfrederick 3/13/2003 7:29:43 PM ***

Coasterpunk sez:

"PA doesn't have a launched coaster either."

Oh, I don't know about that...I was launched into the lapbar on Phantom Revenge's bunnies ;)

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Happy Birthday DawnMarie!!