When SLC came out-Were You Amazed!?

The first time I saw an inverted coaster was when they built Serial Thriller at Astroworld in 1999. I'd never seen the B&M inverted so it looked pretty fascinating and it truly made me want to visit the park for the first time in years. If you've never seen anything like it, it's impressive.

Astroworld's SLC isn't terribly rough either, even after 3 years. A little banging, but it could be worse.

Fierce Pancake said:
If you've never seen anything like it, it's impressive.

This EXACTLY describes most people's reactions to rides like SLC's, and explains (and dare I say, JUSTIFIES) their existence.

Most people really aren't going to sit around and debate the finer points of B&M vs Vekoma vs Intamin. They'll just go and get on the Cool New Ride (TM). Now, the fact that a lot of people will get off the Vekoma and go "ow, let's try something else" shows why it's still worth the expense to some parks for the pricier B&M or Intamin rides, but that's another story ;)
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--Greg
My page My other page And my coaster page

*** This post was edited by GregLeg on 8/23/2001. ***

I was totally shock when I saw Top Gun @ PCW for the first time. I thought there was like 10 loops on it or something.

My first ever non Disney/family coaster was Kong, SFMW's SLC. I loved it! I have never felt better in my life when I got off! I just rode it agian earlier this month and yes it has been slowed down alot but I still love that ride! I know Top Gun at PGA is spectacualr and much better but I really can't say its much better than Kong! (Werid huh?) I guess it all comes down to I love coasters so I love SLC's!

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SFMM line cutters are the braviest in the world.

My first SLC was after my first BTR experience. I much prefered Batman: The Ride over Kong at SFMW. I have ridden three B&M interted coasters (Batman: The Ride, Top Gun: The Jet Coaster, and Alpengiest) and two Vekoma SLC's (Kong and Great Nor'Easter) and much prefered the B&M's.
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*** This post was edited by Matthew on 8/26/2001. ***

I must admit I was impressed with the way they looked when they first came out. There are so many things I love about SLC's, but the good points are covered up with the pain these rides give. I love the compact layout, foot-choppers, and the incredible out of control feeling given on these rides. It's just the massive hits my head takes during these rides. These rides could be made comfortable if Vekoma would find a new restraint that you could not bang your head against. I am a fan of the SLC but not a fan of the pain. Side note- I rode Deja Vu today and I was stuned by the absence of headbanging. I didn't hit my head once, it was very smooth as well. Vekoma has definetly worked the bugs out of their designs, it is an amazing ride!

I rode Mind Eraser @ SFA yesterday up front for the first time in a while with absolutly no headbanging what so ever.Which is more than I can say for the back of the train.

My first SLC (also one of my first coasters) was Mind Eraser at SFEG. I was scared to death, but once I made it to the double barrel roll, I loved it. I have now also been on Kong.

Today I have ridden many B&M and Intamin inverted coasters. I like them much better than any SLC.

Tip:Ride SLCs in the morning! They give an incredible, smooth ride.
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Parks for 2001: SFEG, Lakeside,Funtown USA, Palace Playland, HP,BGW,PKD,Alton Towers.

My very first SLC was Top Gun at Canada's Wonderland. That thing felt like it was going 80 mph. Immediately after riding it I thought it was better than B:TR, but I changed my mind later that day.

http://www.rcdb.com/installationgallery961.htm?Picture=1 I really think this picture is cool, and like some others, i do think the rollover is nice, and in this picture the two barrel rolls are cool. I like SLC's, I really enjoyed The Great Nor'easter@Moreys Piers, and really don't mind the rough aspect of them, because as mentioned, it adds to the intensity.

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"Thank you for challenging the Raging Bull. We hope you enjoy the rest of you're day, here at Six Flags Great America."

onekong said:
I was amazed with slc's when they came, AMAZED THAT THEY SUCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (vekoma needs to eat some trash)

We all realize that you don't care for Vekoma products...Ok? There isn't a big need for you dissing them all the time. What good is it gonna do? Plus what is your deal with telling everyone to eat trash.... One man's trash is another man's treasure;)

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Ricochet: Bouncing to you in 2002, Only at King's Dominion!

When The Mind Eraser opened in 1997 at Six Flags Elitch Gardens, I was in 5th grade. I rode it during my "5th grade summer." I was scared to death of the ride. But afterwards, I loved it.

I was amazed by the coaster at the time. It's was very popular when it opened.

After riding B&M inverted coaster, I'd have to say that the SLC aren't that great now, IMO.

Now when I go to SFEG, The Mind Eraser is the first ride I hit because the lines get long in the afternoon.

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Don't Fight It: Ride It! Raging Bull

*** This post was edited by Raging Bull on 8/26/2001. ***

i totally agree with you. SFEG is my park too, and I thought that the mind eraser was the coolest thing i had ever ridden. Then i took a trip to SFMM this summer an B:TR blew me away. It was so much smoother than mind eraser, and I like the 4 across seating a lot. Still, I think mind eraser is a fun ride, and I make a point to ride it when I go to SFEG. its one of the best rides they have.
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"Before you Criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away and you have their shoes.

The SLC is a great addition for a park such as Jazzland, Wild Adventures, and Morey's Piers - all small parks that may lack either the land or financial means (or both) to build a medium-sized B&M invert. I would much rather ride an SLC than nothing at all, and Vekoma has made it possible for many parks to add large, thrilling attractions.

Personally, I hope that Vekoma pulls through, I would really hate to see the company go away. I know that many enthusiasts despise their coasters, but there are some (such as myself) that enjoy them, and I definitely feel that the company is needed in the amusement industry!

I also went on T2 at SFKK and was blown away. But a little company known as B&M........
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I was amazed how much the padding that is supposed to protect your ears hurt. i would try and keep the one side of my head against the restraint to aviod that, but the train itslef seemed to bounce around too much.

*** This post was edited by Joe E. on 8/27/2001. ***

By the time I first rode an SLC, I'd been spoiled by Raptor. I thought the ride had incredible foot choppers, but the roughness, and general discomfort make for a less than spectacular ride. Since then, I've been on B:TR, and both Dragons, and they all torch any SLC.

Jman

When I first found out about the SLC, it was in 1995 or 1996 when Opryland debuted the Hangman and I saw it on a brochure. This was, however, back when I was amazed at nearly everything rollercoaster (Still am, but to a much different degree) and thought that all coasters were built by one company.

I mean, when CP put Raptor in, I thought that the old track style (i.e. Magnum) was gone for good and that Raptor-style B&M track was the way this mythical 'coaster company' was headed for the rest of eternity. Then I saw Hangman on a brochure, and thought that it must have been an older version of the B&M Inverted. I wasn't stupid, just ten years old.

Edit: I didn't spell 'brochure' correctly...
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Dictate a memo to myself - Try to find if I'm the only one in complete health
Consult contemporaries if there's some to see
There really isn't anyone who's in my league...

*** This post was edited by dmb-crush on 8/28/2001. ***