California Great America (CGA) Discussion Thread

[UrbanLegendThe playground is where I spend most of my days]

Aren't Mega Lites supposed to be too crazy for the lawsuit-happy American crowd? If that's really the case, CGA probably wouldn't want to be the guinea pig for one of these rides. Though you never know, since I305 does exist...

[Double0KevinJar-Jar Binks smells like Donkey]

Aren't Mega Lites supposed to be too crazy for the lawsuit-happy American crowd? If that's really the case, CGA probably wouldn't want to be the guinea pig for one of these rides. Though you never know, since I305 does exist...

I'm pretty sure that lawsuit this is the same as your user name, an Urban Legend (like what I did there? ). With rides like El Toro, Maverick, I305, and so on, a Mega Lite could easily be built in the US. It's just finding a park willing to buy one. Most parks in the US don't see the point in buying a ride unless it break some record or can be advertised as one of a kind (or in the case of any Vekoma ride, it's cheap).

Since there aren't any Intamin mega-lites in the US. I think CGA would be the perfect place for the 1st US mega lite. They're awesome rides, and they don't take up to much space. I think if one was put in CGA, they could remove Vortex and use the old Tidal Wave station.

I'm all for a Mega Lite, but CGA doesn't need to lose more coasters, even if it's Vortex. They should fill in some spaces they have already like Invetigo's spot. Then, once the park is running on all cylanders, they can start swapping out old rides for newer ones. As much as I'm excited about Au13, I still feel like the park is lacking. I think that's why I'm so excited, Au13 feel like the first step towards CGA's old glory.

[frarocWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

Aren't Mega Lites supposed to be too crazy for the lawsuit-happy American crowd? If that's really the case, CGA probably wouldn't want to be the guinea pig for one of these rides. Though you never know, since I305 does exist...

Might I ask why a Mega-Lite would cause lawsuits? Sorry, its just that I have a hard time believing that a modern, well built, NON Vekoma coaster would hurt....

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

I don't buy the "lawsuit" argument, either. There have been deaths and lawsuits over larger, equally intense rides (for example, Superman/Ride of Steel at Darian Lake), but that hasn't stopped U.S. parks from building them.

[Double0KevinJar-Jar Binks smells like Donkey]

So back to the Slab vs. Footer debate, I wanted to know the answer so I sent the below question to GCI on their Facebook.

Hey GCII, A lot of coaster enthusiasts are curious about the difference between one big concrete slab vs. individual footers under your rides. It's been noticed that the slab method is being used more but we still see individual footers on rides as well. We all have our theories as to why, but can you guys explain why you use the different methods?

They replied with this:

There are many reasons to consider when to use each, but what it basically comes down to is what is simplest, given the site, terrain, and soil conditions.

A slab foundation will typically be used if the terrain is flat or nearly flat. Slabs tend to be simpler to construct/form, and they are especially helpful where we have a lot of structure anchoring close together. The soil conditions will sometimes indicate that a slab is better suited, but that is not as common.

The individual footers you see are actually connected underground with what we call "strip footings" or "grade beams". You will see these primarily when the ground is not as flat and it is impractical (or impossible) to use a slab foundation.

Aesthetics comes into play sometimes, too, but that is not typically a major factor.

So it looks like we were on the right track with the terrain being the issue as well as the ease to install many supports in a small area. Very cool that they replied by the way. I love to see companies that are willing to respond to questions from fans like this.

[DJeXeLThis button makes my penis erect.]

^That's awesome that they took the time to reply. Thanks for asking that question as I wondered the same thing.

That does answer a lot of questions without all of us going into self-made engineers and making claims as to what's going on. I'm definitely glad we were all on the right track!

Looking at the permit center page, some of what I'm seeing on there is making more sense. It was noted about a "Zone 3" and "Superstructure". From what I saw this past weekend, I've come to the conclusion that "Zone 3" is their terminology for what we know as the "Curly Fry/Prudential Turn/Onion Ring." Zone 2 must be the so-called "Drumstick" slab. With these said, I am going to speculate that perhaps Zone 1 will take place at or near the star tower, possibly being the foundation for the first drop and station flyby element. Don't quote me on all of this though, just hypothesizing based on what I'm seeing (and basing my guesses from the 2008 rendering that appears to be slightly different now).

[Flagg O'DimI'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Get your last rides in on Rue le Dodge before it closes for its Carnevil transformation: On CGA's site, it says the ride will close Monday for the season.

The Rapids and Barney Oldfield close Sept. 4.

Why so early for Rue le Dodge? I vaguely remember it closing in September last season. Maybe Carnevil's getting an expansion?

http://www.cagreatamerica.com/things-to-do/family-rides#panel1-3

[CGA_88Beware of the Magic Donkey at Lotte World!]

Carnevil has always closed earlier than the other 2 for haunt preparation. I believe because of it use of 100% wooden walls which takes time to assemble together, versus Werewolf Canyon and Cornstalkers which use a lot of other elements that do not take as long to assemble. That's just my speculation as to why that happens.

I'm glad I got my RLD riding in last weekend, glad that I still have time to hit up the Rapids. It's hard to believe we're going to be going into Haunt mode real soon.

Also I believe this coming week is it for full time op before we go into weekend only mode. School is right around the corner too for those who are still in school.