by thrillerman1 » Sun May 29, 2011 9:22 pm
Texas...what can be said? While I've been here many times, it's almost like visiting a foreign country for me even though I'm a US citizen. It's the land of Whataburger, Taco Cabana, stupid and sometimes GENIUS Six Flags decisions, a smashed windshield in a touring rock and roll band van, and a few really weird but cool roller coasters. So, this Postcard Paradise update comes off a high from Texas Giant Bash with TPR. I can't emphasize enough how amazing TPR events really are! Thank you Robb and Elissa!!! I had such a great time at Texas Giant Bash, and so I thought hey, I'll spread the love with some more Texas stuff I've collected courtesy of my previous trip to this foreign land back in 2007. Here's a look at some postcards from a seldom seen quirky park on TPR, Wonderland, and its surrounding touristy landmarks as well as some photos from my trip to the Larson International factory (makers of the bonkers Super Loops ride!!!). Yeah, I felt a little like Charlie visiting the Wonka factory. Thanks to Larson for allowing me inside their amazing brains...oh, and bonus...some roller coaster museum stuff. Texas 2007...
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- Hello Wonderland!
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- I see you Texas Tornado with your messed up loops and PTC trains.
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- Wonder...yeah, I wonder if the park still has that odd conveyor belt water ride contraption in a tunnel.
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- Wonderland does have a pretty cool collection of rides and is definitely worth checking out.
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- Paiging Adam Richman...your table is ready.
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- The Big Texan is an interesting place to check out if you've had enough of Wonderland.
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- Don't bother bringing your own can of spray paint...they're everywhere!
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- It's a little creepy, but like I said before Texas is a foreign country!
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- On my way to Wonderland, I saw a strange ringlike object sticking up in the sky...what is it?!
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- It's the home of Larson International.
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- World corporate headquarters...let's go inside shall we?
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- Ohhh ahhh...Larson has an impressive Super Loops model to greet you in their lobby.
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- I had a golden ticket and was allowed an exclusive backstage tour!
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- Larson has some interesting wall art like these pictures of their Fireball ride.
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- Do not try this at home.
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- No Doritos...bummer.
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- This is Larson's Sea Gull Attack ride.
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- The very rare Hi Roller!
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- I've always heard good things about Comet but sadly never rode it.
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- It looks like it had lots of hairtime.
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- Hey Wonderland.
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- Wonderland has several storm named coasters.
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- This is where the rides get made.
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- Larson has some industrial strength drills.
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- No idea.
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- Noted!
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- Wheels...
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- and round things...
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- and more circular objects...
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- and the grand mothership of all Super Loops!
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- It really is ginormous...
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- and pretty.
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- Larson has some more warehouses.
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- I wonder what's inside this one.
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- A trailered Fire Ball or Super Loops...you decide.
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- In case you were wondering who makes Bench: The Ride.
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- Look at the attention to detail!
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- A miniature trailered Super Loops ride for the kiddies.
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- Larson has a nice collection of wooden pallets too.
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- Might this be some type of Flying Scooters ride?
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- Flywheel shuttle coaster launch? Hmmm.
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- Larson is home to the Roller Coaster Museum warehouse!
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- Schwarzkopf fan boys rejoice!
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- Look at all that hotness.
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- A side profile view for your pleasure.
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- When did Son of Beast get a second loop?
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- What's this?
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- Arrow fan boys rejoice!
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- I see you back there hiding, Ms. Parton.
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- Noted!
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- Protein spill?
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- Hey Mr. Antique Car...stop photo bombing my picture!
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- A little worse for wear.
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- Arrow love.
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- Not through the trees!
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- Great America?
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- Anton <3
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- They misspelt it.
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- Who's up for some snapping action?
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- More parks should have Flying Scooter rides!
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- What's in these boxes?
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- Hamel's? Neff's? The coaster museum has tickets if you need any.
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- Just in case you forgot where we are.
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- Fiberglass hotness.
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- I believe these would be molds.
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- Hey Hershey!
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- Prior & Church.
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- See?
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- And another Dipper.
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- These cars look slightly uncomfortable, and don't even get me started on those headrests!
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- Oh what's this?
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- Hmmm...
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- Cracked wood.
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- Upskirt.
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- Bolts and more bolts.
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- Can you name this defunct Texas coaster yet?
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- Up close and personal.
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- More bolt action.
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- Ah ha!
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- Prince Desmond where were you in 2005?!
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