QueerRudie Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Incredible to see that thing up close (The TIV) after seeing it so often on TV and elsewhere. You get a sense of durability with it- which, considering the things it will go through you'd HAVE to have that in scale. The visuals of the destruction from the Tornado that came through recently are a reminder to everyone of how quickly life can change for people, and how destructive these acts of nature can be. Having relatives in that corridor- and friends as well- we should be thankful that there are people going out in these vehicles to study the effects- and hopefully someday come up with a suitable set of devices to make them more survivable. A question about the spikes (the ones that 'hold' it into the ground)- are those mechanically lowered, or spring/fire-powered down? I'd imagine that would have to be something rather fast-acting to prevent 'issues' along the way. Also: Does the vehicle go off-road often? (My memory of the series is rotten- as usual.) The SDC pics are great- I'm looking forward to that credit-whore trip this year. Celebration City, however, is quite sad to see. OZCat looks so sad falling down and splintering for such a 'new' ride all over. Of course, it could have been preserved- but that would have required some serious help along the way. Now that it is rotted and rusting, it's days are numbered till it becomes firewood. R.D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAL Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Sad, sad photos leading up to the TIV meet and greet. During the first two seasons I thought there was a disturbing disconnect between the excitement of the storm chasers and the devastating potentially killer nature of the storms. The past two seasons the chasers seem to have developed a conscience, but it feels forced. Only the academic team in their thin skinned trucks comes across as likable. Sean comes across as whiny and mercurial,but I'm sure that's the producers' doing. In real life, no one could be as much a jerk as Reed, could they? Whatever, it takes steel to deliberately run down those twisters. I'm sure Sean is an interesting character. It's cool you got to meet him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Crud I still have to finish looking at the pictures, but I had to stop for a minute. Is that Carroll Shelby? I would expect him to be cooking some of his Chili. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisrad Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 ....how's the weather, what did you have for dinner, when was the last time you've been to Branson, what would you do.... Didn't you say it was in the 80s in one of the pictures? Cinnamon Bread from SDC. And, I don't know - when was the last time you went to Branson? As for the tornado damage, thank you for the Ford dealership shot.. I'm also digging the old Pontiac logo - my brother had a '55 Starchief so I recognize the logo. Awesome pictures - I glanced at them for now because it's getting late, but I want to get back on here and take a better look at everything. Did anyone else notice a Kennywood arrow in the tornado pictures? Ok, not Kennywood per se, but use your imaginations folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatle11 Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Amazing! I've always been interested in severe weather and meeting someone like Sean Casey and seeing the TIV like that is something I'd love to be able to do. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 So many great pics! Great to see all those footers already in place, and some inside shots of CC. I'm also thankful you grabbed those tornado shots - I haven't seen that much myself yet and I probably won't get down there until early summer. Is the flying carpet still at CC? It looked like it was. I haven't seen them try to sell that one yet oddly enough. Everything else besides that lone kiddie ride is already gone. I guess the shot tower and supersplash will be moved to other HFEC parks soon enough. I thought they were taking better care of OzCat. I was told they were keeping it maintained - and they probably were - but after four years they must have given up. Doesn't look like they are toying with the idea of re-opening the park as anything anymore given the up and down years SDC has had recently. I'm loving all the attention SDC is getting again with this new construction. Those footers seem to have popped up within the week before opening. At this rate they'll have bents going up next month. That station is really growing as well - it was just formwork a couple of weeks ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 21, 2012 Author Share Posted March 21, 2012 Incredible to see that thing up close (The TIV) after seeing it so often on TV and elsewhere. A question about the spikes (the ones that 'hold' it into the ground)- are those mechanically lowered, or spring/fire-powered down? I'd imagine that would have to be something rather fast-acting to prevent 'issues' along the way. Also: Does the vehicle go off-road often? (My memory of the series is rotten- as usual.) R.D. Thanks R.D.! The TIV was certainly the highlight of the weekend. The side panels and the spikes are lowered mechanically using hydro's. The vehicle itself uses airbags which also assist in planting it on the ground. They have gone on dirt roads but as you can imagine, it doesn't fare well in the mud. Sad, sad photos leading up to the TIV meet and greet. During the first two seasons I thought there was a disturbing disconnect between the excitement of the storm chasers and the devastating potentially killer nature of the storms. The past two seasons the chasers seem to have developed a conscience, but it feels forced. Only the academic team in their thin skinned trucks comes across as likable. Sean comes across as whiny and mercurial,but I'm sure that's the producers' doing. In real life, no one could be as much a jerk as Reed, could they? Whatever, it takes steel to deliberately run down those twisters. I'm sure Sean is an interesting character. It's cool you got to meet him. Unfortunately they are still under contract with Discovery until April 1st and can't really talk about the show until then. However I believe that while they are sad to see it go, the drama that was injected by the producers and those wanting face time (primarily Reed) drove it to the point that viewership started on the decline. All in all I think they are glad its gone Sean though was just a normal guy and I was able to talk to him for a good fifteen minutes. I do think you hit the nail on the head, the editing room helped portray him as someone he's not. As for the tornado damage, thank you for the Ford dealership shot.. I'm also digging the old Pontiac logo - my brother had a '55 Starchief so I recognize the logo. Awesome pictures - I glanced at them for now because it's getting late, but I want to get back on here and take a better look at everything. Did anyone else notice a Kennywood arrow in the tornado pictures? Ok, not Kennywood per se, but use your imaginations folks. Thanks Chris, I didn't really notice the look-a-like sign until you pointed it out! I figured you'd like that Ford pic Amazing! I've always been interested in severe weather and meeting someone like Sean Casey and seeing the TIV like that is something I'd love to be able to do. Thanks for sharing! Your Welcome! Thanks for reading! So many great pics! Great to see all those footers already in place, and some inside shots of CC. I'm also thankful you grabbed those tornado shots - I haven't seen that much myself yet and I probably won't get down there until early summer. Is the flying carpet still at CC? I'm loving all the attention SDC is getting again with this new construction. Those footers seem to have popped up within the week before opening. At this rate they'll have bents going up next month. That station is really growing as well - it was just formwork a couple of weeks ago. Thanks! And yeah, those footers are sprouting like weeds! The train conductor suggested in about two months they will make an official announcement but I would suspect if they start going vertical they may need to make that announcement a little sooner. I love that they are precast, dig a hole, throw in some gravel, level it out and bam! Insta footer! The flying carpet is indeed still there with a partial cover on it waiting for someone to give it a new home. I plan on going back for World Fest, they are adding Italia this year that looks interesting. If gas hits $4+ I might have to reconsider tho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspaz1000 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Great pictures! One day I need to get out to the Midwest parks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 ^Yes, yes you do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoCo Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 I was totally unfamiliar with the TIV until seeing this report. How super-freaking mega-badass is that thing?! Looks like he built his own tornado-fighting Tumbler! Holy crap, that is cool. Not cool are those shots of the weather devastation. Very, very scary. But thanks for sharing them. (Missing SDC and wishing I'd gotten to Celebration City before its short life ended...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 24, 2012 Author Share Posted March 24, 2012 ^The TIV is work of art, Sean doesn't seem to think so, but I do! Ok guys, as you can see below I'm Riding Mamba for 6 hours to raise money for Give Kid's the World. So far I'm up to $30 thanks to some terrific TPR members, thanks guys! So, in an effort to make things more interesting, I am holding out some "Premium" trip reports for mile stones reached in fundraising. First Milestone: $50 Adventure to be Released: A look at what is billed as one of the worlds largest private collection of Disney Animation Cels over the last Century. I was able to view over 80 different cels ranging from Dumbo to Aerial and have the pictures to prove it! Some were even signed by Walt Disney himself! So, all you Disney fanatics out there, kick in $5 (we only need four people!) and I'll detail the exhibit and tell you where you can see it for yourself! Second Milestone: $75 Adventure to be Released: I have no shame in riding kiddie coasters, and this report will prove it. Three kiddie coasters at three different parks. All three parks visited for the sole purpose of whoring their kiddie coaster. Third Milestone: $125 Adventure to be Released: An adventure to what is Kansas' only amusement park, plus a visit to a Smithsonian affiliated Space Museum and as an added bonus photos from a defunct park! Note: I will never ever in a million years release the above listed adventures unless the stated milestones are achieved. Release dates will be listed when the milestones are hit. One again, Thanks for your donations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspaz1000 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Come on people get to at least $75 I want to see his kiddie coaster whoring skills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveRides Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Yep, you had to go and post it here too, just to further rub in that you saw the TIV and Sean Casey and I, well, didn't. I hope another network picks up Storm Chasers. It was the ultimate reality show. You can't get much more real than driving through a tornado. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Yep, you had to go and post it here too, just to further rub in that you saw the TIV and Sean Casey and I, well, didn't. I hope another network picks up Storm Chasers. It was the ultimate reality show. You can't get much more real than driving through a tornado. HEHEHE, and I have many more pictures too that I can taunt you with As far as the show, I wouldn't look for anyone to pick it up, many of the players are unofficially glad it's gone, that is was becoming a drama fest. GOOD NEWS! The $50 milestone has been met! This Monday I will release the Disney Animation Cel PTR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAL Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Someone just hit the $75 threshold. Let's see more whore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 26, 2012 Author Share Posted March 26, 2012 ^Yay!! April 9th! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coreysjunk Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Thanks for sharing the TIV pics, Chad. Sooper cool!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted March 26, 2012 Author Share Posted March 26, 2012 A few weeks ago the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma began displaying a private collection titled "A Century of Magic: The Animation of the Walt Disney Studios" Included in the exhibit are more than 80 original Animation Cels from the Collection of Janis Scaramucci and Domer “Jay” Scaramucci, some signed by Walt Disney himself and other signed by those who played the part of Walt's characters. A Century of Magic surveys many of the major animated films,beginning with the first feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), and concluding with Fantasia/2000 (1999). As you can imagine with any art gallery where the use of flash is prohibited, it was challenging to get decent photos that showed the multiple layers that make up a single animation cel. It was not uncommon to see four or more layers to each animation cel, all which start with a background layer. The gallery lighting was especially challenging trying to position to remove glare, so please keep that in mind as shooting a reflective surface with lights shining down on it isn't all that easy The exhibit opened March 3rd and runs through September 16th with special showings of various of Disney movies and kids activities throughout the exhibition. Admission to the museum is free to OU students with a current student ID and museum association members, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 6 to 17 years of age, $2 for OU faculty/staff, and free for military veterans with proof and children 5 and under. The museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free on Tuesdays. If you are in town for a credit run at Frontier City or live within a few hours its certainly worth checking out! Welcome to "A Century of Magic"! Join me as I take you on a magical journey of Walt Disney Classics! "Ferdinand the Bull" 1938 - Ink and gouache on celluloid. This short was based on the 1938 book by Munro Leaf and won Disney an Oscar for Best Short Subject The Three Little Pigs with Log and Hammer, "The Practical Pig" - 1939 When the cel was sold they used a different background from that of the original film, which set the scene inside Practical Pig's brick home. Goofy, "How to be a Sailor" - 1944 Thumper and Miss Bunny, "Bambi" - 1942 This cel is one of the many Dinsey sold through Courvoisier Galleries in the 1940's. The cels were marketed as fine art, and Disney signed the mat of this cel as an artist might sign a painting. Dumbo Holding Timothy's Tail, "Dumbo" - 1941 Dumbo Gazes up at Mother, "Dumbo" - 1941 Nubian Zebra Centauretter, "Fantasia" - 1940 This Centauretter is one of the retinue of Bacchus, the portly god of wine, who appears during the Pastoral Symphony sequence. She carries a heavy pitcher of wine, ready to fill Bacchus' cup whenever he desires. Mickey as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, "Fantasia" - 1940 Pinocchio Skips to School, "Pinocchio" - 1940 Pinocchio Underwater, "Pinocchio" - 1940 Snow White, Prince, Horse - "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" - 1937 Pinocchio Sitting on a Table, "Pinocchio" - 1940 The Queen, "Snow White, and the Seven Dwarfs" - 1937 Flamingo with a Yo-Yo and the Snooty Six, "Fantasia/2000" - 2000 The Steadfast Tin Soldier, "Fantasia/2000" 2000 Mulan and Soldiers Jumping, "Mulan" - 1998 Ink and gouache on acetate Mulan and Khan, "Mulan" - 1998 Hercules Sliding Down a Hill, "Hercules" - 1997 Xerox transfer and gouache on acetate Hades Gives a Thumbs Up, "Hercules" - 1997 Esmeralda, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" - 1996 Hugo, Quasimodo, and Laverne, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" - 1996 Ariel and Flounder in Cave with Painting, "The Little Mermaid" - 1989 Ariel Racing to Rescue Eric, "The Little Mermaid" - 1989 Ariel on the Beach with Eric and Max, "The Little Mermaid" - 1989 Sebastian Singing with Ducks, "The Little Mermaid" - 1989 Disney Authentication Marking Jafar with Iago on Shoulder, "Aladdin" - 1992 Aladdin with Genie, "Aladdin" - 1992 Jasmine and Prince Ali, "Aladdin" - 1992 Heyenas, "The Lion King" - 1994 Everything is sectioned off by year. This is an overview of how one of the sections is setup. Cruella Angry on Phone, "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" - 1961 Perdita in Snow with Two Puppies, "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" - 1961 An all time classic Winnie the Pooh at Table, "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" - 1966 Pooh, Piglet, and Christopher Robin, "Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore" - 1983 Pooh, Tiger, Owl "Poohs Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin" - 1992 The mat has an additional pencil drawing of Piglet and the signature of John Fiedler, the actor who provided the voice for Piglet. Stamp on the above Cel Show Scene Number from the above Shere Kahn, "The Jungle Book" - 1967 Briar Rose with Animal Price, "Sleeping Beauty" - 1959 Lady and Peg in the Pound, "Lady and the Tramp" - 1955 Alice at the Mad Hatter's Table, "Alice in Wonderland" - 1951 Walrus and Oysters, "Alice in Wonderland" - 1951 Captain Hook and His Ship, "Peter Pan" - 1953 Cinderella in Coach, "Cinderella" - 1950 In this cel, the carriage is literally turning back into a pumpkin. For the film, this cel was combine with another of the coachman and superimposed on a third cel of the clock striking midnight. Cinderella in Ball Gown. "Cinderella" - 1950 Brer Bear, Brer Fox, and Brer Rabbit "Song of the South" - 1946 And finally: Slue Foot Sue on Widowmaker, "Pecos Bill from Melody Time" - 1948 And with that, it's time to get up on our horse and ride outta here. I hope you enjoyed this special presentation. COMMENT and let me know what your thoughts! 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chadster Posted March 26, 2012 Author Share Posted March 26, 2012 So with the above, Milestone #1 was achieved for Give Kids the World! Second Milestone: $75 - Achieved!! Adventure to be released April 9th! Adventure to be Released: I have no shame in riding kiddie coasters, and this report will prove it. Three kiddie coasters at three different parks. All three parks visited for the sole purpose of whoring their kiddie coaster. Third Milestone: $125 - $45 from reaching the third Milestone! Adventure to be Released: An adventure to what is Kansas' only amusement park, plus a visit to a Smithsonian affiliated Space Museum and as an added bonus photos from a defunct park! Fourth Milestone: $200 - Random box of crap from Las Vegas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAL Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 ^Porn slapper cards, empty coin cups, and broken dreams are free on the strip. But it's for the kids. Dammit you got me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted April 9, 2012 Author Share Posted April 9, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspaz1000 Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Don't know how I missed the Disney stuff, but omg that is amazing. I wish Disney would go back to that. There is something so beautiful about it all. Can't wait to see your credit whoring skills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thanks to PAL for pushing me up to the next trigger for a special edition of Chadster's Vacation Adventures, I bring to you exclusively a very dirty, whorish PTR featuring not 1, not 2, but 3 kiddie coasters, PLUS a bonus coaster known as the only air time coaster in California! Think you know what it is? My first journey takes me to Las Vegas, where thanks to info from Shawn C. and Caesar D., I happened upon a GHETTO CARNIVAL! Whoohoo! Welcome to the Ghetto Carnival! For those not familar with Las Vegas, this Carnival really is/was in the Ghetto located off of 95 @ Rancho Drive. Ghetto wristbands self-destruct after a period of time. At least this one is not duct taped together Fly me to the moon talk about old school, looks like something built out in the back yard Carnival staple. I'm sure all of these games are legal and played with the strictest of standards and tolerances. But wait, what do we have here? A Bird? A Plane? why it's not Captain America, but it's The Roller Coaster Ride! Oddly enough, it's the smoothest coaster in Vegas! and lightening fast! and operated by a professional. Credit 440 in the books! But since I over bought on tickets, might as well try out a carny Yo-Yo It hauled so fast I couldn't take a steady picture! One of the better ones I've been on for sure. So now it was time to fly all the way to San Diego and make the short drive to Boomers! in El Cajun. For a Friday night the place was dead, so maybe it was a good thing I got this one now But on this trip, I wasn't the only one who was getting a new credit.... Noted! It's a Santa Claw knock off! Why ChrisRad is overly enthusiastic about this credit whoring business In fact, once he saw this control panel, well, lets just say he started twitching spontaneously Yeah baby This is Chris' first powered coaster as indicated by the number of fingers he is holding up. Um, this thing goes backwards?!?! weeeeee So as we left the Kounty Fare behind... We ended up here where they have some to-die-for fish tacos. Highly Highly recommend. And finally I head up to Scandia from San Diego and hit up their kiddie coaster...Nice park actually, not many rides per say, but the golf course looks really cool, the clientele though is somewhat suspect... Hi Caesar! Not sure what happened of the picture he took of me on this beauty. So we left the station and stopped here. Yes, stopped. After the train stopped, here. They turned the motor on. And we did this thing, went back to the station, stopped, then went back to the lift, stopped, and did it all over again, twice more. But wait, there's more! Chris wanted to go this time! 2 thumbs up means this is his second whore credit of the weekend! But enough of the small credits. Let go to a big boy coaster! OMFG FRONT SEAT AIRTIME! You 100% NEED the seatbelt in the front seat. Only teenagers can take it in the rear, and those who act like teenagers, so we took it in the rear. Still some air, but not near as much as the front. Words to live by. And with that, the whoredom ends. Next Week: Pacific Park - where we answer the question, Does Bubba Gump's use fresh fish? Tune in to find out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 ^Hmmm, I'm going to guess the Bubba Gump's question...NO. Oh, and I love the Gravatron. Wish more places had them. dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspaz1000 Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 You dirty whore Chad, and Chris for that matter too. Loved the report. I wish all the gheto carnivals near me had coasters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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