Twisted Colossus Update of January 31st 2015 and Scream Repaint

Lots of exciting news in this update! Besides a lot of construction work and track placement on Twisted Colossus, Scream!’s currently undergoing its repaint, and we’re one of the first to publish about the new colors!

Let’s start with Twisted Colossus itself!

They’re still working with the drops, notice how more of the block-brake structure has been dismantled below. 20150131_121433 (Large) Both ascents to the High Five element have been placed, ’til we see more steel beams go up in the structure, we don’t expect the actual High Five part to be installed for a while.20150131_121456 (Large) Though notice the wooden structure on the side of the parking lot has a lot more steel connectors now, indicating that the steel beams are to be placed soon.20150131_121428 (Large) The green track that you see here is for the final brake-run, and turn to the station. Again, notice the block-break structure’s dismantling process. 20150131_121204 (Large)The transition from blue to green is being installed currently. 20150131_121255 (Large) 20150131_121229 (Large) 20150131_121226 (Large) it’s a lot more straight-tracked than I expected. I have a feeling they might put brakes in it, so the trains have more of a chance of lining up. Because with the initial speed that it has in the transition, it could make it half way up the lift already, making it nearly impossible for it to race.20150131_125646 (Large) Nice transition to the magical repaint of Scream!, here’s some more wood for Twisted Colossus, while in the background some orange supports are to be noticed. 20150131_121036 (Large) Ahh, look the same orange supports… from another angle. 20150131_125740 (Large) It might be slightly hard to see, but the orange supports are supporting track that has been painted entirely blue. The blue is the same (or very similar at least) to the blue found on Batman: The Ride. 20150131_121046 (Large) The top of the Reversed Immelman/Dive has been painted blue already. 20150131_121130 (Large) 20150131_121142 (Large) Notice that though the blue is very similar to the original blue, the rails is no longer yellow, and is painted the exact same blue. 20150131_124056 (Large) As I was leaving the crews started working on painting the massive ride again, continuing the blue on the Reversed Immelman/Dive. 20150131_125809 (Large) Rolling out of the Zero-G-Roll, a part of the track has also been painted entirely blue already. They were working on it, as I was taking pictures. 20150131_130109 (Large) 20150131_130132 (Large) All bolted parts of the ride, supports as well as track pieces, are coated with white paint for now. I’m curious if they’ll give that a different color, to make it look more Steampunk-esque! 20150131_130152 (Large)I’m not going to lie; I’m not expecting a major re-theme that we all hope for so desperately. Though I do hope they cover up the parking lot underneath in any which way. SFNE Online suggested that gravel underneath would work very well with the new color scheme, and I totally agree with that. I’m not expecting any grass or something, as in a California desert maintaining the health of the grass is already challenging, Scream! Some re-branding, vegetation, themed scenery, and perhaps a new soundtrack for the line and station would be cool.

Comment your Scream!-y thoughts below please! And let us know what you think of the new color scheme, and what theming you would like to see coming with it!

For last week’s Twisted Colossus Update, click here!

Twisted Colossus Construction Update of January 24th 2015

The Twisted Colossus construction crew has picked up the pace again! There’s a lot of work being done on different parts of the future ride.

They’re placing more track that leads to the High Five element. As I was taking pictures many pieces of track were located right next to the High Five structure, and cranes were working with the pieces, which likely indicates a lot more track will be placed here soon.20150124_125402 (Large) On the other side of the High Five structure, metal connector-pieces have been placed, in addition on the ground next to it metal beams are stored. I expect the placement of these beams to start soon, after which we can see even more track placement. 20150124_125357 (Large)

Speaking of stored track pieces, there are a lot of green track pieces located near the old second turn-around. They seem to be straight pieces or non-banked turns, which indicates that we’ll likely see the construction of the break section soon. 20150124_125123 (Large) 20150124_125149 (Large)

Taking a look at the old camel-back/ block section, they seem to be taking out almost all of the structure. Which seems pretty obvious to me, as the Top Gun element is likely going to need a whole lot more structure changes than some of the other parts of Twisted Colossus. 20150124_125236 (Large) 20150124_125311 (Large)

But, they’re already busy putting together new parts of the wooden structure. 20150124_125347 (Large) Let’s move on to Scream! Where they’re power cleaning the supports. It’s slightly hard to see below, but the supports and track are being cleaned for the repaint it will soon receive!20150124_124935 (Large) 20150124_124958 (Large) Perhaps some of the most exciting news… The Twisted Colossus photo-op now states that Twisted Colossus will open in Spring… they changed from Summer plans to Spring plans, something I haven’t see Six Flags Magic Mountain do in a very long time! 20150124_132655 (Large) 20150124_132727 (Large)

That was about it for today! Thanks for reading! Make sure to check out last week’s update with even more Twisted Colossus construction details, by clicking here!

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Throwback – Old Timber Mountain Log Ride and its Construction

I stumbled upon some old pictures of the Timber Mountain Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. I have pictures of its construction and of how it looked in its first couple of years of operations. I sadly had these pictures on my PC for a while now, and quite honestly do not remember where I collected them. Thus the credit goes to someone else. I still thought I’d share them!

Timber Mountain Log Ride wasn’t always planned to be a log ride, originally Knott’s was interested in adding a roller-coaster that would give the impression of flowing through a river, in log-like trains. Arrow Dynamics then decided it was a better idea to add an actual log-flume rather than a coaster, which makes sense after the success Arrow’s first log flume at Six Flags Over Texas had. So the plans were changed and an actual log flume ride was to become the infamous Timber Mountain Log Ride. Though when it opened on July 11th 1969, it was called Calico Log Ride.

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Walter Knott (founder and original owner of Knott’s Berry Farm) didn’t approve construction ’til all scenes and ideas were clearly established. Eventually he approved the $3.5 Million project, which was regulated and funded by the Hurlbut Amusement Company, that after construction officially sold it to Knott’s Berry Farm. Here are some construction pictures!

When you see the ride now, it’s quite hard to imagine it once looked like a whole bunch of steel beams!

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And then this was what the Calico Log Ride looked like when it opened!IMG_3821798741854

It looked a lot grayer, and more concrete-like than the repainted versions later. IMG_3811725408113

Here are some pictures of the original scenes!

This locomotive is still in the ride as of today!IMG_3880349401032

These 3 original scenes are no longer on the log ride. IMG_3901035222567 IMG_3860567388093 IMG_3853702947177

Back then, as well as today, among the best themed log rides in the world!IMG_4085182611201

I kind of like the original bear better than the newer one! IMG_3870148625888

At one point the Calico Log Ride became the Timber Mountain Log Ride, here’s one of the older advertisements for it! IMG_3841590489902

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Update January 17th 2015

After putting on a great Holiday in The Park event, there was a lot of work to be done for Discovery Kingdom to return to it’s normal form. Fortunately, the park has been working hard to accomplish this, and is doing a good job.DSC_0012 (Large)

Most major decorations have been put away, including a complete re-transformation of Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Tree Forest, and Toy land.DSC_0074 (Large)

Some of the old Christmas trees from Christmas Tree Forest are now in the habitat to increase behavioral enrichment. Very cool of the park to reuse old props in a positive way.DSC_0052 (Large)

The sledding area behind Toyota stadium has been blocked off to let the snow melt. Strangely, there is still a lot of snow there many weeks later!DSC_0042 (Large)

The rest of the area behind Toyota Stadium still has all of it’s lights hung up.DSC_0035 (Large)

Leftover lights seem to be the only things left from the event.DSC_0080 (Large)

Many of the bushes and trees throughout the park are still covered in lights. For some reason, many of them are still left on at night. Not quite sure why the park does that. The same counts for Six Flags Magic Mountain’s tree-lights at the front of the park!DSC_0027 (Large) DSC_0026 (Large)

There are advertisements around the park for the year round operating season, and Dare Devil Chaos ( Not a) Coaster. Dare Devil Chaos Coaster is now listed to be opened this summer, rather than the spring. Interesting, many state fairs can set these attractions up in a few days.DSC_0017 (Large) DSC_0066 (Large)

Aside from some old lights, you really wouldn’t know they even had a Holiday in The Park event this year. The really have cleaned up almost everything. Moving along, let’s see what’s going on in the park aside from that.

The most obvious thing, Superman: Ultimate Flight is closed for annual maintenance. What frustrates us, is that when we stopped by in the morning, an employee was telling a guest it would open later that day, despite the fact it won’t reopen for a month or so. The employee was clearly uninformed, and thus falsely informed guests about the park’s star attraction. C’mon this is something that all the staff should’ve been aware of! DSC_0083 (Large)

Kong was only running one train, and looking as photogenic as ever.DSC_0102 (Large)

Roar is continuing it’s two train operations. Unfortunately, the recent re-tracking it had is starting to become less and less apparent. Hopefully they can do some work on it soon. Let Six Flags send some money to Cali for it’s CGIs, both Apocalypse and Roar could use some serious love! ;DDSC_0129 (Large)

We didn’t grab a picture of it because loose articles are not allowed in the station, but one of Roar’s trains is getting very beat up and could use a refurbishment. The restraints have rather large chunks just missing. We hope to soon see the new generation CGI restraints being added to the Roar trains, like one of Apocalypse’s (SFMM) rows already has.

Speaking of refurbishing trains, Medusa’s third train seems to be getting worked on extensively while the other two are running. Many parts of the train have been removed, including some restraints.DSC_0097 (Large) DSC_0100 (Large)

Also, something neat to point out, B&M’s storage track is pretty unique. The up-stop, side friction, and running wheels stay completely off the track while in the transfer track, extended the lifetime of the wheels due to lack of stress. The train instead rests on a different set of wheels used exclusively for the transfer track.DSC_0101 (Large)

The Butterfly Exhibit was closed.DSC_0045 (Large)

Moving to the back half of the park, Boomerang and Ark have both reopened, after receiving some maintenance.DSC_0061 (Large) DSC_0058 (Large)

Tazmanian Devil however, remains closed, along with White Water Safari.DSC_0067 (Large) DSC_0064 (Large)

The Tiger Cubs the park recently received are no longer in the nursery, they are now featured in the show at Odin’s Temple. To read more about them, click here.DSC_0051 (Large)

Speaking of shows, there are a decent number of shows running throughout January. Though in the summer season there are at least twice as many shows, and 3 more stadiums that are in full use then. DSC_0038 (Large)

We stopped by Drench! and were happy to see such a high-quality show running in the off season. Despite the low attendance to the park, the stadium was almost full due to it’s popularity!DSC_0122 (Large)

At this point we just have accepted the fact that Tsunami Soaker will stay
open no matter what time of year, and it was not warm out there. 😀DSC_0082 (Large)

Monsoon Falls was open for a good period of time, but ended up closing at
about three o’clock.DSC_0072 (Large) DSC_0087 (Large)

Sea Lion Stadium has been closed for some time and is undergoing some
serious construction. We’ll have news of the future plans for the stadium and its show, soon! Looking at the construction, it seems as if they’re creating a new decor for a future show!DSC_0077 (Large)DSC_0078 (Large)

If you look closely, one of the Vans on the construction site featured the
Lynco Associates logo. For those who are not aware, Lynco Associates does
work generally involving concrete and has worked with Discovery Kingdom in
the past. We can then expect Sea Lion Stadium to reopen with new concrete
work done as well. DSC_0085 (Large)

Loony Tunes ACME Fun Factory is closed for annual maintenance.DSC_0111 (Large)

It actually looks like they are using it to store Holiday in The park
Decorations.DSC_0112 (Large)

That’s about it for this update. The park is generally empty in January so
we encourage you stop by. They are also running Pink For The Cure, these
next five weeks. If you’d like to read about that click here. Otherwise,
here’s the Six Flags Magic Mountain Update from the same day!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Turns Pink For The Cure

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom turns PINK for the Cure in a partnership with Susan G. Komen Sacramento Valley from January 17 through February 16. At the heart of this first time awareness event is a special pink ticket that can be purchased online. A portion of each ticket will be donated to Komen Sacramento Valley to support local breast cancer research and education programs, and to subsidize mammography screenings for members of the community unable to afford the test.SFDK_TURNS-PINK_KOMEN-LOGO

“This is a very important cause and by purchasing a ticket and visiting the park, our guests are supporting Komen’s efforts to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease,” said Don McCoy, park president. “We’re honored to partner with them to increase awareness to the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection.”

On Saturday, January 17, representatives from the Komen Sacramento Valley affiliate were on hand to kick-off the five-week partnership. Special guests that day include 25 African American breast cancer survivors who will take a symbolic ride on the park’s roller-coaster, Cobra. We made it to the park for an update that day, so we included the coverage in this post.DSC_0108 (Large)

“The rollercoaster ride is symbolic of the ups and downs, both emotionally and physically, that these survivors have experienced in their battle with breast cancer,” said Kelly MacMillan, executive director of Komen Sacramento Valley. “And of course, riding a fun coaster is a great testament to how far these women have come.”

Guests visiting the park throughout the five weeks can participate in special pink activities and learn more about current initiatives of Komen Sacramento Valley, including Komen’s Circle of Promise initiative, addressing the disparities in breast healthcare among African American women who are rarely or never screened for reasons related to insurance or income. The Circle of Promise initiative was developed to empower local African American women to access breast health care. Participants register and make a promise to take care of themselves and become an ambassador within their community.

On Saturday, February 14, Valentine’s Day, the park will hold a special Circle of Promise event to bring African American breast cancer patients and survivors together from throughout the community. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded by lung cancer.

In addition to the special PINK ticket, $5 from the sale of every commemorative pink t-shirt will go to Komen Sacramento. The park’s popular dolphin swim program, Dolphin Discovery, has a special pink swim opportunity with a portion of the swim program fee benefiting Komen.DSC_0088 (Large)

While entering the park guests will see promotional signs stating the
nature of the event.DSC_0125 (Large)

Many of these pink bows can be found throughout the entrance area, and park.DSC_0093 (Large) DSC_0013 (Large)

The fountain in the entrance plaza, is now flowing with pink water in honor
of the event.DSC_0021 (Large)

The stage in the entrance plaza is now all Pinked up for the event. It
looks great.DSC_0024 (Large)

Many employees wear For the Cure shirts adding to the extent of the event.DSC_0071 (Large)

We’re very glad that Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the second park to partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation! Make sure to buy your pink tickets!

The pink ticket is available to purchase online here!

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Twisted Colossus Update January 17th 2015

There wasn’t enough noticeable change this week to bring a separate Twisted Colossus Update, and there wasn’t that insanely much Six Flags Magic Mountain news either, thus I combined the two for a regular-sized update.

The huge Holiday in the Park wreath has been taken down. And so have all other wreaths in the park. There were quite a few, since almost every single lamp post had one attached to it!20150117_154807 (Large)

The most heavily themed area during Holiday in the Park has been cleared from almost all its decorations. 20150117_160906 (Large) This is where the ‘ice-sculptures’ used to be. Not all the decorative snow has been cleared yet. Seems like a pain to clean up. 20150117_161023 (Large) Santa’s workshop is gone. They yet have to place back the fencing that surrounded the Katy’s Kettle area. 20150117_160913 (Large) Most buildings are snow-free now. Except for the Cyber Cafe and Katy’s Kettle. 20150117_160926 (Large) The tree of heroes is gone, and some new plants have been planted. Expect flowers in within the next couple of weeks. 20150117_155819 (Large) I just notice how much this bill board bothers me… I wouldn’t mind seeing this one leave before any other of the many ads. 20150117_160553 (Large) After Xtreme Zone received a new/refurbished sign on the other side of the building, it seems as if the larger sign is currently being refurbished. 20150117_160325 (Large) Can’t wait for Ninja to return to 2 trains… I’d also like it’s station to receive a repaint of some sort with new lights. It looks a little disgusting by now. 20150117_160547 (Large) I took this picture some time last week and forgot to put in the update, but I’m very curious why the promotion booth at Six Flags Plaza has a picture of the Boomerang at Wiener Prater on it, with the Six Flags logo… Six Flags has a whole bunch of coasters, and a couple of boomerangs as well… So how come there’s not a Six Flags coaster in the picture? 😀20150104_154542 (Large) I hope that after Scream! received it’s make-over and repaint Tatsu is up next for a repaint. 20150117_161541 (Large) A few weeks after I purchased my 2015 Dining Pass, I stumble upon this sign… a Deluxe Dining Pass with snacks throughout the day is a thing now! Seems awesome, I’ll investigate if they have an upgrade for people that already purchased the regular pass. 20150117_161613 (Large)

Let’s get to Twisted Colossus now!

They’re further dismantling the structure. They’re currently taking away the track and parts of the old camel-backs/ block-brake run. 20150117_154312 (Large) 20150117_162758 (Large) There are some more structural preparations going on at the second turn around. 20150117_154230 (Large) 20150117_162823 (Large) They’re also constructing the top of the catwalks on both sides of the lift-hills. 20150117_162826 (Large) Behind these walls construction continues, with most landscaping being taken out. 20150117_155802 (Large) And then Six Flags Magic Mountain re-used the #farewellcolossus photo-op set, and is now promoting Twisted Colossus! 20150117_155745 (Large) It looks pretty nice, but really I can’t wait to sit in the actual TC trains! 20150117_155740 (Large) 20150117_155731 (Large)

That’s it for today! Click here for last week’s Twisted Colossus Update, which has lots more details not discussed here. For more Twisted Colossus and Six Flags Magic Mountain news from last week, click here.

Throwback Thursday – Defunct Studio Tour Attractions

We all know and love that great attraction at Universal Studios that offers a potpourri of just about everything a theme park/studio has to offer known as the Studio Tour.  But did you know that the Studio Tour has been bringing thrills to Studio visitors since 1964.  Although some the tried and true events that occur on the tour have been around for years, many have not made the cut and been defunct for more modern attractions.  The following is a list of said attractions, what they featured, and what they were replaced by.

Rock Slide (1974-1979):  The tram would stop by a mountain which would begin to rumble.  Suddenly, boulders would begin to fall from the cliff, and the tram would have to dodge the boulders.  The finale of this attraction was the tram colliding with the final boulder, which would later be explained to be paper machet as most heavy looking objects in film are.  The attraction closed in 1979 to make space for the new state of the art Battle-star Gallactica attraction.

Runaway Train (1974-1985):  The tram would cross a train track that riders were told was defunct, however, just as the tram went to cross the tracks, a train would come rushing up and have to brake causing screeching and sparking on the track, just barely stopping before hitting the tram.  Tour guides would explain how sparks were artificially created beneath the train and then shot out to create the effect that the train was actually emergently braking.  The attraction closed due to technical difficulties, however, the train can still be spotted on the studio tour today.

Avalanche Tunnel (1974-2001):  The avalanche tunnel was a rotating tunnel that would simulate an avalanche, complete with destroyed avalanche warning signs and fake snow, as well as sound and temperature affects.  This part of the studio tour was re designed to be the Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb in 2001.

Battle-star Gallactica (1979-1992):  This attraction was a crown jewel for the park.  It featured both audio animatronics and actors head to head in a high tech laser blast off.  It was the first ride to utilize audio animatronics outside of a Disney park and was the first dark ride to incorporate live actors.  The attraction was shut down in 1992 and replaced with Back to the Future: the Ride.

King Kong Encounter (1986-2008):   The tram entered 1976 New York City where King Kong is on the loose and grabs and shakes the tram, which eventually escapes his grasp and gets out of the city safely. The 7-ton, 30-foot-tall (9.1 m) Kong figure was the largest and most complex animatronic figure in existence for many years. The sophistication of the attraction broke new ground and paved the way for today’s themed attractions, including a Universal Studios Florida version. This attraction was completely destroyed by a fire in the early morning of June 1, 2008. As of June 3, 2008, Universal Studios officials stated that the experience would not be rebuilt, and instead was replaced by the new King Kong: 360 3-D attraction, based on the 2005 film.

The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb (2001-2013):  Riders are supposed to be taken to see props from the film The Mummy but instead enter the cursed tomb of Imhotep, and are sucked into a viscous sandstorm, before just barely escaping the dead kings wrath.  The wash demolished in 2013 and will now be the location for Fast and Furious Supercharged.

Fast and Furious: Extreme Close-Up (2006-2013): Extreme close up showed the magic behing the movement of the cars in Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, however, Universal was not happy on how this attraction portrayed the series and was closed in 2013.  Planning for Supercharged began shortly after.

 

Knott’s for the Cure

Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are partnering together again to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research in our community by offering special Pink tickets and exclusive pink merchandise during Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure. January 5 through March 27, guests can purchase a Pink Ticket ($39 adults, $35 Jr./Sr. ages 3-11, 62+), online only at knotts.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.Knott's Berry Farm For the Cure and Benefiting Logo

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, has raised nearly $1 million for Susan G. Komen in the last five years. This is the second year the partnership will directly impact awareness and services on a local level within Orange County.

Guests entering the theme park during the time of the promotion will be greeted by a beautifully themed pink Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure display along with inspirational testimonials by breast cancer survivors.20150110_084826 (Large) 20150110_084830 (Large) Additionally, limited edition “pink” t-shirts and specially designed canteens will be available for purchase. A portion of the “pink” merchandise proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.20150110_085651 (Large)

“During the Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure partnership, guests can honor loved ones,” said Raffi Kaprelyan, vice president and general manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. “The partnership between Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County is an impactful one, as the two organizations come together to advance women’s health by raising money and awareness to fight breast cancer.”

On January 10th, Knott’s hosted a media breakfast where breast cancer survivors joined. After the breakfast where Susan G. Komen OC members spoke along with Raffi Kaprelyan, we headed over to Jaguar where the survivors took a ride for the media. 20150110_100751 (Large) 20150110_102256 (Large) 20150110_102647 (Large) 20150110_102742 (Large)

The three month long promotion will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Knott’s world class entertainment, attractions and specially-themed “pink” décor, while supporting a great cause. The famous Calico Mine Ride, Knott’s Berry Farm Main Gate and the Camp Snoopy waterfall will all glow pink in honor of the campaign.IMG_0788.JPG IMG_0789.JPG IMG_0787.JPG IMG_0781.JPG

For the park update that goes along with my visit for Knott’s for the Cure, please click here!

Knott’s Berry Farm Update January 10th 2015

It’s time for a new Knott’s Berry Farm Update! I attended the Knott’s for the Cure media event in the morning, and everything related to that will follow in a different post soon. This update includes many things around the park that were worthy to be included in this update.

Let’s start with Pony Express, which is back to two train operations. I find this very ironic almost, since during the summer it occasionally only operates one train… 20150110_133251 (Large)

The park has definitely not finished cleaning up after Merry Farm yet! There are a whole bunch of decorations left to put in storage. Though it isn’t half as bad as Magic Mountain, that has hardly stored away anything! 20150110_130550 (Large) 20150110_112806 (Large)20150110_123719 (Large) Though I really like these banners, they’re clearly Merry Farm!20150110_123737 (Large)

Just like Riptide, La Revoluccion is still awaiting parts from Germany. Meanwhile the ride’s fences, gates, control boxes, etc are being replaced/ moved around quite a lot. 20150110_125435 (Large) 20150110_125452 (Large)

Boomerang, which is seriously the only coaster running in the rain (even light rain), has received new station speakers. 20150110_115906 (Large) Even more exciting, the train has received a new chassis! Meaning that the base of the train has been replaced, with new wheels, etc. It’s smoother, though not very significantly. It’s still a great ride!20150110_122714 (Large)

Staying on the Boardwalk, Xcelerator will soon receive a brand new Fast Lane waiting line. It’s hard to see in the picture below, but small flags in the grass indicate where the new path will be placed. 20150110_125051 (Large)

Right next to Xcelerator, Coasters has received a new repaint. So has the interior. 20150110_123444 (Large) The neon-signs are awaiting new neon-lights. 20150110_123459 (Large) Here’s the poster on the door, and the inside still wrapped up. 20150110_123513 (Large) 20150110_123518 (Large)

There are quite a few rumors of Calico Saloon closing for a while, to be totally reconstructed as the building is wearing out. The building is visited by many people each day and is quite old. 20150110_111303 (Large)

The Timber Mountain Log Ride is closed for maintenance. It’s closed ’til January 30th. 20150110_111356 (Large) The drop and lift-hill are being worked on most. For example, the entire conveyor belt from the last lift will be replaced. 20150110_111359 (Large) The new conveyor belt is ready to be installed and stored under the ride. 20150110_105201 (Large)

The Calico Railroad was closed for a couple of days, as the park renewed the crossing. New tile and concrete were placed. 20150110_114840 (Large) In addition the fences/gates were taken out, and repainted black. (Used to be purple).20150110_100130 (Large)

Moving on to Voyage to the Iron Reef! There’s still not much to see really, some work has been done inside, and the laser-tag is currently also under construction. The Arcade is only closed due to the construction going on inside, other than that it’s currently used for storage and will reopen with Voyage to the Iron Reef20150110_124335 (Large) 20150110_124010 (Large) 20150110_123952 (Large)

GhostRider, which is so much better with a wet track, will be closed for extensive maintenance, and likely some more re-tracking from January 20th ’til February 13th. 20150110_140059 (Large)

That was the regular Knott’s Update for now, stay tuned for everything related to Knott’s for the Cure! To check out our new Six Flags Magic Mountain Update with lots of interesting things going on, click here!

Six Flags Magic Mountain Update for January 7th and 8th 2015

I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain two days in a row, and decided to combine the things I saw into one update. So here it is, on the bottom of the post you’ll find the Twisted Colossus Update from yesterday as well.

Holiday in the Park is now over, but pretty much every single piece of Holiday theming is still in the park. 20150107_160818 (Large) My guess is, that next week when they’re closed, they’ll start converting the park back to what it was, but they sure have a lot of work to do.20150107_160932 (Large) Funny enough I saw many people still taking pictures with the tree of heroes over at DC Universe.20150107_153723 (Large) The Holiday in the Park wreaths that the park hung up on almost every single lamppost, are pretty much all still there. I expected them to take them down earlier, like during the crowd-less operating days this week. 20150107_154237 (Large) The tree of water is turned off and the photo-op scenery is gone. The lights that moved are protected in their plastic boxes to be taken out soon.20150107_151121 (Large) Yesterday they were taking apart the stage. 20150107_151200 (Large) Today only the frame of the light-installations was left standing. 20150108_152244 (Large) Sorry for the blurry picture, but it’s time for the pistachio park walls to be fixed, the wallpaper is tearing off. 20150107_170116 (Large) Jet Stream, though still leaking significantly less than a couple of months ago, is starting to leak pretty badly again. 20150107_155606 (Large)The park did though manage to finally fix up the Xtreme Zone sign after the T was missing and the sign was faded for a very long time. 20150107_154220 (Large)

To my surprise, I noticed that the paint on Batman is starting to just simply flake off. It’s slightly hard to see in the pictures, but there’s plenty of places along the track where the paint just let loose, tore off, and the old gray track colors are clearly visible below. 20150108_161827 (Large) Still hard to see, but there are a couple of significant gray spots on the first corkscrew for example. 20150108_161756 (Large) Moving on to Apocalypse. Which first off NEEDS RETRACKING! I gave it a couple of shots the last two days to redeem itself, but sadly enough Apocalypse has become very rough. Remember how rough Roar was at a point? Well Apocalypse is currently rougher than Roar ever was… Moving on to the cool news, row 9 (seats 17 and 18) on train 1 have new restraints, not just any new restraints, it’s the new GCI restraints for their Millennium Flyer trains. You may recognize them from Gold Striker, where all restraints look like this!20150107_155211 (Large) One day has passed since our Twisted Colossus Update, and a whole lot of track has been placed! The approach to the High Five element (both sides) is under construction. 20150108_145957 (Large) 20150108_150014 (Large)

That was it for today, please check out the separate Twisted Colossus Update that matches this update from the last two days, by clicking here!

Twisted Colossus Update January 7th 2015

It’s only been 3 days since our last Twisted Colossus Update, but surprisingly much changed! I went to the park to ride some coasters with no lines, but immediately spotted the progress made. It’s not a very big update, but it’ll show you the process made.

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The green hill following the drop has finally been placed, I expected it to be placed a while back, so I’m very glad to see it in place!20150107_150039 (Large) There are also a lot more track pieces on site, and they were starting to place track for the High Five element already!20150107_150103 (Large)

The track that was previously the approach to the slow turnaround inside the structure has been taken away. Which was still there in almost its entirety last Sunday. 20150107_150046 (Large) 20150107_150118 (Large) 20150107_150044 (Large)

The Rocky Mountain Construction crew was doing some more work on the lift-hill, though I’m not entirely sure what. 20150107_150138 (Large)

The area has officially closed and is blocked off. Meaning Scream!’s closed ’til the opening of the all new Screampunk District. Obviously I don’t have any pictures from inside the closed area, but a lot has been stripped already. All tables are gone, fences are being stripped, trees are being removed, paths are being ripped out, etc. Six Flags Magic Mountain didn’t wait a second to get started, it’s already one big construction zone in there! 20150107_153728 (Large)

Thanks for checking out this quick Twisted Colossus Update, our regular Six Flags Magic Mountain update is now LIVE as well, featuring pictures from the day AFTER this update! Click here to go to the update! For the Twisted Colossus update from 3 days ago, with more pictures from within the future Screampunk District, click here!

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Twisted Colossus Update January 4th 2015

It’s the first week of January, and a week since our last Twisted Colossus Update. I guess with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day the construction slowed down a bit, as not as much has changed as I expected.

The green drop is still not followed by the little hill. Which I expected to be placed by now, and in general, the structure on that side remains the same as last week. 20150104_143558 (Large) The Top Gun structure is under construction, I have a feeling a lot of wood will be added in order for the element to become reality. 20150104_143620 (Large) They’re working on preparing the High Five element for track placement, though currently there aren’t many noticeable changes from last week. 20150104_143650 (Large)Twisted Colossus is stilll looking very pretty, in case anyone doubted that. 20150104_143707 (Large) Moving on to the part of the ride that has been drastically altered over the last two weeks, the old second turn-around!20150104_143500 (Large) 1/3rd of the original height has been taken off, and currently the shaping continues for the Double Up, and the Outward Bank Floater that will be on this side of the structure. 20150104_143514 (Large) You can now see the station, and where the track will be placed that will mark the transition from blue to green. 20150104_143538 (Large) They trimmed down the huge structure quite a bit!20150104_151152 (Large) In the station not much has changed, they’re clearing it out more. If you look precisely, you may notice that the control panels have all been taken out and the floors are being leveled. 20150104_151043 (Large) And then there’s the ride that ‘screams’ for a repaint. It will either close tomorrow for its overhaul, or a week later, since the park extended their daily operations ’til January 11th. I’ll step by sometime during the week to figure out whether it’s closed yet, or not. 20150104_143438 (Large) A quick last, faded-paint-Scream shot!20150104_151116 (Large) Might not see this building again, ’til it’s repainted and the Looking Glass Theater. 20150104_151346 (Large) One quick look at the future Screampunk District made me realize how insanely badly the area needs a face-lift. I’m stocked for the future of Screampunk District!20150104_151412 (Large)

That was it for today, really not that much has happened. Click here for last week’s update, that includes some more changes. For our back-stage Twisted Colossus tour post, please click here. Everything you need to know about the new area can be found there!