Magnum XL200 2.0
Rode Magnum last night for the first time this year. Yes, rougher than I remember the last few years and from my debut rides in 1989, but 2nd row (not above the wheels) is more tolerable. Probably my body getting older....LOL.
I rode Magnum twice last night and loved every moment. I don't seem to have the legs and bar problem lots of people complain about. My thighs do have plenty of padding though so maybe it's a skinny person problem? Or that I do crank that belt tight just out of habit.
Rode Magnum twice today, both times in the 3rd row magic seat with both belt and lapbar as loose a possible. The 2nd ride had no trims, and the thigh pain was incredible, and admittedly would be far beyond the average rider's pain tolerance. I endure this pain for my love of airtime.
How long did that queue end up taking today? I was fairly surprised to see the whole main lot full and almost all of the overflow being full.
SV ruins all other rides.
I'm not sure. Got there around 1:30, and spent most of my day at Shores. Looked like 2 hour waits on most big rides as I drove around to the back.
Wasn't until after 9, I entered thru the resort gate and hit Gemini first with a reasonable 10 min wait, then rode Magnum with about a 15 min line.
Dependant on ROI, maybe a new set of open trains with smoother riding spring loaded wheels could generate increased interest in Magnum for its 30th anniversary. Floorless would give the ultimate rush, perhaps with opposing seats for a "look your loved one in the terrified eye" experience; anything to get the GP talking about "that old red coaster" (we all know how ignorant kids can be; this from an almost 29 year old kid! ;-p ) again. The current iconic "HST" lead car would take pride of place in the CP museum.
Only Maurer ever officially designed a floorless car with hydraulic lap bars (opposed seats also available); B&M are all OSTR I believe although I doubt they'd have trouble cooking up a lap bar floorless car. Capacity would definitely take a hit as the Maurer trains can't be coupled more than a few cars long I believe. Magnum is currently a people eater but maybe an extra train could be run; there's two final brake runs after all with the penultimate one currently stopping trains almost entirely before sending them crawling round the final bit of track to the final brakes outside the station; this section could form the fourth block, giving the new lighter trains a higher overall speed around this final area when fewer trains are running (not sure if I'm talking out my behind here; I'm sure there's a good reason the trains don't currently careen around that final bend at break neck pace!).
The Maurer cars also feature music as an option; I envision a complete overhaul of the ride's theming to reflect its 80s heritage. I hear the queue currently plays 80s hits which is a great start; how about a DJ booth for peak times turning the line into a veritable 80s pop party!? Magnum PI memorabilia on display in the station, his Ferrari 308 (a replica ;-) ) on a Magnum XL-2.0 stand on Midway to draw crowds over, a themed concession stand in the line, 80s CP uniforms for the (back to all female) crew complete with 80s hairdos (oh yeah!). Colour the trains and seats to match the car (red clamshells with tan seats & lap bars).
And lots and lots of neon lighting everwhere, maybe even under the trains. Restore the smoke in the tunnels too. Play Keep the Peace - INXS (Smoothly Accelerated) on the trains themselves...
Of course Magnum's fans would burn me at the stake for my suggestions; besides CF has no relationship with Maurer AFAIK (and their seats and lap bars are often criticized by enthusiasts; maybe thinner ones for better airtime could be ordered).
And turn off those pesky trims! :-)
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