Welcome to the ninth edition of my new blog series, the Trick Track. You may have noticed a delay since Edition 8, this is because the last one fell during my trip to Hersheypark and Knoebels (see my PTR in the Trip Reports). Moving on, in this series I will be discussing little nuggets of industry-related items...anything from my thoughts on News stories, to new ride openings, quick ride reviews, industry innovations, construction progress, pretty much anything industry related that pops into my head.


SeaWorld vs. OSHA

A battle has been going on between these two for a few years now, since a trainer drowned when the park’s largest whale, Tilikum, pulled her in the water. Recently, OSHA’s ruling that there must be a physical barrier between whales and trainers during performances was upheld. SeaWorld still has an opportunity to take things up a notch and appeal, and I hope they do.

What baffles me is OSHA continually admits how great SeaWorld is in its health care, training, rehab, etc, but then fights SeaWorld like an evil monster. Further, the trainers, who the ruling affects the most, have been standing up for SeaWorld in their favor, the trainers themselves prefer the way things were even if it’s not quite as safe. Further, it’s not like SeaWorld was holding them at gunpoint telling them they had to swim with the whale. These are highly skilled trainers who know more about these animals than just about anyone, they knew the risks of getting in the water with them, and yet it remains their preference. Therefore, this whole debacle makes little sense to me.

Furthermore, this could be a dangerous precedence that could spread to other forms of entertainment dealing with dangerous animals. Think about all the acts involving lions, tigers, elephants, wolves, or other dangerous animals, with they too soon be required to have a physical barrier between them? BGW does a great show with Wolves, and in the show they seem very tame, but there’s always that possibility they go beserk, does that mean they can’t do that show anymore? It’s a dangerous precedent.


Son of Beast Passes

Kings Island, FINALLY made a decision about Son of Beast, and all I can say is it’s about time. At first there was hope of a Rocky Mountain Construction Iron Horse-style transformation, a la the New Texas Giant. After years of sitting, rotting, decaying, and not being maintained, it was becoming apparent that much longer and the structure would not be suitable for use in any way. Earlier this year, I predicted it’d be down by the end of the year and it looks like I was right. You just can’t have a massive woodie like that not on the map or operating, it’s just bad PR. It’s time to let the wild child go, no tears need be shed. Plus, look on the bright side, SoB’s removal opens up a huge plot of land for future expansion(s)…or coaster(s)!


Rattler Departure

It seems few were disappointed with the news that Rattler was ending its run at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and I can understand why. I never rode the coaster, but just watching videos, you could tell this thing was one of the roughest creations ever. It was a great concept: utilize the rocks and cliffs, the snake-coil style super-helix…too bad it was such a terrible execution. The ride is leaving, but there is already confirmation that RMC is doing a project at the park for next season *tries to act shocked* Though there is no indication whether it will be a Texas Giant style overhaul, or a custom project from RMC like the one going in at Silver Dollar City, but either way, it’s safe to say it will be a replacement for Rattler.


Inversion or Overbank

Speaking of RMCs project at Silver Dollar City, as construction has progressed (without an announcement yet), a unique and new element has appeared. The train rolls right, blasts up, twists nearly 180 degrees upside down to the left, and then unwinds. So, is this an inversion, or heavy, heavy overbank? Honestly, I’m not going to try and define it either way, perhaps we can term it a hybrid inversion? Some overbanks are nearly inversions, some inversions are essentially huge overbanks. Frankly, I don’t care either way, as long as it’s not just a gimmick, and the rest of the coaster comes out awesome!