BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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 11/16/2005 4:00:27 PM
This is the first segment of a three-part report from the IAAPA Exhebition, the amusement industry's largest convention and showcase.
Today I did not have much time (only about two hours) so I kind of randomly walked around, taking some photos and I did do a couple of rides. This is definately a TR that needs to be done in photos.
First off, let me say I've never been to an IAAPA exhibition, and I wanted to go at least once. Well, I was pleased at how cool it was 
Starting off is the latest technology in motorized vehicles, toilets and bath tubs!
That's right, why have antique cars when you can have a john!?
The next thing that caught my attention was the interactive racing game, and by interactive I mean they make you feel the laterals in the turns with hydraulic arms and the such. Too cool!
For all of you carousel lovers, how about a new band organ?
This Stinson organ was not only pretty darn nice looking (almost as nice as an old Wurlitzer or any of the other older compannies) but it sounded awesome.
The people at IAAPA love blow up dolls... I mean blow up slides. Sorry, wrong convention  Here was a cool one, at least to a coaster enthusiast:
As I have seen in photos from years past, Zamperla always seems to have one of the largest and most impressive displays around, and this year was no different. They were operating a Disk'o, Flying Tigers a kiddie ride and something new, if I recall correctly (I don't remember the name, I'll try to make a point to do so tomorrow). Anywho I took a ride on the Disk'o and it wasn't too bad -- better than expected! My first Disk'o, the restraints were kind of akward and uncomfortable at times but the ride was still pretty fun.
That other ride:
I went over and checked out the PTC booth shortly thereafter, noticing some of the cool trains, including:
Three bench with individual ratcheting bar or buzzbar options:
Two bench old-school (single bar, no dividers):
And anyone recognize this one?
That same area also had some of the German firms, and I checked out the Gerstlauer booth, which featured a model of Mr Six's Pandemonium:
I liked that ride a lot, and I hope they sell more. IMHO they can fit well in both little parks and big parks alike.
Next up I checked out the Maurer Sohne exhibit, and they were definately trying to push their X-car coasters:
Wandering around some more, I came across the S&S Booth. Wait, what's this?
Hm, I thought that was an Arrow project? Oh yea that's the one that drove Arrow into the ground!
I eventually came across the B&M booth, and they had the SheiKra car on display:
For a company that 'allegedly' signed a deal with Busch to keep it exclusive, why display it? Hmm...
Anyways when I was at the S&S booth I had found out that they had a Screamin' Swing outside, and I wanted to ride that. Time was getting short, so I headed outdoors. It was a really fun ride even if it was way to cold (50 degrees) to be going that fast. Still, an excellent ride.
[img]http://www.parktrips.com/IAAPA-Atlant
Message updated 11/16/2005 4:01:26 PM by BobFunland
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Hercules
Posts: 4037
Registered: 10/13/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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 11/16/2005 4:30:04 PM
^ Yeah, it is called a Trip Report 
Awesome job there B. Fun. That is really interesting. I'm glad that you had a pretty good time in a short period of time. I hope you get around more tomorrow. That was really interesting though dude. Some cool stuff there. And there is stupid me... I didn't even know that you could ride the rides and stuff like that  Duh You would think that I would know better being a marketing major
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adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003
Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
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11/16/2005 5:31:07 PM
Yeah... I'll take a two-bench old school. And that Stinson organ to round up the order...
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larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002
Rank: Platinum Critic
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11/16/2005 5:40:20 PM
BFL - Marbles, sticks and a tube= you are thinking of a game called KerPlunk (sp?)
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larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002
Rank: Platinum Critic
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11/16/2005 5:41:17 PM
Quote:
GAZZA said:
Hi. That post is long. |
^Hi. That post was stupid!
--------------------
Mom always said, "Don't play ball in the house".
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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11/17/2005 7:10:16 PM
Part II:
I headed over around noon today, and I ended up staying about four hours. I had more time to look around and spend time doing things so I was pleased.
Congrats to all of the winners of the Brass Ring awards, including Dorney Park for Hydra:
The ride may have stunk but I really liked the way they marketed it!
Today I spent almost all of my time in hall C, where the rides and such are. I browsed through the special effects and stuff side yesterday, but today I wanted to concentrate on the rides.
Once again, I took a ride on the Disk'o. This time, my restraint got extra tight and it was pretty painful. Yesterday I seemed to do some decent floating, but none today 
Yay for more wacky arms guys!!
"You're a McDonald... not a whore!"
Ah I see why so many enthusiasts go to IAAPA:
I headed off the floor for a bit and saw this:
Again, congrats to the merchandise award winners. Hats off to Dorney again (pun )
Anyways I walked around some more and finally took my ride on the new Zamperla ride, which is called a Wave Blaster. Kinda reminds me of a Satori ride. Pics:
The ride was fairly fun. I mean there were some nice pops of air here and there, but nothing to thrilling. Another good ride for the entire family to enjoy.
I ended up over at the Maurer booth and their X-car coaster won the "Best new product" award. congrats guys!
BTW the guy from Maurer that I talked to was probably the nicest, friendliest guy at the show, and that's no small task considering everyone is nice
The Sky Wheel layouts look kind of boring to me, but hey, no OTSR's is a plus!
In the same area, I made a point to check out the new Gerstlauer model, shown here:
Some of the specs include 2133 ft in length, 59 ft high, 50 mph on a 98' long launch that pulls 1.5 Gs.
More cool models:
Something I hope doesn't go through between now and next June:
Yes, that is Bullet and Magnum Force
I couldn't help but laugh at this game:
A cool look at Huss seats and the magic behind the restraints:
eh? Do they take credit for the old CCIs too?
Yay, hope!
I'm so glad that Larson makes flyers now, that just improves their chances of being around for a long time
As cool as Flyers and Huss restraints are, I REALLY can't wait for Magical Midway to open one of these:
Saw the Moser bicylce-in-a-circle thing in action today:
I didn't ride, but they seemed to enjoy themselves.
I then went outside again, and checked out the massive carousel from a closer perspective:
Not the most beautiful of carousels but still kinda neat.
Of course I couldn't pass up more rides on the Screamin' Sw
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mrceagle
Posts: 13804
Registered: 6/9/2001
Rank: TPC News Minister
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11/22/2005 11:10:40 AM
Great report and pics. I really injoyed them. Did you ride that Moser swing ride. it looks interesting. to bad it holds so few people.
Have fun on your next trip. I have to wait till after Thanksgiving before hiting another park and that will only bee Santa's Village
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