CHANG MALFUNCTION

[Risentim]

Tonight (Saturday, April 5), at about 5:30 p.m., Chang experienced a
malfunction, to say the least -- the lift chain broke. We were walking
back toward Chang and were close to T2 when we heard a screeching sound
followed by a much longer rattling sound. The lights up the lift were
shaking around. One train was about 50 - 60 feet up the lift, and the
second train was entering the station when the incident occurred.

Crews immediately emptied the train on the lift as well as the crowd in
the station and surrounding areas. Claude Mabillard was called (he is
still in town and was at the sight most of the day). The chain is in a
pile that is visible both above and below the lift. When the coaster was
e-stopped, reports from the crew on the platform indicated that the lift
motor was still operating, so it looks as though its o.k. We were told
that they will be winching and strapping the train on to the lift until
the problem is further analyzed. We noticed that crews (including Mr.
Mabillard) were concentrating on an area on the lift about 140 -145 feet
up. It would seem that this is where the break might have occurred.
However, that is pure speculation on our part.

Please help in stamping out the obvious rumors that will quickly spread.
NO ONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED. It was a mechanical malfunction, pure and
simple. How do we know this... because we were there. Early indication
from tight lipped Kentucky Kingdom maintenance crews indicate that it will
be at least next weekend before Chang can reopen. We tend to think it
might be longer.

On a much brighter note, Chang is by far the finest stand-up roller
coaster to date. Over a two day period, we logged in 17 rides (on one of
which we were joined by Mr. Mabillard himself!!!!! --- Yes, he puts his
hands up during the ride). The area still needs a lot of work, but the
ride is very impressive and visually stunning.

Congratulations to Kentucky Kingdom, Bolliger & Mabillard, Debbie
Vonderhite and the incredible crew of Chang for a wonderful ride. Our
best wishes go out to them as they begin to "fix" this problem.

Please feel free to email any of us for additional information. We will
keep you updated as to the progress of the repairs.

Tim Risen: rise...@aol.com
Dave Lawrence: da...@iquest.net
Susan Lawrence: sgla...@falstaff.indiana.edu

[Risentim]

If you need any additional information regarding when Chang will be up and
running once again you can write the ACE regional rep. for the area. It
is Mark Brunner and the address is : acere...@aol.com.

He should have the latest details sometime this week.

Tim Risen

[Twigarilyn Zimger Wayne Gacy]

On 7 Apr 1997 01:20:17 GMT, taylo...@aol.com (Taylor3727) wrote:

>The spookeyest thing about this is that someone said it was gonna happen
>(well, sort of). I reacall when the name was introduced someone said
>"hmmm, chang, isn't that the sound a chain makes when it breaks????".
>Weird.

OH YEAH! I remember reading that too. That's
pretty...uh...er...interesting.

Kip Ross
kk...@sprintmail.com

[Taylor3727]

<<Tonight (Saturday, April 5), at about 5:30 p.m., Chang experienced a
malfunction, to say the least -- the lift chain broke. We were walking
back toward Chang and were close to T2 when we heard a screeching sound
followed by a much longer rattling sound. The lights up the lift were
shaking around. One train was about 50 - 60 feet up the lift, and the
second train was entering the station when the incident occurred.>>

The spookeyest thing about this is that someone said it was gonna happen

(well, sort of). I reacall when the name was introduced someone said
"hmmm, chang, isn't that the sound a chain makes when it breaks????".
Weird.

Happy Coasting!

--Taylor Jeffs

*ATTENTION* *ATTENTION*

Since MGM won't tell you here is everything you need to know. Half the rides in the model of MGM Grand Adventures have been removed and are not listed as closed because they don't exist anymor