ROLLERCOASTER CORPORATION OF TEXAS

MEMORANDUM

MARCH 19, 1992

TO: Mr. Dan Slayden
    Fiesta Texas Show Park
    VIA FAX: 512-697-5474

FROM: Mike Black

RE: "The Rattler Roller Coaster"
    Fiesta Texas Show Park
    San Antonio, TX

We learned Monday, March 16th, that you did not run "The Rattler" 
on Sunday due to excessive speeds in the range of 1:24 - 1:28.  
This, we were informed, was after the track was oiled and after 
experiencing slow prior speeds in the range of 1:50.  We think
this was a wise decision as excessive uncontrolled speed causes
forces exerted on riders to go up exponentially, even though this
shut down meant taking one of your main attractions out of 
operation that day.

Dana Morgan, John Pierce, Alton Pardue, our field supervisors, and
myself discussed this situation and the other problems you 
experienced by immediate conference call and following is our
combined recommendations:

 1. Speed Ranges and Climatic Effect

    Speeds in the range of 1:24 - 1:28 are too fast
    Speeds in the range of 1:50 plus are too slow

    It is obvious to the Designer and Train Manufacturer that 
    the attraction is climatic (weather) sensitive.  As such,
    the ride will require a set of check brakes, which are auto-
    matically adjustable to compensate to varying and changing 
    conditions.

    The original design, optimum speed range for this ride was
    calculated at 1:35 - 1:40.  Practical experience in running
    the trains thus far extends this range to 1:45.  A median 


Fiesta Texas Show Park                                   Page 2

    speed of 1:40 would be ideal.  This is based upon a design 
    chain speed of 9 feet per second, however, chain speed 
    should be varied as conditions warrant.

 2. The Check Brake

    I have ordered our field forces to immediately take the two
    brakes originally destined to be relocated from the Station
    to the "fly-by" and install them at the flattest, slow area
    coming out of the helix prior to going over the cliff and 
    down to the tunnel.

    These brakes will have their own independent, adjustable air
    system and ultimately an automatic speed sensing control.

    Installation of check brakes at this location will allow 
    train speeds and forces to be controlled prior to entering
    the tunnel and the Station area.

 3. Current options and\or combinations for controlling speed of 
    Trains (prior to check brake installation):

     *  Heavier/lighter lubrication oil as conditions warrant.

     *  Varying chain speed from 9 feet per second to 4 - 6 feet
        per second.

     *  Option of substituting a 2nd, reserve, train.

    In operating with all or a combination of these options, 
    train performance changes will be limited; however, it can
    be effected.  You also need to watch the wind speed and its
    direction, (i.e., in the face of train over the first drop
    and up the second incline or in face of train up third 
    incline to the helix.  These are critical directions.

    Also, the installation of the anti-roll back angles at the
    tunnel exit hill will prevent what happened on March 7, 
    1992, when the train failed to make the crest.

 4. Recommendation:

    In addition to the check brake as addressed above, we 
    recommend that this coaster have a permanent speed sensing
    monitor system and wind speed/direction instruments placed
    at critical locations on the ride.  RCCT will prepare a 
    design/proposal to accomplish this for park consideration.


Fiesta Texas Show Park                                   Page 3


      Other Actions and Conditions:

      a.  RCCT will have a supervisor on site and workmen on call 
          every weekend as long as RCCT forces remain at the site
          and in San Antonio.

      b.  Dana Morgan does not think that the "break-in" kerosene/
          oil mix is causing the train to slow down by the 
          lubrication over-heating and seizing-up bearings.

      c.  The performance characteristics of this ride and its two
          trains are still being determined and your operation/
          maintenance people should continue to operate, experi-
          ment, keep good notes and to immediately report any 
          problems or inconsistencies to us for discussion, 
          resolution and action.

      d.  When warming up the train prior to operation, run chain
          at 9 feet per second, then drop back to 5 - 6 feet per 
          second.  However, be sure of wind speed and direction. 
          Even at 3 - 4 feet per second chain speed (in normal 
          wind conditions), the train should have adequate speed
          to carry the second incline.

      e.  Continue to run and alternate both trains.  Keep watch 
          on the hitch conditions, particularly on Train No. One.

      f.  New hitch balls are being ordered and prepared by Morgan 
          Manufacturing for Train No. One and should be available
          in about two weeks' time.  The original "flat top" balls 
          as modified are acceptable to use until the new ones 
          arrive.

      g.  Also, a new spindle will be welded on the existing axle
          when it is returned to Morgan to replace the one that 
          was bent in Train No. 1.  A new (spare part axle) will
          be air freighted to the Park this week.

      h.  We also think you are wise for delaying the two-train
          operation at least until:

          1.  Operation personnel gain experience;
          2.  Modifications are made on the brakes;
          3.  Train No. One is certified as fully operational 
              and hitch problems are resolved.
          4.  Finally, when ready would be the Park's call.

 6.   Reminder

      The next testing by Dr. Brown is scheduled to occur March 30 
      and 31, 1992.