Negative-G - Six Flags St. Louis Daredevil Daze 2013

Daredevil Daze 2013 at Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri

One of the definitions of the word art is: "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power".

The Sccreaming Eagle Roller Coaster at Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri

Coasters, especially a ride like the Screaming Eagle fits that definition completely. I know I tend to rail on the thought of coasters as fine art but they are. I'd like the art world to seem them and appreciate them especially for their beauty and emotional power they make both riders and those viewing them from a distance feel.

Oh, if any art museum wants a photo exhibit of coaster photos I have about 20,000 to choose from.

For some of the work of art that is the Screaming Eagle in action click play and take a look at some of the video I shot.

The Boomerang Roller Coaster at Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri

Oh you can get a nice view of Six Flags St. Louis' Boomerang from back up by the Screaming Eagle.

The Hannibarrels at Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri

In 2014 finally the long broken Hannibarrels will be removed from Six Flags St. Louis. It is going to be replaced with the Tsunami Soaker which is a mix between a spinning ride and a splash battle.

Loving amusement park rides as well as being fascinated by broken/abandoned places I have wanted to get up onto the Hannibarrels for a look. While talking to the park president Dave Roemer during lunch I asked if there was any way I could get up there to see it before the ride was finally demolished. His response was "sure" but there was a condition that none of the photos would end up online. Having not operated or been maintained for sixteen years it was pretty nasty up there so I understand his condition.

I wish I could show you my photos because there was some really gorgeous destruction up there.

Dave did mention that the reason that it closed was that they blew the master gearbox and with declining ridership it was decided to just let it go. The reason it wasn't removed was that the western facade that it was part of was connected to several of the parks stores and the thought was getting rid of it would open up that backside that would ruin the theme of the area.

You may still see a little remnant of the Hannibarrels in the future as Dave did talk about restoring a few of the tubs and turning them into seating around the park. If he has one to spare it would be fun to restore one and put it in my backyard...able to spin of course.