Anyway -- Z-Force (Flashback at SF Magic Mountain) is slated to be taken down this winter, and put into storage, probably to never be heard from again.
This got me to thinking about this unique ride. Looking back, Z-Force is one of my favorites. Not the tallest or fastest, but a great ride for its size. I sill have videotape from '85 of the various Chicago news media riding. Great stuff!
I remember when it first opened in '85, and also about my last ride on it at Magic Mountain in '94. The ride is/was in deplorable condition when I rode it in California. The track was rough, the ride felt like the wheels weren't round -- it was pretty sad. It seems like most people hate the ride because it has been so neglected over the years.
But let's talk about the ride when the white and blue paint was shiny, the cars were blue, and the track was smooth ...

For those of you who worked at the park -- do you have any odd or funny stories about Z-Force? As a one-of-a-kind ride, was it more of a problem for the park? I seem to recall the ride being down a lot in '86 or '87, right before it was moved from Great America.
Another question -- when the ride opened, it had very "skinny" shoulder harnesses, which, if I remember correctly, were replaced with much thicker and harder versions after the first season. Any comments on why that change was made?