I worked at the mine from 2004-2006, and was a shift leader during a period there as well. Luckly I never had a run in with wet brakes, and made sure my employees knew how crucial it was to keep them dry. I've seen a train run they the unload dock and hit one loading. Luckly no one was hurt! Thank you for likening my video. I miss driving those trains.
I've actually got a horror story about Calico Mine Ride - true tale that happened when someone used the skid brakes in the rain when they shouldn't have, and I sped through the explosion tunnel faster than I should have. Lordy - if it wasn't for members of Kaprelyan (Massis and Raffi, did I spell the name right?) we would've nailed the train at load. Details provided upon response to this post.
So great to see this. I worked Ghost Town attractions from 1986 to 1988 and remember Jim Mayfield, Rick May. We had one hell of a record-breaking July 4th in 1987 plus a bizarre and scary low-water incident that resulted in guests having to bail out of logs at the base of the run-out. Anywhoo - they don't make 'em like they used to - rides that didn't rely upon computers, but instead involved operators that had the entire system literally in the palms of their hands.
I would have to say I am the last miner of my crew from 2006. I must say I do miss seeing and working with Jim, great guy wish he stuck around for the 50th year of the Calico Mining Co but not through the changes it is going through now. However the trains have been repainted and restored a bit.
Thanks SO much for posting this video. I worked on the Mine Ride from March 1976 to December 1981 - those were the best years of my life. I still keep in touch with the friends I made there, and dream of the ride a couple times a week. But I'm glad I worked there when I did - we had a LOT of freedom and fun (as soon as I entered tunnel number 1 and said "no smoking" I would light up). We competed with the Haunted Shack who had more groupies! Sorry to hear about Bud - he was a GOOD man.
I miss Mine Ride. I loved working that. Former Miner 2006-2007. I remember Jim Mayfield! Old Hogsbreath Jim! And Frank, and George. Train #4 is my train, but I didn't mind The Beast. She got herself a new paintjob recently. The Beast is known as the "J.W. Buchanan" now. I was known as "El Brasso" by most of my crew, due to my constant brassing of the locomotives.
BTW Bud Hurlbut passed away just a few days ago. :( Bud built this great ride.
I'm amazed Cedar Fair hasn't leveled this yet. It's just ridiculous that there's a modern-branded Panda Express where the Shootin' Gallery used to be!
I worked at the Mine 1979 thru 1980. Back then it was owned by Bud Hurlbut, and we were not under direct Knott's control, so we had LOTS of fun, especially during Halloween Haunt. The PA systems haven't gotten much better either. :-)
does anyone remember bear-y tales i uploaded it at halloween time its on ym channel come and see it if you remember the ride in your child hood at knotts.
no, i went on it on a school trip many years ago, it was boring and long - but a good ride - not thrilling and, like mentioned, too long for something that is very monotone throughout
PS: if you use a clip and attatch 1 end to the camera and the other end the the window (or anywhere else that has a good view) retape it, and if you have a tape recorder, record your voice re-doing the narraration for better sound. then i will give you a 5 star
I worked at the mine from 2004-2006, and was a shift leader during a period there as well. Luckly I never had a run in with wet brakes, and made sure my employees knew how crucial it was to keep them dry. I've seen a train run they the unload dock and hit one loading. Luckly no one was hurt! Thank you for likening my video. I miss driving those trains.
skhosmer 2 months ago
I've actually got a horror story about Calico Mine Ride - true tale that happened when someone used the skid brakes in the rain when they shouldn't have, and I sped through the explosion tunnel faster than I should have. Lordy - if it wasn't for members of Kaprelyan (Massis and Raffi, did I spell the name right?) we would've nailed the train at load. Details provided upon response to this post.
dread66mon 2 months ago
So great to see this. I worked Ghost Town attractions from 1986 to 1988 and remember Jim Mayfield, Rick May. We had one hell of a record-breaking July 4th in 1987 plus a bizarre and scary low-water incident that resulted in guests having to bail out of logs at the base of the run-out. Anywhoo - they don't make 'em like they used to - rides that didn't rely upon computers, but instead involved operators that had the entire system literally in the palms of their hands.
dread66mon 2 months ago
i worked the mine 2004-2006... i was a lead who are you?
skhosmer 3 months ago
I would have to say I am the last miner of my crew from 2006. I must say I do miss seeing and working with Jim, great guy wish he stuck around for the 50th year of the Calico Mining Co but not through the changes it is going through now. However the trains have been repainted and restored a bit.
stoneguy85 3 months ago
Thanks SO much for posting this video. I worked on the Mine Ride from March 1976 to December 1981 - those were the best years of my life. I still keep in touch with the friends I made there, and dream of the ride a couple times a week. But I'm glad I worked there when I did - we had a LOT of freedom and fun (as soon as I entered tunnel number 1 and said "no smoking" I would light up). We competed with the Haunted Shack who had more groupies! Sorry to hear about Bud - he was a GOOD man.
smakarphoenix 7 months ago
RIP, Bud, from one of your former Calico Miners. I remember how you took out all your employees for steak dinner at Christmas.
pgsvensk 1 year ago
Comment removed
NarrowGauge87 1 year ago
man i miss that damn mine but not the beast lol im the last one who the famous jim mayfield trained i was honored
2006-2007 lil pancakes
voicelessdj 2 years ago
@voicelessdj
I miss Mine Ride. I loved working that. Former Miner 2006-2007. I remember Jim Mayfield! Old Hogsbreath Jim! And Frank, and George. Train #4 is my train, but I didn't mind The Beast. She got herself a new paintjob recently. The Beast is known as the "J.W. Buchanan" now. I was known as "El Brasso" by most of my crew, due to my constant brassing of the locomotives.
BTW Bud Hurlbut passed away just a few days ago. :( Bud built this great ride.
NarrowGauge87 1 year ago 2
@NarrowGauge87 yeah i heard they did something for him at crm but im not sure what
voicelessdj 1 year ago
Hey there trainer! Its Joel, oh how I miss running these trains
aklodger 2 years ago
I'm amazed Cedar Fair hasn't leveled this yet. It's just ridiculous that there's a modern-branded Panda Express where the Shootin' Gallery used to be!
pgsvensk, Calico Miner, 1979-1980
pgsvensk 2 years ago
@pgsvensk they cant touch it cuz its an historic land mark just like the log ride and stagecoach
voicelessdj 1 year ago
hey scott its walter nice video
prophet6819 3 years ago
I worked at the Mine 1979 thru 1980. Back then it was owned by Bud Hurlbut, and we were not under direct Knott's control, so we had LOTS of fun, especially during Halloween Haunt. The PA systems haven't gotten much better either. :-)
pgsvensk 3 years ago
that sounds awsome!!! i still had a great time running those trains anyway!!!
skhosmer 3 years ago
does anyone remember bear-y tales i uploaded it at halloween time its on ym channel come and see it if you remember the ride in your child hood at knotts.
althegamefreak 4 years ago
"is this ride fun?"
no, i went on it on a school trip many years ago, it was boring and long - but a good ride - not thrilling and, like mentioned, too long for something that is very monotone throughout
disneydisney5 4 years ago
nice joke you made-
no smoking unless youre on fire, then you can smoke.
BrickstarRunner 4 years ago
PS: if you use a clip and attatch 1 end to the camera and the other end the the window (or anywhere else that has a good view) retape it, and if you have a tape recorder, record your voice re-doing the narraration for better sound. then i will give you a 5 star
BrickstarRunner 4 years ago
This ride looks creepy and scary
moger999 4 years ago
Hey its my Train! God I loved running Train 4. Former Miner here as well.
TCOPatrick 4 years ago 3
umm, not very clear. probably to you cuz u know what you were saying
pinkishblueblack 4 years ago
i remember this ride but if you're claustrophobia, beware ;p
This ride is fun though and theres no drop.
bigpete1287 4 years ago 2
Hey is there any drops on this ride? bc u cant really see any thing
iceefrosty 4 years ago
ps how tall do u have to be to ride xcelerator?
Roryx9 4 years ago
is this ride fun?
Roryx9 4 years ago