J&J Amusements has landed in Barcelona Spain, our booth is all set up and we are excited to get this show started. Please be sure to stop by booth 2510 and say “Hello”. We can’t wait to see everyone at what is shaping up to be a great show!
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~By Paul L. Zellar
There are a lot of go-kart tracks that have been built with bridges in recent years and lots of interest in making them bigger and better. The wooden elevated tracks are almost all bridge as they spiral up and down ramps and run in multiple levels. They are a very visual attraction for a facility, but that is about the only good thing I can say about them.
The first track that I designed in the early 90’s had four bridges and was a monster to operate. We wanted a track that showcased go-karts driving on elevated portions of the track similar to the elevated portions of our miniature golf courses. After that every track we built had a double bridge as the main feature to be seen from the road frontage. Then one day a regional manager approached me and asked if we would consider eliminating bridges from the new tracks we were about to build. After listening to his reasons we built two more tracks without a bridge and found that he was right. We found that the bridges looked good but were an expensive detriment to the efficient operation of the track.
We found that the bridge and associated ramps, retaining walls, and earthworks created a visual barrier that required an extra track attendant to man the hidden section of track. Good practice for track operations calls for attendants to be stationed so they can respond to any incident where go-karts get hung up on the barrier and get them back in operation quickly. The attendant operating the remote shut off system in the pit could not see the entire track and had to rely on signals from the attendant at the blind spot when an incident occurred that required the track to be shut down for safety. An alternative was to equip the blind spot attendant with a hand held transmitter of the remote shut off system for a quicker response.
The other detriment of the visual barrier was that spectators could not see the entire track and would watch their friends or children who were driving disappear from view at every lap. We found that spectators wanted to see the entire track and not miss any of the action.
A bridge requires slopes to allow go-karts to climb up to the elevation of the deck and then down from the deck to the level of the rest of the track. These slopes require that the go-karts are geared down so they can climb them in the event that they are stopped on the slope up, which is a common occurrence on a busy track. When the remote shut off system is activated all go-karts are stopped at once wherever they happen to be. Unfortunately, if they are on an up slope they may roll backward, as the shut off system does not brake the go-kart, it only takes power away from the engine. On a down slope they may roll forward and hit another go-kart for the same reason.
Go-karts are equipped with devices to limit their maximum speed for safety reasons. If there is a long straight section of track drivers will keep their foot on the gas pedal but their go-karts will not go any faster, as the maximum speed has already been reached. Track designers limit the length of straight sections of track to keep the interest of drivers for this reason. Tracks with double bridges have a long straight deck that is often boring to drive.
The other effect on driving fun is that most go-karts slow down when climbing the slope to a bridge. The rest of the track may be competitive with right and left turns to challenge drivers, but then they come to that slope and it frequently bogs them down. The heavier the driver, the more they are slowed down, even with the bigger nine horsepower engines commonly used on go-karts with tracks with bridges.
The ironic part of this story is that park owners are paying a fortune in concrete, steel, retaining walls, earthworks, and storm drains to construct these bridges that make their tracks less profitable to operate. We used to try to keep the expense down by lowering the headroom under the bridge to five feet, which reduced the height of retaining walls and slopes. I don’t know how many times our attendants hit their heads while running under a bridge, but it does not feel very good when it happens.
The most expensive construction is the elevated wooden tracks that are built almost entirely of treated lumber, timbers, and steel. When you compare the cost of that type of construction to that of a concrete track poured over compacted earth, it is cost prohibitive for most facilities.
There is a myth that bridges allow more track to be built per square foot because of the “multilevel” design. I have found that this is not true because of the rigid limitations that bridges have in laying out a track. A bridge requires a long straight deck with retaining walls and earthworks on each end to support the slopes. It also requires that the lower section(s) of track cross at a right angle in order to limit the length of the deck above. A track without a bridge has no such design restraints and can make more efficient use of the area and topography available.
I know that there are some people in the go-kart business that do not agree on these points and are running a very profitable track with a bridge. My response is that they would be even more profitable if they had a good design and did not have the bridges on their track in the first place. The only exception to this would be the wooden elevated tracks in tourist hotspots where the sheer size and height of the structure draws tourists in to give that monster track a try. A track on the ground does not have the same visual effect as one that is fifty feet in the air. Unfortunately, after most people drive the elevated track they don’t want to do it again, as most are not that fun and rough to drive. In a tourist market this is acceptable as most tourists are replaced weekly with a new group that has not driven their track yet.
If you are considering building a new go-kart track with a bridge, take my advice and don’t do it. Make your track fun with limited straights, frequent turns, and some banking. The product we are selling is the fun driving experience, not how much of the track can be seen from traffic driving by. Go to go-kart tracks in your area and drive them with and without bridges for a “fun check” and you will see what I am talking about.
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A flash from the sky, a burst of wind, or an unexpected lake inside your batting cages. Any or all of these events can produce severe, and expensive, damage to your batting cage. Some of you know better than others how capable Mother Nature is at wreaking havoc. Preemptive planning is essential before any battle, and this Lady is a worthy foe. Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your cage.
While not particularly vulnerable to moderate winds, high winds and certainly hurricane force winds can rip netting and bend pipe. Your best defense is to lower the canopy net all the way down and untie the ropes attached to the perimeter poles. Let the net lay on the cage floor until the danger passes. Sounds like a lot of work? Not really if you consider the alternative. Replacing or repairing bent center poles, perimeter pipes and netting is a lengthy and expensive job.
High winds and electrical power outages usually go hand in hand. No power, no sump pump. No sump pump and your cage can fill up in a hurry during heavy rains. Consider an alternative power source, like a portable generator (4000 to 5000 watts in most cases should be adequate), to power the sump pump. You could also use an engine-driven centrifugal pump. If none of these options are available, get on your hip waders. Remove the light boxes and get them above the perimeter level. You may be able to get them up high enough without disconnecting all the cords and cables by suspending them from the roof or setting them securely on top the baseball machines. Lifting the dual machines from their mounting pipes and moving them to higher ground would also be a good idea. Again, a lot of work, but a better alternative than extended down time for repairs or replacement.
Lightning strikes are not only extremely dangerous to employees and patrons, they have the potential of causing severe damage to the electronic system in your cage. Since the pipes in the cage are surrounded by concrete they are not truly grounded. This makes them very attractive to lightning strikes. Unfortunately there is not a highly effective method to protect your equipment. If you are expecting a lightning storm it may help to unplug all the equipment and electronics from the receptacles, and remove all the program cards from your processor. If you have the new PT-6 Electronics, in addition to unplugging the light boxes, disconnect the Control Computer from the data line. Consider disconnecting the low voltage cable wires inside the light box. By isolating the components from each other, the main electrical system and even from ungrounded, conductive mounting pipes, you will hopefully experience less damage. The best alternative is to seek out a company in your area that specializes in grounding systems and have one installed. Lightning is the number one cause of electronic component damage in batting cages. Any measures taken to reduce or eliminate this hazard will be well worth the expense.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions about these or other preventative actions you can take, please contact our Customer Service Dept.
~Dan Hansen
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FACE 2 FACE ENTERTAINMENT CONFERENCE – 2/21 – 2/23 BRASELTON, GA
For more information, visit IAAPA’s website
Come see our new go-kart at IAAPA 2017. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida, November 14-17, Booth number #2633
#IAE17
bit.ly/IAE17
Nothing is safer, better looking or drives better than J&J go-karts. Stop by #IAAPAHQ #IAAPA2017 #IAAPAAE17 Booth number #2633 to see our new Fantom electric go-kart.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that James Peper (aka Jim “The Hammer”), a 30+ year veteran of Automated Batting Cages and most recently a beloved member of the J&J Amusements family, passed away unexpectedly on January 3rd, 2018.
Jim was an avid sports fan, regularly cheering on the Blazers, Seahawks, Oregon State Beavers, and especially the Mariners. His love of baseball started at a young age: he was a very talented player and had a promising future in the game until a blown knee shattered his prospects. He continued to play on several adult recreational leagues until his knees told him it was time to reluctantly transition from a player to an enthusiastic fan.
Jim started his work in the industry at a Grand Slam batting cage in Salem during his summers in school, and then went on to work at ABC, holding many positions there including assembly, shipping, sales and his longest position as a customer service/technical support rep before he moved into the purchasing position. He was a wealth of knowledge when it came to ABC batting cages and could remember the smallest details such as which wire color was used as far back as 1985! He was also a key person to the smooth transition and integration of ABC into J&J. During his two years at J&J, his quick wit and boisterous personality even further secured him a place in our hearts as a bright spot in even the most uneventful of days, and a very dear friend. Every coworker, vendor and customer who’s life he touched will forever be better for knowing him, and he will be missed more than words can say. Rest easy, Hammer: we love you…
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IAAPA Webinar:
Understanding Risk Management for FECs, Small Parks and Water Parks: The First Five Minutes Matter
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FOR SALE FROM : Heritage Square Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado
J & J GO KARTS & BUMPER BOATS –EXCELLENT CONDITION
For additional information:
Alan Bader 303 862-6164 or Dan Satow 517 617-1104
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 – the global conference and trade show for the attractions industry.
Your top priority is to deliver an immersive, customized, and exceptional experience to every guest, every time they visit your attraction. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 connects you with a global network of renowned experts ready to offer insights into their own experiences, allowing you to grow your business. Join us in Orlando and discover everything you need to exceed your guests’ expectations. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018…Because every experience matters.
Quick Facts and Stats:
550,000 net square feet of exhibit space, that’s nine miles of aisles!
30,000 attractions industry professionals
100+ educational opportunities
1,000 exhibiting companies
125 product categories
30 hours of exhibit time
5 days of networking opportunities
Who Should Attend?
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 is the one-stop destination for leisure and attractions industry professionals, including owners, operators, suppliers, investors, and developers from:
| Amusement and Theme Parks | Historic/Tourist Attractions | ||
| Attractions | Museums and Science Centers | ||
| Casinos | Public Parks and Recreation Facilities | ||
| Concessionaires | Water Parks and Resorts | ||
| Family Entertainment Centers | Zoos and Aquariums | ||
| Hotels and Resorts | and more! |
The show also provides a great and unique way to recognize and reward the up-and-coming supervisors, managers, and leaders in your organization.
For more information, please visit www.iaapa.org
10 Full Body! Kreative Karts Single Seaters (Mosquitos) for sale. Upgraded 9hp Honda motors. Belt Drive. Larger 3 Gal Fuel Tanks. EXE Receivers on each kart. Used 3 months 2017, in storage all 2018. Shipping Available. $1,500 ea. Call or text 724-322-9253. Click for more info.
Qty. 8 Formula K (5) F-2000 single seat Karts and 3 (F3001) Double Seat Go Karts. Double Seat Karts have 6.5 Honda Engine and Singles have 5.5HP Honda Engines. All engines are only about three years old with not much use and properly maintained. Kart bodies are in good condition with just normal wear and tear. Have several thousand dollars worth of extra parts (rail systems for karts), rubber bumpers, seat belts, Stainless Steel Brake Lines, engine parts, etc.. All Karts have the extended range fuel tanks. $25,000.00 for Everything. Go Karts are located in Tennessee. Please call or text 423-368-8979 if interested. Serious Inquiries Only. Thanks. Click for More Info
ABC PT-8 cage controller system. This system was pulled from an 8 cage set up, and is 3 seasons old. Rock solid, no problems with this system, it replaced a PT-4 system. 8 PT-8 light boxes with red and yellow LED style lights. 8 coin boxes with embed face and PT-8 internals, one coin box is select-a-pitch (no embed swipers, radios or controllers included). 8 swing protector bars to protect the coin box from being hit. 1 RJ45 Jack interface panel to go where the old computer interface was. 1 lefty panel for select a pitch cage. 8 hair dryer relay boxes. 3 pastime baseball pitching machines (one machine is select-a-pitch) with speed controllers. 4 pastime softball pitching machines with speed controllers. 1 hopper motor for the upper ball hoppers, will work for baseball or softball. 2 PT-8 programming boards ( you can put one at your old interfac3 an use the second one in the pit for programming. This cage is set up for all RJ45 wire. ABC makes interface boards that will allow you to use your existing 4 strand wiring to interface with this system. Click for more info
World’s Largest Amusement Related Show
2018 Nov. 12-16, Orlando, Florida USA
Asia Pacific Amusement Related
2019 June. 12-14, Shanghai, China
Europe’s Largest Amusement Related Show
2019 Sept. 15-19, Paris, France
Qty. 7 Talons built in 2013. Talons are fully operational
Qty. 2 Stingers (Parts Karts).
$7,000 OBO… Ready to ship.
Contact Wayne (586) 295-2900 or Mail@cjbarrymores.com
1960’s vintage Lusse Bumper cars. 120 Volt. These were some of the first fiberglass bodied cars. I just replaced a fleet so I have the original set along with a ton of parts. Make me an offer on the fleet along with the parts.
1960’s vintage Lusse Bumper Cars. 120 Volt . A perfect addition to the Man Cave or convert it to a new ride. Make me an offer on the bunch including parts.I actually have 11 left and will take offers on the bunch including leftover parts. See pictures…
I also have 12 Bumper Boats. They have not been used and kept in storage for the last 9 years anyway. Boats, tubes, electric motors and chargers. Make me an offer on the bunch. I have no current pictures of them. would take me a bit to uncover them. Click for photos
J&J Amusements will be proudly displaying our line of Go Karts, Bumper Boats and Pastime Pitching Machines in booth 2631. Please stop by to see what makes J&J Amusements equipment the safest, most durable equipment in the world.