Waiting for the XK-1

I agree with Randy Lewis’ description of the Whirlpool (“Pilots Take a Hand on New Knott’s Ride That Creates Barrel Rolls of Excitement,” Calendar, May 30), but I cannot comment on the excitement and thrills of the Swiss-made XK-1, nor can anyone else who attended the park on May 29.

The lines formed early in the morning, including my family and I. However, after lining up and waiting approximately one hour for “test runs” and “start-ups” (as we were told), all of us would-be, XK-1 test pilots were informed that the ride would temporarily be closed due to technical difficulty. We checked back later again and again. At the information booth, they phoned someone who said the ride would be operational that evening.

Well, at 9:30 p.m., with only a half-hour left until closing, we left the park; the large crane was still standing next to the ride with the two repairmen scratching their heads. The sign still hung in the ticket booths “Attractions not in operation today: The Slammer.”

Other rides that were not in operation that day were the Corkscrew and Gasoline Alley Racers. They did, however, open later.

I would say that at a cost of $2 million, the XK-1 was paid for by those in attendance that day, who only got to look at a seven-story yellow pole with two men attached who were probably trying to figure out how to read the manual left by the Swiss. Is there a watch repairman in the park?

SAM L. HUNSAKER

Fountain Valley

A Knott’s spokesman said that the technical problems that shut down the XK-1 on May 29 have been resolved and that “the ride has been running fine ever since and people seem to like it very much.” The spokesman also said Hunsaker and his family will be given free passes so they may return to the park and try the ride another day.