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[sdcforever]

ThuNderaTion is a lot more catchy than Trinitrotoluene.

But you have to admit, that would have been a cool name.

Agreed.  There would've been a lot of questions as to what Trinitrotoluene means, but there's nothing wrong with learning something new at SDC. 

[Copper]

Does Thunderation really stand for T.N.T? I have heard old prospectors and hill people in movies (The Shepherd of the Hills) use the word in sentences like: What in Thunderation? Not sure where the word come from.

[shavethewhales]

Maybe it's just an awesome name. 

Then again, it was SDC's first coaster, so if you ask those who were in charge of it, there's probably a tremendous back-story behind it all. I would love to see some of the concept art/ descriptions of it. Was there a story behind it?

[Copper]

The Gumbo gang is on the loose and word has spread that they have reopened the abandoned old J&P mine (Jack and Pete Herschend, look at the green and gold cars next time it says J&P mine) Join Hard Luck Hank and strike silver before the notorious Gumbo gang.

The coaster was billed as "It's thrilling for kids, yet smooth-riding enough for the adults."

Remnants of the Gumbo gang were still there the last time I rode the coaster. When you are going up hill (forwards) look down to your right through the trees you should see the Gumbo gang camped out.

I have the model of the coaster on video at my parents from 1992. I think there was originally plans for another helix just before the lift hill.

[sdcforever]

Does Thunderation really stand for T.N.T? I have heard old prospectors and hill people in movies (The Shepherd of the Hills) use the word in sentences like: What in Thunderation? Not sure where the word come from.

I believe Thunderation does stand for TNT (in SDC's case), because it's officially spelled ThuNderaTion, and the caps spell TNT.  Thunderation is also a slang term, that expresses bewilderment, amazement, and confusion (that's the best way I can describe it).  Encarta has a more formal definition.  It says it's an exclamation of annoyance or surprise. 

I was enthralled with ThuNderaTion when it was first announced.  I remember how excited I was to see the model right by the entrance to the park in 1992!  I couldn't believe SDC was putting in a coaster!  I agree with Steve.  It would be fun to hear the backstory, find out how they chose the name, and see the number of sketches and name changes they went through.

[Swoosh]

TNT is also what the mechanics and safety refer to the ride as.