Mission Beach Giant Dipper - Rare ACE ERT (1987)

This video captures the one of the rarest ERT events in American Coaster Enthusiast history. ERT stands for Exclusive Ride Time. In 1987 ACE Con X was held in California. A side trip to San Diego was included in the schedule. The Mission Beach Giant Dipper had been closed for eleven years and was under restoration. This classic 1925 Prior and Church coaster had almost burned to the ground twice in 1981, yet thanks to efforts of the Save The Coaster Committee, it was destined to operate again in 1990. Three years prior to reopening, someone at the 1987 convention got the brilliant idea to roll an old two-car train from the station to the chain lift. The party was on! Watch this video and it becomes evident that riding rules did NOT exist! That night also featured the first lighting of the roller coaster in eleven years, capped off with the crazy night of ERT. Next day featured more ERT (POV video included) and a no-rules track walk was allowed. The rebuilding of Belmont Park is clearly seen from above on my track walk. If you enjoy this video, I have plenty more on my YouTube channel. Click on my name above to have a look. Subscribers welcome!

Partial list of ACE members in this video:
Betsy Abrams
Joan Burleigh
Mike Chew
Timothy Cole
Matt Crowther
Otto Dobnick
Mark Fluharty
Randy Geisler
Paul Greenwald
Paul Merriam
Joe Riznar
Ric Turner
Ken Ziff