From the boarding platform of the Thunderbolt, a train takes its riders from the safety of the station into the unknown. In the distance, the vertical loop and final stages of the Steel Phantom are visible.
From the boarding platform of the Thunderbolt, a train takes its riders from the safety of the station into the unknown. In the distance, the vertical loop and final stages of the Steel Phantom are visible.
In Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, is this tiny park with several classic coasters. Don't be misled if you've ever heard of it! Kennywood is home to the Steel Phantom, the world's fastest rollercoaster, also holding the record for the longest drop of any coaster. Built by Arrow, this coaster follows the natural contour of the land, and unlike the majority of coasters, it is the second drop to watch out for: a 225 foot plummet into a ravine, right under and through the old wooden Thunderbolt. You reach 80 mph at the bottom, right into a tight turn followed by several loops, if you're conscious enough to notice them. This ride is mind-boggling, and if you have any love of coasters at all, you must try it!
Also at Kennywood you'll find 3 classic woodies: the Jack Rabbit (quite a lot of fun for such a small, old ride, with a distinctive "camel-back" double dip right before the final turn. Great air-time!), the Racer (a one of a kind racing coaster with only one track--you'll have to ride it a few times to find out what that means--with trains that run so close that riders can hold hands across trains as they pass each other!) and the Thunderbolt (a favorite woody with a fun first drop!) In 1997 they've added the Pitfall, a tower that takes you 251 feet in the air (with your legs dangling!) and drops you straight down. From the top, there's a great view of the park, including the new nostalgia-themed Lost Kennywood section, a beautiful addition with several attractions, including historic rides and info on long-gone parks, and the wettest water-plunge ride I've seen (on or off the boat!). As one of my all-time favorite parks, it's surprising that I have no photos to post of the incredible attractions there. I'd say that's because this is one park where I waste my time on nothing but riding! You can visit Kennywood on the web at www.kennywood.com. Along with park info, this site holds a history of all the coasters that are or ever were at Kennywood.
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