Thunderbolt, previously known as Pippin, is a wooden roller coaster located at Kennywood amusement park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. It was originally built and designed by John A. Miller and opened in 1924. It was later renovated for the 1968 season, which involved a major track expansion designed by Andy Vettel. It reopened to the public as Thunderbolt. It is partially known for being one of the few rides at Kennywood to require a partner.

History

Pippin

In 1924, Pippin opened with trains by Miller and Baker. The original trains were replaced by three Century Flyer trains built by the National Amusement Device Company in 1958, which remain in operation today on Thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt

The Pippin roller coaster was expanded and partially rebuilt as Thunderbolt in 1968. Most of the ride was left intact except for the double dip, station, and station turn-around to the first hill, which were removed for the addition of the new front helix hills. The four original drops down a ravine were incorporated in the Andy Vettel-designed Thunderbolt coaster. In 1969, a small "speed bump" hill was removed from the inner helix near the loading station. Thunderbolt was rated the #1 roller coaster by the New York Times in 1974. On May 16, 1968, a 15-year old boy from Greensburg died after a fall from the roller coaster. The exact cause of death was stated to be under investigation but has never been confirmed. In 1991, the tunnel located at the end of the first dip was removed, allowing for a view of Steel Phantom. In 1998, for Kennywood's 100th anniversary, the headlights on the front of the trains were restored when the trains themselves were refurbished. In 1999, an accident occurred when operators failed to brake the train coming into the station, causing a collision with the train being loaded. Thirty people were injured in the crash. After the accident, the headlights on the cars were removed. Renovation of Phantom's Revenge resulted in Thunderbolt being closed for a few weeks in 2001 so that the new ride could be built through the structure. Phantom's Revenge retains Steel Phantom's drop through Thunderbolt's structure.

Ride experience

Thunderbolt follows the surrounding terrain with a track length of 3,250 ft. Its maximum height is 70 ft, but because of the track layout and the natural ravines, the maximum drop is 90 ft. Reaching a maximum speed of 55 mph, the ride takes 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete its circuit. A unique feature of Thunderbolt is that after departing from the station, the train does not immediately ascend the lift hill like most coasters. Instead, it enters the first drop, with the lift hill being located in the middle of the ride after the second drop. After the lift hill, riders descend a 90 ft long drop. After this drop is a tight bend which results in the rider on the right being pushed into the rider on the left due to the lack of a seat divider. After this, riders experience several turns and hills before returning to the station.

Awards and rankings

Thunderbolt is an ACE Coaster Classic and Coaster Landmark.