Anyone ever ridden the San Antonio Playland Rocket

Those that know this stuff will have already figured out that this is the Knoebels Phoenix, without having to first go here.

Everyone who has ridden it knows how great the Phoenix is (including people who haven't ridden it!) But no one really talks about how the coaster was BEFORE it was resurrected in Elysburg. I'd love to hear from some people who rode this coaster when it was still in Texas. Was it as good as it is now, or has Knoebels' dedication to the ride made it better than it ever was?

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

Having only ridden it as Phoenix, I can't imagine it being any better as the Rocket, cuz nothing could ever be better than Phoenix.

From what I heard the first drop was a little better in Texas. I don't see how it could be any differant but thats what I read some place on line a year or two back. (I think it was someone on RRC)

The Rocket also had a trim brake on the second turnaround like the Comet at Hershey. Heck how many parks remove brakes instead of adding them! I bet the second half is alot crazier now minus the brake.

Playland Rocket

More pic here

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Signature will be closed today. Sorry for the inconveinance.

*** This post was edited by coasterpunk 9/10/2003 3:39:14 PM ***

Odd how the first drop could be different without any reprofiling having taken place, but then again, I have never had to complain about that aspect of the Phoenix. Amazing how a smallish (70-something feet) drop at a 45 degree angle could be so great!

I forgot all about that brake that was removed... you're right, how often do you hear of a park removing a trim brake? But, if any park was going to do it, it would be Knoebels!

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

It's so sad to drive by the old playland site on Broadway in San Antonio. Some of the structures are still there. By the way, does anyone know what that tower is next to the Rocket? If you drive by the site, the tower is still there. But i've always wondered what that was.

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