Knoebels announces they are working on a classic!

You may as well apply for residency, Rob. All we need now is for someone to rebuild the Mauch Chunk Switchback.

Rob, you forgot the last Overland coaster in the world on that list! :)

Except Rob doesn't care about those "steel" coasters. :)

That's a big misconception. I really do care about steel coasters. I just like the wooden ones a little more ;) It was good meeting you at the PPP, by the way.

How could I forget about the Overland coaster, especially when its airtime embarrasses that on most hyper coasters. That thing should be declared a national landmark. Hopefully the park finishes repainting it in the offseason.

And thanks for the truly memorable bumper car rides. I'm going to have to make it to Elysburg one weekday night next season to meet you guys. Seriously!

Just keep in mind we are at the bumper cars Wendsdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6 till close!

Likewise, Rob. Did you get your Looper ride in today? I'll be looking forward to reading your TR :) (or is that your "Everything sucks" report?)

I was reminded of your driving story while I was leaving the park. Apparently someone was driving around in the park trying to get out, when they found themselves right in front of the covered bridge. LOL. Oops.

Flying Turns?

This day and age?

You're kidding right?

Holy freaking cow that is so awesome! I can't believe I missed out on the annoucement as I was too busy riding an fericious Twister near the campground.

So we have John Fetterman teaming up with Knoebel's on this one? Since when did I die and go to heaven?

~Rob "I'm so totally there!" Willi

Which coaster is the one that is built by Overland? I've never even heard of the manufacturer.

The High Speed Thrill Coaster at Knoebels!

All I got to say is WOW! I missed the announcement also. I was too soaked and went back to our campsite at 9:45ish.

The flying turns will be a fantastic addition and a really one-of-a-kind ride. Nobody has ridden a real wooden flying turns since the Coney Island ride was torn down in the 70s. I think this will set Knoebels up to have one of the most diverse collections of wooden coasters anywhere. This will really be the project to keep an eye on. I really admire Knoebels dedication to antique and classic attractions. They help to preserve the history of the industry and show people that there is a lot of fun to be had with the older rides. The Looper looked fantastic - I just wish my stomach was brave enough to give it a chance. Maybe next year.

My first Phunfest was Phantastic. The nearly constant rain really tested my endurance but the coasters were really Phlying!

Sunday at Ridefest was a great time as well. Thanks to Barry and the staff of Lakemont Park for going above and beyond by giving us free reign of the nearly winterized park and some great end of season rides on the coasters.

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coasterpunk said:
Just keep in mind we are at the bumper cars Wendsdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6 till close!

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No way I'll forget that!

RGB- I didn't get a ride on the Looper. After the GCII tour we took a few spins on Phoenix and Twister and got a ride on the bumper cars with the infamous GCII crew. Each time we passed the Looper, I wasn't with anyone daring enough to go on it. Oh well, next year.

Glad you enjoyed your first PPP, millrace. Hopefully it's not the last time we see you in Elysburg in October!

I really don't see what advantage that building this ride in wood would have over the Mack or Intamin versions. Wooden coasters are naturally rougher and require more maintenance. The park would probably be better off in the long run to build a super Mack version (since it would still be a very unique ride since only Kings Dominion has a small version) with flying turns design and look to it.

I'm surprised... two pages before someone started complaining.

So you've ridden a flying turns ride? You know that a replica of an original flying turns isn't going to be as good as a modern bobsled ride based on the assumption that "wood coasters are naturally rougher and require more maintenance"?

Knoebels doesn't have the space or the money for a large bobsled-style ride. And if you've ever been to the park, you'd know that a bobsled belongs there like a tumble bug belongs in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Knoebels is all about classic rides and this is another chance for them to offer something that no other park offers. Good for them.

This excites me very much. I can't wait to get out there and ride it in 2007... assuming that's when it'll open.

And yes, it only took 2 pages for someone to ask "what's next?". After hearing that they'll do a flying turns, i'm hoping a wooden wild mouse isn't out of the question for the next great piece from Dick.

This WILL definitely get me back to Knoebels...as if I need an excuse to go. I seriously cant wait for this.

Knoebels has proven that they know what they are doing when it comes to classic rides and ride maintenance. I'm pretty confident that their wooden flying turns will offer an experience quite a bit different from those modern bobsled rides.

The biggest advantage to a wooden bobsled? Cost.

Parc Asterix payed something like 10 millions euros for their Mack Bobsled! Same year, Holiday Park payed the same money for... Expedition Ge Force, an Intamin hyper.

From what I gather, riding the classic wooden Flying Turns was a far more intense experience than riding a modern steel bobsled. Knoebels has already proven they can build in-house a wooden coaster based on a classic. I see no reason to doubt that they can do it again.

BTW, Twister was giving its best rides of the season at PPP.

I have never been on a flying turns but I am sure the lateral-g forces are a lot more intense because of the tight radii turns. Considering that two flying turns rides can fit on the site of the Whirlwind proves how compact those things were.