Looper Now Rolling at Knoebels

Just got back from Knoebels where we saw that the Looper is finally all up and running. For those who haven't seen the site under construction, it's located on the patch of land where Whirlwind used to be, immediately adjacent to the Flyers.

The ride is attractively presented. It consists of 10 cars, painted either royal blue or orange. The walkways to and from the platform are bordered by white picket like fences. Although open to the sky, the platform has a fascia band with blue, orange and yellow lights. Much of Whirlwind's old footprint remains open-- I can see one, maybe two more flats eventually located there in a nice grouping.

Right now, the ride has long lines and moves a little slow because the ops have to explain the procedure to every rider before the ride starts. The riders do control the spin of the cars. There must be two riders in each car, and they will pair riders up. While waiting in line, we saw one ride op ride three times in a row, and he had that car rolling. I'd say he's astronaut material.

Of course I had to try it out, twice. This is a really fun "new old-fashioned" flat ride. It's going to be a popular addition to the park, not to mention a must ride (at least once) at PPP.

Good to hear that the ride is running but I really don't like the idea of them not allowing single riders. It's probably a capacity issue but if the riders control the spinning of the car, it seems like there could be some issues there with strangers in each car if they pair people up. If someone doesn't want to spin that much but the other rider wants to spin as much as possible, it can lead to problems.

I would think that it is a weight/balance thing.

One ride I took with my brother and we went over quite a few times. The second time I took my nephew and we didn't go over at all, we got close, but he didn't have enough weight to take us over once he got to the top. So the weight and balance issue does matter.

I didn't think about the weight or balance but it does make sense. I guess I am just so used to hearing about parks in general that seem to be against single riders (especially on flats) that I just figured that capacity was the reason.

I can't remember...was this the same ride that was at Whalom Park? (I mean the same EXACT ride?)

Good to hear its up and running, it was about half way done when I was up there from Jersey about two weeks ago. I agree that the old whirlwind/jet star footprint would be a great spot for a couple of more classic flats.

On a two different Knoebels notes/thoughts: two different flyer operators told me that the ride would be fully refurbished for 2006. They specifically told me the old Cummins Engine would be replaced, but neither had any more specific details. Anyone have any more specific details on the refurb?

Secondly, knowing Knoebels passion for ride acquision and relocation, anyone know if DK has been in contact with Cedar Fair regarding Demon Drop? I haven't heard much of a possible destination for the ride, only that it is for sale. I think it would be a fantastic additon for Knoebels, maybe it could be shoe-horned down by Twister for a second ride down there (though almost anything would be a tight fit).

First Post, love the site, love coasters, love Knoebels.

-Lary Lapczynski

PS - anyone have a good idea for a domain name for a Knoebel's fan site. I have the time and think it is long overdue.

I'm not familiar with the installation of this ride at Knoebels. What kind of ride is it?

It sounds to me like the one I rode at the Grange Fair a few weeks ago here in State College. They had Two rides with the same Ride Vehicles, but one ride went around in a circle like a merry-go-round, and the other ride went around in a circle like a ferris wheel. The ride vehicles were circular shaped "cages" that held Two rides sitting across from each other, rocking back and forth much like a see-saw until the riders would go over the top and completely rotate.

Does One of these rides sound like what Knoebels has built?

This one is flat, not vertical. Here's a good representation.

http://rmmridemodels.com/vintage/pages/Looper.htm

Thanks for all of your interest in the ride. This ride is not the one which was at Whalom Park (and at Benson's before that), but one of our good guys on staff used to work on the Looper at Benson's, and hence, much of the knowledge we have to make this one spin came, once removed, from the Whalom ride.

Another great source of information was the Allan Herschell Museum in North Tonawanda, New York. I hope to get there soon; it sounds like a really interesting place for fans of amusement rides. They actually directed us to this used ride, when we despaired of ever finding one which might be still far enough from the permanent rust state to be repairable. Ed and the folks at the Herschell Museum deserve more extensive fame and credit for the work they are doing with historical amusement pieces.

And finally, there is a neat connection between the drive train of the Looper and a tool of the Environmental Engineers of decades ago at Knoebels, a story which will likely be told at PPP. Typical. Amazing but typical...

ah, I was there when the first riders went on it, it does look cool, and when they were testing it out. ( I just got home from knoebels) My friend and I spent alot of time watching it, and my dog when we had him lol. Maybe you saw us and didn't know it lol. I saw someone with a pretty expensive camera taking pics of Power Surge, and someone else with a Coaster Zombies shirt on *** Edited 9/5/2005 11:53:35 PM UTC by P18***

John Peck - Knoebels had a Looper in storage for some time now. I recall seeing it my first PPP, in 2000. Of course they may have purchased the Whalom ride for parts but AFAIK the ride has been in storage at the park for many years.

I just rode it today as well. I actually got a bit dizzy on it. It looks great and is rather fun to watch too. Another great classic addition to Knoebels! For $1.20 it's worth at least one or two rides.

I was under the impression that the Whirlwind spot was going to remain open for the 2006 attraction.

Same here, when on the flume before being dispatched the workers were all talking about The Looper "that isnt the final place for it, its going to be moved right?" "Yeah, Im pretty sure thats only temporary or something like that", they talked back and forth like that, so who knows.

....and we take another quantum leap forward in terms of "quality posters" at the Buzz... ;)

Have to get the pics from the latest trip to Knoebels up soon, I was so impressed to see the signs up around the area of Looper telling of the *splendid fate* of Whirlwind...my first (but not last) non-PPP trip to Knoebels...I've got a bad case of "Elysburgophilia". Twice in one year though? LOL!

Wondering if the "neat connection between the drive train of the Looper and a tool of the Environmental Engineers of decades ago at Knoebels" doesn't have something to do with the mechanism that turns the roofs on the buildings at KG...

bill, mechanical rides aficianado...:)

Ohhhh, one of those! My back is hurting just from looking at the pic. WOW! Never been on one.

Just MIGHT have to try it. :-)

-Tina

I guess it couldn't be the one that used to be at Lakewood. That one has probably been in a scrap yard for over 20 years already. :(

As far as riding goes, you're actually better off if you roll over a few times. It's when you hang upside down without going over that you get the headache.

As far as location, looks like a lot of work was put into the location it's in now. It looks more permanent than say the Merry Mixer, which has been in the same place since 1968. I could be wrong, but then I wonder where the Looper could go permanently?

And as long as we're doing requests, anyone know where you can find one of these? =========>

http://rmmridemodels.com/vintage/pages/Lindy-Loop.htm

The looper looks like hamster wheels on crack. ;-)

-Tina

And guess who the hamsters are? At least we get to sit down and don't have to run around chasing a little ball with a jingle bell in it. They've have to charge people $1.20 to WATCH.

The only thing you have to decide with this ride is who's going to be on top. ;)

The Lindy Loop cars didn't actually loop, they just rocked back and forth. I have old Coney Island film of one in action.