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Thunderbolt

Kennywood

The origin of the Thunderbolt roller coaster was the Pippin, a John A. Miller designed ride, that opened on the same site in 1924. Forty-four years later Andy Vettel was hired by Kennywood to rebuild the Pippin and Thunderbolt was born on March 27, 1968.

Dubbed the King of the Coasters by the New York Times in 1967, Thunderbolt remains near the top of everyone's "top coasters" list. It's unique features include an amazing plunge immediately upon leaving the station and its biggest drop actually comes at the end of the ride. If you visit Kennywood at night, then you'll notice the Thunderbolt's three classic NAD coaster trains all have working headlamps on the lead cars.

Thunderbolt Details

Year	Track	Type	Designer
1924	Wood	Double Out and Back	Andy Vettel

Roller Coaster Stats

Height: 70 feet	Drop: 90 feet
Top Speed: 55 mph	Length: 2,887 feet
Trains: 3 - 24 passenger	Train Mfg: National Amusement Devices
Ride Time: 1 minute, 48 seconds

More Facts About Thunderbolt

1924 - Started as the Pippin roller coaster designed by John A. Miller.

1968 - Rebuilt and expanded by Andy Vettel and renamed Thunderbolt.

ACE Classic Coaster

Maximum two train operation and no single riders are permitted.

Trains have four cars with three rows each, seating two abreast per row.

Height restriction: Must be at least 52 inches tall

Where to Coast ™

See: Kennywood

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