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Ride Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
should now visit Waldameer Park. With decent
weather, expect a double-digit percentage increase in
Waldameer's attendance by the end of the season.
Go With Gravity
Ravine Flyer II is a classic out-and-back rollercoaster
with a contorted double turnaround finale. It was
designed and engineered by the Gravity Group, with
Jeff Mason as the construction supervisor. Entech
Systems provided the controls and Philadelphia
Toboggan Coasters (PTC) the trains.
"We first chose Charlie Dinn to build the coaster,"
recalls Nelson, "but Charlie went out of business. Then
it was CCI, and they also went away. Then the Gravity
Group was born. They’d done work for parks that we
have a close relationship with, such as Holiday World,
Indiana Beach and Cliff's. The Gravity Group was
great to work with and delivered more than expected."
Two sets of six-car, 24-passenger PTC trains carry
riders through an amazing journey that begins with a
climb up an 83ft lift hill, from which riders can briefly
enjoy a spectacular view of the Lake Erie shoreline. On
a clear day you can even see Canada. the Hersheypark Wildcat, it is unlike most coasters that ABOVE: The ride enjoys a unique
Then comes the moment of truth, a 118ft plunge start hot and then slow down. Because the track location overlooking Lake Erie
down the hillside towards the lake that reaches speeds continues to drop lower and lower as the ride BELOW: The first drop
of nearly 60 mph, a twisting 90-degree right-hand turn progresses, Ravine Flyer II picks up speed, momentum
into a 75ft-long covered tunnel, and a flight over the and ferocity as you go through the ride. Time in the
165ft-long arched steel bridge to the elevated turn- thrill zone, from the moment you drop off the lift hill
around. until the final brake, is just under 50 seconds. It only
Returning over the same bridge after a second major seems longer. This is a major-league thrill ride.
drop of 86ft, guests encounter a double-down through According to Nelson, "The Gravity Group says
a 171ft tunnel before rampaging through 630 degrees Ravine Flyer II is the most unique coaster they have
of undulating track that contains super-elevated designed. Not because of the length or its drop of
banking of up to 90 degrees and a 56ft tunnel, before 132ft, but because of its unique location. The whole
finally returning to the loading station. design of the ride was built to the terrain. People will
enjoy the speed, the view, the twists and turns, the
Controlled Chaos tunnels, and a really great ride."
From start to finish, it feels like controlled chaos as But for Paul Nelson, the best part of finally realising
riders are lifted off their seats up to 10 times, including his dream, "is listening to the people hoot and holler
several moments when the train changes direction and as they get off the ride with a big smile." For other park
tries to pull the seat out from under you. operators, Nelson offers this advice. "If you are
There are good coasters, very good coasters, and planning to add a similar coaster, plan to spend a lot
great coasters. Ravine Flyer II is a great coaster, and of time on the details, make your coaster unique for
this is why. Like the venerable Coney Island Cyclone or your park, and build the coaster to last."
Keep it in the family
"Waldameer is a real family park and Ravine Flyer II will be a great
addition for the teenagers and parents," notes CEO Paul Nelson. "Over
half our business is organised picnics and we have already seen a
growth in school, church, youth and industrial picnics. How much, only
time will tell."
Founded in 1896, Waldameer is the tenth oldest amusement park in
the United States. Paul Nelson, his wife Lane, his son-in-law Steve
Gorman, who is president and general manager, and his daughter
Nancy Gorman head up a group of three generations of the family
working there. Nelson's goal is to continue growing with ownership
remaining in the hands of the family.
ABOVE: Their work is done. Left to right: Mike Graham and Chad Miller, Gravity Group; Jeff Mason, Ravine Flyer II construction supervisor; Lane and Paul Nelson,
Waldameer; Korey Kiepert, Gravity Group; Tom Rebbie, Philadelphia Toboggan Company; Larry Bill, Gravity Group; Emily and Steve Gorman, Waldameer; Ken
Anthony, Entech Systems; Nancy Gorman, Waldameer, and Brian Gorman, Waldameer.
OCTOBER 2008
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