Thread: Local Amusement Park Unveils Largest U.S. Wooden Coaster

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Yep right here in Erie PA. at Waldameer Park & Water World, the 11th oldest amusement park in the U.S.
YouTube - Waldameeer Park

Opens with the 'unveiling' of the 'Ravine Flyer II' Here are some videos to show the progress of construction, as well as to give you an idea of just how far below they are...
YouTube - Ravine Flyer Update
The bluish structure is one of the two 'bridges' that span the ravine, hence the name of the ride...
YouTube - Ravine Flyer II Update
A still shot of one of our local cub reporters at the top of the first rise, 170 feet above Lake Erie. In the lower right hand corner is the aforementioned bridges spanning Peninsula Dr...

Still more construction/ behind the scenes photos at Waldameer's site...
Ravine Flyer 2
Last and not least, a video of the coaster in operation. A 'preview' set up by the park for some of the local media types...
YouTube - Ravine Flyer II POV Waldameer Park

The stats are as follows:

Categories: Hybrid (Steel Structure)
Cost: $6,000,000
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania

Length: 2900'
Height: 80'
Drop: 115'
Inversions: 0
Speed: 57 mph
Duration: 1:30

Thom
I'm in Erie too. The coaster is awesome. Too bad the weather is crappy for the grand opening today but I'm sure that won't keep the crowds away. We have a school picnic there the second weekend in June so I'll be on it. Thanks for the clips. I've been following updates on goerie.com.

I'm just glad that someone posted some of this on YouTube, as Jet-TV's media player leaves a LOT to be desired. By the way, I'm looking for confirmation about something that I heard a long time ago.
Picasa Web Albums - Steve - Ravine Flyer ...
Apparently the predecessor, the original Ravine Flyer, (as seen in the above link) was dismantled back in '38 due in large part to a successful suicide attempt by a depressed patron. Have you ever heard of anything like that?

That is awesome...I live near Paramounts Kings Island and we just have the Beast and the Son Of Beast both are awesome rides.

Yeah, there was a charity auction for Juvenile Diabetes for seats on the first inaugural run. The highest bid was over $800.00......

$800.00 DOLLARS!!!!! Well it is going for a good cause so its worth it in the long run...

Yeah, I know, but still...

Anyway though I may have posted some of these stats before:

Over 3,000 feet of Track

3 Giant Drops
(120 feet, 80+ feet, and 60+ feet)

60 Degree First Drop

Track Banking up to 90 degrees

Speeds over 60 Miles per Hour

10 Spots of Air Time

Wood Track with Steel Structure

Beautiful Views of Lake Erie

Crossover over 4 lane highway on a 165 foot Arched Bridge

6 Tunnels

10 Cross-Overs

Must be 48" or taller to ride

Historic Note: The present Lakeview picinic shelter next to the new station was the original Ravine Flyer I Station

Originally Posted by Thom_Serveaux

I'm just glad that someone posted some of this on YouTube, as Jet-TV's media player leaves a LOT to be desired. By the way, I'm looking for confirmation about something that I heard a long time ago.
Picasa Web Albums - Steve - Ravine Flyer ...
Apparently the predecessor, the original Ravine Flyer, (as seen in the above link) was dismantled back in '38 due in large part to a successful suicide attempt by a depressed patron. Have you ever heard of anything like that?

Probably some truth to this but the circumstances are subject to change. I had heard that someone fell from the original ride when they stood up in the car. I don't think this is why the ride was dismantled though. It was more for safety as the structure was no longer deemed safe. No pressure treated lumber in those days. My dad remembers the early coaster and had been on it. He recalls the story of someone being killed by falling but I'd never heard the suicide story. Could be true I suppose, but my guess is that a truly despondnet person with an actual death wish would find another way to end their life.

Originally Posted by jdubbya

Probably some truth to this but the circumstances are subject to change. I had heard that someone fell from the original ride when they stood up in the car. I don't think this is why the ride was dismantled though. It was more for safety as the structure was no longer deemed safe. No pressure treated lumber in those days. My dad remembers the early coaster and had been on it. He recalls the story of someone being killed by falling but I'd never heard the suicide story. Could be true I suppose, but my guess is that a truly despondent person with an actual death wish would find another way to end their life.

Granted, after all, it was dismantled 70 years ago, and over time, with human nature being what it is, the tale kept getting taller and taller as time passed, maybe...