Thunderbolt (Six Flags New England)
Thunderbolt is a wooden roller coaster located at Six Flags New England. Opened in 1941, it was designed by Harry Baker and Harry Traver, and built by Joseph Drambour.[1] Thunderbolt is the oldest roller coaster at Six Flags New England. It is also the oldest roller coaster in any Six Flags park (the Wild One at Six Flags America was built in 1917, but it was relocated from Paragon Park and has only been at Six Flags America since 1986). The single PTC train has 4 cars, and an individual lap bar and seatbelt for each person. An attendant has to manually unlock each car's lap bars by stepping on and pushing down a release bar at the front of each car.[2] Thunderbolt was dedicated an ACE Coaster Landmark on August 2, 2008.
| Thunderbolt | |
|---|---|
 Ride Entrance | |
| Six Flags New England | |
| Location | Six Flags New England |
| Coordinates | 42°2′20″N 72°36′48″W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 1941 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood |
| Manufacturer | Joseph E. Drambour |
| Designer | Harry C. Baker, Harry G Traver |
| Track layout | Figure Eight |
| Height | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Length | 2,600 ft (790 m) |
| Speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:00 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
 Flash Pass Available | |
| Thunderbolt at RCDB Pictures of Thunderbolt at RCDB | |
History
The track, train and plans for Thunderbolt were purchased by park owner Edward Carroll Sr. from the 1939 New York World's Fair.[3] When it opened in 1941, it was called Cyclone; the ride was renamed Thunderbolt in 1964.[2]
Thunderbolt has recently been refurbished and given a new coat of paint.
External links
References
- Roller Coaster Database, http://www.rcdb.com/182.htm
- Commemorative plaque at park from American Coaster Enthusiasts, http://www.aceonline.org/census/PhotoDetail.aspx?ID=6068
- Cecchi, David. Images of America Riverside Park. Arcadia Publishing, 2011, pg. 81