Kennywood (KW) Discussion Thread

[PhantomNick]

Well, technically the dates where CoasterCon is at Kennywood are June 20-23, but with the park now saying Sky Rocket is slated to open June 25, I'd be willing to bet there might be an ERT session on it (perhaps Thursday night?). It just makes me laugh, because he was so adamant that it had no chance of being open in time for the Con. Not saying there will be any chances for people to ride before the 25th, but it's not as preposterous of an idea as he made it sound.

 

I'm just stoked that the opening is now just a little over a week away! WOOT!!!

[jamesdillaman]

Because parks have NEVER done a soft opening of a ride not open to the public yet for a large enthusiast event. Not saying it will happen, but it is within the realm of possibility. I'm just glad it's finally opening so when I get back from Jamaica maybe I can plan a trip out there...

[Hercules]

Cool. I'll be there on June 28.

[sros1fan]

According to Kennywood's Facebook-

Finally, the news you've been waiting for! As long as we don't have any unexpected delays, Sky Rocket will open to the public on Friday, June 25!

 

I like how it says will open to the GP on the 25th so that means it could be open for us on the 23rd for ERT!!!

[Kennyweird]

As of today the vast majority of the queue handrails and the exit ramp, which is mostly prefabricated, have been installed. They were also constantly running the coaster all evening.

[phantomfan93]

All I know is I'm going to the park early.

[nowaymang]

Happiness is receiving word that your company's summer picnic will be held at Kennywood Park in August.

[cowboyjoe]

Unexpected delay #1:

Work is progressing nicely on commissioning the ride. We are currently projecting opening Sky Rocket on June 29 as long as there are no unexpected delays. June 29 is subject to change without notice.

[sros1fan]

Im at coaster con and it is suppose to open on the 25th but they announced that it might be part of ert before we leave on wednesday. I also watched it testing and i can say it has to be one of the quietest coasters i have heard. The launch was fast quiet and smooth. I hope they have it ready for atleast one ride.

[Myself]

Kennywood's Facebook page now has a mounted POV video. I REALLY wish I could embed this, but I can't figure out how I can or if I can, so here you go:

[FeelTheFORCE]

Neat! Can't wait to ride!

[eddie200330]

They really sped the trims up before the second drop. Looks alot better now!

[spaceace12]

I have a friend at the ACE Con and he posted that Con Attendee's are getting to ride it for a single lap.

[PhantomNick]

^^Agreed....the brakes before the second drop are behaving exactly as I pictured they would now. Looks like they've been doing some work to adjust it just right.

 

After seeing that POV, I am even more ecstatic with this addition to Kennywood! The ride looks awesome in action, and I absolutely cannot wait to ride this bad boy next week!! The pacing and variety of elements look fantastic, and the 2 drops look sweet as well.

 

Bring on the 29th!

[eddie200330]

BTW, did anyone notice the amount of negative comments under the video!!

[Dailey Enterprizes]

^ Yeah I noticed that too. Oh well, some people only know how to complain or speculate...

 

So there are no drive tires on this coaster? I mean obviously it's LSM driven through the launch, but I would have expected a rudimentary form of transport for the brake run and station. I'm just curious if it's just gravity bringing the train back to the station or if LSMs are doing it.

[acq10uaz]

The people at the event are currently riding it ride now. They all said its awesome!

[Skycoastin Steve]

Looks like a pretty neat ride, I'm looking forward to whenever I get a chance to ride it.

[Kennyweird]

^ Yeah I noticed that too. Oh well, some people only know how to complain or speculate...

 

So there are no drive tires on this coaster? I mean obviously it's LSM driven through the launch, but I would have expected a rudimentary form of transport for the brake run and station. I'm just curious if it's just gravity bringing the train back to the station or if LSMs are doing it.

 

There are drive tires in the station (I think there might also be one just before it), but the brake run is all gravity.

[phantomfan93]

Did anyone else hear that weird sound during the launch off?

[cowboyjoe]

You mean to say that they finished the queue in time to open Sky Rocket for Coaster Con! I'm in shock! I thought it would take at least another six months.

[coasterfreak101]

Did anyone else hear that weird sound during the launch off?

 

The scream? Haha, I think it sounds pretty cool!

 

I need to get myself to this park, stat.

[Houston Thrills]

You mean to say that they finished the queue in time to open Sky Rocket for Coaster Con! I'm in shock! I thought it would take at least another six months.

 

They gave ACErs 1 lap each, the ride still won't open for another week, so obviously something's not ready.

[sros1fan]

I was on the first train out and i sat in the last row. The ride is so smooth and quiet. I didnt feel any air time but thats not what it was built for. I like the way it goes out of the station and right into the launch. The holding brake at the top of the hill doesnt hold it as long as it looks when your watching it. It is a really short ride though only about a min long. All in all think it is a perfect fit for KW.

[Dailey Enterprizes]

^^ It's probably aesthetic related because anything major would have prohibit the ACErs from riding. At least that's my theory.

 

I am looking forward to riding this come Julyish, but I am still wanting to see how the Phantom rides with the modified track on the second hill and I; of course, need my Pitt Fall fix.