Coney Island (Luna Park / Deno's) Development Discussion Thread

^Yea I was thinking the same thing.

^^I agree. They look better than Gerstlauer's in my opinion.

I think this looks like a very solid coaster, and it will probably the one who breaks the trend of Zamperla only making mediocre coasters.

Maybe parks who have a good relationship with Zamperla will start to buy this type of coaster now, instead of the Volare.

Zamperla isn't a stranger to three-across seating, they use it on their Hawk flat rides.

Out of curosity, when did the design for Thunderbolt get changed from having a twisting elevator lift to having a vertical lift?

Can't wait to see how it turns out. But from the video a while ago, the seats looks very hard.

Out of curosity, when did the design for Thunderbolt get changed from having a twisting elevator lift to having a vertical lift?

Zamperla came to their senses.

^I'd imagine the vertical lift is a far more effective system when it comes to the coaster's hourly throughput... I'd guess the elevator lift was probably going to be more limiting in that regard.

^I'd imagine the vertical lift is a far more effective system when it comes to the coaster's hourly throughput... I'd guess the elevator lift was probably going to be more limiting in that regard.

Then why don't they try the type of lift on Volares?

^ To save Space probably.

Groundbreaking for the Thunderbolt on Monday

http://www.amny.com/news/coney-island-breaking-ground-on-new-thunderbolt-monday-1.7293577

Today was the groundbreaking ceremony for Thunderbolt.

I stopped by after work today to see exactly what has been done (even though I generally stop by every 2-3 days anyway). The field where the coaster will sit still needs to be leveled. It was truly only a shovel in the dirt photo op/ceremony. Although it was re-iterated that the coaster will open May 22nd. I do have three pictures of the field but it's not even worth posting them at this point, as there is only one small pile of dirt.

Credit to a local Brooklyn paper (Brooklyn Spectator for this report)

Luna Park breaks ground on famous Thunderbolt coaster

BY JAIME DEJESUS jdejesus@homereporter.com

Good things come to those who wait, even if that wait is 32 years long. On March 10, Coney Island’s Luna Park broke ground on its newest attraction and the return of an old favorite, the Thunderbolt roller coaster, which closed in 1984 and was demolished in 2000.

Politicians along with representatives of the Alliance for Coney Island, Amusement Rides Company Zamperla, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Central Amusement International and the New York City Department of Parks were on hand to celebrate the construction of the ride which is slated to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

“The Thunderbolt roller coaster represents another exciting step forward in the continued revitalization of Coney Island,” said NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball.

Although it will inherit the same name as the original wooden coaster which opened in 1925,

this isn’t your grandfather’s Thunderbolt. The thrill ride is set to fit modern times.

“We’ve come here to Coney Island with the mind to respect the memories that lie here. I think it was very important to be able to bring back a ride like the Thunderbolt,” said Alberto Zamperla, president and CEO of Zamperla S.p.A. “Of course, it has to be something new. It can’t be the same because the memories are good, but the world is moving ahead and to respect the Thunderbolt, it’s good that we have something completely new.”

The new iteration will sport the park’s first ever vertical lift steel coaster. “There’s a new safety system and new cars with three passenger seats. (The original) had an even number, but now families are different. Demographics are different. We keep things updated. That is very important,” continued Zamperia.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is excited about the new addition to Luna, although he’s not eager to test out the thrill-seeking ride. “One thing for sure, I will not be the first person to ride this ride. I’m afraid of roller coasters,” he joked of the ride that is expected to last two minutes with speeds of 55 mph, including a 90-degree vertical drop. “But Thunderbolt is going to be a lightning rod of entertainment, economic development, and a new family friendly environment. Coney Island is back.”

Adams praised the collaboration behind the area’s resurgence. “It is an indicator of EDC and the mayor’s commitment to the development of Coney Island and how we’re going to develop, along with the local alliance and community groups and organizations,” said Adams.

The new coaster is also expected to continue to improve the area’s economic growth. “It is music to my ears to hear that this is an opportunity to create further jobs for local residents who are seeking employment,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger. “It is also important that we further stimulate the local economy here in Coney Island as we are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy.”

After addressing the media, shovels were handed out for the groundbreaking ceremony, which was met with cheers. “I’ll say that Coney Island has always brought the thunder,” continued Treyger, “whether it is history, culture, food, people, amusements, and now it’s very fitting that the Thunderbolt will be calling Coney Island home.

“We are in this together,” he went on. “I am so proud to represent one of the most historic neighborhoods across the entire country. I will be looking forward to more thunder.”

Went to Coney Island on Sunday 3/23 and took a few pictures of the construction for the new Thunderbolt. Footers have been poured on the lot at the boardwalk end.

The station area and turn at the boardwalk end. I think this is the area the loop will be after the first drop.

Went to Coney Island on Sunday 3/24 and took a few pictures of the construction for the new Thunderbolt. Footers have been poured on the lot at the boardwalk end.

 

The station area and turn at the boardwalk end.[attachment=0]ThunderboltFooters_1.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]ThunderboltFooters_2.jpg[/attachment] I think this is the area the loop will be after the first drop.[attachment=2]ThunderboltFooters_4.jpg[/attachment]

Thanks for posting. I was about to post similar pictures taken yesterday.

How exciting for all of you over there!

Hope everything goes according to plans.

I'm surprised that they've waited this long to build it. Hopefully once the track starts shooting up it won't take long for it to be completed but still, not too much progress appears to have been made.

I'm surprised that they've waited this long to build it. Hopefully once the track starts shooting up it won't take long for it to be completed but still, not too much progress appears to have been made.

Go back to page 1. They clearly build rides fast. I wouldn't be surprised to see this open Early June.

Went to Coney Island on Sunday 3/24 and took a few pictures of the construction for the new Thunderbolt. Footers have been poured on the lot at the boardwalk end.

 

The station area and turn at the boardwalk end.[attachment=0]ThunderboltFooters_1.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]ThunderboltFooters_2.jpg[/attachment] I think this is the area the loop will be after the first drop.[attachment=2]ThunderboltFooters_4.jpg[/attachment]

 

Thanks for posting. I was about to post similar pictures taken yesterday.

You're welcome. I have heard that parts of the coaster started arriving on Monday 3/24, did you take any photos of them you can post?

You're welcome. I have heard that parts of the coaster started arriving on Monday 3/24, did you take any photos of them you can post?

I did not see any coaster parts in that lot on March 25th and did not look in the lot very closely on Thursday. I stop at Nathan's at least twice a week on the way home from work, so I'll check it out each time I stop to eat.

I'll look around on Monday afternoon.

I can confirm there is track on site. I took these photos today.

I see white support structure

And about 9 curved orange pieces

for the loop de loop or hills

Sweeet!!! Can't wait for this thing to start shooting up!

It wouldn't be the only thing shooting up in Coney Island.

Looks like the track will be very eye-catching.

Wasn't the track supposed to be red?

Wasn't the track supposed to be red?

Eh. Close enough!

Train #2 on the Cyclone is ready for opening day on 4/13.