Thunderhawk (Dorney Park)

Roller coaster in the United States
Watch the on-ride POV
Thunderhawk
Dorney Park
Location Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Status Operating since March 30, 1924
Rider height 48 inch minimum
Statistics
Builder Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer / calculations Herbert Paul Schmeck
Type Wooden
Riders per train 24
Propulsion Chain lift hill
Height 80 feet
Drop 65 feet
Top speed 45 mph
Length 2767 feet
Inversions 0
Duration 1:18
HELP

Thunderhawk is a wooden roller coaster located at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. It was constructed by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.[1]

History

A formal opening was held on May 4, 1924 though the roller coaster had operated on five previous Sundays.[2] For the 1930 season, the layout was changed after the first drop.[3] The Coaster was renamed Thunderhawk for the 1989 season following a renovation by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, who also built the trains for Dorney Park's new wooden roller coaster Hercules.[1]

The ride was refurbished with new trains in 2016.[4]

In 2021, a plaque was presented to the park designating Thunderhawk a Roller Coaster Landmark by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.[5]

Design

Trains

2 trains with 4 cars per train. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows, for a total of 24 riders per train.

Images

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Dorney Park". The Philadelphia Enquirer.
  2. "Dorney Park's New Coaster In Use Today". The Morning Call.
  3. "Beautiful Dorney Park formally opens its season today, May 17". The Morning Call.
  4. "Dorney Park's refurbished wooden coaster Thunderhawk still thrills".
  5. "Thunderhawk becomes 45th coaster to receive ACE roller coaster landmark plaque".

External links


Articles on Dorney Park