[pproteinc]

Being a New Yorker, just wanted to make aware if anyone didn't know that the Zamperla have finished building the new Thunderbolt coaster that replaced the old Thunderbolt that operated from 1925-1984 and was torn down in 2000. Being born in the mid 80s living in Brooklyn, I only got the pleasure of looking at a SBNO rotting overtaken by trees and trashed Thunderbolt. The cost of the new coaster to ride will be $10 just a dollar more than Cyclone.


http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/nyreg ... .html?_r=0

[Jonathan]

They just put the final piece in place so it's definitely not opening this weekend. Very soon, though.

I live a few miles away so I'm definitely excited.

[goldsteh]

Just read this article. Happy Memorial Day!
http://www.ny1.com/content/news/208982/ ... -to-may-31

[Jonathan]

I finally got to ride this earlier this month. Here are some pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jhawkins/ ... 875278201/

It's a pretty fun ride. Extremely intense, more than I ever expected. The first couple of elements are a lot rougher than should be the case for a brand new coaster. Major shuffling going on. The good news is that with the restraints it's not very bothersome. With shoulder restraints though this ride would be absolutely brutal. The weird roll over at the turnaround and the corkscrew at the end are very violent, but in a good way. There is major ejector airtime on the bunny hills. The restraints are interesting. A bit tight fitting on the lap. The straps that go over your shoulders are similar to car seat belts, but they do not tighten down so they don't restrict movement at all. I think they are just there in case something goes horribly wrong. I did find them a little annoying as they kept cutting into my neck. Overall, though, a very nice addition to Coney Island. I won't be riding it much at $10 a pop (did it twice when I went this time), but there will be ERT on it during the ACE event next month so I should get a better feel for it then.