Leap-The-Dips is the world's oldest operating wooden roller coaster and North America's last surviving side friction roller coaster. It is located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania and was built in 1902 by the E. Joy Morris Company. Leap-the-Dips operated until 1985, when it closed due to disrepair. A fund-raising campaign led to a restoration starting in 1997 and a reopening on Memorial Day 1999.
Although the ride is quite tame by today's standards, being only 41 ft (12.5 m) in height and having an average speed of 10 mph (16 km/h), many people still ride it. Several riders report that the rear wheels of cars were once able to leave the track at the crest of some dips.
The Leap-The-Dips is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1996 was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is also an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Classic and Coaster Landmark.[3][4]
[edit] Current Issues
Leaps-The-Dips is currently suffering from many problems that one would expect of a ride of this age. The wood supports for the side friction rails often needed to be replaced, and during the mere two weeks that the ride was in operation in the 2005 season, several cars stalled out, unable to gain enough momentum to finish its course. Since the 2005 season the ride has seen much patronage and more consistent up-time.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
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