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Phantom's Revenge

Coordinates: 40°23′20″N 79°51′58″W / 40.388992°N 79.865978°W / 40.388992; -79.865978
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Phantom's Revenge
Previously known as Steel Phantom
(1991-2000)
Kennywood
LocationKennywood
Park sectionLost Kennywood
Coordinates40°23′20″N 79°51′58″W / 40.388992°N 79.865978°W / 40.388992; -79.865978
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 10, 1991 (1991-05-10)
Cost$4.6 million
ReplacedLaser Loop
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerD. H. Morgan Manufacturing
ModelHyper Coaster
Track layoutTerrain Mega Coaster
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height160 ft (49 m)
Drop228 ft (69 m)
Length3,200 ft (980 m)
Speed85 mph (137 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration1:57
Max vertical angle52°
Capacity1400 riders per hour
G-force3.5
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)
Trains2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
Phantom's Revenge at RCDB

Phantom's Revenge, formerly named Steel Phantom, is a steel roller coaster at Kennywood amusement park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. When it opened as Steel Phantom in 1991, it featured the fastest speed and longest drop of any roller coaster in the world. It features a unique characteristic of having a second drop that is longer than its first. The ride was originally manufactured by Arrow Dynamics but was later modified and renovated by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing for the 2001 season, when it reopened as Phantom's Revenge. The drop and track length were both increased, and its four inversions were removed enabling the ride to remove its unpopular over-the-shoulder restraints.

The ride has been ranked in the top 50 of the annual Golden Ticket Awards every year since 2000, spending a considerable amount of that time in the top 10. In addition, it has been ranked consistently in the top 5 of the National Amusement Park Historical Association Favorite Steel Roller Coaster poll, with the exception of the association's 2008 results.

History

In the late 1980s, president of Kennywood Entertainment Company, Harry Henniger, sought to enter the "coaster arms race" of the time with the addition of a large steel coaster to the park.[1] Faced with the challenge of finding the necessary space,[1] the park settled on a design from Arrow Dynamics.[2] The concept featured a 160-foot (49 m) lift hill with a record-breaking 225-foot (69 m) drop,[2][3] surpassing the previous 194.7-foot (59.3 m) record set two years earlier by Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point.[4][5] With a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h), it was also set to become the world's fastest.[6] Kennywood unveiled plans for the new ride, dubbed Steel Phantom, on July 27, 1990.[6][7] Steel Phantom was built on the former site of Laser Loop, a Shuttle Loop coaster removed after the 1990 season.[7]

Construction of Steel Phantom began during Labor Day weekend in early September 1990.[8] It was set to open on May 4, 1991, but this would be delayed.[9] The ride opened on May 10, 1991,[2] setting new records in drop height and speed, as well as featuring four inversions.[10] While the coaster was well-received and ranked frequently in the top 10 according to Kennywood,[3] riders often complained of neck strain and excessive headbanging.[1][6] Shortly after its debut, engineers found that the train would reach speeds exceeding specifications.[6] Trim brakes were added prior to the inversions where the injuries were occurring.[6]

Phantom's Revenge when it was originally Steel Phantom.

On March 5, 2000, Kennywood announced that they would dismantle Steel Phantom.[11] A replacement for Steel Phantom was not announced at the time. "Just about anything is on the table" said Kennywood spokeswoman, Mary Lou Rosemeyer.[3] After the decision to remove Steel Phantom was announced, the park started receiving complaints and emails about the decision. Kennywood ultimately decided to keep the roller coaster but make modifications to it.[12][13] On August 10, 2000, Kennywood announced that Steel Phantom would be transformed into Phantom's Revenge for the 2001 season.[14] After the ride closed on Labor Day weekend in 2000,[15] Steel Phantom underwent extensive changes by D. H. Morgan Manufacturing, most notably the removal of all of its inversions.[13] According to Kennywood, this was done because of rider complaints of how rough the coaster was on their heads and necks.[citation needed] The modified coaster reopened as Phantom's Revenge on May 19, 2001.[10] The coaster only operated with one train in its first season. In 2002, magnetic brakes were added to the ride so a second train could be used.[1][12] Because of the modifications, both Morgan style and Arrow style track have been utilized.[12]

In September 2021 Kennywood announced that the coaster track will be repainted purple during the off-season. The color was chosen by fans via an online poll.[16]

Ride experience

The ride is considered to be a terrain roller coaster, meaning the ride experiences various elevation changes. Unlike most roller coasters, the ride's second drop is longer than the first. It drops through Thunderbolt's structure, which is located at the bottom of a hill in a ravine.

Layout

The notable second drop of Phantom's Revenge.

Phantom's Revenge

After leaving the station, the train makes a slight turn to the right before climbing the 160-foot (49 m) chain lift hill. After ascending the lift hill, the train drops to the right, reaching a speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). Riders then enter a straightaway before climbing a second hill which drops them 228 feet (69 m), reaching a top speed of 85 miles per hour (137 km/h). The train then makes a 280-degree turn, passing back under the Thunderbolt's structure. Next, the train circles around the Turtle ride before traveling back under the second drop through a bunny-hop. Riders then make a turn to the left, passing under the ride's brake run and entering a second bunny-hop. The train then enters a 180 degree curve, going through the last bunny-hop and entering the brake run. One cycle of the ride takes approximately 1 minute and 57 seconds.[10][17][18]

Steel Phantom

After leaving the station, the train made a slight turn to the right, climbing the 160-foot (49 m) chain lift hill. After ascending the lift hill, the ride went down a banked drop to the right. After a straight section, the ride went up a second hill that turned slightly to the right. The train then dropped 225 feet (69 m) through the Thunderbolt's structure, reaching a top speed of 80 miles per hour (130 km/h). The train then turned to the left, entering a pair of trim brakes before heading into a vertical loop. After the loop, the train immediately went into a boomerang, an element that turned riders upside down twice. The train then made a right turn into a corkscrew, the fourth and final inversion. After this, riders went through a right turn that passed under the corkscrew. After this, the ride ascended into the brake run. One cycle of the ride took approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds.[10][19]

Trains

The green train on a airtime hill

Phantom's Revenge operates with two trains; the green train and the purple train. Both have seven cars that seat two riders in two rows for a total of 28 riders per train.[20] After the ride was renovated, the trains were also renovated. Steel Phantom's chassis, that was built by Arrow remained but Morgan built new, aerodynamic fiberglass bodies. Morgan also replaced the over-shoulder-restraints with lap bars and seatbelts.[1][13]

Track

Phantom's Revenge's steel track is approximately 3,200 feet (980 m) in length and the height of the lift is approximately 160 feet (49 m). Before the renovation, the length was 3,000 feet (910 m) and the lift remained unchanged. The track was originally manufactured by Arrow Dynamics and painted black with silver/grey rails and grey supports. After the renovation, D.H. Morgan Manufacturing replaced the majority of the track and it was painted green with black supports.[10] The only Arrow Dynamics track that remains is the lift hill, the station and the brake run/transfer track.[20] During the 2021-22 offseason, the track was repainted purple. The color was decided on via an online poll by Kennywood fans.[21]

Comparison

Statistic Steel Phantom Phantom's Revenge
Operating Years May 10, 1991 – September 4, 2000 May 19, 2001–present
Manufacturer Arrow Dynamics D. H. Morgan Manufacturing
Height 160 feet or 49 metres 160 feet or 49 metres
Drop 225 feet or 69 metres 228 feet or 69 metres
Length 3,000 feet or 910 metres 3,200 feet or 980 metres
Speed 80 miles per hour or 130 kilometres per hour 85 miles per hour or 137 kilometres per hour
Duration 2:15 1:57
Inversions 4 0
Restraints Over-the-shoulder harness Lap bar
Height Restriction 52” 48”

Reception

The original Steel Phantom was well-received but was known for producing a rough ride, particularly involving its speed through the inverting elements and the ride's unpopular over-the-shoulder restraints.[22] Following its 2001 conversion, Phantom's Revenge was also well-received, recognized for its airtime moments, improved ride experience, and maintaining the thrilling portions from its predecessor.[23] The original restraints were replaced with lap bar restraints for the conversion.[22]

Awards and rankings

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021
Ranking 11[24] 11[25] 19[26] 15[27] 7[28] 8[29] 8[30] 8[31] 7[32] 7[33] 8[34] 8[35] 9[36] 5[37] 11[38] 13[39] 11[40] 14[41] 10[42] 12[43] 13[44] 12[45] 15[46]
NAPHA Survey: Favorite Steel Roller Coaster
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ranking
4[nb 1]
3[47]
4[47]
–
3[47]
3[47]
2[47]
2[47]
2[47]
2[47]
2[47]
2[47]
2[47]
1[47]
1[47]

Notes

  1. ^ Tied with Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure.[47]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "90s Steel Coasters - Part One". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Blank, Ed (May 8, 1991). "Ed Blank reviews Kennywood 'Phantom'". The Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c Lowry, Patricia (March 7, 2000). "Seeking a new buzz, Kennywood to end Steel Phantom's run". Post-Gazette. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  4. ^ Reindl, JC (May 17, 2009). "Cedar Point's Magnum marks 20 thrilling years". The Blade. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021. |url-status=live}}
  5. ^ Marden, Duane. "Magnum XL-200  (Cedar Point)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Steel Phantom a bit too fast; Being adjusted". Beaver County Times. May 13, 1991. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Kennywood will name new coaster Steel Phantom". The Pittsburgh Press. July 27, 1990. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  8. ^ Jones, Diana Nelson (May 10, 1991). "The Steel Phantom: Stomach - twisting 'ride of a lifetime'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Post-Gazette Staff Writer. Retrieved November 18, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ "Kennywood's new coaster on track for May 4". The Pittsburgh Press. April 19, 1991. Retrieved December 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b c d e Marden, Duane. "Phantom's Revenge  (Kennywood)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  11. ^ "Kennywood will replace Steel Phantom coaster". Star-Gazette. March 6, 2000. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c "Park's coaster will be redone". The Vindicator. August 11, 2000. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  13. ^ a b c "Kennywood Unveils Steel Phantom Replacement for 2001". Ultimate Roller Coaster. August 10, 2000. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  14. ^ Kristen, Hays (August 11, 2000). "Kennywood Park unveils plan for new roller coaster". Standard-Speaker. Associated Press. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Phantom fans take one last ride". The Vindicator. September 5, 2000. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  16. ^ "Kennywood fans vote on Phantom's Revenge color - WTAE".
  17. ^ "Phantom's Revenge at Coaster-Net". Coaster-Net. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  18. ^ "Phantom's Revenge POV". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  19. ^ "Steel Phantom POV". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  20. ^ a b "The Phantom's Revenge Construction Information". Kennywood. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  21. ^ Lawry, Zack (September 22, 2021). "The Phantom's Revenge is going to be purple". Pittsburgh: The Globe (Point Park University). Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  22. ^ a b Simmons, Matt (May 19, 2021). "On This Day: May 19, 2001, Reworked Steel Phantom debuts as Phantom's Revenge at Kennywood Park". WPXI-TV. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  23. ^ "Retooled Kennywood 'Phantom' offers faster, smoother thrill ride".
  24. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. August 1998.
  25. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. August 1999.
  26. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. August 2000.
  27. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. August 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  28. ^ "Top 25 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 7B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  29. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  30. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 18–19B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007.
  31. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  32. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  33. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 36–37. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  34. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 12 (6.2): 36–37. September 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  35. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 13 (6.2): 32–33. September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  36. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (6.2): 34–35. September 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  37. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 15 (6.2): 38–39. September 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  38. ^ "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 16 (6.2): 36–37. September 2012.
  39. ^ "2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 34–35. September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  40. ^ "2014 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 46–47. September 2014.
  41. ^ "2015 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 49–50. September 2015.
  42. ^ "2016 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016.
  43. ^ "2017 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017.
  44. ^ "2018 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018.
  45. ^ "2019 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019.
  46. ^ "2021 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2021. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021.
  47. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "NAPHA 2005–2011 Survey Results". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Phantom's Revenge (Kennywood).
Preceded by World's longest roller coaster drop
May 1991–July 1996 		Succeeded by
World's fastest roller coaster
May 1991–July 1996
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