Comet (Waldameer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Comet |
|
|---|---|
| Waldameer Park | |
| Location | Waldameer Park |
| Coordinates | 42°06′28″N 80°09′24″W / 42.1077°N 80.1568°W |
| Status | Open |
| Opening date | 1951 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood |
| Manufacturer | Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters |
| Designer | Herbert Paul Schmeck |
| Track layout | Wood |
| Lift/launch system | Chain |
| Height | 37 ft (11 m) |
| Drop | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Length | 1,300 ft (400 m) |
| Speed | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:24 |
| Height restriction | 46 in (117 cm) |
| Comet at RCDB | |
The Comet is a super fun wooden roller coaster at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States. It was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company way back in 1951!
It's a classic ride, known for its cool figure-8 shape. Even though it's a 'junior' coaster, it's taller than some of its older cousins. It's even an ACE Coaster Classic, which means roller coaster fans love it!
What's the Ride Like?
The Comet ride starts with a right turn as you leave the station. Then, you'll go up a 37 feet (11 m) tall lift hill. Get ready for the first drop! It's 25 feet (7.6 m) down.
After that, the coaster goes up again and turns left, giving you a view of the parking lot. Another drop comes, leading into a fun "airtime hill." This is where you might feel a little floaty!
Next, you'll go up and make a right turn right over the station. Then, you'll experience two quick "bunny-hops." These are small hills that give you more airtime. The ride then curves right, going under the first big left curve.
Finally, there's one last bunny-hop before the brakes slow you down. The coaster then curves right back into the station. The whole ride lasts about 1 minute and 24 seconds. You'll zoom along 1,300 feet (400 m) of track at a top speed of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h)!
The Trains
The Comet uses two special trains, each with four cars. Each car can hold two riders, so up to 16 people can ride on one train at a time. These trains have "flanged wheels," which help them stay on the track.
For many years, the park only used one train each day. But now, thanks to some cool upgrades, they can run both trains on busy days! This means shorter lines for you.
How the Brakes Work
In 2012, the Comet got a brand new braking system. This new system uses a mix of magnetic brakes and friction brakes. It also has a new control system. These updates make the ride safer and allow the park to use both trains when there are lots of visitors.
