Flyer Comet (Whalom Park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flyer Comet |
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Entry to the coaster
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| Whalom Park | |
| Location | Whalom Park |
| Coordinates | 42°34′34″N 71°44′46″W / 42.576193°N 71.745996°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 1940 |
| Closing date | 2000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood |
| Manufacturer | National Amusement Devices |
| Designer | Vernon Keenan |
| Height | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Length | 2,640 ft (800 m) |
| Speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
| Duration | 1:50 |
| Flyer Comet at RCDB | |
The Flyer Comet was an exciting wooden roller coaster at Whalom Park in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. It was built in 1940 and gave thrilling rides for 60 years. Sadly, the coaster closed permanently in 2000. In 2006, parts of its engine were removed. The Flyer Comet was then taken down. Its tracks were later used by the park.
This roller coaster was a big part of Whalom Park. The park itself operated until 2000. The Flyer Comet was known for its long wait times. Sometimes, you might wait for two or three minutes. Other times, the wait could be as long as three hours!
History of the Flyer Comet
A strong hurricane hit in 1938. It destroyed Whalom Park's older roller coaster, the Shooting Star. Park staff wanted a new, exciting ride. They hired the National Amusement Device Company. The famous designer Vernon Keenan helped too.
Many parts from the old Shooting Star were used. These parts helped build the new ride. It was first called the Comet. This was Whalom Park's third roller coaster. The park opened way back in 1893. No new roller coasters were ever added after the Comet.
Global Developments bought Whalom Park in 2001. They started clearing the land on October 10, 2006. The Flyer Comet roller coaster was taken apart on October 18. The area where the park once stood is now being turned into a new neighborhood called Emerald Estates.
Ride Features and Themes
The entrance to the Flyer Comet was very cool. It was decorated with pictures of shooting stars and comets. This gave the ride a fun space theme.
In 1990, a special tunnel was added. It was called the Black Hole tunnel. This tunnel went over a hilly part of the track. It made the ride even more exciting. The Black Hole tunnel also added to the space adventure theme of the coaster.
