Wildcat (Lake Compounce) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wildcat |
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| Lake Compounce | |
| Location | Lake Compounce |
| Coordinates | 41°38′27″N 72°55′23.3″W / 41.64083°N 72.923139°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 1927 |
| Replaced | Green Dragon |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood – Out and back |
| Manufacturer | Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters |
| Designer | Herbert Paul Schmeck and Dinn Corporation |
| Lift/launch system | Chain Lift Hill |
| Height | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Drop | 78 ft (24 m) |
| Length | 2,746 ft (837 m) |
| Speed | 48 mph (77 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:15 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 14 riders per train. |
| Wildcat at RCDB | |
The Wildcat is an exciting wooden roller coaster at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut. It first opened in 1927 and is a main attraction at the park. This makes it one of the oldest roller coasters still running in the same spot! The Wildcat looks a lot like another old coaster, also called Wildcat, that used to be at Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Because of its long history, the Wildcat has received a special award from the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).
Wildcat's History
The Wildcat is a wooden roller coaster that goes "out and back." This means it travels away from the station and then returns. It was designed by Herbert Paul Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1927. Before the Wildcat, another coaster called the Green Dragon was in its place.
In 1926, the park owners decided they needed a new ride. They worked with the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and Herbert P. Schmeck to create the Wildcat. The Wildcat was designed with a "twister" style layout. This included fun elements like "airtime" (that floating feeling!) and tunnels. The first trains for the Wildcat were also made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
Over the years, the Wildcat has been updated to keep it safe and fun. In 1985, the entire ride structure was rebuilt with new wood. In 2004, the last "bunny hills" (small hills that give airtime) were updated. The ride closed for a short time in 2006 for more improvements. When it reopened in 2007, it had new magnetic brakes. These brakes help the ride stop smoothly. The station also got new air gates, and each seat now has its own seat belt. In 2017, the track was fully redone by Martin & Vleminckx. The ride also got two brand new trains called Millennium Flyer Trains, made by Great Coasters International.
Wildcat's Key Dates
Here are some important moments in the Wildcat's long history:
- 1927: The Wildcat opened for the very first time.
- 1985: The entire ride was rebuilt with new wood.
- 1998: The track was fully redone.
- 2004: The final bunny hills were updated, and seat dividers were added.
- 2007: New magnetic brakes were installed. Air gates were added to the waiting line. Individual seat belts were put in each seat. Much of the track was repainted. One of the trains was repainted purple, so the Wildcat had one red and one purple train.
- 2014 (Before the season): The lift motor received maintenance.
- 2012–2018: The track was fully redone again. The lift hill was partly rebuilt. Two new Millennium Flyer Trains from Great Coasters International were added.
Riding the Wildcat
The Wildcat roller coaster is located right in the middle of Lake Compounce park. Its design allows it to twist and turn within its own space. When your train leaves the station, it turns slightly right, then left. Next, you climb up the 85-foot-tall lift hill. From the top, you drop down 73.7 feet! This first big drop is followed by a left-banked curve. Then you go over a few more smaller hills. After that, you take a right-banked curve into several more small hills. The train then curves right again onto a section of "bunny hills." These hills continue until you reach the tunnel, where the brakes are. The Wildcat is known for giving riders a thrilling and sometimes "rough" ride, which many coaster fans love!
