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Phantom's Revenge

Phantom's Revenge is a steel hypercoaster located at Kennywood amusement park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. It originally opened as Steel Phantom in 1991, featuring the fastest speed and longest drop of any roller coaster in the world. Its second drop is longer than its first, which is a unique characteristic among roller coasters. Manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, the ride 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, allowing for the removal of its uncomfortable over-the-shoulder restraints.

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)
Drop232 ft (71 m)
Length3,200 ft (980 m)
Speed85 mph (137 km/h)
Inversions0 (4 in Steel Phantom)
Duration1:57
Max vertical angle52°
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

The ride has consistently ranked among the top 50 steel roller coasters in the world in the annual Golden Ticket Awards publication from Amusement Today, occasionally ranking in the top 10. Additionally, it has frequently ranked in the top 5 of the National Amusement Park Historical Association's annual steel coaster survey.

History

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In the late 1980s, Harry Henniger, president of Kennywood Entertainment Company, 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 228-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] It also reused Laser Loop's loading station.

Construction of Steel Phantom began during Labor Day weekend in early September 1990.[8] It was set to open on May 4, 1991,[9] but this was ultimately delayed six days to May 10.[2] When it opened, it set new records in drop height and speed, in addition to featuring four inversions.[10] While Kennywood claimed the coaster was well-received and ranked frequently in the top 10,[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] The ride was closed for over a week so trim brakes could be installed prior to the inversions where the injuries were occurring.[6]

 
Steel Phantom in 1996

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] The modified coaster reopened as Phantom's Revenge on May 19, 2001.[10] The coaster 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] A short theme tune used in television commercials for the attraction was composed by Jim DiSpirito, former member of Pittsburgh-based rock band Rusted Root.[16]

Kennywood hosted an online poll in September 2021, asking fans to decide whether Phantom's Revenge should be repainted teal or purple.[17][18] Nearly 10,000 people participated in the poll,[19] voting to repaint the track purple.[20] The repainting took place in October 2021.[21]

Ride experience

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The notable second drop of Phantom's Revenge

The terrain coaster layout is built to take advantage of the natural elevation changes provided by the hilly terrain. Unlike most roller coasters, the ride's second drop is longer than its first, and the transformation to Phantom's Revenge in 2001 increased the drop length, track length, and top speed.

Layout

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Steel Phantom (1991–2000)

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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 ascended a second hill that turned slightly to the right. The train then dropped 225 feet (69 m) through Thunderbolt's structure, reaching a top speed of 80 miles per hour (130 km/h). The train made a U-turn to the left at the bottom of the ravine, before climbing another incline into a set 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][22]

Phantom's Revenge (2001–present)

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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 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][23][24]

According to early plans, the ride was originally supposed to feature a double-up element instead of the straightaway between the first and second drops, as well as a longer tunnel after the turnaround.[25]

Trains

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The green train on an airtime hill

As Steel Phantom, the ride had two trains; one painted purple with yellow stripes, and one yellow with purple stripes. Each train had "Kennywood" painted on the front car. Both trains had seven cars that seated two riders in two rows for a total of 28 riders per train. The trains were the same type used on all other Arrow Dynamics looping coasters.

When the ride was renovated, the trains were also updated. Steel Phantom's chassis which were built by Arrow Dynamics remained, but D. H. Morgan built new, aerodynamic fiberglass bodies. D. H. Morgan also replaced the over-shoulder-restraints with lap bars and seatbelts.[1][26] Like its predecessor, Phantom's Revenge operates with two seven-car, 28 passenger trains; one teal and one purple. Originally, each train had both colors, with the top half of the train being one color and the bottom half being the other. The front car of each train had "Kennywood" painted on it in white. In 2014, the trains received new bodies identical to the old ones, with the exception of new paint. Each train was colored solid teal or solid purple with the ride's logo painted on the front cars.[27] A unique lap bar restraint system had to be designed due to the trains using the chassis from Steel Phantom, which were unable to accommodate a traditional floor-mounted lap bar system. Instead, the lap bars on Phantom's Revenge are mounted to the outer side of the seats and lower from beside the rider.

Track

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Phantom's Revenge's steel track is approximately 3,200 feet (980 m) in length and the height of the lift hill 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 gray rails and supports. After the renovation, D. H. Morgan Manufacturing replaced the majority of the track and it was painted green with black supports.[10] Over the years, most of the Arrow Dynamics track has been replaced with D. H. Morgan track and the only original Arrow Dynamics track that remains is the lift hill, the station, and the brake run/transfer track.[26] After the 2021 season, the track was repainted purple following a poll hosted online.[21]

Comparison

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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 meters 160 feet or 49 meters
Drop 225 feet or 69 meters 228 feet or 69 meters
Length 3,000 feet or 910 meters 3,200 feet or 980 meters
Speed 80 miles per hour or 130 kilometers per hour 85 miles per hour or 137 kilometers per hour
Duration 2:15 1:57
Inversions 4 0
Restraints Over-the-shoulder harness Lap bar
Height restriction 52 in (1,300 mm) 48 in (1,200 mm)

Reception

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The original Steel Phantom was largely well-received, but it was criticized for its roughness, mainly due to its speed through its inversions and its unpopular over-the-shoulder restraints.[28] Following its 2001 conversion, Phantom's Revenge received near-universal acclaim, being praised for its airtime moments, improved ride experience, and for maintaining the thrilling portions from its predecessor.[29] The original restraints were replaced with lap bar restraints for the conversion.[28]

Awards and rankings

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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 2022 2023 2024
Ranking 11[30] 11[31] 19[32] 15[33] 7[34] 8[35] 8[36] 8[37] 7[38] 7[39] 8[40] 8[41] 9[42] 5[43] 11[44] 13[45] 11[46] 14[47] 10[48] 12[49] 13[50] 12[51] 15[52] 13[53] 12[54] 15[55]
NAPHA Survey: Favorite Steel Roller Coaster
Year 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ranking 4[nb 1] 3[56] 4[56] 3[56] 3[56] 2[56] 2[56] 2[56] 2[56] 2[56] 2[56] 2[56] 1[56] 1[56]

Notes

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  1. ^ Tied with Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure.[56]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "90s Steel Coasters - Part One". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Blank, Ed (May 8, 1991). "Ed Blank reviews Kennywood 'Phantom'". The Pittsburgh Press. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. 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. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. 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.
  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. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Kennywood will name new coaster Steel Phantom". The Pittsburgh Press. July 27, 1990. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. 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. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Kennywood's new coaster on track for May 4". The Pittsburgh Press. April 19, 1991. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. 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. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c "Park's coaster will be redone". The Vindicator. August 11, 2000. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Kennywood Unveils Steel Phantom Replacement for 2001". Ultimate Roller Coaster. August 10, 2000. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  14. ^ Kristen, Hays (August 11, 2000). "Kennywood Park unveils plan for new roller coaster". Standard-Speaker. Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Phantom fans take one last ride". The Vindicator. September 5, 2000. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  16. ^ Jim DiSpirito - Phantom's Revenge Theme (Kennywood Park, 2001), retrieved 2023-02-21
  17. ^ "The Phantom's Revive: Fans Asked to Choose New Color for Kennywood Coaster's Track". Pittsburgh Magazine. September 7, 2021. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  18. ^ "Kennywood wants you to pick Phantom's Revenge new paint color". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 6, 2021. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  19. ^ "Nearly 10,000 Fans Voted on a New Color for Kennywood's Phantom's Revenge. What is It?". Pittsburgh Magazine. September 17, 2021. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  20. ^ "Kennywood fans vote on Phantom's Revenge color: Petrifying Purple". WTAE. September 17, 2021. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Kennywood Begins Repainting Phantom's Revenge With 'Petrifying Purple'". CBS News. October 14, 2021. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  22. ^ "Steel Phantom POV". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  23. ^ "Phantom's Revenge at Coaster-Net". Coaster-Net. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  24. ^ "Phantom's Revenge POV". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  25. ^ Phantom’s Revenge Original 2001 POV Animation | Kennywood Roller Coasters, retrieved 2023-02-21
  26. ^ a b "The Phantom's Revenge Construction Information". Kennywood. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  27. ^ "Kennywood Park- Images of New Phanton's Revenge Cars". Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ "Retooled Kennywood 'Phantom' offers faster, smoother thrill ride". Archived from the original on 2001-10-07. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
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  45. ^ "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.
  46. ^ "2014 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 46–47. September 2014.
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  48. ^ "2016 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016.
  49. ^ "2017 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017.
  50. ^ "2018 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018.
  51. ^ "2019 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019.
  52. ^ "2021 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2021. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021.
  53. ^ "2022 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
  54. ^ "2023 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Amusement Today. 27 (6.2): 66–70. September 2023. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023.
  55. ^ "2024 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024.
  56. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "NAPHA 2005–2011 Survey Results". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
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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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