originally posted on 7/27/2019
Photo: Courtesy Kennywood. View full-sized image.
Nothing beats the moment when the skyline of Kennywood appears as visitors approach the West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, park from any direction. Phantom's Revenge used to be the king of the park's skyline, but that title has switched hands with the opening of The Steel Curtain. The newest roller coaster to the storied lineup of thrill rides at Kennywood, it towers over the entire park with its yellow supports and black track just begging guests to put on their cleats and march down the field on fourth and 10.
When The Steel Curtain was first announced, the buzz was palpable. Immediately, it became a must-ride for so many enthusiasts. The layout was nothing that had ever been seen before from Kennywood, or, in fact, the world. The ride's theme being linked to a professional sports team — the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League — was also a first. A product of S&S Worldwide of North Logan, Utah, the ride would be a first of its kind. Like all the other coasters at Kennywood, it is a custom configuration that fits perfectly into the landscape of the park. This is also the first new coaster since the debut of Sky Rocket by Premier Rides in 2010.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
It was clear from the beginning that The Steel Curtain would be no ordinary ride. Kennywood was aiming high and firing a shot in the continuing coaster wars. With 4,000 feet of track, The Steel Curtain is now the longest coaster at the park, unless one counts the two tracks of the John Miller-designed Racer as one. At 220 feet high, it is the tallest coaster in the park. While some might point out that Phantom’s Revenge has a bigger drop, its length is the result of diving over a hillside into a ravine, and the actual height off the ground is only 160 feet, making The Steel Curtain the true winner.
In addition to the in-park records that it holds, The Steel Curtain also brings three records to Kennywood. Riders will experience the tallest inversion in the world at 197 feet in the air. Its nine inversions are a new North American record. It also becomes the tallest roller coaster in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, surpassing Skyrush at Hersheypark by 20 feet.
Players from past and present Steelers teams were on hand for the media preview. Some Steelers even rode multiple times, expressing their amazement at the experience. Cam Heyward, a defensive end, told some reporters “a typical NFL game was not as intense as The Steel Curtain was.” It should also be noted that Kennywood’s general manager and longtime ACE supporter Jerome Gibas took time during his remarks to mention ACE and how members' opinions mean so much to him and the park.
The trains look sleek and really enhance the experience. The football-shaped seats are comfortable and easily able to accommodate people of most sizes. Likewise, the restraints are comfortable and feature just a lap bar and seatbelt. Smaller padded restraints help to keep riders' lower legs in the cars. While sitting in the trains, riders noted that they had a feeling of complete movement and freedom.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
A unique feature of the lift hill is that the actual chain extends into the station under the train, where it engages with it, instead of the train being wheeled out to it. The train slowly heads skyward, teasing riders until the full weight is carried by the chain lift. As the chain speed increases, the 50-degree lift hill quickly becomes no joking matter. When ascending, if riders turn their head to the side and look around, the experience will feel like going straight up in an elevator. To help with the climb, the Steelers home game pump-up song, “Renegade,” by Styx, plays, although it's somewhat drowned out by the loud chain.
At the top of the lift hill, riders really don't have much time to enjoy the view, but nonetheless they're provided with a startling appreciation of just how high they are. With the Monongahela River to the right, the view of the Mon Valley is spectacular. On a clear day, riders will see for miles around.
Photo: Courtesy Kennywood. View full-sized image.
As the train disengages from the chain lift, those on board quickly realize that they're in for the ride of their lives. Dipping down to gain speed, the train immediately hits the record-breaking 197-foot high fake-out inverted drop that leaves riders driving straight toward the ground at 76 mph, where a small airtime hill is encountered followed by inversion numbers two and three.
Quickly shooting straight up, trains enter the banana roll, which does a great job of disorienting riders and spitting them out the other side. Diving toward the ground again at breakneck speed, riders next experience the sea serpent element. Having completed five of the nine total inversions, The Steel Curtain then shoots the train out over the park's lagoon.
Photo: Scott Mulvihil. View full-sized image.
Approaching the lagoon section of the ride, riders encounter a massive airtime hill that will carry them over the midway. The restraints do a great job of not only letting them feel the airtime but also keeping it comfortable as well. Heading back up into the dive loop element, riders pass close to a pedestrian bridge over the lagoon, flipping and diving toward the water.
Photo: Scott Mulvihil. View full-sized image.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
As trains skim close to the lagoon's surface through supports on both sides of the track, the speed is really felt as passengers are carried back toward the main structure of the ride. When the train passes the walkway where guests enter the Steelers Country section of the park, it executes a top gun stall over the crowds of people waiting to ride. With two inversions still to be tackled, The Steel Curtain still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Photo: Ken Lager. View full-sized image.
A corkscrew spits trains out in a tight diving banked turn, setting things up for the last inversion, a cut-back element that aims to bring riders home to the station. After a small airtime hill, trains speed into the brake run with riders catching their breath, realizing that they just scored the winning touchdown!
While some die-hard Kennywood fans were sad to see the Arrow log flume removed from the park after the 2017 season, many agree that The Steel Curtain is a worthy successor. Kennywood has raised the bar on thrill rides while maintaining the classic park feel for which it is known. The entire Steelers Country area, which will open later in the summer, will enhance the coaster and continue to give families lifelong memories. Coaster enthusiasts will surely be flocking to the park for the chance to ride.
— Stephen Gray
ACE Western Pennsylvania Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Courtesy Kennywood. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
#ACENews