Rollo Coaster
Specific Type: Wooden
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Since 1904 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters or PTC has been synonymous with wooden roller coasters. In their long history as the oldest roller coaster builder they have installed 114 coasters & fabricated trains for countless others. Rollo Coaster at Idlewild in Ligonier, Pennsylvania is one of PTC’s classic wooden coasters. It was installed in 1938 & still retains the technology from the era that makes this coaster a bit different. It retained the manually operated skid brakes that the ride operator controls with a lever. The trains have bench seating so it is possible to squeeze three people into one seat, and the most distinctive feature is it has no restraints. That is right, no lap bar, no seatbelt, just a handle to hold onto if you choose. The ride was designed as a junior coaster by legendary ride designer Herbert Paul Schmech who designed 67 coaster during his career. Some of his more well known designs include the Crystal Beach Comet, that was later moved to Great Escapes in New York and is now just, Comet. The Playland Park Rocket, which is now known as Phoenix at Knobles in Pennsylvania. His oldest still operating coaster is also in Pennsylvania and is call Thunderhawk at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
Rollo Coaster is distinctive because it is an ACE coaster classic as it gives riders an experience that cannot be reproduced on a more modern coaster, and serves as a historic landmark for coaster enthusiasts. Even though this ride is considered a junior coaster, and does not have record breaking stats for high or speed it gives a wild ride. The coaster is built over steep terrain and uses the natural changes in elevation to its advantage to give a deceptive sensation of speed. Rollo Coaster was the inspiration for Boulder Dash a much larger version of this concept built in Bristol, Connecticut. Boulder Dash has been ranked the number one wooden roller coaster in the world four times according to Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, and has maintained a spot in the top ten every year except the year it was built. Riders of Boulder Dash will be treated to a similar layout in Rollo Coaster’s junior size. The ride twists and turns along a treelined path and riders are treated to a nice amount of airtime that is emphasized by the freedom of the classic ride vehicle. Rollo Coaster offers an experience that is very unique in the 21st Century, and gives just a glimpse into amusement rides from the past. |
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