Kennywood
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
July 20, 2025
Page Twenty
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As you can see I was having a wonderful time at Kennywood.
Our final coaster to showcase before our visit at Kennywood comes to an
end is the legendary Thunderbolt.
The ravine part of Thunderbolt was designed by John Miller back in 1924
and was known as The Pippin. After the 1967 season Kennywood
brought in designer Andy Vettel in to extend the coaster. As a
result of his work the Thunderbolt was born.
Thunderbolt starts out like The Pippin by diving you into a ravine,
turning you around, diving back into the ravine before heading up the
lift on the other side.
From the crest of the lift until you dive back into the ravine The
Thunderbolt is all Andy Vettel's work. Just like how Morgan took
Arrow's Steel Phantom and transformed that coaster into a masterpiece,
Andy Vettel did the same thing when he created the Thunderbolt some
thirty-three years before.
Knowing the lateral insanity that was about to be unleashed Bond was all
smiles.