SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Dorney Park is closer than ever to commissioning its brand-new roller coaster Iron Menace.
But as the park begins testing and inches closer to the first rides for guests, fans are heaping praise on a classic wooden coaster — the oldest in the park.
Thunderhawk will turn 100 this year, and members of the Facebook group “Dorney Park Connoisseurs” are eager to celebrate.
“With all the hype about the Iron Menace roller coaster opening in 2024, we as Dorney Park fans cannot forget that there is one other coaster here that will be celebrating a very monumental anniversary in 2024,” a fan named Michael Burkes posted Sunday.
“I wanted to be sure to send out my props to this ride! A hearty congratulations goes out to this outstanding coaster,” Burkes said, adding his hopes that it will be around for another 100 years.
Burkes’ post generated more than 100 comments and more than 1,100 reactions by Tuesday morning.
‘I could ride it over and over again’
Iron Menace may well capture the hearts of aficionados for thrill-seeking when it opens this spring with its 95-degree drop, first-ever tilted loop on a dive, and three other inversions.
But Thunderhawk — like many other “woodies,” as they’re called — wasn’t built for the heart-pounding features of Dorney’s Steel Force, Hydra, Talon and more.
In the shadow of Steel Force, Thunderhawk features a bulky wooden track and heavy trains. It’s the kind of setup that makes it prohibitive for inversions, corkscrews or other dramatic twists and turns.
Fans don’t seem to mind.
“This is my favorite coaster at Dorney. I could ride it over and over again,” one wrote in the comments of the Facebook post.
Another lauded the safety of the ride as it marks 100 years.
“Every year the trains are completely torn down and rebuilt by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. They rip them down to bare frame, inspecting every part along the way. Once the trains are placed back on the track prior to the season starting the ride gets inspected and commissioned to ensure it is safe to ride and operate,” another wrote.
Based in Hatfield, Montgomery County, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. lists Thunderhawk as a "completed" project in its updated portfolio and has 147 wooden coasters and 87 carousels under its care.
“Being in the industry for over 114 years makes us the best choice when it comes to reconditioning and restoring current or historical cars, rides and equipment,” its website says.
“We maintain the largest collection of historical archives found in the amusement industry. This allows our skilled technicians to recreate, restore and make the thrills of yesterday like new again.”
A chain-lift hill, 80-foot climb
Thunderhawk is tucked deep in the layout of Dorney Park, and its height — or lack thereof — means it’s dwarfed by nearby attractions.
But the ride hustles through a figure-eight pattern with an 80-foot climb up a chain-lift hill and gives riders a view of what was once the traditional out-and-back layout.
The train reaches a top speed of 45 mph before it turns to head back to the station.
For some, the thrill of the classic coaster will never get old.
“The back is the best. Throws you like crazy,” one Facebook comment said.
The park’s Public Relations and Communications Manager Ryan Eldredge said he anticipates sharing more on the planned centennial celebrations of Thunderhawk after Iron Menace has opened.
