Knoebel's Twister
A New Wooden Roller Coaster at Knoebel's in Elysburg, PA
by Joel Styer
![]() Due to the complexity of the project, the Twister took a little longer to complete than anticipated. But the management at Knoebel's insisted on doing it right and not hurrying the job. They didn't cut corners just to get the ride open. They wanted it to last and they wanted it to be good. And as the saying goes, good things are worth waiting for.... My anticipation grew as I watched the construction in
person during my eight visits to the park starting in January. Viewing the excellent website by Bob Hooley with
pictures from Bob The first thing I noticed is how great the split lift hill is, easily one of the best on any coaster. You exit the station, go around a curve and then proceed up the first lift hill which takes you about half way up. Then another turn around and you engage the second lift hill to complete the journey to the top. Another turn around and then the first drop. That is when it becomes obvious of how excellent the track work is. No jarring or roughness, just a nice, smooth and fast drop - even in the back seat (thank you Knoebel's!). After the first drop, you rise up to the far turn-around and then enter the second drop which is similar to the first.
The ride is so well paced that there are no dead (slow)
spots. During the day, the ride is very good but in the evening, it gets even better. All in all, Knoebel's has done it again. They proved in 1985 that you can move a large wooden coaster and make it an excellent ride. Since then, they have proved they know how to care for that ride and keep it in excellent condition. So it comes as no surprise that they created another coaster destined for stardom. |
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Article and pictures are ©1999 by Joel Styer. All photos taken Press Day, Friday July, 23, 1999 and September 19, 1999. |
© 1999-2004 Joel W Styer. All
rights reserved. Updated
Sunday, January 18, 2004
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