Jack Rabbit (Kennywood)

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Jack Rabbit
Kennywood Jack Rabbit DSCN2775.JPG
Kennywood
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Status Operating
Opening date 1920[1]
Cost $50,000
General statistics
Type Wood
Manufacturer Harry C. Baker
Designer John A. Miller
Model Out and Back roller coaster
Track layout Terrain
Lift/launch system Chain lift
Height 40 ft (12 m)
Drop 70 ft (21 m)
Length 2,132 ft (650 m)
Speed 45 mph (72 km/h)
Inversions 0
Duration 1:36
Max vertical angle 45°
Height restriction 36 in (91 cm)
Trains 3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 18 riders per train.
Jack Rabbit at RCDB
Pictures of Jack Rabbit at RCDB

Jack Rabbit is a wooden roller coaster located at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, USA.

Designed and built by John A. Miller and Harry C. Baker[2] in 1920, it is one of the oldest still-running roller coasters in the world. The ride's three trains were manufactured by Edward Vettel, Sr. in 1951 and contain three cars of six seats each. The aging cars are considered a part of the ride's nostalgic experience but also lead to some young children being disallowed to enter the ride (36" is the minimum), due to the use of a small lapbar to hold in riders. A popular early feature of the ride was a tunnel which covered the turnaround section after the first drop, but this was removed in 1947 when the new cars were ordered. In 1991, the tunnel was restored, at a slightly shorter length.

The Jack Rabbit was built shortly after Miller patented a new track design in 1920 (which all wooden coasters built since have used). This design involved the use of wheels both under and over the track, which allowed Miller to create the then enormous 70-foot (21 m) drop that is the attraction's largest. It is most well known for its double dip following the lift hill. The double dip produces strong airtime that makes the rider feel that they will be thrown from the seat, and a feeling that the train leaves the track (it rises up but the upstop wheels keep it firmly on the rails).

According to Rick Sebak, producer of Pittsburgh history programs for WQED, the attraction was designed so that each train's last seat would provide the strongest airtime, and therefore the most desired ride.

Awards

It is an ACE Coaster Classic.[3][clarification needed]

Jack Rabbit was designated as an "ACE Roller Coaster Landmark" by American Coaster Enthusiasts in June, 2010.[4]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Ranking 20[5] 22[6] 36[7] 37[8] 42[9] 34[10] 28[11] 37[12] 33[13] 34[14] 39[15] 20[16] 23[17] 16[18] 18[19] 19[20] 21[21]

Gallery

  • Kennywood Jack Rabbit DSCN2794.JPG

    The orange train after departing the station.

  • KW-Jack Rabbit.jpg

    The pink train begins its descent down the double dip. This train has since been repainted orange as seen in the other photos.

  • The double dip, the Jack Rabbit's signature element, as seen from the queue at left along with the ride's first drop next to it.

  • Kennywood Jack Rabbit DSCN2780.JPG

    The orange train loading in the station.

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ ACE Coaster Classic Awards
  4. ↑ [1]
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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