Thunderbolt is my favorite coaster at Kennywood, and one of the finest ancient woodies still chugging out cycles today. First off, I give Kennywood major credit for running this coaster with a buzzbar and no seat belts. Contemporary restrains would ruin this ingenius little coaster. Furthermore, the sign stating that any would-be Tamar Fellners will be prosecuted is just awesome. Idiots should not, but usually do ruin the fun for everyone.
The Thunderbolt, as others have said, is like no other woodie you have experienced. The layout confounded me as I studied it while waiting in line for the Phantoms Revenge. I really thought little of the ride before I got the pleasure of riding it. Thunderbolt excels at two things: dropping and turning. The drops hit harder than nearly anything out there, especially when taken from the back seat with your hands in the air. A few of the drops gave me that awesome "Oh crap, Im going to fall out and die" sensation that I just love. So, ride in the back and dont hold on during the drops. The unbanked curves on this ride force the rider on the right side of the train into the left side rider. This is why the smaller rider enters first; to avoid crushing the small person in the turns. This probably sounds painful, but its more wild and fun than anything else.
Thunderbolt also features some of the most attractive trains I have ever laid eyes upon. Theyre rare 4-car NAD trains with a retro futuristic theme that I just love. Think 1950s cartoons about the wonderful automated future and youre close to the conception of these trains.
In closing Thunderbolt is easily the best retro woodie that I have experienced. I dont think its quite a 10-level ride because it could use some airtime hills. This isnt a huge deal because the ride experience is excellent, but it does rule a perfect score out for me.
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