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Renamed Thunderhawk when Hercules was built (for years having been simply known as Coaster) this is Dorneys vintage 1923 coaster. Designed by Herb Schmeck (an oft overlooked genius in my opinion), this started its life as "standard" out and back, but in 1930 was reprofiled and turned into a hybrid out and back / figure 8 / twister. Now dwarfed by the lift hill of Steel Force, this coaster once dominated the "skyline"of the park. Though it is no longer the signature ride of the park, it, like all other surviving Schmeck designs, has stood the test of time well. It has moments of air, some great laterals, and an over all fun course. 3rd seat from the front gave me some wild ejector seat quality air time at points. May not be the biggest and best, but a sentimental favorite. UPDATE: 7/23/2007 Had my first night ride on this. Not sure if it was an optical illusion with the darkness or what, but this thing felt out of control in the dark (while being nothing spectacular earlier in the day). It didnt even feel like the annoying trim break on the bunny hops at the end even slowed the train down that much!
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