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{{Short description|Roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure}} {{Short description|Roller coaster}}
{{About||the wooden roller coaster of the same name at Dorney Park|Thunderhawk (Dorney Park)|other uses|Thunderhawk (disambiguation)}} {{About||the wooden roller coaster of the same name at Dorney Park|Thunderhawk (Dorney Park)|other uses|Thunderhawk (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox roller coaster {{Infobox roller coaster
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| imagedimensions = 250px | imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = | caption =
| previousnames = {{no wrap|Serial Thriller (1998–2003)}} | previousnames = Serial Thriller as ]/Six Flags Ohio/Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (1998–2003)<br>Thunderhawk as Geauga Lake (2004-2007)
| location = Michigan's Adventure | location = Michigan's Adventure
| section = Timbertown <!--Must not be linked.--> | section = Timbertown <!--Must not be linked.-->
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| type2 = Inverted | type2 = Inverted
| manufacturer = Vekoma | manufacturer = Vekoma
| designer = Peter Clerx
| model = ] (689m Standard) | model = ] (689m Standard)
| track = | track =
| lift = Chain ] | lift = Chain ]
| height_ft = 109.3 | height_ft = 109.3
| drop_ft =100 | drop_ft = <!-- Requires a source -->
| length_ft = 2,260.5 | length_ft = 2,260.5
| speed_mph = 49.7 | speed_mph = 49.7
| inversions = 5 | inversions = 5
| duration = 1:36 | duration = 1:36
| angle =59 | angle = <!-- Requires a source -->
| capacity = 1,040 | capacity = 1,040
| cost = $10,000,000 | cost = $10 million
| gforce = | gforce =
| restriction_in = 52-78 | restriction_in = 52-78
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| virtual_queue_name = ] | virtual_queue_name = ]
| virtual_queue_image = Cedar Fair Fast Lane availibility.svg | virtual_queue_image = Cedar Fair Fast Lane availibility.svg
| virtual_queue_status = available | virtual_queue_status = available
| video = Thunderhawk Michigans Adventure Vekoma SLC Off-Ride Footage.webm
| rcdb_number = 4053 | rcdb_number = 4053
}} }}


'''Thunderhawk''' is an ] located at ] amusement park in ], ]. Designed and built by ], the roller coaster debuted in 1998 as '''Serial Thriller''' at ] in ]. It was renamed Thunderhawk in 2004 when ] took ownership of the park. Following Geauga Lake's closure in 2007, Thunderhawk was dismantled and moved to Michigan's Adventure in time for the 2008 season, where it became the first inverted roller coaster in Michigan. '''Thunderhawk''' is an ] located at ] amusement park in ]. Designed and built by ], the roller coaster originally debuted in 1998 as '''Serial Thriller''' at ] in ]. It was renamed Thunderhawk in 2004 following ]'s acquisition of the park. After Geauga Lake's permanent closure in 2007, Thunderhawk was dismantled and moved to Michigan's Adventure, where it reopened in 2008.


==History== ==History==
] in Ohio]] ] in Ohio]]
The ride originally opened at ] as ''Serial Thriller'' on May 9, 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitmire|first=Lou|date=May 14, 1998|title=Serial Thriller waiting for you|work=The Times Recorder|publisher=Thomson News Service|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54111519/serial-thriller-waiting-for-you/|url-status=live|access-date=November 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It was constructed over what was previously marshland along the shores of Geauga Lake. A small, man-made island was constructed, and to keep it dry, a pump was installed near the ride's entrance. Much of the track and its supports were built over water. The track was originally red and the supports were originally green. The ride originally opened at ] as Serial Thriller on May 9, 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitmire|first=Lou|date=May 14, 1998|title=Serial Thriller waiting for you|work=The Times Recorder|publisher=Thomson News Service|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54111519/serial-thriller-waiting-for-you/|access-date=November 28, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It was constructed over what was previously marshland along the shores of Geauga Lake. A small, man-made island was constructed, and to keep it dry, a pump was installed near the ride's entrance. Much of the track and its supports were built over water. The track was originally red and the supports were originally green.


Serial Thriller was kept in operation following the park's ownership changes over the years involving ] and ]. In 2004 after Cedar Fair purchased the park, the ride's name was changed to Thunderhawk. The following year(2005), the track was repainted orange while the supports were repainted yellow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/gls-thunderhawk-to-be-repainted-yellow-and-orange|title=GL's Thunderhawk to be repainted yellow and orange}}</ref> Serial Thriller was kept in operation following the park's ownership changes over the years involving ] and ]. After Cedar Fair purchased the park in 2004, the ride's name was changed to Thunderhawk. The following year, the track was repainted orange while the supports were repainted yellow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/gls-thunderhawk-to-be-repainted-yellow-and-orange|title=GL's Thunderhawk to be repainted yellow and orange}}</ref>


On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced that Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom would no longer operate as a traditional amusement park, instead becoming solely a water park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mytownneo.com/article/20070930/NEWS/309309531|title=Geauga Lake silences rides; water park remains}}</ref> On October 2, 2007, it was announced that Thunderhawk would be relocated to ] under the same name.<ref name=MiA>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Alexander |title=New roller coaster will be park's most expensive ride.|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1191338116231930.xml&coll=8&thispage=1 |publisher=Muskegon Chronicle |date=2007-10-02 |accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref> On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced that the amusement park side of Geauga Lake would close, leaving only the water park, ], in operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mytownneo.com/article/20070930/NEWS/309309531|title=Geauga Lake silences rides; water park remains}}</ref> On October 2, 2007, it was announced that Thunderhawk would be relocated to ] under the same name.<ref name=MiA>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Alexander |title=New roller coaster will be park's most expensive ride.|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1191338116231930.xml&coll=8&thispage=1 |publisher=Muskegon Chronicle |date=2007-10-02 |accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref>


The ride's structure began to rise in January 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2008/01/thunderhawk-mia-goes-vertical.html|title=Thunderhawk @ MiA Goes Vertical!|publisher=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref> During construction of Thunderhawk, the roller coaster was repainted with red track and the supports remained yellow. Its padding and restraints on the trains were replaced as well in accordance with the new color scheme and to improve the ride experience. Michigan's Adventure also made full-length ride ]s available for purchase by riders.<ref>http://www.miadventure.com/th_con_jan.shtml Construction Photos, accessed on 1-29-2008</ref> Thunderhawk opened at its current location on May 17, 2008.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Thunderhawk|location=Michigan's Adventure|url=https://rcdb.com/4053.htm|accessdate=August 26, 2021}}</ref> The ride's structure began to be reconstructed in January 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2008/01/thunderhawk-mia-goes-vertical.html|title=Thunderhawk @ MiA Goes Vertical!|date=24 January 2008 |publisher=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref> During construction of Thunderhawk, the roller coaster was repainted with red track and the supports remained yellow. Its padding and restraints on the trains were replaced as well in accordance with the new color scheme, as well as to improve the ride experience. Michigan's Adventure also made full-length ride ]s available for purchase by riders.<ref>http://www.miadventure.com/th_con_jan.shtml Construction Photos, accessed on 1-29-2008</ref> Thunderhawk opened at its current location on May 17, 2008.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Thunderhawk|location=Michigan's Adventure|url=https://rcdb.com/4053.htm|accessdate=August 26, 2021}}</ref>


For the 2021 season the supports were repainted black and the track remained red. For the 2021 season the supports were repainted dark brown, while the track remained red.


==Ride experience== ==Ride experience==
After riders board the train, they are pulled up the {{convert|109|ft|m|adj=on}} ]. After cresting its highest point, it turns right and drops {{convert|85|ft|m}}, reaching speeds of up to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The train then ascends into a ], in which the train goes through an ] immediately followed by a ]. This element inverts riders twice and is shaped like a heart. Next, the train travels through a banked hill and into a ], followed by a 270 degree downward helix into a double ] that features multiple ] effects. The train curves again, dips, and rises up into the final ]. As the train returns to the station, it curves to the right passing by its maintenance track. After riders board the train, they are pulled up the {{convert|109|ft|m|adj=on}} ]. After cresting its highest point, it turns right and drops {{convert|85|ft|m}}, reaching speeds of up to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The train then ascends into a ], in which the train goes through an ] immediately followed by a ]. This element inverts riders twice and is shaped like a heart. Next, the train travels through a banked hill and into a ], followed by a 270 degree downward helix into a double ] that features multiple ] effects. The train curves again, dips, and rises up into the final ]. As the train returns to the station, it curves to the right passing by its maintenance track.


== Incidents == == Incident ==
⚫ On May 29, 2017, passengers were trapped on Thunderhawk for 90 minutes after a lift motor malfunction. One train was in the station while the other was on the lift hill. The ride was closed for the remainder of the day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2017/05/michigans_adventures_thunderha.html|title=Michigan's Adventure's Thunderhawk traps riders for 90 minutes|last=Mcguire|first=Justine|date=2017-05-30|website=mlive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-08}}</ref>

⚫ * On May 29, 2017, passengers were trapped on Thunderhawk for 90 minutes after a lift motor malfunction. One train was in the station while the other was on the lift hill. The ride was closed for the remainder of the day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2017/05/michigans_adventures_thunderha.html|title=Michigan's Adventure's Thunderhawk traps riders for 90 minutes|last=Mcguire|first=Justine|date=2017-05-30|website=mlive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-08}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 19:03, 15 July 2024

Roller coaster For the wooden roller coaster of the same name at Dorney Park, see Thunderhawk (Dorney Park). For other uses, see Thunderhawk (disambiguation).
Thunderhawk
Previously known as Serial Thriller as Geauga Lake/Six Flags Ohio/Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (1998–2003)
Thunderhawk as Geauga Lake (2004-2007)
Michigan's Adventure
Park sectionTimbertown
Coordinates43°20′43″N 86°22′12″W / 43.345208°N 86.37°W / 43.345208; -86.37
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 17, 2008 (2008-05-17)
Cost$10 million
Geauga Lake
Coordinates41°21′00″N 86°16′37″W / 41.35°N 86.276975°W / 41.35; -86.276975
StatusRemoved
Opening dateMay 9, 1998 (1998-05-09)
Closing dateSeptember 16, 2007 (2007-09-16)
General statistics
TypeSteel – Inverted
ManufacturerVekoma
DesignerPeter Clerx
ModelSuspended Looping Coaster (689m Standard)
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height109.3 ft (33.3 m)
Length2,260.5 ft (689.0 m)
Speed49.7 mph (80.0 km/h)
Inversions5
Duration1:36
Capacity1,040 riders per hour
Height restriction52–78 in (132–198 cm)
Trains2 trains with 10 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train.
Fast Lane available
Thunderhawk at RCDB
Video

Thunderhawk is an inverted roller coaster located at Michigan's Adventure amusement park in Muskegon, Michigan. Designed and built by Vekoma, the roller coaster originally debuted in 1998 as Serial Thriller at Geauga Lake in Aurora, Ohio. It was renamed Thunderhawk in 2004 following Cedar Fair's acquisition of the park. After Geauga Lake's permanent closure in 2007, Thunderhawk was dismantled and moved to Michigan's Adventure, where it reopened in 2008.

History

Thunderhawk in 2006 at Geauga Lake in Ohio

The ride originally opened at Geauga Lake as Serial Thriller on May 9, 1998. It was constructed over what was previously marshland along the shores of Geauga Lake. A small, man-made island was constructed, and to keep it dry, a pump was installed near the ride's entrance. Much of the track and its supports were built over water. The track was originally red and the supports were originally green.

Serial Thriller was kept in operation following the park's ownership changes over the years involving Six Flags and Cedar Fair. After Cedar Fair purchased the park in 2004, the ride's name was changed to Thunderhawk. The following year, the track was repainted orange while the supports were repainted yellow.

On September 21, 2007, Cedar Fair announced that the amusement park side of Geauga Lake would close, leaving only the water park, Wildwater Kingdom, in operation. On October 2, 2007, it was announced that Thunderhawk would be relocated to Michigan's Adventure under the same name.

The ride's structure began to be reconstructed in January 2008. During construction of Thunderhawk, the roller coaster was repainted with red track and the supports remained yellow. Its padding and restraints on the trains were replaced as well in accordance with the new color scheme, as well as to improve the ride experience. Michigan's Adventure also made full-length ride DVDs available for purchase by riders. Thunderhawk opened at its current location on May 17, 2008.

For the 2021 season the supports were repainted dark brown, while the track remained red.

Ride experience

After riders board the train, they are pulled up the 109-foot (33 m) lift hill. After cresting its highest point, it turns right and drops 85 feet (26 m), reaching speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). The train then ascends into a roll over, in which the train goes through an Immelmann immediately followed by a dive loop. This element inverts riders twice and is shaped like a heart. Next, the train travels through a banked hill and into a sidewinder, followed by a 270 degree downward helix into a double inline twist that features multiple footchopper effects. The train curves again, dips, and rises up into the final brake run. As the train returns to the station, it curves to the right passing by its maintenance track.

Incident

On May 29, 2017, passengers were trapped on Thunderhawk for 90 minutes after a lift motor malfunction. One train was in the station while the other was on the lift hill. The ride was closed for the remainder of the day.

References

  1. Whitmire, Lou (May 14, 1998). "Serial Thriller waiting for you". The Times Recorder. Thomson News Service. Retrieved November 28, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "GL's Thunderhawk to be repainted yellow and orange".
  3. "Geauga Lake silences rides; water park remains".
  4. Alexander, Dave (2007-10-02). "New roller coaster will be park's most expensive ride". Muskegon Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
  5. "Thunderhawk @ MiA Goes Vertical!". NewsPlusNotes. 24 January 2008.
  6. http://www.miadventure.com/th_con_jan.shtml Construction Photos, accessed on 1-29-2008
  7. Marden, Duane. "Thunderhawk  (Michigan's Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  8. Mcguire, Justine (2017-05-30). "Michigan's Adventure's Thunderhawk traps riders for 90 minutes". mlive.com. Retrieved 2019-04-08.

External links

Michigan's Adventure
Roller coasters
Other
Former rides at Geauga Lake
Roller coasters
Rides
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