arrow-dynamics

[arrow-dynamics]

sorry, i see a post about corkscrew and i have to yap

I rarely ride it because it gives me a headache, but yeah I still love this coaster. I don't think thoosies appreciate it enough, or also just arrow's corkscrew model in general. I mean, CP's corkscrew is the oldest coaster with inversions to have never been moved from its original location. That's pretty big. The first was the one at Knott's and it was only built a year before CP's, but that one was moved to a different park in 1990. And, at least in US historic preservation legislation, once an historic structure has been moved from its original location, its very difficult to argue that it still maintains historical significance. But ACE still put that one on their coaster landmark list.

Honestly, this sounds a bit far-fetched, but I do think that CP could actually get their corkscrew on the National Register of Historic Places, if they get someone who knows how to argue for it properly and understands the nomination process. Right now, the one coaster on the NRHP is Leap the Dips at Lakemont Park in PA, and that's because its the oldest coaster in the world. But, especially since CP's corkscrew will be 50 years old this year, I really do think they could could get it on there. Idk what the Ohio state historic preservation office is like though.

Tac Talks Coasters - Post 2: #169

Photo Sources: All photos are mine

Corkscrew at Cedar Point!

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Opened: 1976 Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics Height: 85 ft (26 m) Speed: 48 mph (77 kph) Length: 2,050 ft (620 m) My most recent ride: 2022

Cedar Point's numerous coasters span all shapes and sizes, and with their legacy of record-breaking rides, they had to break their first records with something. That something was Corkscew, opening in 1976. Corkscrew was the first coaster to feature 3 inversions, and the first coaster to go over a footpath. These were big things for their time.

The key phrase there is "for their time." Corkscrew, nearing 50 years old at this point, is no longer the impressive feat it once was and is now just buried in Cedar Point's lineup. And as you can see from it's second-to-last placement on my list, I'm not a fan. The ride just doesn't do a whole lot for me. Like a lot of old Arrows, it's rough, jerky and uncomfortable, and overall is just outdated design-wise. The one bunny hill between the first drop and the loop doesn't really deliver any air, and the transition into the namesake corkscrews has always been jarring like on a lot of Arrow coasters.

My guess as to the main reasons as to why it's stuck around at Cedar Point for so long are: A) It's not an expensive ride to maintain. Arrow rides are robust, clearly as a lot of them have had pretty long lifespans. Since Corkscrew isn't very big, it doesn't put as much wear on its track and trains so it can just keep on going. And B) There's not a whole lot that could realistically replace it. Corkscrew's plot of land is super long and narrow, smack in the middle of the park. Wedged between the midway, Top Thrill 2, Power Tower and the Super Himalaya on one side, and a backstage area and Hotel Breakers on the other, there's not really a whole lot that could go there without taking some other rides out or making some other kind of major change to the area. Unless you put in some kind of shuttle coaster or just some smaller rides, I can't think of too much else that would fit there, meaning that (I'd imagine) it's not usually on Cedar Point's chopping block.

Finishing up with some positives, similar to Nighthawk, Corkscrew does pull some surprising forces. The last time I rode it, I remember being surprised at how forceful the loop was, as well as getting a bit of hang time on the corkscrews. I can also see Cedar Point keeping it around for it's icon status as the first triple inverting coaster, and it's iconic corkscrews over the midway. The ride really does look nice right in the center of the park. Lastly, it also works well as an introductory ride to someone going on a looping coaster for the first time before moving on to bigger things, so I guess there's a market for that too lol.

So that's the first out of 21 credits I have from Cedar Point. Where do the others land? You'll just have to wait to find out :3c

Thanks for checking out today's coaster post! Keep an eye out for tomorrow's coaster!