The Comet Gets Magnetized

After much planing and engineering, the new braking system project for the Comet coaster is starting to unfold. The first Comet car has returned from Velocity Magnetics where it was fabricated with a new undercarriage that will allow it to function with the new magnetic and neumatic braking system being installed for 2012.

With the first car back in the Waldameer shop, work can now begin on the rest of the cars. The materials for the new undercarriage, provided by Velocity, will be installed by our very own Waldameer mechanics.

While the cars get fitted, Velocity is busy working on the neumatic and magnetic braking sections that will be utilized in the Comet's new brake run. The Comet trains will first hit three sections of static magnets that will slow the train down, followed by five sections of neumatic friction brakes to slow the train to a crawl. Once inside the station, two more sections of neumatic friction brakes will hold the car in the unload position as well as the load position. The sections are due to arrive in the next few weeks.

The neat thing about Waldameer's new braking system is the fact that we are using both friction and magnets to slow the trains. Typically, coasters use magnet brakes with pinch brakes having a fin under each car. The Comet is unique in that the friction brake pads under each car must also be magnetic. Velocity Magnetics has designed this new system specifically for Waldameer's Comet to keep much of the Comet's history and origianal feel alive.

Along with this new braking system comes a new control unit, provided by Terry Hoffman. Once the new brake run is installed, Terry can begin his work computerizing all the functions fo the new hardware.

To see more pictures of the Comet car, visit us on Facebook at Waldameer & Water World.

Rainbow Gardens Events - Spring 2012

Citadel Broadcasting Best Wings Erie - Sat. 1/28, 11:00am to 8:00pm

Lake Erie Fanfare Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/11, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Classy 100 70's Dance - Sat. 2/18, 9:00pm to 1:00am

Elks Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/25, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Tartan Ball - Sat. 3/3, 8:00pm to 12:00am

Train Show - Sun. 3/4, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Swanson Memorial Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/10, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Saint Vincent Trivia Night - Thur. 3/15, 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Junior League 80's Rewind Dance - Sat. 3/24, 8:00pm to 1:00am

Waterford Lions Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/31, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

New Blossom New Life Casino Night - Sat 4/14, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Millcreek Kiwanis Antique Show- Sat. 4/21, 9:30am to 4:30pm

OLP Casino Night - Sat. 4/28, 7:00pm to 12:00am

March of Dimes - Sun. 4/29, 7:00am to 7:00pm

Conneaut High School Prom - Sat. 5/12, 7:00pm to 11:00pm

Erie County Vietnam Veteran Memorial Vet Rock Erie - Sat. 5/19, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

What is That???

After all the excitement from the holiday season has died down and may of us are wondering if it will ever snow again, Waldameer is still keeping busy improving the park for the 2012 season. Pictured below is a prime example of Waldameer's improvments for 2012.

But what is it?  What could this bunch of nailed together boards be an improvement of? We will keep you updated on this little project as it comes together. Until then, start guessing!

2012 SEASON PASSES ON SALE!

Need we say more? Visit waldameer.com to purchase your Season Pass. You can also have your Season Pass mailed right to your door! Just click on "2012 Season Pass Renewal" if you have had a Season Pass before and we will use your current photo to print a new pass and mail it directly to you FREE of charge

The First Look at L. Ruth Express II

Since the replacement of Waldameer's L. Ruth Express train engine last season, plans have been in the works to purchase a whole new train engine and coaches for the 2012 season. That means less time waiting in line and more time riding the Waldameer classic. Chance Rides has been working hard to get the L. Ruth Express II ready for delivery before the end of the year. But you will never guess where we spotted Waldameer's second C.P. Huntington train engine!

At the annual IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida! This yearly convention brings all sorts of vendors, manufacturers and amusement venues to one spot to learn, sell and buy all sorts of new and exciting items for the attractions industry. This year, Chance Rides featured Waldameer's very own L. Ruth Express engine at the show. This bright blue beauty was all ready to chug along Waldameer's tracks. But the new engine won't make it to Erie, PA until the rest of the coaches are ready to ship as well.

So now, we wait patiently until the new train is ready. Keep and eye out, you may just see it driving down the highway on it way to Waldameer soon!

Waldameer Goes Cashless!

It's been a long time since a Waldameer update. So many things have happened in the few short months following Labor Day Weekend. Most of the park has been prepared for another Erie winter by covering up and tearing down signs, rides, tables and benches. But don't think Waldameer packs up and quits for the winter! Plenty of things are happening at the park to make it an even better place to visit in the summer!

The most drastic change that is happening for 2012 is the park is going cashless! That's right, cashless. But what does that really mean? How will our Guests pay for things?

Since 2010, Waldameer has been using its new bar-code system to operate the park. With this system, Waldameer was able to introduce its own type of money called Wally Points. These points can be put on a Wally Card and spent anywhere in the park. You can recharge your Wally Card, put any amount on it and use it for the rest of your life! Wally Cards have worked so well that for the 2012 season, Waldameer will only accept Wally Cards, Credit/Debit cards and Gift Cards to purchase items inside the park. The only place cash will still be accepted will be the Merry-Go-Round Ticket Booths, the Arcade and Wally Card Kiosks.

To make it easier to get a Wally Card, eight new self-serve Wally Card Kiosks are being installed throughout the park. These big, yellow stands allow Guests to purchase, reload and check balances on any Wally Card. With eight new kiosks, it will be eight times easier to get your very own Wally Card!

Stay tuned for more exciting winter news!

The Governor Comes to Town

Even though this past Thursday was muggy and wet, the attendees at the annual Erie Club picnic held at Waldameer were still able to enjoy themselves. One person in particular made a surprise appearance to the Erie Club picnic. Governor Tom Corbett was able to take time out of his schedule and stop by Waldameer to meet and greet and eat with the attendees. Of course we had to get a picture of the Governor during his visit to Waldameer. Luckily, Governor Corbett let Steve Gorman grab a quick photo with Wally Bear too! Thanks to the Erie Club and Governor Corbett for coming out to the park and having a great time!