The 77th Annual PAPA Spring Meeting took place this past Monday and Tuesday in Hershey, PA where parks, manufacturers and suppliers from around the state gather to discuss important topics, share stories and reconnect with old friends. Waldameer was one of the 11 parks that were represented at the meeting where board meetings and round table discussions took place in order to keep Pennsylvania's wonderful parks successful. Topics such as the new ADA Regulations and Post Labor Day School were some of the big topics on everyone's mind and plenty of discussions focused on learning more about these topics. But just as important were the social aspects of the members as they said hello to old friends and learned about the new things happening around the state at each and every park. It was great fun and very informative and Waldameer is proud to be a member of such a great organization!
WaldaBlog: The Official Waldameer Blog
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
PAPA Spring Meeting
The 77th Annual PAPA Spring Meeting took place this past Monday and Tuesday in Hershey, PA where parks, manufacturers and suppliers from around the state gather to discuss important topics, share stories and reconnect with old friends. Waldameer was one of the 11 parks that were represented at the meeting where board meetings and round table discussions took place in order to keep Pennsylvania's wonderful parks successful. Topics such as the new ADA Regulations and Post Labor Day School were some of the big topics on everyone's mind and plenty of discussions focused on learning more about these topics. But just as important were the social aspects of the members as they said hello to old friends and learned about the new things happening around the state at each and every park. It was great fun and very informative and Waldameer is proud to be a member of such a great organization!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Captian Hook Lost His Island!
Don't ask how, but it seems the infamous Captian Hook has lost his Treasure Island!
Well, it isn't really lost (even though he looks pretty lost without it). Winter maintenance has moved on to the project of rebuiling the old backdrop for the nationally renowned Pirate's Cove. Designed by Bill Tracy, this ride has been through 40 years of laughs and scares as Guests walkthrough this pirate themed walk-through. But the backdrop was showing signs of wear and with the wonderful winter weather Erie has experienced, it seemed a great time to rebuild the tired backdrop.
Don't worry you die-hard Bill Tracy fans! Waldameer took many photos of the backdrop and are going to restore it to its previous glory. The Art Department at Mercyhurst College has elected to gather a group of exceptional art students to repaint the backdrop and have it ready for display for this coming season.
So never fear el Capitan! Your Treasure Island will be found once again. And when it is, cry "Land, ho!"
Well, it isn't really lost (even though he looks pretty lost without it). Winter maintenance has moved on to the project of rebuiling the old backdrop for the nationally renowned Pirate's Cove. Designed by Bill Tracy, this ride has been through 40 years of laughs and scares as Guests walkthrough this pirate themed walk-through. But the backdrop was showing signs of wear and with the wonderful winter weather Erie has experienced, it seemed a great time to rebuild the tired backdrop.
Don't worry you die-hard Bill Tracy fans! Waldameer took many photos of the backdrop and are going to restore it to its previous glory. The Art Department at Mercyhurst College has elected to gather a group of exceptional art students to repaint the backdrop and have it ready for display for this coming season.
So never fear el Capitan! Your Treasure Island will be found once again. And when it is, cry "Land, ho!"
Monday, January 30, 2012
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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic friction brakes to slow the train to a crawl. Once inside the station, two more sections of pneumatic 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.
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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic friction brakes to slow the train to a crawl. Once inside the station, two more sections of pneumatic 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.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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
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
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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!
Friday, December 2, 2011
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
Monday, November 21, 2011
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!
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