Thunderbolt, Wooden roller coaster at Six Flags New England, Massachusetts, United States.
Thunderbolt is a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags New England built with a figure-eight track layout measuring roughly 2,600 feet long and 70 feet tall. The coaster propels riders across its wooden track at speeds reaching around 40 miles per hour.
The coaster opened in 1941 as Cyclone and received its current name in 1964, after components originated from the 1939 New York World's Fair. This background ties it to a significant moment in American amusement park history.
The name reflects the powerful rush visitors experience during the ride, while its wooden structure remains a classic landmark in the park's identity. The coaster draws people who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and the authentic character of vintage amusement park rides.
Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to board, and each passenger is secured with a lap bar and seatbelt checked by staff before departure. Safety inspections are completed on all riders to ensure their protection throughout the experience.
The coaster still operates with its original wooden track and mechanical systems from its opening era. This makes it the oldest continuously running attraction in the entire park.
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