Kennywood's Steel Curtain reopens after 13-month modification
AT: B. Derek Shaw
bdshaw@amusementtoday.com
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Featuring 4,000 feet of track, The Steel Curtain at Kennywood Park originally opened in 2019. This high-speed, 220-foot-tall steel roller coaster features nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States. However, as time wore on, there became a heightened focus on Steel Curtain’s reliability.
On July 26, 2023, the ride closed. The next fall, the park began a process to reinforce the support structure with a modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Throughout the project, Kennywood worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, Stengel Engineering and Glynn Group to add three new columns diagonally along the main part of the structure, along with several dozen additional structural members placed in high-stress areas, including additional flanges and bracing. This lateral stiffening was done to decrease structural movement, reduce maintenance costs and provide a more reliable ride experience.
“We take pride in our rides,” says S&S President and CEO Jason Mons. “So, when we discovered that the structural movement of The Steel Curtain could impact its longevity, we started making plans both internally and with the park.”
Stengel Engineering of Munich, Germany, was contracted as a third-party company to do an independent review. A vibration analysis was conducted, as the structure oscillations were concerning. This led to finding a solution to improve reliability and longevity in seven areas throughout the ride structure. In addition, a trim brake was added in the last third of the ride, which will be used as needed.
TÜV, the German organization also known as the Technical Inspection Association, was brought in to conduct the final inspection.
Amusement Today spoke with Jason Mons, president and CEO of S&S about the modifications.
Amusement Today: How did the project go?
Mons: I couldn’t be happier with the way the project went and the way our relationship developed with Kennywood and Parques Reunidos (park owner until recently). This was a true collaboration with all sides coming together to express individual goals and work through the project.
When Kennywood asked us to assist them in reviewing the ride, we were very willing to participate. At S&S, we believe we are "Where Excitement Begins.” We know the legacy of our rides will live long after they leave our factory and installation is completed. We have S&S products that have been in operation for more than 30 years, and we continue to support parks with their Arrow rides that have been in use for over 50 years. We are dedicated to being long-term partners with our customers. This involves being willing and available to support the parks and to work with their engineers, maintenance and management to ensure the rides provide enjoyment to park patrons for generations.”
What was entailed with the modifications?
S&S takes safety seriously, so the safety of guests was never in doubt. The intention of the work was to ensure the ride would be around for many years to come. Working with industry veterans, Stengel, Parques Reuindos and Palace Entertainment, we performed an intense analysis of the existing structure and identified areas that would benefit from modifications to enhance the longevity of the ride.
To conduct the analysis, S&S engineers documented the ride as built with laser scanners and optical measuring devices and performed and analyzed Strain Gage testing results. This ensured the new structure would fit perfectly as designed, minimizing work efforts and making for efficient work on site.
S&S service technicians and SkyHigh, a company of highly skilled tradesmen experienced in coaster installation, collaborated to provide the technical staff, iron workers and welders necessary to modify the structure to engineered designs and perform the installation work.
Were there any challenges along the way?
A project like this is never perfect; but taking time in the beginning to review the ride, perform site inspections and be open with Stengel and Kennywood allowed us to stay focused on the summer opening deadline and helped us to adjust when typical issues came up.
From the beginning, the entire team knew it was critical to align our efforts to ensure the ride would open for the summer season. With so many groups working together, staying on schedule was critical. Everything from the shipping of parts from suppliers, crane and installation work, on-site testing, to final inspections by government officials had to be carefully monitored to avoid delays.
Even with this planning and focus, some issues were unavoidable, but we worked with our partners to stay on track. When international trade policies created shipping delays, S&S worked with SkyHigh to provide additional crews to recover the schedule. Even the unpredictable weather in Pittsburgh couldn't stop us. Whether facing unseasonable cold or persistent rain, the crews collaborated to overcome challenges, adjusting shifts and hours to keep the schedule moving forward.
What was it like to work with Stengel Engineering on the modifications?
We have worked with Stengel for many years. Stengel led the engineering and design efforts for Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America as well as many other S&S rides. When it was determined to bring Stengel in to participate, neither the park nor S&S had any concerns for their involvement.
The new supports and other structure bracing are hard to identify, except for a slight variation in paint color.
"This is a comeback worthy of the black and gold at one of the best theme parks in the United States,” said Ricky Spicuzza, general manager of Kennywood at the Steel Curtain reopening media event. “The Steel Curtain is now ready to deliver nonstop thrills all summer long. We’re excited to welcome fans back to experience our most iconic coaster, now better than ever.” The Steel Curtain reopened May 24.
