The original Steel Phantom was one of my all time favorite coasters. Back in the days before I was really into coasters and amusement parks I was living in western PA. I remember hearing all over the news about the new coaster Kennywood was building to replace the Laser Loop. It was to be the fastest coaster and have the biggest drop. I remember trying to find things around town that were 225 feet tall (the same size as the big drop on Steel Phantom). I never did get to ride until 1993 - but what an experience! Again, at the time I was not even close to being an enthusiast in any form. I remember the sheer power of this ride and how disoriented I felt after my first ride. Over the next few years I rode Steel Phantom many times. I never had a problem with the ride like many others did. I found it to be powerful as opposed to rough. Besides, how many coasters will drop you 225 feet into a sharp left turn and directly into a vertical loop? I took the photos on this page just a few months before I decided to get some real equipment and start getting nice photos as opposed to just getting snapshots. Summer of 2000 was the last year for the original Phantom and I'm glad to say I was there for the final season. Would I have redone the ride? Not a chance. But I don't have money riding on it like the park does. Plus I have to admit they (and Morgan) did one hell of a job with Phantom's Revenge. Go ride it sometime - you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'd say it holds it's own with the best in the USA. Enjoy these photos of the original in all of it's glory.
While looking through some old video tapes, I stumbled across this clip from the local news. It aired a few days prior to the grand opening of the Steel Phantom. The clip originally aired on KDKA in Pittsburgh in May of 1991. I think it's a pretty entertaining look at the ride from an early 90's perspective. Includes ride stats, industry stats, on-ride footage, and lots of other great little bits. Definitely check this one out!
