Queensbury in Warren County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Comet
ACE Roller Coaster Landmark
The Comet is an important example of historic coaster preservation. Originally opened at Crystal Beach Park in Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada, in 1948, its design integrated over half of the steel structure from the earlier Harry Traver-designed Cyclone, which has closed in 1946. Philadelphia Toboggan Company's Herbert P. Schmeck (1890-1956) created the new design with the assistance of John C. Allen (1907-1979). The Comet thrilled several generations of riders along the park's Lake Erie shoreline, until ceasing operation in September 1989.
While many feared the The Comet might be lost forever, Charles E. Wood (1914-2004), owner of The Great Escape Fun Park, purchased the ride at auction and quickly dismantled and moved the structure into storage. Reconstruction of the 94-foot high coaster began at The Great Escape in October 1993 under the supervision of J.R. Hyatt. Consulting engineers John Pierce and Frank Hardick assisted in the project, while Martin and Vleminckx of Canada rebuilt the 4,197-foot long wood track.
Officially reopened on June 25, 1994, The Comet now sits in the shadow of the scenic Adirondack Mountains at the Great Escape in Lake George, New York. Although the setting has changed, the trills have been preserved for one of the world's greatest roller coasters.
Erected 2009 by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1994.
Location. 43° 21.079′ N, 73° 41.113′ W. Marker is in Queensbury, New York, in Warren County. Marker and roller coaster are on the grounds of Six Flags Great Escape amusement park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1172 US Route 9, Queensbury NY 12804, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Believe It! The Comet (a few steps from this marker); This is "Porcellino" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Five Mile Run (approx. 0.4 miles away); Blind Rock (approx. 1.2 miles away); French Mtn. Hamlet (approx. 1.4 miles away); Military Road (approx. 1˝ miles away); Col. Williams Monument (approx. 1.8 miles away); Colonel Ephraim Williams, Jr. (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queensbury.
Also see . . .
1. The Comet at Crystal Beach - You Tube. Including dismantling. (Submitted on August 29, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Local News Broadcast of Comet Reopening 1994 - You Tube. Includes Charlie Wood. Has nasty background hum; old VHS technology. There are high quality newer videos on You Tube of the ride. (Submitted on August 29, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. The Comet - Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 29, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.