Comet Crystal Beach Ride History

Sources:
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[@Whatchamawhozit]

It's not NOBELS... The K is pronouned Kuh-Nobels (KNOEBELS)

[@thecoolbrothersgaming]

I have an uncle who repaired the lifts they used to reconstruct the comet at the Great Escape

[@JoseOrtiz-pl1zw]

I am from Albany N.Y, this is my home park in Lake George. The Comet is the ride that I grew up on. It once rained lightly at the great escape, and with two trains the lines were instance. I rode the comet 22 times in a row that day. I still remember it like yesterday, and this was about 20 years ago.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

22 times? See my above comment. Sometimes, bruises are worth it?

[@bingovegas4867]

Two trains the lines were instance? What the hell does that even mean???

[@Kaylah_Slays]

This is in Canada

[@JustMeELC]

I lived in a trailer under the Comet while working at the park its last year of operation 😁 Alot of people have stories etc but I believe I'm the only one who literally lived under it ;o) The park was doing well its last year & the ultimate demise of the park was actually a result of the fact the lake front real estate was worth too much for it to be an amusement park which does not require such a high priced location. The auction was one of the saddest days! The Giant, the other wooden coaster at the park, was actually one of the oldest wooden coasters left in existence & a real working piece of history.

[@bingovegas4867]

Never having ever been to Crystal Beach this young lady is very knowledgeable. Well done!

[@Amandura]

Great video! I'm from Buffalo and my Dad often told me about the Crystal Beach Comet and this footage was cool to see, the Cyclone looks insane!

[@spaghettiowsboober6548]

Thank you for posting. I rode The Comet often as a child and as a young adult at Crystal Beach. I also rode it a few times at Six Flags Great Escape. The difference is that at Crystal Beach, it was located right next to Lake Erie, and it seemed as if you were descending into the lake. Also, at the top of the first drop, you could see clear across the lake to Buffalo and vicinity, and I would try to spot landmarks near my house. But the fact that it was able to be preserved was incredible.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Right next to a lovely beach. West Side Richmond and Utica. We'd get rolls of tickets and ride it all day. Those were, indeed, the Good Old Days. and Yes, Schmeck is a name you tend to remember?

[@flaco171ac]

As a kid from Buffalo, I loved going to Crystal Beach every summer for the company picnic where my Grandmother worked. All my cousins would go as well and we would always get the Crystal Beach Suckers at the end of the night. I remember going to Crystal Beach for the last time in 1989 with a couple of friends and riding the Comet.

[@DeadBeforeRed]

I was literally in the town of Crystal Beach yesterday haha. Too bad today it’s merely a shadow of its former glory

[@David-vp3eq]

Unfortunately the whole Niagara region is a shadow of its former glory :(

[@itscooldude167]

Its Knoebles, not Noeblels.

[@jasonsaville2262]

❤😂🎉😅 THE COMET is definitely a really awesome wooden coaster. And also have you ever checked out KINGDA KA in New Jersey?

[@StamfordBridge]

This video was tailor-made for me to enjoy. Thank you! I enjoyed The Comet, but I’d pay a lot of money to ride the Cyclone somehow.

[@JasmineDreams]

StamfordBridge right?! Maybe someday someone will recreate the Cyclone at another park!

[@henryleung6086]

Many thanks for bringing back my memory while I was living in Crystal Beach during my high school year. My classmates and friends did enjoy visiting the amusing park and the coastal ride very much each summer.

[@edwardmcdevitt790]

You left out a Herbert Schmeck "Comet". It was the Comet at Meyers Lake Park in Canton, Ohio. I've ridden the Comet at Crystal Beach and Phoenix at Knoebel's. The Meyers Lake Comet (In My Opinion) was the best I've ridden of Schmeck's Designs! 90' tall a swoop turnaround and sudden 2nd drop and air time throughout!!!

[@lumist]

Thank you for sharing this well made episode about a truly remarkable rollercoaster! I was too intimidated to ride The Comet when I was a little boy visiting Crystal Beach (so many fond memories), and was later devastated when I began to appreciate coasters and couldn't ride this impressive looking contraption. In 2009, during the ACE spring convention (where the plaque was presented), I was finally able to ride this masterpiece. It was a dream come true! The Comet is still one of the best coasters I've ever ridden, along with Phoenix at Knoebels. Both are shining examples of rollercoaster preservation and are rightfully adored by countless enthusiasts like us. I can't wait to ride the Comet again, hopefully in this coming coaster season!

[@JasmineDreams]

Luke Fillion so cool!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Luke! 🙂

[@coasterdaddy7123]

Such an awesome video! I just received the book Harry G Traver Legends of Terror for Christmas, and of course it has the Crystal Beach Cyclone on the front cover. I knew that the Comet used some of the Cyclone's structure, but I never knew all of this information about it. It truly amazes me how 60% of the steel structure was used but the ride experience is the complete opposite. I really want to get to Great Escape at some point now just to ride this amazing piece of history! I personally think it looks like a really underrated ride. Based on POV's, the airtime looks truly incredible! Also, this is almost like a very early precursor to RMC conversions of today!

[@JasmineDreams]

Coaster Daddy thanks for your comment! I was also really surprised to find out how much of the old structure was preserved. PS. I hope you enjoyed the Legends of Terror book! I found out about it while researching this video and am hoping to grab a copy myself 👌🏽🙂

[@coasterdaddy7123]

@@JasmineDreams I actually just started reading it last night, don't know why it took so long haha But it is good so far! I have always wanted to learn more about all of the infamous old coasters of the 20s and 30s.

[@gavintitan8796]

i guess Im asking randomly but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@reesecasey5684]

@Gavin Titan instablaster =)

[@edwardcaperchione3275]

I'm glad I found this video! It takes me back to my childhood. I will never forget my first time on the comet. A resident of the Niagara region I am in Crystal Beach frequently and this allows me to have moments that I get to relive in my mind and heart.

[@stephenbarr4478]

Comet was my 100th coaster when I rode it in may of 2018

[@JosephC1974]

I worked at Crystal Beach Park in 1989 (it's final year), as a ride operator.for laff in the dark and magic palace. I was 14 yrs old turning 15 ! Unfortunately, didn't work on it or ever ride it for that matter. I would like to get over to great Escape Park and finally ride it after all these years !!!!!

[@DwayneETowns]

. I want to see a ground up RMC Crystal Beach cyclone( inspired) coaster in some Park soon. but I love the wood classics even that's the first hybrid?... the designers were way ahead of their time, the 3rd remake of the original still running. That was a great documentary!

[@nicholasallan8252]

i have been waiting for this video forever

[@johnnymacchicago]

Wow! Jazzimm, this is some of your best work. What an awesome information packed video. Thank you so much, keep it up 😉

[@JasmineDreams]

Johnny McWilliams thanks for the kind feedback! 😊 I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@liam9206]

Six flags great america next coaster? They are getting a launch coaster so they have a really good lineup. Maybe a GCI? I hope they do not get a boomerang, even though they are super cloned over the chain.

[@harrisonschneider8333]

Comet is at great escape. I rode it and really enjoyed it. Also, I think that Great America should get a good family coaster, maybe a suspended coaster.

[@liam9206]

Harrison Schneider that would be a cool project, but who manufactures suspended coasters since arrow is gone? That would be cool, a b&m suspended.

[@harrisonschneider8333]

@@liam9206 Vekoma

[@harrisonschneider8333]

Also, Great America used to have a boomerang. It was called Deja Vu.

[@liam9206]

Harrison Schneider but it was a giant inverted boomerang. Those were actually pretty damn good

[@Ohiopianoguy]

It's pronounced TRAY-ver not Tra-ver.

[@stormgirl09]

i have distant cousins from my dads side who live in Buffalo. I visited Buffalo a few times when i was younger. my cousins told me about Crystal Beach a few times and how it was a huge part of their childhood. they said if it was still around i would of LOVED the place and said it was one of the best parks ever when it was around. not sure if that was nostalgia speaking or if it was truly like the "Cedar Point" of its day...but they sure did hype it up to sound like this super awesome place! and heck this was after the Cyclone.

[@jason.3011]

I.miss crystal Beach sooo much

[@nathanielthomas2502]

Boblo Island where the Detroit River empties into Lake Erie..Guest enjoyed boat rides to the island from Metro Detroit & Canada until 1993 when it closed..was a cheaper but still amazing option other than Cedar Point.

[@Quadrocephis]

Nice

[@ryanshaivitz2050]

1st! Her AmusementInsides! Can you do a video about the Chocolatetown going to HersheyPark in 2020 or any Hersheypark video??

[@kmhowells2]

Just found your video, I was telling my wife about this coaster and how it was moved to the Great Escape. I rode it a few times as a kid in Crystal Beach and then about 20 yrs ago at Great Escape. We’re about to have kids, so I’ll be making a trip there in the coming years !

[@usmgreen1]

Crystal Beach Cyclone 1966 my first ride

[@wendybarnhart1296]

Rode it in 1988, the park's 100th year. Finally rode it again this week. Still great although I did enjoy the backwards-facing seats and having 2 cars run at the same time.

[@psalm37v4]

I wish I could find the article of when the Cyclone was torn down, and then transformed into the Comet back in the 40s. (NOT the 1993 reconstruction at Great Escape) My mother had an article that featured a picture of it in progress, and I can't find the article or the pic.

[@babagee8040]

I've ridden the Comet over 420 times! it just never gets old!

[@vincentmcnamara9959]

I grew up in Crystal Beach near the dairy and school uptown on Derby Rd and would go with my friends and get free rides if my brothers were running the rides sometimes. Got in trouble diving off the list and 56 years later still have not found a place so wonderful to spend time at.

[@bertshutler5973]

great vid.... Crystal Beach was part of my childhood and youth... from Hamilton, went at least once a year.... NO HANDS on the Comet was a tradition

[@dandesjardins2552]

This ride somewhere between 86-88 was this reason I completely hate(terrified)roller coasters.My Father went on it I came completely off my seat my Father held me down by my shoulder and was laughing....

[@trainbear8205]

Ridden the Comet numerous times at Great Escape! Never knew all this history! Love it! One of the best IMHO. The other is the Jackrabbit at Seabreeze in Rochester NY. It's the oldest continualing operating coaster in the country!

[@AM-Boluke1210]

My grandmothers church took us to crystal beach 2-3 times back n 80's. As I recall there was never a long line to ride comet. Sometimes rode twice n row 🎢🙌 😄

[@Kaylah_Slays]

I rode the Comet in 1980 with my now husband, We happened along the park and the Quarry where we swam, one day that we were in Niagara Falls for the day. Decided to explore further and found these 2 places. Never forgot about that coaster or quarry. 40 years later we still talk about the fun we had.

[@yumpinyiminy963]

I 1st road the Comet in 1975. Even then the park was getting a bit out dated. Yet this is still in my top 3 "wooden" coasters of all time. In 75 that 1st drop was still one of the largest of it's time.

[@FordPickUPRed]

Went on the Comet in 1985. Terrifying, almost was ejected from my seat. Regardless good memories of family and friends at this park.

[@mystrE001]

I worked at Crystal Beach Park the year they changed the cars to face each other. The Maintenance staff were the chosen Guinea pigs to ride the coaster for about 5 hrs. Lol. Nobody knew what was going to happen. Eyewitness News, from Buffalo showed up and ran a segment on it. The Park was an incredible place to work, with an incredible history and amazing vintage attractions. It is missed.

[@tanyac1872]

My sister Marilyn went on the Comet while we lived in Crystal Beach. She went on front wards and back wards, she threw up. I was 1 inch too short my 1989 so I never got to ride it. There was the Giant Coaster at CB amusement park, nicknamed the Yellow Coaster, because it was yellow.

[@Rhythmmical]

My mom rode Comet constantly as a kid. She said they would speed up the ride at night.

[@buffguy31264]

The did seed it up at night my dad used to take me on it as a kid, always faster at night he said, must have been it was next to Lake Erie

[@JustMeELC]

lol Sorry to shatter illusions but it wasn't sped up. Roller coasters literally ran the speed of gravity after the 1st hill! It just felt faster in the dark with the lights. And, yes there was a nurses station, but all parks have one, & it's location was just coincidence... the fairy tale didn't hurt the coasters reputation though ;o)

[@bingovegas4867]

Also as a 12 yr old the ride operators wouldn't let the kids ride more than once sooooo living for the summer at our cottage on Rebstock Rd we got to know our neighbors and going to the park sometimes daily, we would buy the 18+ chick's a cone or cinnamon sucker IF they would flirt with these dopey teen Canadian ride operators to meet them later if they would not only let their little brothers ride again BUT often ride free. They fell for it everytime. Lol.

[@hoots02]

That was an excellent history on a great road and the township of crystal beach thank you very much for all your input

[@carolhall1801]

Had a cottage at Crystal Beach when the park was closing. I am not a coaster fan but knew I had to ride the Comet at least once before it was sold. I had intended to spend my last day in the park riding the coaster but one circuit was enough for me. Couldn't get my feet on solid ground fast enough! That being said, it was a sad day when the park closed after so many summers of wonderful happy noises coming from the Park.

[@billding2702]

We used to ride the steamboat from Buffalo every summer. I remember stretching the be tall enough to ride the Comet and when I finally made it, I was scared stiff to get on. Year after year, ride after ride, it was my favorite. More recently I rode it at Lake George, NY. the only change is where there was lake Erie, dead fish and seaweed as you climbed the first hill, there is now a Pine covered mountain....quite an upgrade.

[@drummerryan2093]

Being from Buffalo, NY, it was always a great time being there.

[@sandrashaw1011]

We grew up in Crescent Park, Fort Erie Ont Canada and were at Crystal Beach often

[@Thelightning1out]

It's so insane how this used to be the most dangerous coaster of the 3 cyclone coasters harry built and yet it still out lived the other two. breaking so many bones when it was opened for 20 years this was considered the most dangerous

[@tkbuffalogaming]

Love the fact that this was re-built 3 times, The Cyclone, Comet/Crystal Beach, Comet Lake Gerorge

[@COASTER_CHASER_1]

The comet remains one of my top coasters, in my opinion the Cyclone at Crystal beach is way ahead of its time by about 70yrs. i think with today's technology the cyclone could live again. personally i have been trying t persuade Six Flag/Great escape to rebuild the coaster. i think it would be only fitting because the comet is there and it would be perfect for this park as its not huge. also if i was in charge id take some of the steel structure from the Comet and place it in the New Cyclone.

[@phoenixshade3]

There are a couple errors here about the Cyclone. It did have midcourse trim brakes at the top of the first hill out of the 600 degree spiral. Also, the figure 8 is nowhere near the final element; it ran a full third circuit after this; a banked and tilted turn inside the turn of the first drop, a series of bunny hills under the lift hill, a short dive into a tight turn below the 600° spiral, a trick track (called a "jazz track" at the time) crossing back towards the first drop, another tight turn, passing under the second hill, and finally straight track into the final brake run before the station. The ride length was 40 seconds prime ride time, that is, from the top of the lift to the final brakes; the 1:10 figure includes the pre-lift and lift hill. Actual reports of injuries on the Cyclone are extremely sparse. It is likely that very few actually occurred and it earned its reputation via sensationalism from the park. This coaster was ahead of its time by several decades. If I could get just one ride on any defunct roller coaster, this would probably be my choice. Even if it is just 70 seconds.

[@rickschwartz2447]

My wife and I rode that coaster for many years one time we got the front seat for the last ride at night in the dark our locking bar did not lock she held on to my waist I held on to the bottom of the seat BEST RIDE EVER

[@Stecbine]

OMG how did I miss this video before, this was so well done!!! I love and miss The Comet so much, I was young but old enough to ride this for a few years before the park closed, it was an amazing coaster! Once covid is over I have a reason to get my passport now so I can travel to ride this again! Hope to see more videos like this regarding historic rides.

[@bellanoche6116]

Fun times on this ride at Great Escape in Lake George, NY!

[@andrewzebruniii5176]

Thank you, I used this in a show about Crystal Beach.

[@wickedlester2743]

Stories? I used to ride the shit out of the Comet back in the 70's.

[@briannotafan3368]

i knew i was close when i'hear the clicktey clack i loved the first drop you were weightlesnes then pined into your seat with a sharp lefthand turn

[@drummerryan2093]

I've been on the Comet. It was a great rollercoaster!

[@randomnation2619]

I live right next to the great escape

[@carynboundy-clark6480]

I meant those suckers in the big glass jars with all those bees. Nothing can ever replace what we were Lucky enough to have. Your first comet ride was a right of passage. The magic. carpet ride was wonderful nothing could or will replicate it. that bench that shocks people,those air holes that would scare the crap out of you. My mom said when she was youngs ladies dressed up and their skirts would fly up from the air and men liked that....pigs! lol. The heyday ride was great. So long ago but those summers in Canada couldnt have been better.Thanks for putting my Crystal beach on youtube!

[@paulprouddadgrandad5121]

I as a Buffalo kid revered this ride as a rite of passage from the yellow giant coaster to the comet, only big brave people rode the comet. For me only “Beast” in Ohio stands taller in my memory than the Comet.

[@Penpalinflorida]

I rode the Comet many times when I lived in Buffalo. It was a great roller coaster.

[@gregg6473]

The ride time of 40 seconds was from top of chain lift to station brake I believe. The 1 minute 10 seconds included the lift hill climb.

[@skipstalforce]

In the Mandela universe the Cyclone survived until 1972.

[@willydutcher4263]

went to the park every year with company picnic and the comet was ridden the most, loved it

[@mikestein1024]

The cyclone was so badass it had its own doctor lol

[@briannotafan3368]

i loved the tripple hill part just when you thought the ride was slowing down it seamed to keep going god i loved the comet

[@buffguy31264]

TCOMET is the best coaster EVER!!!!!!!!

[@hookupskid85]

I like standing on the comet and leaning into the track, it's way better that way.