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make the trains move more consistently. There never was a ‘state of the art’ blocking system in its earlier form to prevent rear-enders. All the vehicles were rebuilt new using the original PTC hardware and three additional trains are under construction using John Allen’s blueprints. All the mechanical moving apparatus was replaced. We have also, at great expense, installed a very sophisticated PLC system which keeps track of all trains as well as a camera monitoring system that sees in the dark.” While no exact cost for the attraction has been offered, estimates place the price of the new look ride at between $2 and $3 million.


Sudden drops Since opening, the Black Diamond has drawn long lines of guests. “People are usually inquisitive and want to know what’s in the Black Diamond,” Knoebel offers. “And it takes several rides through to see everything. I have ridden many times. One of the best parts are the sudden drops from the third to second floor and from the second to the first floor.” “Black Diamond will probably not increase attendance as the addition of the Phoenix or Twister (rollercoasters) did,” he adds, “yet is a great addition to your day’s adventures at Knoebel’s.” Knoebel admits the greatest problem in the creating the Black Diamond was to avoid the piping from the sprinkler system, supplied by JMM Studios, interfering with the props or track. All other work on the ride was done in-house, including the erection of the building, installation of the track and mechanical items, all electrical work and some artwork. ”It wasn’t as easy as I envisioned to reconstruct and transform it from the Golden Nugget to the Black Diamond,” concludes Knoebel, “but my crew echoed my drive and enthusiasm to successfully complete the project. All the credit for completing it should be given to our staff. They did it!” Today the Golden Nugget is gone. But 200 miles to the northwest the track layout and mine cars remain, and the mine is now filled with all-new adventures. Experience them yourself should you be in the area.


knoebels.com


Golden


memories In their book Hunt’s Pier, Rob Ascough and Al Alven recall the


original Golden Nugget


featuring a rock- like facade (as pictured). After climbing the two


lift hills, the runaway mine car traversed the top of the structure. There riders would encounter cowboys, Indians, Boot Hill Graveyard and various wild west props. The boxed shape of the wooden cars and the powerful smell of the greased tracks and dark, musty interior only added to the experience. After plunging blindly down the “bottomless shaft” – in reality a short drop that felt much steeper in the dark – riders were whisked into the heart of the structure. All manner of obstacles lay ahead, including a giant spider and a charging wolf, along with a rotating tunnel, falling barrel and waterfall stunts. Because it was technically a rollercoaster, the fast-paced nature of the ride enhanced many of the traditional dark ride scenes.


AUGUST 2012


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