The train ... well, it departs from a station that pays tribute to Chicago and North Western's Italianate depot, now home to Titletown Brewing, but it's no longer painted in hunter green and English stagecoach yellow, nor does it do a 400 impression on the straight stretch along the lakefront.Built on land recently used for parking, the Zippin Pippin is being laid out in such a way that riders will get a nice view of Green Bay on the first turn right before they make their first bone-jarring, thrilling plunge. For coaster enthusiasts, the Zippin Pippin is what's known as an "out and back" coaster, meaning it stretches out with camel-like humps before turning back to finish the ride, said Bill Landvatter, director of the city's parks, recreation and forestry department.
Bay Beach has been amusing residents since the 1890s, when it was a beach resort where swimsuits rented for a dime. The first roller coaster, dubbed Jack Rabbit, went up in 1901, was torn down and replaced in 1929 by the Greyhound, which was dismantled in 1936. The park is tied for the 21st oldest amusement park in the world, according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association; the 101-year-old pavilion has hosted dances, movie nights and politician visits ranging from Franklin Roosevelt to Al Gore.
The city does not track attendance because there is no entrance or parking fee. But last season 400,000 25-cent tickets were sold for the 17 rides, which cost either one or two tickets. The Zippin Pippin will be the first to cost four tickets. At some point, the park's train will be rerouted to travel underneath the roller coaster, Landvatter said.
The Western Great Lakes Region of the American Coaster Enthusiasts is posting Pippin updates, and posting construction pictures. A webcam is in the works. Opening day is May 7.
We claim no credit for inspiring the roller coaster.
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