The Pippin looks like it was similar to Jack Rabbit with the double dip, this was more exciting than Jack Rabbits layout. I love Thunderbolt the way it is now just as much as I would have enjoyed Pippin.
Im 79 rode it many times...the double dip had a totally different feel than theJack Rabbit. it was. Intimidating since you couldnt see how big the second part of the dip was. the ride was a total surprise since none of the drops were visible and your first ride on the Pippin was a wowzer!
I always first thought Pippin and Thunderbolt were the same old coaster layout just changed the name that year! It seemed to be a much bigger jack rabbit which looked like a good coaster to me!