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Type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Manufacturing |
Founded | 1904 |
Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Tom Rebbie (President/CEO) |
Products | Amusement rides, roller coasters |
Owner | Tom Rebbie |
Website | www |
Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC) is one of the oldest existing roller coaster manufacturing companies in the world. Based in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, it was established in 1904 by Henry Auchey and Chester Albright under the name Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The company manufactured carousels, wooden roller coasters, toboggans (roller coaster cars) and later, roller coaster trains.
The Philadelphia Toboggan Company was incorporated January 20, 1904. [1] It built and designed roller coasters until 1979. Notable designers included Joe McKee, John A. Miller, Herbert Schmeck, Frank Hoover, and John C. Allen. When Allen retired as president in 1976, the company stopped designing roller coasters but continued to work on coaster projects until 1979 when it exited the coaster-construction industry permanently. [2]
The company manufactured carousels known for their elaborate carvings and decorations. It expanded with the acquisition of the inventory of the Dentzel Carousel Company in 1927. [3] Lead carvers included Daniel Carl Muller, Leo Zoller, John Zalar, and Frank Caretta. [4] Examples of the company's carousels (manufactured 1904–1934) exist throughout the United States.[ citation needed ]
The Philadelphia Toboggan Company built the Rollo Coaster at Idlewild Park in 1938, and the carousel for the same amusement park in 1931. The company manufactured Skee Ball games from 1946 to 1977. [5] In 1926, PTC was granted a trademark on a new name, Philtobco.[ citation needed ]
Developed by J. Norman Bartlett and John Miller, the Flying Turns coasters came to the attention of PTC. Recognizing the ride's potential, PTC signed a licensing agreement with Bartlett and Miller to market the ride in North America—with the exception of the state of California. [6] With the arrival of the Great Depression, PTC built only one in 1931, at Rocky Point Amusement Park. The coaster was engineered by Herbert Schmeck, but experienced problems. The ride opened late in the summer and Schmeck stayed on site for some time before he was able to get the ride operating consistently. The ride was damaged beyond repair by a storm on September 21, 1938. [6]
Schmeck engineered a second Flying Turns for Hershey Park in August 1941. Due to the entry of the United States into World War II, and the resulting rationing of building materials, the roller coaster was never built. It would have been located in the park next to what is now the Wave Swinger, and part of where Comet's lift hill is located. [7] Though Bartlett and Miller went on to build several more Flying Turns-type coasters, PTC never proposed another. [6]
On November 27, 1991, Tom Rebbie and Bill Dauphinee purchased the Philadelphia Toboggan Company from Sam High (1934–2011), and incorporated a new company, Philadelphia Toboggan Coaster, shortly thereafter. [8] Rebbie was appointed president. In 2007 he bought out Dauphinee to become the sole owner, and changed the company's name to Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. (PTCI). The company continues to manufacture roller coaster trains, queue gates and fin brakes. [9]
As of 2019, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters has built 127 roller coasters around the world. [10]
PTC # | Name | Park | Country | Opened | Status | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Figure 8 Toboggan | Pine Beach Park | ![]() | 1904 | Removed (1906 or later) | Figure eight layout. Designed by Henry B. Auchy. [11] [12] | |
2 | Toboggan Figure 8 | Vinewood Park | ![]() | 1904 | Removed | Figure eight layout. Designed by Henry B. Auchy. [13] [12] | |
3 | Forest Toboggan | Olentangy Park | ![]() | 1904 | Removed | Designed by Henry B. Auchy. Possibly relocated from a former zoo in Columbus, Ohio. Later named the "Scenic Coaster" and "Red Devil." [14] [12] | |
4 | Figure 8 | White City | ![]() | 1904 | 1912 | Figure eight layout. Designed by Henry B. Auchy. [15] [12] | |
5 | Figure Eight Toboggan | Pabst Park | ![]() | 1904 | Removed (1910 or later) | Figure eight layout. Designed by Chester E. Albright. [16] [12] | |
6 | Toboggan Slide | Elitch Gardens (Original Location) | ![]() | 1904 | 1925 | [17] [12] | |
7 | Figure Eight | Delmar Garden | ![]() | 1905 | Removed (1908 or later) | Figure eight layout. [18] [12] | |
8 | Unknown | Unknown | ![]() | 1905 | Removed | [12] | |
9 | Figure Eight | Euclid Beach | ![]() | 1904 | Removed | [19] [12] | |
10 | Figure 8 | Idlewood Amusement Park (Richmond, Virginia) | ![]() | 1906 | 1909 | Designed by Henry B. Auchy. [20] [12] | |
11 | Forest Coaster | White City | ![]() | 1906 | Removed | Reconstructed. [12] [21] | |
12 | Unknown | Dreamland | ![]() | 1907 | 1911 | Designed by Chester E. Albright. Burnt down. [12] | |
13 | Unknown | Willow Grove Park | ![]() | 1909 | Removed | Reconstructed. [12] | |
14 | Unknown | Delmar Garden | ![]() | 1910 | Removed | Reconstructed. [12] | |
15 | Unknown | Elitch Gardens (Original Location) | ![]() | 1910 | Removed | Reconstructed. [12] | |
16 / 26 | Jack Rabbit Formerly Forest Scenic Railway | Point Breeze Park | ![]() | 1912 | 1923 | Rebuilt and given new serial number in 1918. [22] [12] | |
17 | Unknown | Golden City Park | ![]() | 1915 | Removed | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor Joe A. McKee. [12] | |
18 | Unknown | Lake Orion | ![]() | 1915 | Removed | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor C. Mitchow. [12] | |
19 | North Wind Coaster Formerly Jack Rabbit | Luna Park | ![]() | 1915 | Removed | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor Baker. [12] [23] | |
20 | Jack Rabbit | Willough Beach Park | ![]() | 1915 | 1924 | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor Baker. [12] [24] | |
21 | Unknown | Revere Beach | ![]() | 1916 | Removed | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor Edward E. Rhoads. [12] | |
22 | Jack Rabbit | Shellpot Park | ![]() | 1916 | Removed | Designed by Joe A. McKee, construction supervisor Austin McFadden. [12] [25] | |
23 / 91 | Wild One Formerly Giant Coaster | Six Flags America Paragon Park | ![]() | 1986 1917-1985 | Operating | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor William Strickler. [12] Herbert P. Schmeck redesigned much of the ride in 1932 and assigned it a new serial number after it was destroyed by fire. It was relocated to Wild World (today known as Six Flags America) with assistance from the Dinn Corporation in 1986. [26] | |
24 | Forest Ride | Ross Grove / Ross Farms (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) | ![]() | 1917 | Removed | [12] [27] | |
25 | Unknown | Euclid Beach Park | ![]() | 1917 | Removed | [12] | |
26a | Jack Rabbit | Rocky Springs Park | ![]() | 1918 | Removed | [28] | |
27 | Forest Ride | Willow Grove Park | ![]() | 1919 | Removed | [29] | |
28 | Jack Rabbit | Clementon Park | ![]() | 1919 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller. [30] [12] | |
29 | Deep Dipper | Carlin's Park | ![]() | 1919 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller. [31] [12] | |
30 | Dips | Buckroe Beach Park | ![]() | 1920 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [32] [12] | |
31 | Deep Dipper | Frederick Road Park | ![]() | 1920 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller. [12] Destroyed by fire. [33] | |
32 | Racer Dip | Bay Shore Park | ![]() | 1920 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [34] [12] | |
33 | Mountain Dips Coaster | Rocky Glen | ![]() | 1920 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [35] [12] Dismantled in December 1939. | |
34 | Alpine Dips | Sanatoga Park | ![]() | 1921 | Removed | At points referred to as Saratoga Park. Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [36] [12] | |
35 / 88 | Wildcat Formerly Thriller Formerly Wasco Dips | Enna Jettick Park / Lakeside Park | ![]() | 1921 / 1930 | 1941 | Designed by John A. Miller and Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisors Frank F. Hoover and Herbert P. Schmeck. [37] [12] Altered in 1930 and given a new serial number. | |
36 | Wildcat | Merrimack Park | ![]() | 1921 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [38] [12] | |
37 | Roller Coaster | Woodlawn Park | ![]() | 1922 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisors Herbert P. Schmeck and C.S. Ellis. [39] [12] | |
38 | Dips | Schuylkill Park | ![]() | 1922 | Removed | Designed by John A. Miller, construction supervisors Herbert P. Schmeck and L.J. Mueller. [40] [12] | |
39 / 97 | Wildcat Formerly Joy Ride | Hersheypark | ![]() | 1923 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck, construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [41] [12] Renovated in 1935 and renamed Wildcat. Renovation designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] [42] | |
39a | Wildcat | Frederick Road Park | ![]() | 1923 | Removed | [43] | |
40 | Ski Ride | Broad Ripple Park | ![]() | 1924 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [44] [12] | |
41 / 87 | Thunderhawk Formerly Coaster | Dorney Park | ![]() | 1924 / 1930 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [45] [12] Originally out-and-back design, modified into a figure eight design for 1930 season and given new serial number. | |
42 | Thriller | Euclid Beach | ![]() | 1924 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [46] [12] | |
43 | Big Roller Coaster | Memorial Park | ![]() | 1924 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. 66 feet, 2 inches tall. [47] [12] | |
44 | Cyclone | Parc Belmont | ![]() | 1924 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck, construction supervisor H.F. Allen. [48] [12] | |
45 | Island Flyer | Island Park | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [49] [12] | |
46 / 93 | Wildcat | Bertrand Island | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck, construction supervisor George J. Baker. [50] [12] Underwent alterations and assigned new serial number in 1934. [12] | |
47 | Wildcat | Shady Grove Park | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck, construction supervisors George J. Baker and James L. Martz. 62 feet, 11 inches tall. [51] [12] | |
48 | Giant Roller Coaster | Lakeside Park | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [52] [12] | |
49 | Wildcat | Shellpot Park | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. 65 feet, 1 inch tall. [53] [12] | |
50 | Junior Coaster | Woodlawn Park | ![]() | 1925 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [54] [12] | |
51 | Wildcat | Long Branch Park | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [55] | |
52 | Sky Rocket | Elitch Gardens | ![]() | 1926 | 1935 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [56] Later renovated into Wildcat (PTC serial number 98). | |
53 | Wildcat | Coney Island | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [57] | |
54 | Twister | Coney Island | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [58] | |
55 | Kids Coaster | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [59] | |
56 | Wildcat | Rocky Point Park | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [60] | |
57 | Express | Brandywine Picnic Park | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [61] [12] | |
58 | Wild Cat | Seabreeze Amusement Park | ![]() | 1926 | 1935 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank H. Hoover. Destroyed by fire in 1935. [12] [62] | |
59 | Wildcat | Fernbrook Park | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [63] Dismantled in 1945; its wood was used to build Sterling's "Million Dollar" Coaster at Rocky Glen Park in Moosic, PA in 1946. | |
60 | Coaster | Laurel Park | ![]() | 1926 | Removed | Designed by Herbert Paul Schmeck. Sold for lumber at end of 1935. [64] | |
60a / 82 | Wildcat | Joyland Park | ![]() | 1926 / 1929 | 1964 | Conflicting reports on 1926 or 1929 opening and serial number 60a or 82. [12] [65] Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank H. Hoover. | |
61 | Wildcat | Lake Compounce | ![]() | 1927 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [66] | |
62 | Twister | Croops Glen | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [67] | |
63 | Wildcat | Edgewood Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Built for Thomas E. Kerstetter. [68] | |
64 | Wild Cat | Woodside Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [69] [12] | |
65 | Tornado | Woodside Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [70] [12] | |
67 | Twister | Hocus Pocus Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [71] [12] | |
68 | Twister | Lakemont Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [72] [12] | |
69 | Wildcat | Belvedere Beach Amusement Park | ![]() | 1927 | Removed - 1940-1947 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [73] | |
70 | Bear Cat | Sans Souci Park | ![]() | 1928 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [74] | |
71 | Twister | Warner Park | ![]() | 1928 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [75] | |
72 | Wildcat | Brady Lake Park | ![]() | 1928 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [76] | |
73 | Wildcat | Rocky Springs Park | ![]() | 1928 | 1965 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor James L. Martz. [12] Still standing but not operational from 1966 through early 1990s. [77] | |
74 | Twister | McCullough Lake Park | ![]() | 1928 | 1936 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor George J. Baker. [12] [78] | |
75 | Zip | White City (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts) | ![]() | 1928 | 1951 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [79] | |
76 | Wildcat | Erie Beach Park | ![]() | 1928 | 1930 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [80] [12] | |
77 | Baby Dipper | Happyland Park | ![]() | 1928 | 1944 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [81] [12] | |
78 | Rocket | Ocean View Amusement Park | ![]() | 1929 | 1978 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Alterations made to ride originally designed by Edward A. Vettel. Dynamited in 1979. | |
79 | Unknown | Olympic Park (Newark, New Jersey) | ![]() | 1929 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. Alteration of pre-existing coaster. [12] | |
80 | Wildcat | Pine Island Park | ![]() | 1929 | 1961 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor William Marquet. [82] [12] | |
81 | Mountain Flyer | Mountain Park | ![]() | 1929 | 1987 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [83] | |
83 | Wildcat | Idora Park | ![]() | 1930 | 1984 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Harry C. Baker. [12] [84] Heavily damaged by fire on April 26, 1984. Remnants remained standing until July 26, 2001. [84] | |
84 | Cyclone | Palace Playland | ![]() | 1930 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor James L. Martz. [12] Conflicting reports on its closure and if it was destroyed by fire. [85] | |
85 | Wildcat | Lakeside Park | ![]() | 1930 | 1964 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisors Frank F. Hoover and James L. Martz. [12] [86] | |
86 / 92 | Yankee Cannonball Formerly Greyhound Formerly Roller Coaster | Canobie Lake Park Lakewood Park | ![]() | 1936 1930 to 1935 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. Relocated to current park and assigned new serial number after 1935 season. [87] [12] [88] | |
89 | Unknown | Mid City Park (Albany, New York) | ![]() | 1931 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] | |
90 | Flying Turns | Rocky Point Park | ![]() | 1931 | 1938 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck and John Norman Bartlett; built by John Norman Bartlett; construction supervisor Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [89] | |
Unknown | Blue Flyer Formerly Zipper Dipper | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | ![]() | 1934 | Operating | Believed to have been built by Charlie Paige and possibly with Harry Traver's assistance. [90] Serial number unknown. | |
94 | Teddy Bear | Coney Island | ![]() | 1935 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [91] | |
95 | Teddy Bear | Kennywood | ![]() | 1935 | 1947 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Andy Vettel. [12] [92] | |
96 | Whirlwind | Ocean Pier | ![]() | 1935 | 1943 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [93] Destroyed by fire. [12] | |
98 / 99 | Wildcat | Elitch Gardens | ![]() | 1936 | 1994 | Renovation of park's former Sky Rocket coaster (PTC serial number 52). [94] Discrepancy on whether serial number 98 or 99. Renovation designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Rremained standing but not operational from 1994 through 1999. | |
98 / 99 | Teddy Bear | Elitch Gardens | ![]() | 1936 | Removed | Discrepancy on whether serial number 98 or 99. [95] Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. | |
100 | Shooting Star Formerly Clipper | Coney Island | ![]() | 1937 | 1971 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Opened as Clipper before being heavily renovated and renamed Shooting Star in 1947. [96] | |
101 | Rollo Coaster | Idlewild and Soak Zone | ![]() | 1938 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [97] | |
102 | Alps | Willow Grove Park | ![]() | 1939 | 1975 | Ride originally built in 1905 by LaMarcus A. Thompson and John Miller. Altered in 1939 by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] | |
103 | Roller Coaster | Bayside Park | ![]() | 1942 | 1958 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [98] | |
104 | Comet | Pleasure Pier | ![]() | 1942 | 1958 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Closed after hurricane damage. [99] | |
105 | Comet | Forest Park Highlands Amusement Park | ![]() | 1941 | 1963 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Damaged by fire and removed three years later. [100] | |
106 | Wildcat | Salisbury Beach (Salisbury, Massachusetts) | ![]() | 1941 | 1975 | Alterations to Comet roller coaster that originally opened in 1922. Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [101] [12] | |
107 | Big Dipper | Geauga Lake | ![]() | 1945 | 2007 | Alterations to Sky Rocket. Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] [102] | |
108 | Cyclone | Palisades Amusement Park | ![]() | 1945 | 1971 | Alterations to Skyrocket roller coaster that originally opened in 1926. Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Joe A. McKee. [12] [103] | |
109 | Comet | Hersheypark | ![]() | 1946 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] Remodeled in 1978. [104] | |
110 | Comet | Meyer's Lake Park | ![]() | 1947 | 1974 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor William Marquet. [12] [105] | |
111 | Phoenix Formerly Rocket | Knoebels Amusement Park & Resort Playland Park | ![]() | 1985 1948 to 1980 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [106] [107] | |
112 | Comet | Great Escape Crystal Beach Park | ![]() | 1994 1948 to 1989 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [108] Relocation performed by Martin & Vleminckx. [109] | |
113 | Nightmare Formerly Roller Coaster | Joyland | ![]() | 1949 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] [110] | |
114 | Little Dipper | Hoppyland | ![]() | 1949 | Removed | Junior coaster for John Lorman of Venice, California. Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Rudy Illions. [12] [111] | |
115 | Little Dipper | Six Flags Great America Kiddieland | ![]() | 2010 1950 to 2009 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] [112] [113] | |
116 | Comet | Ghost Town on the River | ![]() | 1951 | 1976 | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Standing but not operating in 1970 and 1971 [114] | |
117 | Comet | Waldameer | ![]() | 1951 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor James L. Martz. [12] [115] | |
118 | Jet Star Formerly Rocket Formerly Jet Formerly Jack Rabbit | Olympic Park | ![]() | 1951 | 1965 | Originally built in 1925; [116] alterations by Herbert P. Schmeck and John A. Miller. [12] [116] | |
119 | Montaña Rusa | Isla del Coco | ![]() | 1951 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck; construction supervisor Frank F. Hoover. [12] [117] | |
120 | Meteor Formerly Little Dipper | Little Amerricka Hillcrest Park | ![]() | 2006 1967 to 2003 1953 to 1966 | Operating | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] Relocated to Hillcrest Park in Lemont, Illinois by 1967, then to Little Amerricka for the 2007 season. [118] [119] [120] | |
121 | Roller Coaster | Funland | ![]() | 1954 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [121] [12] | |
122 | Junior Coaster | Lincoln Beach | ![]() | 1955 | Removed | Designed by Herbert P. Schmeck. [12] [122] | |
122a | Little Dipper | Belmont Park | ![]() | 1955 | Removed | Designed by Mitchell. [12] [123] | |
123 | Flyer | Hunt's Pier | ![]() | 1957 | 1988 | Designed by John C. Allen; construction supervisor James L. Martz. [124] | |
124 | Valley Volcano | Angela Park | ![]() | 1956 | Removed | [125] | |
Sea Dragon Formerly Jet Flyer | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | ![]() | 1956 | Operating | [126] | ||
Comet Formerly Mighty Lightnin Formerly Ghost Town Jet | Rocky Glen | ![]() | 1959 | Removed | [127] | ||
Tornado | Wedgewood Village | ![]() | 1961 | Removed | [128] | ||
Blue Streak | Cedar Point | ![]() | 1964 | Operating | [129] | ||
Mr. Twister | Elitch Gardens | ![]() | 1964 | Removed | [130] | ||
Jetstream | Riverview Park | ![]() | 1964 | Removed | [131] | ||
Skyliner | Fair Park | ![]() | 1965 | Removed | [132] | ||
Swamp Fox | Family Kingdom Amusement Park | ![]() | 1966 | Operating | [133] | ||
Cannon Ball | Lake Winnepesaukah | ![]() | 1967 | Operating | [134] | ||
Zingo | Bell's Amusement Park | ![]() | 1968 | Removed | [135] | ||
Tornado | Petticoat Junction | ![]() | 1970 | Removed | [136] | ||
Racer | Kings Island | ![]() | 1972 | Operating | [137] | ||
Woodstock Express Formerly Fairly Odd Coaster Formerly Beastie Formerly Scooby Doo | Kings Island | ![]() | 1972 | Operating | [138] | ||
Great American Scream Machine | Six Flags Over Georgia | ![]() | 1973 | Operating | [139] | ||
Comet | Funway Amusement Park | ![]() | 1973 | Removed | [140] | ||
Woodstock Express Formerly Ghoster Coaster Formerly Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster FormerlyScooby Doo | Kings Dominion | ![]() | 1974 | Operating | [141] | ||
Woodstock Express Formerly Fairly Odd Coaster Formerly Scooby Doo's Ghoster Coaster Formerly Scooby Doo | Carowinds | ![]() | 1975 | Operating | [142] | ||
Racer 75 Formerly Rebel Yell | Kings Dominion | ![]() | 1975 | Operating | [143] | ||
Screamin' Eagle | Six Flags St. Louis | ![]() | 1976 | Operating | [144] | ||
Thunder Road | Carowinds | ![]() | 1976 | Removed | [145] | ||
Skyliner | Lakemont Park Roseland Park | ![]() | 1987 1960 to 1985 | Operating | [146] [147] | ||
Starliner | Cypress Gardens Miracle Strip Amusement Park | ![]() | 2007 1963 to 2004 | Removed | [148] [149] | ||
Black Diamond Formerly Golden Nugget | Knoebels Amusement Park & Resort Dinosaur Beach | ![]() | 2011 1960 to 1998 | Operating | [150] [151] | ||
Shooting Star | Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Lakeside Park | ![]() | Unknown 1968 to 1986 | Removed | [152] [153] | ||
Most PTC carousels were numbered, so they are easily identified. Most have been moved from their original opening locations. PTC carousels that are still operating or in restoration:
PTC # | Owner | City, State | Year Built | Notes | Ref(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | Kit Carson Co. Fairgrounds | Burlington, Colorado | 1905 | Originally built for Elitch Gardens in 1905, it was removed and sold to Kit Carson County in 1928 in favor of the new, more modern PTC #51. | [154] |
9 | Carousel of Pottstown | Pottstown, Pennsylvania | 1905 | Restoration completed November 2016 | |
15 | Palisades Center Mall | West Nyack, New York | 1907 | Removed 2009 | [155] |
17 | Six Flags Over Georgia | Atlanta, Georgia | 1908 | ||
18 | Destiny USA | Syracuse, New York | 1909 | ||
19 | Western Reserve Historical Society | Cleveland, Ohio | 1910 | Formerly Euclid Beach Park (1910–1969); Palace Playland (1970s–1996); returned to Ohio in 1996 and restoration completed November 2014 | |
21 | Six Flags Magic Mountain | Valencia, California | 1912 | ||
30 | Luna Park, Melbourne | St Kilda, Melbourne Australia | 1913 | ||
33 | Como Park | St. Paul, Minnesota | 1914 | ||
35 | Six Flags St. Louis | Eureka, Missouri | 1915 | ||
39 | Lake Winnepesaukah | Rossville, Georgia | 1916 | ||
43 | Washington State Fair | Puyallup, Washington | 1917 | ||
44 | Kings Dominion | Doswell, Virginia | 1917 | ||
45 | Woodland Park Zoo | Seattle, Washington | 1918 | ||
46 | Magic Kingdom | Bay Lake, Florida | 1917 | Prince Charming Regal Carrousel | |
47 | Hersheypark | Hershey, Pennsylvania | 1919 | [156] [157] | |
49 | Louisville Zoo | Louisville, Kentucky | 1919 | Formerly Clementon Park, Clementon, NJ (1919–1997) | [158] |
50 | City of Hampton | Hampton, Virginia | 1920 | ||
51 | Elitch Gardens Theme Park | Denver, Colorado | 1925–1928 | Built for the original northwest location of Elitch Gardens to replace PTC #6, it, along with many of Elitch Gardens' original rides, were moved to the park's Downtown Denver location in 1995. | [160] |
53 | Charles N. Walker | Griffin, Georgia | 1920 | [161] | |
54 | Battleship Cove | Fall River, Massachusetts | 1920 | ||
59 | Peddler's Village | Lahaska, Pennsylvania | 1922 | ||
61 | David and Jane Walentas | Brooklyn, New York | 1922 | Formerly Idora Park, Youngstown, Ohio (1922–1984); now known as Jane's Carousel | |
62 | Santa Monica Pier | Santa Monica, California | 1922 | ||
67 | Carowinds | Charlotte, North Carolina | 1923 | ||
72 | Sonny's Place | Somers, Connecticut | 1925 | Formerly Kiddieland Amusement Park, Melrose Place, Ill. (1952–2009) [162] | |
75 | Gillians Wonderland Pier and Island Waterpark | Ocean City, New Jersey | 1926 | Formerly Fernbrook Park, Dallas, PA, (1926–1944) Formerly Rolling Green Park, Sellinsgrove, PA, (1944–1972) | |
76 | Valleyfair | Shakopee, Minnesota | 1925 | ||
79 | Kings Island | Mason, Ohio | 1926 | Formerly Coney Island, Cincinnati (1926–1971) | |
80 | Holyoke Heritage State Park | Holyoke, Massachusetts | 1927–1929 | Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, originally built for Mountain Park which shuttered in 1987, preservation campaign moved to Heritage State Park in 1993 | |
83 | Idlewild Park | Ligonier, Pennsylvania | 1931 | ||
84 | Canada's Wonderland | Vaughan, Ontario, Canada | 1928 | ||
85 | Carousel Station (formerly part of Paragon Park) | Hull, Massachusetts | 1928 | ||
87 | Family Kingdom | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | 1929 | Mechanism only - Horses Replaced - formerly Asbury Park, NJ, Casino | |
Beginning before World War II, PTC was involved with the booming dark ride and funhouse business. It spawned the company Funni-Frite Industries of Lancaster, Columbus, and (later) Pickerington, Ohio, which ceased manufacturing operations in 2000. [164]
A wooden roller coaster is a type of roller coaster classified by its wooden track, which consists of running rails made of flat steel strips mounted on laminated wood. The support structure is also typically made of wood, but may also be made of steel lattice or truss, which has no bearing on a wooden coaster's classification. The type of wood often selected in the construction of wooden coasters worldwide is southern yellow pine, which grows abundantly in the southern United States, due to its density and adherence to different forms of pressure treatment.
Custom Coasters International (CCI) was one of the premier wooden roller coaster manufacturers in the world and produced 34 wooden coasters in eleven years — more than any other company in recent times. It was located in West Chester, Ohio.
Great Coasters International, Inc. is a Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based roller coaster manufacturer which has created several award-winning rides since its formation in 1994. Starting in 2006 with Thunderbird at PowerPark in Finland, the company expanded beyond the United States and began building coasters in Europe and Asia. Günter Engelhardt GmbH handles the company's marketing rights in Europe. In addition to building new roller coasters, GCI also refurbishes and re-tracks existing roller coasters, regardless of manufacturer.
Elitch Gardens was a family-owned seasonal amusement park, theater, and botanic garden in the West Highland neighborhood in northwest Denver, Colorado, United States, at 38th and Tennyson streets. For more than a century Elitch's was one of the most popular entertainment destinations in Colorado. It was nationally known for its luscious gardens, the Elitch Theatre, the Trocadero Ballroom, and the premier wooden roller coaster, Mister Twister. The park moved to downtown Denver in 1994 and later in November 1998 became Six Flags Elitch Gardens. The former location has been redeveloped.
A bobsled roller coaster is a roller coaster that uses a track design that is essentially a "pipe" with the top half removed and has cars that are sent down this pipe in a freewheeling mode. The name derives from the great similarity to the track design used for the winter sport of bobsleigh.
Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. is an Italian design and manufacturing company founded in 1966. It is best known for creating family rides, thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin-operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.
John A. Miller was an American roller coaster designer and builder, inventor, and businessman. Miller patented over 100 key roller coaster components, and is widely considered the "father of the modern high-speed roller coaster." During his lifetime, he participated in the design of approximately 150 coasters and was a key business partner and mentor to other well-known roller coaster designers, Harry C. Baker and John C. Allen.
The Wild Cat, originally named The Joy Ride, was a wooden roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The roller coaster was constructed in 1923 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC). Under an agreement between Hersheypark and PTC, Hersheypark leased the land the coaster occupied, while PTC owned and operated the coaster. The agreement was for 15 years, at which point they had the option to extend the contract. The contract was ultimately extended to 1945. The roller coaster operated from June 16, 1923, through September 1945. PTC and Hershey Park elected to close The Wild Cat and construct a new roller coaster in 1946.
The Allan Herschell Company was a company that specialized in the creation of amusement rides, particularly carousels and roller coasters. The company manufactured portable machines that could be used by traveling carnival operators. It was started in 1915 in the town of North Tonawanda, just outside Buffalo, New York, USA.
Herbert Paul Schmeck was an American roller coaster designer. From 1923 to 1955, Schmeck designed 84 coasters for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. As a designer and president, the company became the most prominent manufacturer of roller coasters in the United States.
D. H. Morgan Manufacturing, later simply known as Morgan, was a manufacturer of roller coaster trains, custom amusement rides, roller coasters, children's rides and other amusement devices. Founded in 1983, the company was originally headquartered in Scotts Valley, California. In 1991, the company moved to La Selva Beach, California, and into a new 55,000-square-foot indoor manufacturing facility. That facility was later increased to 75,000 square feet. The company produced a variety of rides from 1983 until 2001, but is probably best known for its steel hyper coasters.
Chance Rides Manufacturing is a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer. The company was formed on May 16, 2002, when the former Chance Industries Inc. emerged from bankruptcy. The main office and manufacturing facility are located in Wichita, Kansas.
Fabbri Group is an Italian amusement rides manufacturer based in Calto, Italy. They are known for producing a number staple attractions for both amusement parks and funfairs, such as the Booster and the Kamikaze Explorer.
Stricker's Grove is a family owned amusement park located in Ross, Ohio, USA. Unlike other amusement parks, Stricker's Grove is closed to the public for most of the year. Instead, it is rented out for private functions, such as weddings. The park is open to the public for 8 days of every year, on July 4, 4 days in mid July for the Hamilton County 4-H Community Fair, the second Sunday in August, Labor Day, and a Sunday in October called "Customer Appreciation Day".
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) is a manufacturing and construction company based in Hayden, Idaho, United States. The company is best known for its I-Box track and Topper Track for wooden roller coasters. Established in 2001, the company was founded by Fred Grubb and Suanne Dedmon. The company has built over 20 roller coasters. In 2023, amusement ride manufacturer Larson International merged with Rocky Mountain Construction.
E&F Miler Industries is a family-owned roller coaster manufacturing firm based in Portland, Oregon, United States. The company specialises in smaller children's roller coasters; however, it has manufactured some larger family roller coasters in the past.
Martin & Vleminckx is a roller coaster manufacturing and construction company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with an affiliated office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a manufacturing facility in Haines City, Florida, United States, and two subsidiaries, including a warehouse, in China.
Skyline Attractions, LLC is an American amusement ride and roller coaster design and manufacturing company founded in 2014 and based in Orlando, Florida. The company also includes a subsidiary company, Skyline Design, LLC, which offers design services inside and outside the amusement industry.
Following the practice of having something new every year, the Park has disposed of the carrousel, which has brought untold pleasure to thousands of children, and purchased one of the finest merry-go-rounds that has ever been built in this country.