2006 was the 100th anniversary of the steel roller coaster. Before I get shot down in flames contrary to popular belief the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland in California wasn’t the first steel roller coaster. The Matterhorn Bobsleds, built by Arrow Developments in 1959, was in fact the first steel coaster utilising tubular track. Historical archives show that the first steel roller coaster actually appeared over 50 years earlier in Germany in 1906. Showman Karl Gabriel introduced the world to the first steel roller coaster at the Munich Oktoberfest, it was named Devils Wheels and stood a towering 30 foot tall. Gabriel introduced the steel roller coaster out of necessity for portable roller coasters that could be easily dismantled, relocated and rebuilt.
The arrival of the Matterhorn created the surge of interest in steel coasters, and the downturn in wooden coasters. Although it would be another two years before the next tubular steel coaster was to be built. This time it was the Mine Train that arrived with the opening of Six Flags Over Texas in 1961.
It wasn’t until 1975 with the Corkscrew at Knott’s Berry Farm that thrill seekers would be first turned upside down. The following year saw the first vertical loop appear with the Revolution at near by Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The first Golden era of roller coasters was during the 1920’s when there were more than 3000 of them. But due to wars, depressions and natural disasters by the late 70’s they faced extinction with only 300 surviving. The popularity of steel roller coasters became ever more apparent in 1986 when for the first time steel coasters out numbered wood. Today we’re are in another Golden Era as since the mid 80’s numbers have soared by over a thousand to more than 1500 roller coasters world wide.
Although Devils Wheels isn't around today it still seems a shame that the 100th anniversary of steel roller coasters wasn't marked in any way. It strikes me as a missed marketing opportunity. Parks could have used the 100th anniversary fact as part of a press release about their current line up of attractions. I have no doubt that at the very least the local papers would have done an article. Hopefully I'll and the amusement industry will be around for the 150th anniversary and maybe it will be celebrated. I've made a note in my Outlook calendar to remind me to tip off the parks.
The arrival of the Matterhorn created the surge of interest in steel coasters, and the downturn in wooden coasters. Although it would be another two years before the next tubular steel coaster was to be built. This time it was the Mine Train that arrived with the opening of Six Flags Over Texas in 1961.
It wasn’t until 1975 with the Corkscrew at Knott’s Berry Farm that thrill seekers would be first turned upside down. The following year saw the first vertical loop appear with the Revolution at near by Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The first Golden era of roller coasters was during the 1920’s when there were more than 3000 of them. But due to wars, depressions and natural disasters by the late 70’s they faced extinction with only 300 surviving. The popularity of steel roller coasters became ever more apparent in 1986 when for the first time steel coasters out numbered wood. Today we’re are in another Golden Era as since the mid 80’s numbers have soared by over a thousand to more than 1500 roller coasters world wide.
Although Devils Wheels isn't around today it still seems a shame that the 100th anniversary of steel roller coasters wasn't marked in any way. It strikes me as a missed marketing opportunity. Parks could have used the 100th anniversary fact as part of a press release about their current line up of attractions. I have no doubt that at the very least the local papers would have done an article. Hopefully I'll and the amusement industry will be around for the 150th anniversary and maybe it will be celebrated. I've made a note in my Outlook calendar to remind me to tip off the parks.
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