originally posted on 10/20/2025
Photo: Courtesy NRCMA. View full-sized image.
The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) is getting closer to finishing its new displays. Related to that, the first truckload of historic items owned by either ACE or the NRCMA has now arrived at the museum in Plainview, Texas.
Red Streaker at Willow Mill Park.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
Red Streaker.
Photo: Courtesy PTCI. View full-sized image.
For more than 33 years, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. (PTCI) has carefully protected these treasures at its facility in Pennsylvania. PTCI also generously covered the cost of insurance, care and storage. Its support made it possible for these important pieces of coaster history to be saved and shared with future generations.
Speed Hound.
Photo: Courtesy PTCI. View full-sized image.
A few years ago, the NRCMA and the ACE Executive Committee, led at that time by President Robert Ulrich, began planning how to move the items from Pennsylvania to Texas. Elizabeth Ringas has continued the effort during her presidency to ensure that the first truckload made the journey safely to Plainview.
Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Photo: A. Reid. View full-sized image.
Big Bad Wolf.
Photo: Courtesy of PTCI. View full-sized image.
This first delivery includes artifacts such as roller coaster cars from Red Streaker (Willow Mill Park, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania), Speed Hound (Don Hanson’s Amusement Park, Harvey’s Lake, Pennsylvania), Big Bad Wolf (Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia), and The Python (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, Florida) and the original entrance sign from HyperSonic XLC at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia).
The Python at Busch Gardens Africa.
Photo: Bobby Nagy. View full-sized image.
The Python.
Photo: Courtesy NRCMA. View full-sized image.
Items that were originally donated to ACE will now be placed on permanent loan with the NRCMA through a formal agreement. ACE is deeply grateful to Tom Rebbie, Janine Matscherz, the entire team at PTCI, the NRCMA board and ACE’s Executive Committee for their teamwork in making this historic step possible.
Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Hypersonic XLC.
Photo: Courtesy NRCMA. View full-sized image.
When can you visit?
This move brings the museum closer to being open to the public more often. Right now, the NRCMA holds a few special open house events each year. Dates for the next open house are not yet set, but updates will be posted on the ACE calendar and the NRCMA’s social media.
The coaster cars arrive at the NRCMA in Plainview, Texas.
Photo: Courtesy NRCMA. View full-sized image.
Want to help preserve history?
ACE invites members to share with ACE’s photo collection any photos or videos of these coasters in action. In fact, we currently do not have any photos of Don Hanson’s Amusement Park — your memories could help fill this important gap!
If you are passionate about preserving roller coaster history, please consider volunteering with ACE’s photo and video archive team. Learn more at https://www.aceonline.org/Volunteer.
Together, we are making sure the history of roller coasters is saved, shared and celebrated for years to come.
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
#ACENews