Pittsburgh Section

 

A History of Thrills

 

- Back by Popular Demand -

Speakers: David Markus, David Altman

Date: May 7, 2009

Time: 6:30 PM Videos of Coasters From Around the World

Light Dinner Included

7:00 PM Presentation

Place: Westinghouse Energy Center, Monroeville – West Tower Auditorium

Cost: No charge Sponsor: Power Engineering & Industry Applications Societies

RSVP: Dave Vaglia at: davevaglia@ieee.org

or (412) 374-6513 (Limit -50 people)

►►►► BRING THE FAMILY FOR THIS ONE ◄◄◄◄

Abstract : The parks are open !! ARE-YOU-READY for a Summer of the greatest of the thrill rides – the Rollercoaster? This presentation will trace the history of the King of Thrill rides.

We will look back to the 1400’s and follow their evolution to rides of over 450ft high and faster than 120 mph. The key role that Pennsylvania played in their development and preservation will be revealed. See how the modern steel thrill machines began and evolved. Hear about the first steel coasters and the first to turn you upside down.

We will visit the rides and designers of the First Golden Age – the 1920’s; the decline of coasters and their rebirth in the 1970’s; and the Second Golden Age of the 1990’s. Learn about the designers – John Miller, John Allen, Harry Traver, Ron Toomer, Walter Bollinger & Claude Mabillard, Werner Stengle – and the great builders – PTC, Arrow Dynamics, B&M, GCII, Intamin, Vekoma, Premier Rides, S&S Power, and others.

To get you in the mood, coaster videos begin at 6:30 pm. So drop by a little early !!

About the Speakers: Dave Markus is a member of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), and Dave Altman is the Vice President of ACE. Dave Markus has made this presentation on coaster history at the Monroeville Public Library, for IEEE and ASME, and has lectured on coaster design topics for Carnegie-Mellon University’s Entertainment Engineering course offered by the Mech. E. Dept. Dave Altman has been a member of ACE since 1985 and has ridden nearly 650 different coasters in 15 countries. He has written articles for ACE’s member publications and has made several presentations on foreign amusement parks at the local region’s midwinter events. Dave was also invited by the PA Department of Agriculture to make a presentation on Coaster Patron Safety at the 2008 Spring Amusement Ride Safety Seminar for ride inspectors. Both are employees of Westinghouse.