Big Bad Wolf Train Donated to NRCMA

The Big Bad Wolf Lives Again!

A future exhibit dedicated to the design and development of the innovative ride will be developed. ARLINGTON, TX – (November 19, 2009) –Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? The National Roller Coaster Museum is hopeful that, thanks to a generous donation by the management team of Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, future generations will learn what it was like to “travel at the speed of fright.”The museum will take possession of an original train, track section, sign package, and accompanying support materials for the NRCMA permanent collection. “This is an incredible addition to the Museum collection,” Gary Slade, NRCMA Board Chairman said,

“When the ride closed on September 7, 2009, it was the oldest operating suspended coaster – and certainlyone of the best. We want to thank the leadership team at Busch Gardens Europe for their gift.”

History of The Big Bad Wolf

The Big Bad Wolf was originally added to Busch Gardens’ Oktoberfest section of the park in 1984. The project was originally a Schwarzkopf-designed flying coaster but after 75 percent completion, the project was turned over to Arrow Dynamics. The “suspended swinging coaster” operated until Sept. 7, 2009, when contest winners rode The Big Bad Wolf for the last time at 8:42 p.m.

“We’re honored that the NRCMA wants to add The Big Bad Wolf to their collection,”said John Reilly, Busch Gardens’ general manager. “It entertained millions of our guests overthe years and now will now serve as a reminder for future generations of what the ride meant tothe history of the industry.”

“The Big Bad Wolf is historically significant in the industry because of its place in the lineage of steel roller coaster design,” Richard Munch, American Coaster Enthusiasts founder and NRCMA historian said.

Historical ride statistics:

• Type: Steel Suspended/Terrain Design

• Opened: June 15, 1984

• Closed: September 7, 2009

• Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics

• Height: 113 feet

• Drop: 99 feet

• Length: 2,800 feet

• Top Speed: 50 mph

• Ride Duration: 3 minutes

About NRCMA

THE 
NRCMA
 IS
 AN 
UNAFFILIATED, 501 C3 
NON‐PROFIT
 ORGANIZATION 
DEDICATED
 TO
 THE 
PROTECTION
 AND
 PRESERVATION
 OF
 HISTORIC
 ROLLER COASTERS
 AND
 AMUSEMENT 
PARK 
ARTIFACTS
 AND 
MEMORABILIA 
TO
 DOCUMENT
 AND 
ARCHIVE 
THE
 HISTORY
 OF 
THE
 AMUSEMENT 
PARK 
INDUSTRY 
IN 
A DYNAMIC
 ENVIRONMENT
 WHILE
 PROVIDING
 THE MOST 
COMPLETE 
REPOSITORY
 OF 

INFORMATION
 AND
 DOCUMENTS  REGARDING
 THE
 AMUSEMENTS INDUSTRY. 

TO
DONATE 
TO 
THE
 NRCMA 
TO
 AID 
IN 
THE 
PROTECTION 
AND 
PRESERVATION 
OF 
HISTORIC
 ROLLER
 COASTERS 
AND AMUSEMENT
 PARK 
ARTIFACTS, MAIL 
TO: NRCMA,
 ATTENTION, JERRY WILLARD, NRCMA TREASURER, PO BOX 5424, ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005‐5424

About Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is a World of Discovery. Other Worlds of Discovery include Water Country USA in Williamsburg; Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fl.; the SeaWorld parks in San Diego, San Antonio, and Orlando, Fl.; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Adventure Island in Tampa; and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, in Orlando.