PW Nov 09 P55-56.qxd 11/4/09 2:14 pm Page 56
Company Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
Time to
diversify?
Although Philadelphia Toboggan
Coasters supplies primarily
coaster cars and related
equipment, Tom Rebbie admits
to looking into other new
products, but remains non-
committal. He has also
considered re-entering the
wooden coaster building
business.
"I've been thinking about it for
the past 20 years,” he says, ”but
I have some good friends who
are doing just that. I don't use
people and then stab them in
the back; had it happen to me
too many times. I won't do that
to friends."
from 26,000 sq ft to 46,000 sq ft," Rebbie recalls. "It and some of Rebbie’s customers will not build
was all part of the buyout with Sam High, my old coaster trains, others do. "You have to ask them why.
boss who owned PTC. We had to stay there for seven We offer the same style they offer and more. It's
years. We then moved because I wanted to own my business," acknowledges Rebbie. You don't like
own building. So now I look out and see horses, seeing your customers who are your friends too,
cows and sometimes deer running in the fields across leave you and it has happened to PTC. But it is nice
the street, instead of alley cats and a brick wall. The when they come back and say ‘I should have stayed
move also benefits our customers, we are bigger and with you.’ I don't look at it as an 'I told you so' thing.
can take in more trains in winter to rehab. One year From my point of view it's nice to know they respect
our work might be overhaul, then the next new cars. PTC's product and that goes a lot farther then any
Or sometime it's 50/50." advertisement you can buy."
PTC trains offer some built-in advantages.
Coasters & Carousels "Throughout the history of PTC, we know how to
The Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the forerunner build coaster cars," Rebbie reminds us. "They are
of PTC, was founded and established in 1904 by tanks. They hold up to the test of time. They hold up
Henry Auchy and Chester Albright. Over the years, if they (and this rarely happens) run in to another
famous names in the rollercoaster industry such as train, and the riders are protected if there is a
Joe McKee, John Miller, Johm Zalar, Herbert P incident. We are a long-standing company, not
Schmeck and John Allen were responsible for 147 someone who wants to make a buck by doing
wooden coasters bearing the PTC banner. Eighty-two something he knows nothing about."
of those coasters are still in operation today. PTC As for the disadvantages of PTC trains, Rebbie
also manufactured 87 carousels, with approximately believes "not having PTC trains is a big disadvantage
35 still riding strong. to your riders!"
Although PTC no longer builds wooden coasters Most knowledgeable riders agree.
ABOVE: A classic PTC Carousel
ABOVE RIGHT: The factory
floor in Hatfield BELOW LEFT:
The original Germantown
facilities outside Philadelphia
BELOW RIGHT: Freshly-
machined wheels in the
factory
56
NOVEMBER 2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70