Right after Spring Conference ended, 67 dedicated ACE members braved gale-force winds, blowing dust and extreme heat to make the sojourn to West Texas to see what all the buzz is about with the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA).
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Kris Rowberry. View full-sized image.
Located a mile west off of Interstate 27 in Plainview (and next to the Larson International/Rocky Mountain Construction [RMC] factory), the NRCMA has been slowly but surely building up its facility, thanks in large part to the generosity of ACE members, who came up with the idea for the museum several decades ago.
Photo: Kris Rowberry. View full-sized image.
Owing to the large crowd, the museum opened its doors early, to help attendees get out of the dusty breeze. They were then able to explore the “long building” and reacquaint themselves with the recently retired La Vibora bobsled from Six Flags Over Texas, as well as Carowinds’ Nighthawk and old favorites like Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Once the crowd was inside, the museum opened the big, rollup door to reveal the Mark Moore Wing, a massive, two-story addition that houses a majority of the collection and some final exhibit displays.
The lead car from Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure was acquired in 2025.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Kris Rowberry and Josh Brown (far right) answered attendees’ museum and preservation questions.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
This author and fellow NRCMA board member Josh Brown were on hand all day to answer the many questions posed by enthusiastic visitors.
As a special treat to attendees, the museum also unveiled for the first time in public the completely restored Iron Wolf lead car from Six Flags Great America. Thanks to two anonymous donors, the museum was able to bring the car back to its original 1990’s condition, including the original restraint style.
The NRCMA includes coaster and ride models as well as actual ride cars.
Attendees were also treated to see not one but two secret exhibits, which were off-limits to photos, videos and even online mentions. So why all the secrecy? The donor requested that the museum wait to announce anything until it had completed the final display, and since it’s too heavy to move and too big to hide, the unusual request to attendees was made.
Attendees enjoyed lunch at the NRCMA.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The Buzz Bar was constructed and donated by Rocky Mountain Construction and is made entirely from repurposed roller coaster parts and materials.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
After lunch, which featured the largest pizza slices in history (hey, everything is bigger in Texas), the group made its way across the parking lot to Larson International/RMC. There, they got to tour the sprawling facility and see how coasters and flat rides are built and maintained. There was even a portable “Ring of Fire” setup for rehabilitation before it was to be sent back on the travel circuit.
Avalanche Run from Cedar Point.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Josh Brown. View full-sized image.
Once back at the museum, attendees took their final photos, videos and social posts before — of course — exiting via the gift shop. In honor of National Museum Day, all merchandise was discounted for members.
It was a whirlwind (literally) day but one filled with history, nostalgia and memories. The museum very much looks forward to hosting many more ACE members as construction continues (and wraps up) on this incredible cathedral to bygone thrills.
— Kris Rowberry, NRCMA board member
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