Special look at the Roller Coaster Model Museum

Written by RD Sussman - Pictures courtesy of Randal Strong-Wallace/RCMM 

My fascination with roller coasters & theme parks came with a curiosity towards their construction, operation - and how could I build them myself. While I always wanted to be the next Ron Toomer (yes, this was before I found Anton, and changed my sinful ways) I knew practically that building coasters wasn't going to be easy to do. That is, until CoasterCon XV, Kings Dominion & Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This was my first real group coaster outing, very memorable for a teenager who lived, breathed & sweat coasters. 

CoasterCon 15 Group photo - Photo by Marlon Scott

It was there where I met Randal Strong-Wallace, a model builder who made miracles out of ordinary things - model coasters came to life easily, quickly, and more importantly - they worked with great ease. That summer I worked with what I learned in Randal's session at CoasterCon, building my own weird - and warped - paper track coasters. 

Let's fast forward a bit. Through the modern miracle of Facebook & the Internet, I reconnected with Randal, and he showed me a few of his more modern achievements - and they were spectacular. Working models of existing & lost coasters including Worlds of Fun and their Orient Express & their Zambezi Zinger were astounding to behold. Any closer, and I'd be looking for a shrink ray to ride them! It was then that he told me about a project he'd been working on for a while... something that is about to finally come to fruition.

Introducing the Roller Coaster Model Museum. 

Randal's vision started off with Project 31, which displayed the first five coasters of Worlds of Fun - in a history and memorabelia display in Kansas City. The project was a great success, and led to the same exhibition being displayed not only at Worlds of Fun, but also at Kansas City's Union Station. It is in these first displays that the idea for a model museum was born. 

Little Tykes Roller Coaster

Moving Day - to the Uhaul with the first load of models and toys

Since 2011, many other models have been collected together, including many toy & kit coasters, but also Randal's own works, including what I consider his masterpiece, a fully working model of Six Flags Magic Mountain's centerpiece - Revolution. 

I have to admit, the level of detail on this stunning model is far beyond what one would normally associate with a model coaster, down to such details as the plaement of the tunnel down to the terrain built into the model. As you can see in the video above, it is fully functioning - and looks as it appeared in the late 1970s. 

Close up of the Amusement Park Playset by Maxium Toys

One of the newly constructed dispaly tables in the Playtime area.

Other models in the museum are toy & model coasters that appeared over the past few decades. Over time, I'm quite sure the collection will grow, change & evolve. As Randal said, "I was worried at first I wouldn't have enough for a museum, but I'm finding now, I almost have too much!" Additional shelving houses a lot of the display models.

Top - EXT Worlds of Fun, Middle (and original design) Fusion, and Silly Serpent also from Worlds of Fun

The Great American Revolution is 22 feet long and 8 feet wide!

The Roller Coaster Model Museum wants to tell the story & the history of roller coaster models. Memorabelia that helps to tell the story of the rides themselves in addition to the models on display will also be featured. Some of Randal's own custom work will be displayed as well. (Having seen a few of his custom models - you will NOT be disappointed.) 

Run A Way Mine Train SFOT, and Zambezi Zinger, Worlds of Fun

Vintage roller coaster toys, including the very rare "Sky Ride" playset. There are believed to be only 3; the museum has 2.

The Roller Coaster Model Museum: Thrills in Miniature! 

About the RCMM:
Website - www.rollercoastermodelmuseum.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/rollercoastermodelmuseum

Location 
11415 E. 23rd Street South, 
Independence, Missouri 64152

Getting there:
From Kansas City, take I-435 North to Exit 61 - 23rd st. Go East on 23rd street approx. 2.8 miles, the museum is on the right. 

Hours
Regular Museum Hours, Through June 28th:
CLOSED: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Thursday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm daily
(Last Admission is at 4 pm daily)

Summer Hours, Starting July 15th:
CLOSED MONDAY'S
Tuesday - Saturday
10 am - 5 pm (Last Admission Daily at 4 pm)
Sunday
12 Noon - 5 pm (Last Admission Daily at 4 pm) 

Tickets
Age 13-59 - $8.00 plus tax
Age 4-12 & 60+ $7.00 plus tax 



Be sure to check their website for special ticket deals and other information. 

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Press Release

Roller Coaster Model Museum to Open May 2, 2015 in Independence, Missouri

NDEPENDENCE, Mo., March 23, 2014  – A new, one-of-a-kind museum is set to open in Independence. The Roller Coaster Model Museum will feature working and static scale model roller coasters in various scales, historic related memorabilia, and an opportunity to learn about the physics and mechanics of the roller coaster. The museum will be divided into several gallery areas.  Highlights include: 


The Greatest Thrill Ride in History:

• As you start your visit, you'll visit our own O-scale working model amusement park. You'll learn about the history of the roller coaster from it's earliest inceptions

 Technology Hall

• Learn about the physics, dynamics and mechanics of the roller coaster through displays and a "hands on" roller coaster that demonstrates how coasters work and the importance of safety features

 Playtime: Roller Coaster Toys and Models:

• Features over 55 vintage and contemporary roller coaster toys and models, including some rare vintage roller coaster toys.
  

 Screams of the Past. Present and Imagination:

• Replicas of some of today's and yesterdays mind boggling rides along with some of our own original designs.

Construction Zone:

• See models as they are being built for display at the museum. 

In addition, school groups and individuals can learn to make their own models in special "Build A Model" workshops offered throughout the year in the Coaster Lab.  School groups of all ages can also participate in our Coaster Lab that will demonstrate hands-on, the physics and mechanics of the roller coaster.

Through April 21, 2015 visitors can get $5.00 admissions as a perk in the Museums Indiegogo Campaign. Various other Perks are available in the campaign as well, including Memberships and a Sneak Peak on April 30th. The Museum decided to go with a crowd funding campaign to raise additional funds to complete some additional cosmetic upgrades to the Museum. Additonal information about the Indiegogo Campaign is available at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roller-coaster-model-museum/x/9946795

Days of operation, hours and information on admission can be found at https://www.rollercoastermodelmuseum.com  

About the Roller Coaster Model Museum

Roller Coaster Model Museum, opening on May 2, 2015, will be located in Independence, Missouri, and  features a unique one-of-a-kind experience with working and static model roller coasters, historical memorabilia, and a collection of over 55 vintage and contemporary roller coaster toys and models.  Through the model roller coasters, visitors learn about the history, physics and mechanics of the rides.

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