The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives, home to the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, is asking fans to help preserve a piece of roller coaster history.

In a newly launched capital campaign, the museum is aiming to raise funds to transport and preserve four iconic roller coaster vehicles from across North America—each representing a milestone in thrill ride innovation. The initiative marks a rare opportunity for park fans and industry enthusiasts to directly contribute to the legacy of these legendary rides.

The list of vehicles includes the green rocket train from Kingda Ka, the towering Intamin launch coaster that broke records when it opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2005. Even after its retirement in late 2024, Kingda Ka remained the tallest and second fastest coaster on Earth, hurling riders from 0 to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Joining it is the futuristic flying train from Nighthawk, which originally debuted in 2000 as Stealth at California’s Paramount’s Great America. As the world’s first flying coaster, the Vekoma-built ride flipped the coaster world upside down—literally. It was relocated to Carowinds in 2004, where it completed its run soaring above the Carolina sky.

Also on the list is La Vibora, one of the last remaining “trackless” coasters ever created. Originally launched in 1984 at Six Flags Magic Mountain and later moved to Six Flags Over Texas, the Intamin-designed “Swiss Bob” coaster was known for its unique bobsled-style trains and free-flowing descent through banked turns—an experience unlike any other in modern coasters.

Rounding out the collection is a train from Time Warp, a Zamperla “Volare” model known for its spiral lift and tight, wild layout at Canada’s Wonderland. While not universally beloved, the ride was distinct in its look and feel—earning it a cult following among certain thrill-seekers.

“Without the tireless work of the museum’s volunteers, who have been working to preserve these attractions for over six months, there is a good chance they would be lost forever,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA. “By directly involving park and ride fans, we can now all work together to preserve the historic legacies that each of these vehicles represent.”

The preservation effort will focus first on raising funds to cover transportation costs. Fans can donate at rollercoastermuseum.org/2025fundraiser, and those contributing $100 or more will have their name or company name permanently enshrined next to the exhibit of their choice.

For those wanting to get a closer look at these rare artifacts, the museum will host a summer preview event called “Back to the Museum,” offering fans a chance to explore the preserved coaster cars and other memorabilia before they’re formally installed. Registration is now open through the American Coaster Enthusiasts at aceonline.org/events.

As a lifelong coaster fan, I’ve always believed that the stories of these machines are more than just statistics and speeds—they’re memories, moments, and milestones. From first rides to final laps, these vehicles carried generations of laughter, fear, and joy. The chance to help preserve that magic for future fans feels like a rare and worthy thrill in itself.

The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting and celebrating the history of the amusement industry. More information on its mission and collection can be found at rollercoastermuseum.org.

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(Photos: National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives)