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by **imansfield** » 09 Sep 2005, 08:37

Hi everyone, I went down to the Rotunda park in Folkestone yesterday and took some pictures of the state the park is in right now. Its a real shame to see the Runaway coaster in such a bad state. Doesnt look like it could ever run again. Lets hope the scenic never ends up in that state!

http://ollercoasterinastate.fotopic.net

Ian

by **porterm** » 09 Sep 2005, 17:54

Quite depressing photos Ian. To think I rode that Runaway Coaster in its first year launch the day after the sad death of Princess Diana. It was quite a hairy ride in my opinion!

Never say never though re its revival as I always refer to the Giant Dipper's fate at Belmont Park, San Diego, California, USA. After at least two fires it was revitalised to its present glorious condition and it seems that the locals really love it. It is quite a historic landmark. Maybe the Runaway is not quite in the same league but it is certainly a very rare coaster that should be preserved I feel.

Martin

by **David Ellis** » 09 Sep 2005, 22:05

Thanks for the photos Ian...what a real shame. I remember riding it in 1997 when it reopened, and on another occasion too a few years later, and it was a real joy to ride. Those lovely padded seats, that burning smell when the "balsa" brakes were applied. Unique!

A real sad state of affairs.

David.

by **Vince, Charlie and Sam** » 10 Sep 2005, 15:13

Thanks for those photos Ian.

I too feel that the ride should be preserved and I'm racking by brains to think of some way in which this could be done. Who owns it now? Is it still our old friend Jimmy?

by **Graeme** » 13 Sep 2005, 23:47

I know where I'd like to see it - Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. Soon after I had been to the Rotunda in 2002, it was announced the park would be closing. I thought it should be moved to Dreamland. Of course, soon after, the closure of that was announced as well.

I thought it'd be perfect alongside the Scenic Railway in Kent. If that can't be done, Great Yarmouth has the other UK scenic railway. It's nice to have two woodies in the same place, especially as they give different experiences.

by **uvegotmale2000** » 15 Sep 2005, 20:03

what a sad sight to see.who owns that park?

by **ricardobugsy** » 16 Sep 2005, 11:11

It is criminal that no-one has bought the Runaway Coaster.
It has great historical value and would be a great acquisition to any park.
May need a fair amount of restoration though..

by **Vince, Charlie and Sam** » 16 Sep 2005, 15:30

It says on this page

http://www.joylandbooks.com/scenicrailw ... lery1b.htm

that the Runaway Coaster has been advertised for sale, but has attracted no buyers. Obviously it would need a lot of work, and I imagine that this would deter operators, who would be looking for "plug in and play" rides when they are out shopping for new attractions.

It would presumably need a great deal of restoration, and this would require a lot of labour, which isn't cheap. Restoration by a voluntary preservation group would possibly be a viable option although the ride would still need to be sited somewhere.

Does anyone have any idea of the asking price for the Runaway Coaster?

by **porterm** » 17 Sep 2005, 08:12

I just wondered if someone could clarify a couple of things about this historic ride. I seem to remember reading before its restoration in Folkestone that the ride was found stored away somewhere in Holland, and it was a "portable" travelling ride back in the day. I remember seeing a generator type container vehicle-type item to the left of the lifthill when I visited the Rotunda in 1997 for my inaugural, and only ride on this.

If it is portable this may indeed create a bit more sales interest, however, as the ride apparently dates from 1922 it would be the perfect complementary attraction to the 1920 Scenic Railway, in an ideal world I feel. Who knows, it could just happen with the right dedication, and obviously some financial support. In America, ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts club) give financial support and assistance to save classic coasters. Maybe something similar could be achieved over here.

Martin

by **Vince, Charlie and Sam** » 17 Sep 2005, 17:21

"This design of ride is known as a 'side friction coaster'. Few original examples are left in the world. A recently restored coaster is 'The Runaway Coaster' (as it is now called) at Rotunda, UK. First built in the 1920s (and so is actually a 'modern' speedier version), the coaster once toured the German fairs."

Source http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A711811

I agree that it would be marvellous to have the ride next to the Scenic Railway at Dreamland, but feel that the owner would sooner see it scrapped than allow this to happen.

Vince

by **vince69619** » 19 Sep 2005, 14:54

So don't tell him where it's going!

Vince.
(Am I talking to myself? No, there are two of us!!!)

by **porf** » 20 Sep 2005, 21:51

Hi,

RCDB.COM have some pictures of the Runaway in better days at http://www.rcdb.com/id862.htm , I had to chuckle at the comment of "Thanks to Rotunda's former owner, Jimmy Godden, the roller coaster was restored" :roll:

I think it would have had a better future if still in a field in Holland.

It's not a coaster I ever got to ride myself, but would hate to see it lost from a history point of view. My personal park preference would be Oakwood in Wales as it's a small enough (and beautifully run) park for it still to be a reasonable draw of a ride.

Failing that who has the largest back garden ?

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