Morgan

D. H. Morgan Manufacturing
Status Defunct
Headquarters
La Selva Beach, California, USA
Key people Dana Morgan
Steve Okamoto
Coasters built 9

D.H. Morgan Manufacturing was a roller coaster manufacturer located at La Selva Beach, California, USA.

History

The company was founded by Dana Morgan in 1983. Morgan's father, Edward Morgan, was one of the founders of Arrow Development. Dana Morgan had previously worked for Disney's engineering department and subsequently for Arrow.[1][2] Their first project was to build new trains for the Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Morgan went on to build trains for several other wooden roller coasters. The company also produced carousels.[3] Steve Okamoto was a former employee.

At its peak, the company had 100 employees, but by 2000 it had started to downsize. Morgan was acquired by Michael Chance in June 2001 who subsequently formed the Chance Morgan company. Initially, Morgan's 15-person La Selva engineering office was retained though all manufacturing was moved to Chance's facility in Wichita, Kansas.[4] Chance Morgan have since reverted to the Chance Rides name and closed the La Selva office, but continues to offer spare parts and service for existing Morgan rides.[5]

Roller coasters built

The company has built nine roller coasters, all of which are still operating.

Name Park Country Opened
Mamba Worlds of Fun
USA
April 18, 1998
Phantom's Revenge[nb 1] Kennywood
USA
May 19, 2001
Quicksilver Express Gilroy Gardens
USA
June 15, 2001
Route 66 West Coaster Pacific Park
USA
May 25, 1996
Steel Dragon 2000 Nagashima Spaland
Japan
August 1, 2000
Steel Eel SeaWorld San Antonio
USA
March 6, 1999
Steel Force Dorney Park
USA
May 30, 1997
Superman el Último Escape Six Flags Mexico
Mexico
November 19, 2004
Wild Thing Valleyfair!
USA
May 11, 1996
  1. Phantom's Revenge uses the lift hill and station of the former Steel Phantom roller coaster, built by Arrow Dynamics.

Roller coaster trains

A Morgan-built train in use on Giant Dipper

References

  1. "Dorney Park's newest coaster is designed to deliver a thrilling performance (page 1)". The Morning Call.
  2. "Dorney Park's newest coaster is designed to deliver a thrilling performance (page 2)". The Morning Call.
  3. "La Selva company builds fun, takes screams to new heights". Santa Cruz Sentinel.
  4. "Famed coaster, carousel firm joins competitor". Santa Cruz Sentinel.
  5. "History". Chance Rides.