Harry Traver Jazz Railway

[megamatt]

So, from what I've gathered, Harry Traver designed a steel roller coaster in the 1920s, called the Jazz Railway. It had "the spiral drop, deep dips and jump track.", and occupied a space of 70 by 165 feet. It was considered to be the predecessor of the modern Wild Mouse. Other that that little tidbit of information, does anyone know what this looked like? I can't find anything in the way of diagrams, pictures, first hand accounts, nothing. It appears that Rocky Glen Park had one from 1925-1927, and it is possible that an unknown park in Toronto had one from 1925-1926/1927.

 

The only thing I could find on google patents for "Harry Traver" that might have been used on this ride was this car.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=GFJfAAAAEBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=harry+traver&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=1#v=onepage&q=harry%20traver&f=false

 

It says something about banked and sharp turns, a part to prevent the cars from jumping the track, and something that seems to be an anti-rollback. Also, a reclining seat and electric shocks to the passengers? Dunno if this is related or not.

[simon8899]

At least the cars are secured from derailing - looks like the system that was used early steel-coasters like the Wildcat.

[QueerRudie]

From my research into H.G. Travers (And via Robert Cartmell's fantastic book, "The Incredible Scream Machine")

 

The Jazz railway was more intended to be a ride through with elements more than a coaster. It did feature some of the elements that Travers built into his coasters (Notably the Safety Cyclone series) but itself wasn't more than a ride through.

 

You might want to see if you can locate a copy of Dr. Cartmell's book. HG Traver is covered in a greater depth there, and features some references to the special effects of this ride.

[Simon Baynham]

Hi TPR

 

Harry Guy Traver's Jazz Railway (Fair name: Jazz Railroad) is reported on, described and pictured in the book: "Harry G. Traver - Legends of Terror.

 

A scan of the cover and a brief write-up of the book can be viewed on The Roller Coaster Media Library website [book 28]

http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/Roller_Coaster_Media_Library_Books_A.html

 

Simon B

[eddie200330]

Great Book, anyone who has never read this really needs to get a copy. This man was by far the most demented designer out there. He makes Intamin's look like kiddie coasters!