Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, known throughout the industry simply as PTC, was founded on January 21, 1904, by Henry B. Auchy and Chester Albright. What began as the Philadelphia Toboggan Company grew into one of the most influential roller coaster and carousel manufacturers in American amusement history, and the firm still operates today from Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
Over its long history, PTC has been credited with roughly 128 roller coasters built across 140 locations worldwide, with about two dozen of those wooden classics still thrilling riders today. The company’s design lineage runs through legendary figures like John A. Miller, Herbert Schmeck, and longtime president John C. Allen, whose work helped define the golden age of wooden coaster design.
Stats at a Glance
- Founded: 1904
- Headquarters: Hatfield, Pennsylvania
- Founders: Henry B. Auchy and Chester Albright
- Coasters built: About 128 worldwide
- Still operating: About 24 today
- Notable designers: John A. Miller, Herbert Schmeck, John C. Allen
- Products: Wooden roller coasters, coaster trains, carousels (historic)
A Manufacturing Legacy Since 1904
PTC began by building carousels before expanding into wooden roller coasters, eventually acquiring the inventory of the Dentzel Carousel Company in 1927. Under president John C. Allen, who led the company from 1954 to 1976, PTC produced many of the era’s most celebrated wooden coasters before stepping back from new coaster design when Allen retired.
The company changed hands in 1991 when Tom Rebbie and Bill Dauphinee purchased it, with Rebbie later becoming sole owner in 2007. Rather than closing its doors, PTC pivoted toward manufacturing replacement trains, queue gates, and fin brakes for wooden coasters around the world, keeping its craftsmanship alive in a new form.
PTC Classics Still Running
Several PTC-built coasters remain park favorites decades after opening, including Thunderhawk at Dorney Park (1924), Comet at Hersheypark (1946), Blue Streak at Cedar Point (1964), and Rollo Coaster at Idlewild and Soak Zone (1938). These survivors showcase the durability of PTC’s wooden coaster engineering.
Today, PTC continues building new ride models, including compact junior coasters, while also supplying the trains that keep many vintage wooden coasters operating safely for new generations of riders.
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Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters FAQs
Is Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters still in business?
Yes, PTC remains an active manufacturer headquartered in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, producing coaster trains, parts, and new ride models.
How many roller coasters has PTC built?
PTC has been credited with roughly 128 roller coasters built at about 140 locations worldwide, with around two dozen still operating today.
What is PTC most famous for?
PTC is best known for classic wooden roller coasters designed by figures like John C. Allen, including long-running favorites such as Thunderhawk at Dorney Park and Comet at Hersheypark.
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