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Ron Toomer
Ron Toomer
Ron Toomer
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Ronald Valentine Toomer (May 31, 1930 – September 26, 2011)[1] was an American roller coaster designer credited for designing 93 roller coasters around the world.[2] He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering and was a part of the design team responsible for the Apollo spacecraft heat shield.[2]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Toomer was hired by Arrow Development founders Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan in 1965 to help design a mine train ride called Run-A-Way Mine Train at Six Flags Over Texas.[3] It opened in 1966 utilizing the tubular steel rail technology that had been developed by Arrow for Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds. The concept caught on quickly and Toomer designed 15 more mine train coasters for Arrow. All but one are still operating today.[4] Following almost four years of development, Toomer introduced the modern looping roller coaster in 1975 with the opening of Corkscrew, the first in the world with two inversions, at Knott's Berry Farm. Knott's is credited with having the first, but three more identical coasters opened later that same year. The following year he introduced the familiar Arrow teardrop-shaped vertical loop on a custom corkscrew coaster at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio.[3] At Cedar Point in 1989, Toomer unveiled the first roller coaster to top 200 feet (61 m) known as Magnum XL-200.[5]

In 1981, Arrow Development was purchased by Huss Maschinenfabrik, which merged with Arrow Development to form Arrow-Huss. Toomer was made vice president and manager of engineering.[3] In 1986, 13 of the company's American officers negotiated a buyout, and formed Arrow Dynamics to which Toomer was named president.[3] In 1993 he was promoted to chairman of the board then became a consulting director in 1995. Toomer retired from Arrow Dynamics in 1998.[3]

Although Toomer primarily designed coasters for Arrow, he also assisted with some of the other Arrow products, which included providing structural engineering for the company's Log Flumes.[2]

Rumors circulated that Toomer never rode any of his own rides, though he did suffer from motion sickness. He has said otherwise, however, stating "I've ridden enough to know what they are like."[3]

Notable designs

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Ron Toomer's designs were highly innovative with many of his coasters breaking records.

He has designed and made the following:

Awards

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Ron Toomer - Cedar Point plaque

In 2000 Ron Toomer was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame as a Living Legend.[3]

Four of Toomer's coasters have been designated Roller Coaster Landmarks by American Coaster Enthusiasts: Corkscrew, Loch Ness Monster, Magnum XL-200 and Run-A-Way Mine Train.[13]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ron Toomer

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Ronald Valentine Toomer (May 31, 1930 – September 26, 2011) was an American mechanical engineer and pioneering roller coaster designer who revolutionized the amusement industry through his work at , where he contributed to the design of 93 steel roller coasters, including groundbreaking innovations like the first practical upside-down coaster and the world's first . Born in , Toomer earned a B.S. in from the University of Nevada-Reno in 1961 and served in the U.S. Army in 1952, spending 13 months in . His early career involved work as a mechanical engineer at Hercules Powder Company on Minuteman rocket motors and at Thermatest Laboratories Inc. developing sensors for NASA's Apollo heat shields. Toomer joined (later ) in 1966, initially contributing to projects like the Runaway Mine Train at , and rose to become company president in 1986 before retiring in 1998. During his 32-year tenure, he led the development of key advancements, such as the loop element—first implemented in 1975 at and followed by a vertical loop version in 1976 at —and over-the-shoulder restraints that enhanced rider safety and thrill. Notable designs under his influence include the interlocking loops of at in 1978 and the record-breaking at in 1989, which stood at 205 feet, the first over 200 feet tall, ushering in the era. Toomer's legacy was honored with induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame in 2000, recognizing his quiet, innovative approach that shaped modern steel coaster design and boosted park attendance worldwide. He passed away in , after a four-month battle with cancer, leaving behind a family-oriented life marked by interests in , puzzles, cooking, and the outdoors.

Early life and education

Early life

Ronald Valentine Toomer was born on May 31, 1930, in , to John Alexander Toomer and Kathleen Mary Mitchell. He grew up in the Pasadena area of County, where his family resided through at least the . Toomer had two older and younger brothers, and , respectively. Toomer spent his formative years in before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, serving for 13 months in as part of his early adult experiences. Following his military service, he transitioned to higher education at the .

Education and early career

Toomer earned a degree in from the , in 1961. Following graduation, Toomer began his professional career at the Hercules Powder Company, where he served as a mechanical engineer focused on the nozzle design for the Minuteman missile, an early U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile. He later transitioned to ThermaTest Laboratories in , contributing to the design, development, and manufacturing of heat shield sensors for NASA's Apollo space program, which played a critical role in protecting spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry. These early roles in the sector honed his expertise in materials testing, structural integrity, and high-stakes engineering applications, laying the groundwork for his subsequent innovations. In 1965, Toomer's career took a pivotal turn when he joined Arrow Development Company, marking his entry into the amusement industry.

Professional career

Time at Arrow Development

Ron Toomer joined Arrow Development in 1965 as an engineer, bringing his background in aerospace to the company's amusement ride projects. Upon joining, his initial task was resolving water flow issues for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. His first major design was the Run-A-Way Mine Train at Six Flags Over Texas, which opened on July 23, 1966, and is recognized as the world's first mine train roller coaster. This innovative ride utilized tubular steel track for smoother operation and more dynamic layouts compared to wooden predecessors, spanning 2,485 feet in length and reaching a maximum height of 35 feet with a top speed of approximately 35 mph. Key features included three lift hills, a curving track mimicking a mine route, and a pioneering underwater tunnel drop, which added thematic immersion and helped establish the mine train genre that influenced over a dozen similar coasters in the following years. Throughout the and , Toomer advanced coaster mechanics at by refining tubular track designs, enabling safer, more reliable rides with reduced vibration and enhanced capacity for complex elements. These innovations prioritized structural integrity and passenger comfort, setting standards for the shift from wooden to coasters while expanding creative possibilities in layout and theming.

Leadership at Arrow Dynamics

Following the formation of Arrow-Huss in 1981 through the merger of and Huss Maschinenfabrik, Toomer was promoted to vice president and manager of engineering, where he oversaw key technical advancements in ride design. In 1985, Arrow-Huss filed for bankruptcy protection, leading to a in 1986 by a group of 13 American executives, including Toomer, from Huss, reestablishing the company as with Toomer appointed as president. Under his presidency, the firm focused on aggressive innovation to meet growing demand for more thrilling attractions, achieving annual sales of $12 million in 1987 and projecting $15 million for 1988 while aiming to eliminate debt by the early . Toomer's executive progression continued in 1993 when he was elevated to chairman of the board, a position he held until 1995, providing strategic guidance during a pivotal era of expansion in the and 1990s. As chairman, he directed the company's emphasis on pioneering coaster technologies and international market growth, navigating economic recoveries and competitive pressures in the amusement industry. His tenure emphasized sustainable operations post-reorganization, including plans for potential public offerings to fuel further development. Throughout his leadership at , Toomer oversaw the design and construction of 93 roller coasters worldwide, fostering a collaborative team that drove innovations in coaster configurations and ride experiences. His approach prioritized team expertise in conceptualizing and refining coaster types, from mine trains to hypercoasters, ensuring Arrow's reputation as a leader in the field. After stepping down as chairman in 1995, Toomer transitioned to a consulting role, advising on ongoing projects until his full retirement in 1998.

Retirement and consulting

Following his tenure as chairman of the board, Toomer assumed advisory responsibilities at in the mid-1990s, stepping back from daily operations. He retired from full-time work with the company in 1998, marking the end of a career that spanned from 1965. Post-retirement, Toomer remained engaged with the amusement industry, receiving the IAAPA Hall of Fame induction in 2000 in recognition of his contributions. He served as keynote speaker at Cedar Point's CoasterMania event in 2009, where he shared insights on ride design and industry evolution with enthusiasts and professionals. In 2010, Toomer celebrated his 80th birthday at a gathering attended by family and amusement industry friends in , underscoring his enduring connections within the field.

Roller coaster designs

Mine train coasters

Ron Toomer's work on mine train coasters marked a significant advancement in roller coaster design, introducing construction that enabled smoother operation and greater thematic integration compared to wooden predecessors. Joining in 1965, Toomer led the engineering of the genre's inaugural modern example, the Run-A-Way Mine Train at , which debuted on July 23, 1966. This coaster featured a 2,400-foot track length, a maximum height of 35 feet, and a top speed of 35 mph, utilizing tubular rails to deliver a gentle, scenic ride through a simulated landscape with three lift hills, curving drops, and two tunnels for immersive effects. Under Toomer's direction at , the company produced 16 mine train coasters between 1966 and the 1980s, with 15 still operating as of 2025. These designs prioritized family accessibility, typically limiting heights to under 50 feet and speeds to around 30-40 mph while incorporating multiple short drops and banked turns to mimic a runaway mine cart's path. Representative examples include the at , opened in 1969, which spans 2,540 feet at up to 42 mph and weaves through a wooded with mining props and water features for added narrative depth. The evolution of Toomer's mine train features reflected growing emphasis on storytelling and multi-sensory experiences, blending elements with techniques such as enclosed tunnels illuminated by scenic lighting and sound effects to evoke underground expeditions. Later iterations, like the 1974 Runaway Mine Train at (2,429 feet, 38 mph top speed), enhanced thematic cohesion with Western motifs and helix turns, appealing to a broad audience including children by maintaining low-g forces and extended ride durations around 2-3 minutes. This approach not only boosted ride capacity—often exceeding 1,000 riders per hour—but also influenced subsequent family coaster developments across the industry.

Looping coasters and hypercoasters

Toomer's innovations in inverted roller coasters began with the at , which opened on May 21, 1975, as the first modern steel coaster to feature two inversions. Designed by Toomer for , the ride utilized a pioneering double corkscrew element, where trains twisted through 360-degree rolls after a 62-foot drop from a 70-foot , reaching speeds of 46 mph over a 1,250-foot track. This design marked a significant advancement in thrill-seeking elements, proving that inversions could be safely incorporated into steel coasters using Arrow's tubular track system, which reduced lateral forces on riders compared to earlier wooden designs. Building on this foundation, Toomer introduced interlocking loops with the at , which debuted on June 2, 1978. As the world's first roller coaster with this feature—two vertical loops positioned so closely that they appeared to interlock—the ride elevated inversion technology by creating a visually dramatic and physically intense experience without compromising structural integrity. Toomer's engineering emphasized rider comfort and safety, incorporating precise to manage g-forces at around 3.5, which influenced subsequent standards for looping coasters by demonstrating reliable restraint systems and load distribution in inverted maneuvers. Toomer's contributions extended to hypercoasters with the at , opening on May 6, 1989, as the first complete-circuit coaster to exceed 200 feet in height. This project, standing at 205 feet with a 195-foot drop, propelled trains to 72 mph along a 5,106-foot out-and-back layout featuring multiple airtime hills but no inversions, redefining "hypercoaster" as a category for extreme height and speed. By prioritizing vertical drops and negative g-forces, Toomer's design set benchmarks for in tall coasters, contributing to industry-wide safety protocols for wind resistance and foundation stability in record-breaking attractions. Over his career, Toomer designed more than 90 roller coasters, with these projects exemplifying his role in pushing the boundaries of thrill and safety.

Awards and legacy

Industry awards

Ron Toomer was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame in 2000, recognized for his pioneering contributions to design and engineering that advanced the global attractions industry. This honor highlighted his role at in developing innovative steel coasters, including the introduction of tubular track technology and inversion elements that became industry standards. In 1989, Toomer received an honorary membership from the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), acknowledging his lifetime dedication to coaster innovation and his influence on the enthusiast community through designs that pushed technical boundaries. Several of Toomer's designs have been designated as ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks, a program established in 2000 to honor rides of historical significance based on their innovation, impact, and enduring appeal. at , designed by Toomer and opened in 1978, earned this distinction on June 17, 2003, for introducing the world's first continuous track interlocking loop , which revolutionized multi-inversion layouts. at , Toomer's 1989 that debuted as the tallest and fastest complete-circuit steel at 205 feet, was awarded Landmark status on June 21, 2004, for sparking the hypercoaster era and inspiring numerous similar attractions worldwide. Additionally, the Runaway Mine Train at , an early Toomer project from 1966 that pioneered the mine train genre with themed tubular steel track, received the designation on June 20, 2005, for launching a popular category that influenced over a dozen subsequent installations. These awards underscore Toomer's specific achievements in creating groundbreaking rides that expanded rider experiences and industry possibilities.

Lasting impact

Ron Toomer passed away on September 26, 2011, at the age of 81 in , after a four-month battle with cancer. The amusement industry responded with widespread tributes, as documented in , where an editorial praised his humility and family-oriented values alongside his technical genius in designing 93 steel roller coasters. Industry leaders, including CEO Dick Kinzel, who described Toomer as an outstanding engineer and friend whose work fueled park growth, and executive Pat Hoffman, who recalled his mentorship during early collaborations at , emphasized his enduring personal and professional impact. Toomer's designs demonstrate remarkable longevity, with 15 of the 16 Arrow Mine Train roller coasters he led the development of still operating as of 2025, including the Runaway Mine Train at , which received control system upgrades in 2023 and continues to thrill riders, and the at , a park staple since 1969. Similarly, the at , which Toomer engineered as the first full-circuit coaster over 200 feet tall, remains in operation and retains its ranking among the world's top 50 steel roller coasters, underscoring its ongoing popularity and structural integrity. Toomer's innovations profoundly shaped roller coaster evolution, particularly through the Magnum XL-200, which pioneered the category and inspired more than a dozen subsequent designs across three continents, such as Intamin's Top Thrill Dragster and Bolliger & Mabillard's Nitro, by establishing benchmarks for height, speed, and airtime experiences in modern thrill rides. His background from informed robust structural approaches that enhanced reliability in high-stress environments, contributing to the genre's safe expansion into taller, faster attractions.

Personal life

Family and interests

Ronald Valentine Toomer was married to his wife, Betty, for 54 years until his death in 2011. The couple raised four children: Gregory and his wife Christie of ; Carol and her husband Jeffrey Thornton of ; Gary and his wife Alana Mitchell of ; and Christopher and his wife Kristi of . Toomer was also a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren. Family was his top priority throughout his life, often taking precedence over his demanding career in design. In his personal time, Toomer pursued a variety of hands-on hobbies that reflected his engineering background and love for craftsmanship. He enjoyed , including hand-carving intricate waterfowl decoys and assembling detailed wooden car kits. An avid reader, he frequently engaged with puzzles and picture puzzles to challenge his mind. Toomer also found joy in cooking meals for family and friends, often pairing them with good, cold beer during social gatherings, as well as tending to his garden. During his younger years, Toomer embraced outdoor adventures, and in the High Sierras and exploring the ' National Parks. In retirement, he settled in , close to several of his children and grandchildren, choosing the location partly to escape snowy winters and remain immersed in family life.

Health challenges

Throughout his career, Ron Toomer grappled with lifelong , a condition that made riding roller coasters personally challenging. Despite this, he rode numerous coasters to gain insight into the rider's perspective, stating, "I've had a bad motion sickness problem since I was a little kid. But I've ridden enough of them to know what the rider is going to feel." Despite this, he rarely rode his own rides for pleasure. Toomer passed away on September 26, 2011, at the age of 81 in , after a four-month battle with cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep following this illness.

References

  1. https://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_preiaapa_2011_web.pdf
  2. https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201109/2674/
  3. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LYMZ-5BJ/kathleen-mary-mitchell-1902-1990
  4. https://www.myheritage.com/names/ronald_toomer
  5. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/ronald-toomer-obituary?pid=153869524
  6. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ron-Toomer
  7. https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/ron-toomer-the-man-who-built-with-steel.34941/
  8. https://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-arrow-development-20160104-story.html
  9. https://www.aceonline.org/page/runaway
  10. https://www.deseret.com/1988/8/7/18774477/coaster-wars-br-arrow-dynamics-riding-high-in-race-for-thrills-and-chills/
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/02/style/style-makers-ron-toomer-roller-coaster-designer.html
  12. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Ron_Toomer
  13. https://iaapa.org/about/awards/iaapa-hall-of-fame
  14. http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2011/09/blast-from-past-tribute-to-ron-toomer.html
  15. https://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_july_2010_web.pdf
  16. https://www.sfotsource.com/rides/runaway-mine-train
  17. https://rcdb.com/18.htm
  18. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Runaway_Mine_Train_(Six_Flags_Great_Adventure)
  19. https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/knotts-corkscrew
  20. https://www.aceonline.org/page/Corkscrew
  21. https://rcdb.com/110.htm
  22. https://www.aceonline.org/page/LochNess
  23. https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/magnum-xl-200
  24. https://www.aceonline.org/page/magnum
  25. https://www.aceonline.org/page/RC1988-1993
  26. https://rcdb.com/8299.htm
  27. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Magnum_XL-200
  28. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=260057
  29. https://priceonomics.com/the-business-of-building-roller-coasters/
  30. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/14-fun-facts-about-roller-coasters-180972920/
  31. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dfw/name/ronald-toomer-obituary?id=13822498
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