What kind of trains are these (Silver Flash at Riverview in Chicago)

Click here and scroll down to the pictures of Silver Flash that resided at Riverview. What kind of coaster trains are these and who manufactured them? It looks like a subway system on a wooden coaster.

Edit: Sorry, after you reach this page click on "rides and attractions at the top. *** Edited 1/3/2006 6:12:53 AM UTC by Chitown***

That there be weird.

I am not certain who manufactured them, but, they look a lot like the http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/zephyr/ Pioneer Zephyr of railroad fame. Almost seems like it was done on purpose considering the train originated out of Chicago on it's run.

I believe those were custom built for Riverview by PTC.

Also, the Zephyr was nicknamed the "Silver Streak" so the similar name of the "Silver Flash" appears to be another homage to the Pioneer Zephyr in addition to the train style...

Actually it appears the owners of Riverview were quite enamored with the PZ.

THe PZ originated in 1934, two years later they renamed the Big Dipper to Zephyr and then two years after that is when they remaned the Pippin to the Silver Flash and the trains were built specifially to rememble the Zephyr.

I could not find any definitive answer as to who did the rebuild of the trains, but I would tend to agree withJeff above and guess PTC.

On the Riverview Park DVD, they say the covers were put on the trains more for safety reasons than anything but it does not say who made the trains. The covers were made in house though.

According to "Laugh Your Troubles Away" by Derek Gee and Ralph Lopez (the best and most complete history of Riverview), the trains on both the Flash and Comet were covered for the 1936 season. 3 people died on these coasters in 1935 and the trains were covered for safety.

The Comet was designed by John Miller and opened in 1920 as the "Big Dipper". The name was changed in 1936 to the "Zephyr" when the covered trains were added. It was renamed the "Comet" in 1940 and remained so until the park closed in 1967.

The Flash was also designed by John Miller and opened in 1921 as the "Pippin". The name was changed to the "Silver Flash" in 1938 after the covered trains were added. It was renamed the "Flash" in 1961. FYI, ACE's Roller Coaster Museum has cars from the Flash's trains in storage for display when the museum opens someday.

Mike