Century Flyer

The Century Flyer is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge train originally built as an amusement park ride. It is located on the grounds of the Conway Human Development Center, a residential facility that treats patients with developmental disabilities at 150 East Siebenmorgen Road in Conway, Arkansas.

Century Flyer
Location150 E. Siebenmorgen Rd.
Conway, Arkansas
Coordinates35°6′8″N 92°25′45″W
Builtc. 1955
ArchitectNational Amusement Devices
NRHP reference No.10000284
Added to NRHPMay 28, 2010

History

This train was built in the early 1950s by National Amusement Devices, a manufacturer of roller coaster cars.[1] This company built several of the Century Flyer train sets for use at amusement parks around the country. This particular train set was sold to the Burns Park "Funland" in North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.

In 1959, the train and tracks were sold to a local professional women's organization, who donated them to the Conway Human Development Center (then known as the Arkansas Children's Colony) for use by the patients. One third of a mile of track was laid and two trestles were built.

Over the years, the train and track fell into disrepair. The Central Arkansas Model Railroad Club volunteered to upgrade and refurbish the train and track.

The Century Flyer was listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to its being one of the few remaining trains built by National Amusement Devices still operating.

See also

References
  1. "NRHP nomination for Century Flyer" (PDF). Arkansas Preservation. Retrieved 2016-02-07.

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