The Jack Rabbit, built in 1920, is a classic wooden roller coaster designed by John A. Miller and constructed by Harry C. Baker in just eight weeks with a crew of 120 workmen. A local newspaper called it the largest roller coaster in New York State outside of Coney Island, and today it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating coaster in America and the fourth oldest roller coaster in the world. Its lift hill drive wheel, once used to pull the train to the top of the first hill, measures 10 feet in diameter, is made of maple wood, weighs 1,000 pounds, and was connected by a 12-inch leather belt to a spindle on a 50-horsepower motor before being replaced by a modern drive system. In 1919, Miller patented under-friction technology, and the Jack Rabbit is the oldest existing coaster to use this design, which kept the wheels locked to the track and opened the way for faster speeds, steeper hills, and negative g-forces; when it first opened, it was the fastest roller coaster in the world. The ride follows an out-and-back layout that uses the park's natural topography, with 2,130 feet of track, a 75-foot first drop, Miller's signature camel-back hills, and a tunneled helix with a final surprise drop through the ravine; the tunnel was added in 1928. Over its lifetime, the Jack Rabbit has used three generations of coaster trains: John Miller trains from 1920 to 1945 with bench seats, open fronts, rigid handles, and a capacity of 24 people; National Amusement Devices trains from 1946 to 1988 with stainless steel bodies, front headlights, locking lap bars, and a capacity of 18; and Morgan Manufacturing trains from 1989 to today with individual bucket seats, updated lap bars, trailered fiberglass cars for a smoother ride and less wear on the track and structure, and a flush loading system that allows more riders per hour.
