The Roller Coaster DataBase, commonly abbreviated RCDB, is an independent online catalogue dedicated to roller coasters and the parks that host them. It compiles technical specifications, photographs, opening dates and current status for rides across the globe. Enthusiasts, journalists and park professionals use it as a quick reference for comparative data and historical information.
Content and structure
Each coaster entry typically lists basic facts such as height, length, top speed, number of inversions, manufacturer and designer, year of opening, and geographic location. Many entries include photographs, notes about ride design or rebuilds, and a record of operational changes. Park pages aggregate a venue's current and former rides and often provide maps or links to additional resources.
Typical data fields
- Technical specs: height, speed, length, drop, trains
- Attribution: manufacturer, designer, model
- Operational history: opening date, relocations, closures
- Media: photos and occasional diagrams
History and development
The site was started in 1996 by Duane Marden and has grown steadily, documenting more than 5,000 roller coasters worldwide. Over time RCDB expanded its coverage from major parks to smaller regional attractions and defunct rides, building an archival resource useful for historical research as well as current tracking.
Uses and significance
RCDB is widely consulted for fact-checking, record comparison and trip planning. It functions as a searchable index where users can filter by country, manufacturer or ride type. For introductory reading on a particular attraction one can follow a coaster entry or visit an associated roller coaster or amusement park page.
Notable: while highly comprehensive, RCDB is an enthusiast-run resource; users seeking official or legal details should consult park press materials or regulatory records when necessary.