Specific Coaster History Question (first chain lift)

[MestnyiGeroi]

Could anyone tell me whether we know what the first chain lift coaster was, and, if so, what it was?

This is not a quiz — I am seeking the answer myself. Thanks for any help!

 

[MestnyiGeroi]

I actually thought this question would be answered right away. Shows what I know about this forum.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure it was Gravity Pleasure at Coney Island, just not 100%.

 

[Peet]

A switchback with a chain lift? I've never heard of that, have you got any pictures or anything?
As far as I know the first chain lifts were on the early figure eight coasters, no idea where the first one of those was although Coney Island would be my best guess!

 

[furie]

The patent for the toboggan ride mentions a chain lift:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US528224

This was 1894, so I suspect any toboggan ride built after that point.

The chain dog was patented in 1905:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US793333

Which I would say is the first "modern" chain lift type.

I just did a quick skim of the coaster patents on here:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/v/a/vac3/table.html

If I had time, I'd read them all and cross reference with RCDB to see if I could work out the first instance, but I don't...

However, I reckon using that site and RCDB, you should be able to work it out - fill your boots

 

[CanobieFan]

RCDB hasn't been extremely proactive in listing coasters lift mechanisms. Although they do have a list started...
https://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&el=12692&page=1&order=8
1915 being the first it has.... But clearly coasters older than that used chain. IE: Leap the Dips from 1902 has a chain but isn't noted for it on RCDB - https://rcdb.com/243.htm