The coaster is the last of its kind still in operation. Enthusiasts like myself come from all over the world to ride it. I’d driven an entire day to reach the whitewashed behemoth.

As I wait in line, I read the plaques boasting of the many times the ride was torn down and rebuilt, accompanied by sepia-toned photographs of boardwalks long since lost to condo developers.

Finally, I board the train. As the safety bar comes down and the ride jitters to life, I feel a thrill of excitement.

They just don’t make them like The Ship of Theseus anymore.