Wikipedia
Scrambler (ride)
The Scrambler, Twist (in the UK), Twister, Cha Cha (in Australia), Sizzler, or Merry Mixer, is an amusement ride in which suspended riders spinning in cars experience centrifugal force, while spinning along two separate axes. Riders are seated in small carriages clustered together and connected by beams at the top to a central point. The clustered vehicles are spun in one direction, while the ride as a whole spins in the opposite direction.[1] There are a number of variations of the design.
Early history edit
The first scrambler was invented by Richard Harris of Georgia and installed at Lakewood Fairgrounds in 1938.[2][better source needed] Two additional rides were built and sold in the following two years.[2][better source needed] In 1941, Harris was granted a U.S. patent for the design,[3] which was then acquired or licensed by the Eli Bridge Company.[2][better source needed]
In late 1953, the Eli Bridge Company road-tested its Scrambler ride,[4][5] and sold the first five by the end 1954.[5] The original ride had a total of 12 cars distributed among its three arms with a capacity of 24 adults or 36 children. The entire ride rotated clockwise at 9–12 revolutions per minute.[6]
The Eli Bridge Scrambler had one of its first major showings at the 1955 Florida State Fair, where it grossed $1,700 (at 25 cents a ride) in a single day and interested many additional buyers.[7][5]
The rides first appeared in the UK in 1959, when they were manufactured by Edwin Hall under license from the Eli Bridge Company. Eli Bridge rides were first imported in 1979.[1]
Variants edit
Grasscutter edit
A grasscutter scrambler has a basic frame shape and no platform and is driven by a lower arm assembly. This type of ride is extremely popular in the United States.
- Scrambler—These rides usually have a circular structure near the top of the ride. There are vertical bars that go around the top along with lights on them. For the most part, these rides are made by the Eli Bridge Company.[8]
- Wisdom's Sizzler—This ride does not have a platform, but it still has thick arms at the top and bottom of each seating assembly. The top of the ride has 3 twisted metal structures. There are also lights all over the ride including the cars. These are popular in the US, but are no longer made by Wisdom.
Sizzler edit
A Sizzler is a ride which has thicker arms and a platform. It was when these type started being manufactured, the manufacturers concentrated on the ride aesthetics. Concerns have been raised about its safety, as the ride has been involved in at least six fatalities since 1997.[9][10]
- Bennett & Pollards—These rides have a smaller circumference from the center of the ride to the seats. They are similar to Eli Bridge Scrambler rides because they also have cylinder structures on top of the ride.
- PWS Sizzler, Sonacase Twister, & Twist—These rides each have a platform, but they do not have objects near the top of the ride such as a cylinder structure. There are lights all around the center structure of the ride. Thus, these rides look similar.
- Wisdom's Family Sizzler—this ride has thick arms and a platform, along with a central structure with dazzling lights. It has wheels to guide the three pods along underneath, and is quite fast when compared to a Grasscutter-type ride. They are found mostly at indoor fun centers and are the only type of Sizzler being made by Wisdom.
- Wisdom's Super Sizzler—This ride has a platform, and it looks similar to the Sizzler. Another difference is that it goes backwards, and this ride also has a backdrop with some colorful art.
Gee Whizzer edit
The 'Gee Whizzer' derivative was constructed and commissioned by the operators King Carnival amusements of Tasmania, Australia during the 1950s. The project was carried out by rail engineers who utilised rail and tram parts which were common for the era. This machine is currently the largest and fastest of the variants utilising a unique fully suspended balanced single sweep arm design, driven from the top resulting in no lower arm assembly. The centre support core is fully independent and does not require a support deck, instead eight extended stabilisers are fitted to the core during assembly. Only one of these machines are known to be in existence.
Cyclone edit
A Cyclone, also known as a Lifting Twist, manufactured by ARM UK, has very much the same function and appearance as a normal Sizzler, except that the centre structure begins to lift with the cars once it reaches up to normal speed until it reaches above the fence level, where it remains for the duration of the ride. They are considerably fast when they reach full speed, although they normally slow down first so riders can brace for the full speed. After the full speed part is over, the centre structure begins to lower back to platform level as the ride slows down to a stop. Only two of these Cyclones currently exist in the world.[11][12]
Installations edit
| Name | Location | Manufacturer | Opened | Closed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharaoh's Fury | Adventure Island | Open | [13] | ||
| Road Runner Scrambler | Adventure Park USA (Monrovia, Maryland) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [14] | |
| Scrambler | Adventureland (Iowa) | Eli Bridge Company | 1974 | Open | Relocated within the park in 1993 and again in 2011. Previously known as Bavarian Scrambler and Wrangler. |
| Scrambler | Alabama Splash Adventure | Eli Bridge Company | 2003 | Open | Originally operated 2003 through 2011, then reopened in 2018.[15][16] Uncertain if current unit is the same as the previous or a replacement. |
| Scrambler | Amusements of America (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | Traveling model.[17] | |
| Scrambler | Arnolds Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [18] | |
| Cyclone | Barry's Amusements | ||||
| Scrambler | Bay Beach Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | 1977 | Closed | Decommissioned prior to 2022 season open |
| Sizzler | Beech Bend Park | 2015 | Open | Replaced former model that opened in 2000 | |
| Scramble Ride | Bell's Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | ||
| Scrambler | Belle City Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [19] | |
| Scrambler | Big Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Jambalaya | Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin' | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [20] | |
| Scrambler | Boardwalk Amusements (Daytona Beach, Florida) | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | [21] | |
| Unknown | Boblo Island Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | [22] | |
| Flying Twist | Botton's Pleasure Beach, Skegness | ||||
| Scrambler | Bowcraft Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | ||
| Sizzler | Brean Leisure Park | ||||
| Scrambler | Buckroe Beach Amusement Park (Hampton, Virginia) | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | ||
| Le Catapult | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Haywire | Butler Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [23] | |
| Scrambler (1) | Butler Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [24] | |
| Scrambler (2) | Butler Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [24] | |
| Scrambler (3) | Butler Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [24] | |
| Scrambler (4) | Butler Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [24] | |
| Scrambler | C&L Shows (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [25] | |
| Industrial Revolution | California's Great America | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | Previously known as Saskatchewan Scrambler. | |
| Liberty Twirler | California's Great America | Eli Bridge Company | 2022 | Open | [26] |
| Scrambler | Camden Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | Serial number 367-71. Closed 2008 or later.[27] | |
| Scrambler | Campy's Blue Star Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | [28] | |
| Psychodrome | Canobie Lake Park | Eli Bridge Company | 1989 | Open | Enclosed. |
| Scrambler | Carousel Gardens Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Carowinds | Eli Bridge Company | 1973 | Open | Previously known as Kaleidoscope |
| Centrifuge | Casino Pier | Eli Bridge Company | 2019 | Open | Returning in 2019; original model destroyed by Hurricane Sandy |
| Scrambler | Castle Park | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Atomic Scrambler | Cedar Point | Eli Bridge Company | 1960 | Open | Serial number ends in -73, suggesting that original 1960 version was replaced with a 1973 unit at some point. |
| Scrambler | Centreville Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Twister | Clacton Pier | ||||
| Twister | Clarence Pier | ||||
| Scrambler | Clementon Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | 2019 | Closed | |
| Scrambler | Cliff's Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | ||
| Scrambler | Coney Island (Cincinnati, Ohio) | Eli Bridge Company | 1957 | Closed | Closed 1959 or later. 10-year-old boy fell from ride and was struck and killed in August 1957. |
| Scrambler | Coney Island (Cincinnati, Ohio) | Eli Bridge Company | 1969 | 1971 | Relocated to Kings Island in 1972. |
| Scrambler | Coney Island (Cincinnati, Ohio) | Eli Bridge Company | 1991 | 2019 | Originally manufactured 1957. After park closed, ride was listed for sale on Rides4U.com for $29,000. |
| Ultimate Trip, The | Conneaut Lake Park | Eli Bridge Company | <=2004 | Enclosed in park's former fun house building. | |
| Scrambler | Darien Lake | 2014 | Open | ||
| Scrambler | DelGrosso's Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park | ||||
| Sizzler | Dizzylands Funfair - Elmer Bell (Northern Ireland) | ||||
| Scrambler | Dollywood | ||||
| Scrambler | Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | Eli Bridge Company | 1970 | Open | |
| Cyclone Twist | Dreamland | ||||
| Twister | Dunes Leisure Funfair, Mablethorpe | ||||
| Scrambler | Edaville USA | ||||
| Scrambler | Enchanted Forest Water Safari | ||||
| Scrambler | Family Kingdom Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Twister | Fantasy Island (United Kingdom) | ||||
| Scrambler | Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Beach Haven, New Jersey) | Eli Bridge Company | 2021 | Open | Replaced a previous version of the same ride |
| Scrambler | Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Beach Haven, New Jersey) | Eli Bridge Company | 1984 | Closed | Replaced by a new version for 2021 season |
| Sidewinder | Frontier City | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Scramblur | Fun Spot America (Orlando) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Astrosphere | Funtown Splashtown USA | Eli Bridge Company | Open | Enclosed in dome-shaped structure with speakers and disco ball attached to ride's arm. Plays song "Fire on High" by Electric Light Orchestra during ride cycle.[29] | |
| Scrambler | Gillian's Wonderland Pier | ||||
| Blizzard Indoors | The Great Escape | Eli Bridge Company | 1971 | Open | Enclosed. Operated 1971 through 2004 before returning in 2013. Previously known as Chipper's Magical Mystery Tour. |
| Twister | Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach | ||||
| Scrambler | Hersheypark | Eli Bridge Company | 1972 | Open | |
| Scrambler | Huck Finn's Playland | ||||
| Scrambler | Idlewild and Soak Zone | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Indiana Beach | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Joyland Amusement Park (Texas) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Space Odyssey | Kennywood | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | Enclosed. Only operated from 1974-1978 | |
| Dust Devil | Rides At Adventure Cove | Eli Bridge Company | Open | Previously operated as part of Wyandot Lake as Neptune's Revenge. Serial number 273-66. | |
| Arachnidia | Kings Dominion | Eli Bridge Company | 2000 | Open | Previously known as Witch Doctor & Scrambler |
| Scrambler | Kings Island | Eli Bridge Company | 1972 | Open | Relocated from Cincinnati's Coney Island, where it originally opened in 1969 |
| Merry Mixer | Knoebels Amusement Resort | ||||
| Batidora (Mixer) | La Feria Chapultepec Mágico | ||||
| Space Scrambler | Lagoon | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Scrambler | Lake Winnepesaukah | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Lakemont Park | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | ||
| Scrambler | Lakeside Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Little Amerricka | ||||
| Twister | Luna Park, Scarborough, North Yorkshire | ||||
| Twister | Magic City (São Paulo) | ||||
| Kiddie Scrambler | Michael's Amusements (Showman) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | Child's sized version of ride.[30] | |
| Sizzler | Michael's Amusements (Showman) | Wisdom Mfg. | Open | [31] | |
| Scrambler | Michigan's Adventure | Eli Bridge Company | 1975 | Open | |
| Scrambler | Miracle Strip at Pier Park | ||||
| Scrambler | NASCAR Speedpark (Sevierville, TN) | ||||
| Scrambler | Oaks Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Mexican Twist | OK Corral | ||||
| Sizzler | Otterbacher Shows (Showman) | Wisdom Rides | Open | [32] | |
| Inkie's Scrambler | Pacific Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Haley's Comet | Paradise Lake | Eli Bridge Company | 1981 | Closed | [33] |
| Scrambler | Playland (Maryland) | Eli Bridge Company | Closed | [34] | |
| Kiddy Scrambler | Playland (New York) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | Child's sized version of the ride.[35] | |
| Scrambler | Playland (Vancouver) | ||||
| Twister | Rainbow Park, Hunstanton | ||||
| Scrambler | Sandspit Amusement Park | Open | |||
| Scrambler | Sandy Lake Amusement Park | ||||
| Swedish Scrambler | Scandia Amusements (Sacramento) | ||||
| Scrambler | Silverwood Theme Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Cyclone | Six Flags America | Eli Bridge Company | 1993/1994 | Open | |
| Scat-A-Bout | Six Flags Discovery Kingdom | Eli Bridge Company | 1999 | Open | |
| Waverunner | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | 1994 | Open | ||
| DejaVu | Six Flags Great Adventure | Eli Bridge Company | 2012 | Open | Relocated from American Adventures in Georgia. Serial number 340-69 R92. |
| Hometown Fun Machine | Six Flags Great America | Eli Bridge Company | 1976 | Open | |
| Scrambler | Six Flags Magic Mountain | 2003 | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Six Flags New England | 1973 | Open | ||
| Sidewinder | Six Flags Over Texas | 2006 | Open | ||
| Shazam! | Six Flags St. Louis | 1972 | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Sluggers & Putters (Canal Fulton, OH) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Smokey's Greater Shows (Showman) | ||||
| Scrambler | Stricker's Grove | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Swamp Ape | Swampy Jack's Wongo Adventure | Eli Bridge Company | 2019 | Open | Enclosed, with flashing lights, fog, and heavy music from various bands and artists. Pays tribute to the old Abominable Snowman ride at Miracle Strip.[36] |
| Scrambler | Sylvan Beach Amusement Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Traintown (Sonoma, California) | ||||
| Twister | Tramore Amusements (Tramore, Waterford, Ireland) | ||||
| Merry Mixer | Trimper's Rides | ||||
| Scrambler | Valleyfair | Eli Bridge Company | 1976 | Open | |
| Scrambler | Waldameer Park | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Western Playland | ||||
| Whirling Wildcats | Wild Adventures | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scrambler | Wild Waves Theme Park | ||||
| Scrambler | Wonderland Park (Texas) | Eli Bridge Company | Open | ||
| Scandi Scrambler | Worlds of Fun | Eli Bridge Company | 1973 | Open | |
| Scrambler | Ciudad Mágica Costa Rica | Eli Bridge Company | |||
| Scrambler | Wonderland Costa Rica | Eli Bridge Company |
See also edit
References edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Scrambler.
- ^ a b "The Twist". University of Sheffield National Fairground Archive. Retrieved 2017-10-01.
- ^ a b c Canfield, Victor. "Scrambler". www.personal.psu.edu. Retrieved 2017-10-01.
- ^ US patent 2259691, Richard H Harris, "Merry-go-round", issued 1941-10-21
- ^ McHugh, Jim (1954-04-10). "Ride-Makers Sight Good '54 Business". The Billboard. p. 56. Retrieved 2017-10-01.
- ^ a b c Dotten, Herb (1955-03-05). "Shift Over, Kiddies! Let the Folks Ride". The Billboard. pp. 1, 39. Retrieved 2017-10-01.
- ^ "The Big Eli Scramble". The Billboard (Photograph cutline). 1954-04-10. p. 89. Retrieved 2017-10-01.
- ^ "Buys Twister, Adds Mechanical Circus; Will Work Two Scramblers". The Billboard. 1955-02-26. p. 70.
- ^ "Scrambler". Ride Extravaganza Retrieved 2016-7-16
- ^ Williamson, Elizabeth. "On Thrill Rides, Safety Is Optional - washingtonpost.com". Retrieved 18 May 2018 – via www.washingtonpost.com.
- ^ Williams, David. "Girl dies after being flung from a ride at a New Jersey festival - cnn.com". CNN. Retrieved 13 Oct 2019.
- ^ Sam Bee (13 May 2018). "Billy Crow's Cyclone (ARM Lifting Twist) offride (Dedicated to Fairgroundking1)". Archived from the original on 2021-12-19. Retrieved 18 May 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ Sam Bee (12 May 2018). "Billy Crow's Cyclone (ARM Lifting Twist) onride (Dedicated to Fairgroundking1)". Archived from the original on 2021-12-19. Retrieved 18 May 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ Break 17 (2016-09-07). "Pharaohs Fury". Adventure Island. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Attractions – Adventure Park USA". Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure on Facebook Watch, retrieved 2020-05-19
- ^ "Park Attractions | Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure". www.alabamasplash.com. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ "Amusements of America - Carnival & Amusement Rides: Scrambler". www.amusementsofamerica.com. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ "The Scrambler". Arnolds Park. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ "Our Midway | Belle City Amusements Inc". Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ "Jambalaya | Dixie Landin'". www.bluebayou.com. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ "Daytona Beach Boardwalk Amusements". Retrieved 2020-07-05.
- ^ "CEC: Closed Canadian Parks - Boblo Island Park". cec.chebucto.org. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
- ^ "Haywire". Butler Amusements. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ a b c d "Major Rides". Butler Amusements. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ "Rides and Attractions". www.clshows.com. Retrieved 2020-07-07.
- ^ "Rides and Attractions". www.cagreatamerica.com. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
- ^ "Camden Park - Scrambler". www.themeparkreview.com. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ www.mwdwebdesign.com, Matt's Web Design-. "Scrambler". Campy's Amusements. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "Astrosphere < Funtown Splashtown USA". Funtown Splashtown USA. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
- ^ www.mwdwebdesign.com, Matt's Web Design-. "Kiddie Scrambler". Michael's Amusements - Providing Carnival Rides, Games & Food from North Carolina to Florida. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
- ^ www.mwdwebdesign.com, Matt's Web Design-. "Sizzler". Michael's Amusements - Providing Carnival Rides, Games & Food from North Carolina to Florida. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
- ^ "Otterbacher Shows - Midway". www.otterbachershows.com. Retrieved 2020-06-20.
- ^ "Paradise Lake Extends Opening Date To July 1". The Tribune. May 24, 1981. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ Shores, Earl (Winter 2019). "Playland: Looking Back at an Ocean City Landmark". NAPHA Chronicle.
- ^ "Kiddyland Rides – Playland Park". Retrieved 2020-06-25.
- ^ McClintock, Mackenzie (July 2, 2019). "New amusement park opens near Pier Park". mypanhandle.com. Retrieved October 23, 2020.