World's largest transportable wheel - Amusement Today

48 Pages·2013·13.13 MB·English

 FANTASYLAND PREVIEW — PAGES 16-17
©
TM
Vol. 16 • Issue 11 FEBRUARY 2013
Vendors, show organizers both optimistic for 2013 Gibtown show
STORY: Pam Sherborne nicely for the likes of KMG, just cess,” she said.
[email protected] one of the ride manufactur- Myers said it seems the
ers Soled represents. He also tradeshow has been getting
GIBSONTON, Fla. — Len represents S&S and SBF/Visa a little smaller over the past
Soled, Rides-4-U, Somerville, and sales have been going well years.
N.J., is riding a good high in with those ride manufacturers. “But, it is really just the
ride sales as he goes into the He is indeed optimistic for the  IISF exhibitor way things are changing,” she
44th International Indepen- Gibsonton show as well as for listing...Page 6 said. “People can just click on
dent Showmen’s Association the upcoming 2013 seson. the internet and get anything
(IISA) Super Extravaganza and “Production schedules are Flying Elephant and Dog Ride. they want. Also, ride manufac-
Trade Show set for Feb. 5-9, definitely filling in for KMG Those two rides hadn’t been turers don’t really build a ride
Gibsonton, Fla. for the 2013 and 2014 years,” sold when Soled spoke with until they have one ordered. It
And, no doubt Super Ex- Soled said. “I will bring two AT in mid-January, but he used to be they would bring
travaganza and Trade Show KMG Speed rides to Gibtown hoped they would be before rides to the show and take bids
organizers continue to be opti- this year. One is going to Ray the Gibsonton show started. on them. But, the ones brought
mistic while they plan for a big Cammack Shows and the other Mai Wisdom, Wisdom In- to the show now are already
turnout. They are expecting to to NAME. I will have an SBF/ dustries, Merino, Colo., hopes purchased by someone. It is
have more than 300 different Visa Flying School at Gibtown that many of their customers the same for concession trailer
exhibits at the show including that is going to Beauce Carni- that were worried about elec- manufacturers. They don’t
rides, food supplies and equip- val. I will bring a Groovy Bus tion results and the imple- build one unless they have it
ment, concession trailers, elec- that is going to Luehrs’ Ideal mentation of President Barack ordered.
trical supplies, insurance com- Rides and a S&S Frog Hopper Obama’s health care plan last “Times are just changing
panies, novelty items, plush that is going to Alpine Amuse- fall have gotten past that wor- for everyone,” she said. “But,
toys, jewelry and much more. ments.” ry and are feeling more opti- Gibtown is a big social event
Soled said production He also was planning to mistic as she and her husband, for us. It always has been and
schedules have been filling in bring two other SBF/Visa rides, Victor Wisdom, put the finish- it always will be.”
ing touches to their Gibsonton Events
trip. And, there are plenty of so-
“Talking to our custom- cial events scheduled through-
ers last fall, we know many of out the week of the Super Ex-
them were worried,” Wisdom travaganza and Trade Show.
said. “We are hoping that there Some of those events will get
will be a good turnout at Gib- under way Sun., Feb. 3, such
sonton and that everyone has as the annual Super Bowl and
gotten past the elections.” Kick-Off Party.
Gloria Myers, Myers In- On Mon., Feb. 4, the “Big
ternational Midways, will take Hearted Jerry’s” Memorial
over as president of the IISA Golf Tournament is set and a
in Feb. 12, right after the event Showmen’s Shrine Meeting is
is over. She will take the reins also scheduled. Len Soled, Rides-4-U, Somer-
Albert Frieden, Battech Entertainment, Salem, Ore., will from Mark Popovich, who The Museum Build Fund ville, N.J., will take two KMG
exhibit his motorcycle ride at the Gibsonton Extravaganza served last year. Dinner and Jamboree is set for Speed rides to the IISA Ex-
and Trade Show. The new ride is still in production and the Myers said the clubs’ re- Wed., Feb. 6. Then, on Thurs., travaganza and Trade Show
first one has been purchased by P.B.J. Happee Days Shows. cent events have been very suc- Feb. 7 is Mark’s (Popovich) set for Feb. 5-9, Gibsonton,
Frienden has designed the ride with a sidecar so that two cessful. The latest was the Bike Banquet and Ball. On Sat., Feb. Fla. One will go to Ray Cam-
older children can ride together or a younger child can ride Fest held last month. It was the 9 is the Final Drawings for mack Shows and the other
with an adult in the sidecar. 10th year for that event. Scholarship, Cemetery and La- to NAME.
COURTESY BATTECH ENTERTAINMENT “It was a very big suc- 4See GIBTOWN, page 4 COURTESY RIDES-4-U
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APE material. ary 24, 201 SUBSCRIBE TO CCOONVETRINAUGIEN:G
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2013
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
The charm returns to Knott’s
As theme parks change management
styles, it’s easy to see parks get into a mode
where they focus in on the big new market-
able attraction. That thought process will
sometimes leave the older, more established
attractions somewhat forgotten. Yet, those old
favorites continue to crank out their steady
Slade hourly capacity, all the while age on the attrac-
tion begins to move in.
Then, all its takes is one move by corporate, to place a
manager back in a park where their career began, and all of a
sudden, new eyes are seeing the park today all while remem-
bering the park the way it used to be.
Such was the case when Raffi Kaprelyan made the move
from Canada’s Wonderland back to his home park Knott’s
Berry Farm recently. As park VP & GM, and living under the
shadow of Disneyland, Raffi has made it a point to bring
some of the old time “charm” back to his beloved Knott’s
Berry Farm.
It started with the rehab of the park’s historic Ghost
Town section that saw black asphalt walkways replaced with
new themed/stamped concrete walkways and sideways.
EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
New facades were built onto the building fronts and period
costumed street entertainers were added to interactwith the Milestone anniversaries coming thick and fast
park guests. The rehab of the historic section has been noth-
ing short of perfection. In any walk of life things gevity of organizations within the business —
Now Raffi is at it again with the announcement that the come and go and the business and of the industry itself.
park is underway on a complete rehab of their family favorite, arena is no exception. Organi- A few examples spring to mind. Disney’s
the Timber Mountain Log Ride. zations of all shapes and sizes Epcot kicked off its 30th anniversary celebra-
Opened in 1969, this Arrow-built ride was the creation go through good and bad tions in October last year (I remember driving
of the late Bud Hurlbut who also built the park’s Calico Mine times, prosperous and not so past the building site in November 1980), while
prosperous years, with some on the other side of the pond, Disneyland Paris
Ride. Bud created a mega-themed log ride complete with
falling by the wayside for a va- marked its 20th anniversary (can you believe
mountain, logging animation and timber storyline. The ride Mellor
riety of reasons while others it!) in 2012 too. A little further north, Efteling
was way ahead of its time. Proof is by the 98.9 million rides
continue to succeed for many, in The Netherlands marked its 60th birthday in
that have been given to date.
many years. May last year, while this year, the Dutch venue
Animation experts Garner Holt Productions have been
So it is in the amusement and theme park Slagharen Theme Park and Resort will celebrate
brought in to bring Arrow’s 13th log ride back to its original
industry. Ever since parks have been in opera- its 50th anniversary.
glory and much more.
tion there have been those that have come and As far as manufacturers and suppliers are
Congratulations to Raffi and his team for taking care
gone and others that have survived to this day, concerned, John H. Rundle in the U.K. will mark
of the little details and not forgetting their park roots. The
while as well as the parks there are a number of its 100th. anniversary in 2013 while ride inspec-
“charm” is returning — one attraction at a time.
manufacturers and suppliers around the world tion company LTC, also in the U.K., celebrates
—Gary Slade who can also look back on many years of success its 25th. In Italy, Dotto Trains marked 50 years of
with satisfaction at what they have achieved. production in 2012 while back in the U.S., Jack
The maturity of the attractions industry, Rouse Associates marked its 25th anniversary at
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement
particularly in the northern hemisphere, is being the end of the year.
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six reflected on a regular basis nowadays with the There is clearly much to celebrate in this
when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement celebration by parks and companies of key an- great business of ours with these significant
Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career niversaries, significant dates that those involved milestones and long may we be able to report
helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. can be justly proud of and which show the lon- on such occasions.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] Deliveries Member of:
Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,
Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA,
NAARSO and IISF
Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising
[email protected] [phone] Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180;
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Daily E-mail Newsletter [email protected] Bubba Flint
[email protected] Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth,
Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and trademarked
Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved.
[email protected]
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas
Contributors: Kelly Bernish, Andrew Mellor, B. Derek Shaw, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427.
February 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1907: Elmer ‘Skip’ Dundy Presented by
died unexpectedly on Febru-
DRILL
ary 5. As the famous partner of
Frederic Thompson, the duo
COMPILED: Janice Witherow met at the Buffalo Pan Ameri-
can Exposition, and would
Tracy Velasquez, Cliff’s Amusement Park
later build an empire in Coney
Island, Brooklyn, New York,
Born into the amuse-
with the 1903 opening of Luna
ment business, Tracy
Velasquez is part of a Park. Dundy died of dilation of
third-generation of the the heart accelerated by pneu-
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
family owned and oper- monia.
ated Cliff’s Amusement
Park in Albuquerque, New •1908: Sixteen persons were injured, five of them seriously, on
Mexico. She actually start- the evening of February 24, at White City (later Lakeside Park) in
ing working at the park at Denver, Colorado. This was the first serious incident at the new
age 12 as a member of amusement park west of the city. A car on the Scenic Railway
the clean-up crew and has left the tracks and hurled the occupants to the ground 10 feet
held several various posi-
below. Investigators found the accident was due to the absence
tions before taking on her
of a guard rail on a curve. Ironically, the ride was incomplete and
current role of Operations
was in testing mode.
Manager. Tracy enjoys
fishing, camping and
•1925: On February 28, during the testing of the Giant Racer,
cooking with her husband Tracy Velasquez, operations manager for Cliff’s Amusement
at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, the general manager and
(whom she has known since Park, is seen in front of the park’s new monkey-themed
she was 16 years old)! AquaPlay structure from WhiteWater West. several employees were injured when the coupling pin broke
between two cars and the car fell backward crashing into the
AT/GARY SLADE
structure at the bottom. Three were injured and the ride was
Title investigated by the police. After repairs, it was opened, but only
Operations Manager. ran two more seasons, as two new coasters (the Thunderbolt
If you could live at any period of time, except
the present, when would it be? and Tornado) opened, reducing business drastically. In 1926 the
Number of years in the industry The 1920’s. ride was sold to the Rosenthal Brothers, who would build what
I was born into it, but actually started working at many still consider the most famous roller coaster in the world,
the age of 12. The most beautiful place I have ever been is … the Cyclone.
My husband and I took a trip to Seattle this fall
Best thing about the industry
and fell in love with it. •1925: Traver Engineering Company began erecting the Cy-
Watching the little kids coming
clone at Revere Beach, Massachusetts, in February, on the site
in the park with HUGE smiles
My all-time favorite dessert would have to be … of one of the first L.A. Thompson Scenic Railways in the world.
on their faces.
German chocolate cake. The 90-foot-high wood coaster, designed by Frederick Church,
would operate until 1969, along 500 feet of the Boulevard over-
Favorite amusement ride
My “don’t miss” TV show is …
looking the beach. Two years later Harry Traver would open his
Any type of roller coaster.
ALF.
Velasquez Lightning, which was added to compete with the Cyclone. The
If I wasn’t working in the Lightning was removed during the Depression, but the Cyclone
The super-hero I most identify with is …
amusement industry, I would be … would stand until its demise in 1973, after several fires.
Wonder Woman.
Good question! I haven’t really done anything
else except bus tables or work at fast food res- The three things I always have in my laundry •1932: The famous Steeplechase Amusement Pier structure on
taurants. Maybe open a restaurant; my husband room are … the Boardwalk, was destroyed by a fire on the evening of Febru-
and I love to cook. Dirty clothes! And, laundry soap and Bounce ary 14, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With losses estimated at
dryer sheets. $500,000, owners announced that the famous pier would be re-
Biggest challenge facing our industry
built by the summer season.
First and foremost, the economy. But it is also
What historical figure would you most like to
staying on top of implementing ideas to bring
meet? •2001: On February 4, Disney’s California Adventure, a 64-acre,
the guests back year after year, whether it be a
Jesus. second theme park adjacent to the original DIsneyland, opened
new attraction and/or new marketing strategies.
its golden gates to the public. Included in the expansion was a
You enjoy fishing. What’s your “best catch”?
Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district and Dis-
The thing I like most about amusement/water
I actually caught a 38-pound salmon in Alaska.
park season is … ney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Originally themed to California
Working with and training young adults. I often culture and landmarks, the park was not well received and per-
Twenty years from now, I hope to be …
run into former employees and they usually say formed poorly for several years. Just six years after the original
Traveling the world.
that working at Cliff’s was the best experience opening, Disney announced the park would receive a $1.1 billion,
they had and they really learned a lot. That multi-year redesign and expansion.
The sport I watch most often is …
makes me feel good. —Compiled by Richard Munch, NRCMA and Jeffrey Seifert, AT
I recently became a Denver Broncos fan, so
football is the only sport I watch. GO BRON-
Favorite outdoor activity
COS!
Camping and fishing.
TM
When making dinner, my “go-to” meal is … P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner
The band that I would really like to see re- Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
Enchiladas.
unite is … [phone]
Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
I have no idea!
I wish I had more time to do this
Spend more time with my grandkids. Find us on Facebook
The first thing I do when I get to work is …
facebook.com/amusementtoday
I’m usually the one to make the coffee.
My next vacation will be …
We are actually going back to Seattle this up-
The last magazine I bought was …
coming fall. Follow us on Twitter
Don’t laugh, but I usually buy the gossip maga- twitter.com/amusementtoday
zines. My husband always says that what they
The last song I sang out loud was …
are saying isn’t true, but I still like to read them.
Happy Birthday!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
G et a free QR Code scanner for your phone
youtube.com/amusementtoday
by visting www.mobiletag.com.
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2013
GIBTOWN Kid-Ride, Foley, Mo., plans On Wed., Feb. 6, from 11
to bring his tractor ride. He is a.m.-12 noon, Tom Carey will
Continued from page 1
delivering that ride to Roger also address Portable Gen-
Wadkins, Sherwood Amuse- erator Safety. This session will
dies of the IISA. ments, after the show. take participants from deter-
Other activities set for Feb. Albert Frieden, Battech mining the size of portable
9 are the Memorial and Mass, Entertainment LLC, Salem, power unit needed for a par-
and the Showmen’s Shrine An- Ore., will exhibit his motor- ticular size of show through
nual Meeting. cycle ride, a new ride that still proper installation of power
There will be live music is in production. The first one, units.
nightly on the club grounds. which includes a sidecar, has Then from 12 noon-3 p.m.,
But, the tradeshow is the been purchased by P.B.J. Hap- the JKJ Workforce Agency and
stage that all the other events pee Days Shows and is expect- the Small Business Workforce
revolve around. Trade show ed to be delivered in May. Alliance will present edu-
hours this year will run 10 B.J. Toy Company Inc., Pen cational and empowerment
a.m.-5 p.m., Tues., Feb. 5- Sat- Argyle, Penn., will showcase seminars. This session will be
urday, Feb. 9. its line of stuffed plush toys, as repeated 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Fri.,
Products on display will Best Toy Mfg. Ltd., Brook- Feb.8. This series will update
Some of the products seen lyn, N.Y.; Classic Toy Co., Inc., industry professionals on what
from exhibitors will include Cleveland, Ohio; Peek-A-Boo is happening with foreign la-
several from Wisdom Indus- Toys, Pennsauken, N.J., and bor in 2013 on a national level
tries. Mai Wisdom said they others. and how that will affect them.
will bring three rides to the Education sessions It will also give updates on the
show — Jungle Twist, Monster Educational sessions have H-2B Visa program.
Truck, and Rampage. also been scheduled for the It will be moderated by
“The Rampage is a new week. All are held in the Car- James Judkins, president of JKJ
old ride,” Mai Wisdom said. ousel Pavilion. Workforce Agency, Inc and
“We are redesigning it and Pre-Opening Inspections the Small Business Workforce
putting new seats on it. Of spe- of Rides and Attractions is set Alliance. Presentations will be
cial note, we are in the process for 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tues., Feb. made by John Meredith, presi-
of building a Himalaya type 5. It will cover things to con- dent of Meredith Advocacy
park model ride for Funspot sider when putting a daily in- Group; Joe A. Nichols, attor-
America in Orlando. This is spection program together or ney, The Law Office of Joe A.
Wisdom Industries, Merino, Colo., plans to showcase their
the largest park ride we have upgrading existing programs. Nichols; and James K. Judkins,
Jungle Twist spin coaster at the upcoming Gibtown show
done and we are very excited The speaker will be Tom Car- president of JKJ Workforce
as well as their newly designed Rampage. Mai Wisdom de-
about how it is turning out.” ey, sponsored by The Lundy Agency, Inc.
scribed the Rampage as “a new old ride.”
Kevin Dalton, Dalton Group.
COURTESY WISDOM
February 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2013
2013 IISF TRADE SHOW & EXTRAVAGANZA EXHIBITOR LISTING
0-9 February 5-9, 2013 Show Ozark Fisheries, Inc. .........................................812
5centride.Com..................................................602
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
P-R
A-B Gibsonton, Fla. Peek-A-Boo Toys .......................................326-331
A.R.M. (US) ................................................Outside Plh Consulting, Inc. ....................................303-304
AAP Inc. .....................................................809-811 Poster Originals ................................................318
Action Lighting ..........................................510-511 Quality Craft Tools ....................................813-814
Allied Specialty Insurance Inc. ...............430 / 530 R. Humes Enterprises .......................................311
American Changer Corporation ................Slab ‘C’ Rapsure Concession Trailers .....................Outside
Amusement Today ...........................................702 Red Bone Products, Inc..................................1101
Amusement Wraps ..............................1010-1011 Fair Time Signs .................................................815 Red Bone Products, Inc.............................Outside
Anchor Industries Inc. .............415-416 / 515-516 Fajume Rides / CMD Enterprises .............Outside Rhode Island Novelty Co., Inc. ............1023-1030
Audio Innovators, Inc. ...............................725-726 Fibre Core Trailers .....................................Outside Ride Parts Inc. ............................................714-716
B J Toy Company, Inc. ...............................114-116 Firestone Financial Corp. .....................1129-1130 Rides-4-U, Inc. ............................................Outside
B. Barton & Sons - Ice Men ..............................301 Food Concession Signs ........................1021-1022
Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group ...................113 Forest River Inc. .........................................Outside S-T
Berk Concession Supply .........................410 - 414 Fred’s Tents & Canopies ...........................727-728 Safe Strap Company, Inc. .................................908
Best Toy Mfg. Ltd. ................................1018-1020 Fun & Fun Toys, Inc. ..................................621-623 Schantz Manufacturing Inc. ......................Outside
Big T Sports ...............................................418-421 Fun Food Factories .........Non-Exhibiting Supplier Seatbelt Solutions LLC .....................................825
Bob’s Space Racers Inc. ............................Outside Shalom Toy Co., Inc. ..................................518-521
Bones National Prize And Toy .............1118-1128 G-H Show Me Fabrication, Inc. ........................Outside
Burton & Company, P.A. ..Non-Exhibiting Supplier Global Seashell Industries ................................819 Showmen Supplies Inc. .............................Outside
Gloworks Imports, Inc. .........................1003-1004 Showmen’s League Of America ......................909
C-D Goffa International Corp ..........................719-721 Space Craft Mfg., Inc. ...............................Outside
Caravans Unlimited, Inc. ...Non-Exhibiting Supplier Gold Medal Products Co. .......422-424 / 522-524 Specialty Insurance Ltd ....................................315
Carmi Flavor & Fragrance Co., Inc. ..........321-322 Good Stuff Corporation.........................830 / 930 Spectrum Sports Int’l ................................Outside
Carnival Magazine .....................Breezeway Space Gull Wing Industries, Inc. ..........................Outside Spotlight Graphics ...........................................514
Carnivalwarehouse.com ...........Breezeway Space Haas & Wilkerson Insurance .....................618-620 State Fair Mini Donuts .....................................910
Carolina ATM Services Inc .........................905-906 Hayes Specialties Corp. ............................308-310 Sterling Jewelers ..................................1001-1002
Carousel Softoys Inc / Caravan ............................... Tig Artistics ................................................Outside
.....................................404-409/504-509/603-609 I-J Tourist Attractions & Park Magazine .....................
Carousels USA ..................................................312 Igpm Group / Kalkomat USA Inc. ...................907 ....................................................Breezeway Space
Cavallaro Concessions...............................Outside Indiana Ticket Company ...........................722-723 Toy Factory, LLC ..............................828 / 922-928
CCA/Custom Change Aprons ..................525-527 Ital International, Llc ..................................305-306 Toy Network ........................912-916 / 1012-1016
Chestnut Identity Apparel Inc. .................610-616 Trailer Connection/Recreation By Design Outside
Classic Embroidery Designs ............................718 K-M Trailerlogic .................................................Outside
Classic Toy Co., Inc. ...................................703-712 K & K Insurance Group, Inc. ............................724 Triangle Poster & Printing Co. .................630/730
Classic Toy Co., Inc. ...................................703-713 Knight Equipment Company .....................Slab ‘D’ Tyaut Designs Company ...........................425-426
Classy Chassis ............................................Outside Lazy Days R V Center, Inc. ........................Outside
CMD Enterprises / Amusement Lighting .......628 Maclan Corporation .........................................325 U-V
Coin, Currency & Document Systems Inc. ......512 Matt’s Web Design ...................Breezeway Space Uncommon USA Inc. ........................................825
Computerized Accounting Technics ...............513 Midway Stainless Fabricators ...................Outside Urethane Associates Inc. ..................................911
Cool Glow Novelties .................................209-212 Mondial World Of Rides ...........................Outside Vertical Reality ...........................................Outside
Crescent Group International, Inc. ...........807-808 Moneytree Atm ................................................314 Victor Products Inc. .........................427-428 / 528
Dalton Kid Rides .......................................Outside Murphy Amusements ...............................Outside Virginia Toy & Novelty ..............................822-824
Daniel O’Connor & Sons Inc. ..................................
..........................................Non-Exhibiting Supplier N-O W-Z
Dartron Aka Battech Ent. Llc ....................Outside National Ticket Company ................................601 Wapello Fabrications Co. Non-Exhibiting Supplier
Denny’s Electronics ...................................323-324 Navistar Inc. Tampa Used Truck Center ............... Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co., Inc. ...............................
Dobco Enterprises Ltd .............................818/918 ....................................................................Outside ..................................................803-804 / 903-904
DRV LLC .....................................................Outside Nica/National Independent Conc. Assoc. ......313 Waymatic, Inc. ...........................................Outside
Northeast Insurance Center Llc .......................827 Wisdom Rides Inc. .....................................Outside
E-F On Site Signs Ohio ....................................805-806 Worldride Service & Supply Inc. ..............Outside
Elaut Usa Inc. .............................................920-921 On-Site Canvas Products, Inc. .........................208 Zamperla Inc. .............................................Outside
Eli Bridge Co. .............................................319-320 Oregon Rides, Inc. (dba Ori Ind) .....................316
Esco Imports ..............................................624-627 Oval Framecraft Inc. .........................................820
February 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2013
ASTM F24 2013 spring meeting set for New Orleans
WEST CONSHO- ment industry. An estimated ticipatory attractions like zip ticipation. The F24 Canada-
HOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM F24, 250 people who are passion- lines, rock wall climbing, specific standard is being used
the committee on amusement ate about amusement ride inflatables, Zorbs, and tram- as a model for other countries
rides and attractions which pro- safety are expected to attend. polines. A brand new zip line that have a desire to adopt
duces global safety standards Meetings are open to both safety standard which has been F24 standards, but have spe-
for the amusement industry, members and non-members of approved will be reviewed in cific internal requirements that
will be holding three days of ASTM and registration is avail- detail. must be added to the existing
meetings Feb. 14-16, 2013 at the able at www.astm.org. A number of sessions will standards. The newly estab-
Hyatt French Quarter in New In addition to traditional again be held to assist global lished task group focused on
Orleans, Louisiana. sessions on issues like ride representatives with the adop- Latin American adoption of
Approximately 50 sep- design, operations, and main- tion of ASTM F24 standards. F24 will meet to review the
arate meetings will be held, tenance, some special areas of Representatives of Central and model.
each one focusing on a specific focus include nontraditional South America as well as Asia Jim Seay, chairman of
safety element of the amuse- areas of growth, such as par- have already confirmed par- ASTM F24 Committee and
president of Premier Rides,
commented, “Membership in
the F24 committee has nearly
doubled in the past two years
with growth coming from
around the globe. I am very
appreciative so many people
are planning on taking time
out from their busy schedules
to come to New Orleans and
make significant contributions
to the safety process.”
ASTM International
launches leadership
program
W. CONSHOHOCKEN,
Pa. — To better promote the
professional development
opportunities resulting from
involvement in standards
development activities, ASTM
WHO and WHY
International has launched
a leadership program in
REAMUSEMENT?

2013. This new Leadership
Connection initiative offers
Are your workloads continuing to increase educational resources that
support the many skills
and staffing at a minimum?
acquired by engaging in

ASTM technical committee
REAMUSEMENT is the quality choice for you. We will be
activities.
your partner in completing maintenance “rehabs,” The Leadership
renovations, or new construction. Connection aims to raise
awareness regarding the

wealth of opportunities avail-
Our goal is to provide quality maintenance of your trains, ride units, and
able for hands-on leadership
structures to minimize the turnaround time to ensure your guests have the
experience that can position
maximum entertainment experience. individuals for career growth.
“ASTM membership
Our Services offers one of the richest
learning and professional
Rebuild ride units per manufacturer’s specifications • Rebuild ride units to meet all codes and
development environments
certifications • Fiberglass repairs • Carpentry repairs • Repainting • Inside storage • Welding if you’ll find anywhere,”
discovered after NDT testing • Refurbish flat ride components and ride units • NDT inspections said Katharine Morgan,
vice president, Technical
for the ride units per the manufacturer’s specifications • Assist with on-site set up if
Committee Operations, ASTM
maintenance staff needs assistance • General contractor and/or assist with construction
International. “At ASTM, it’s
projects • Ride erection needs
easy to find roles of added
responsibility. Members who
are committed to engage will
1310 West Fourth Street Contact: find a clear and progressive
Mansfield, OH 44906 Jack Falfas | [phone] [email protected] path of leadership develop-
ment.”
Office: [phone] Gary Gast | [phone] [email protected]
For additional infor-
Fax: [phone] Randy Payne | [phone]
mation on the Leadership
Connection program and the
various resources available,
www.reamusement.com visit: www.astm.org/leader-
ship.
February 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
World’s largest transportable wheel
Bussink Design sets new world record
Reporter’s
GERMANY — Bussink Design
has finalized the installation of the
world’s largest transportable Giant
Notebook
Observation Wheel.
Bussink Design is responsible for
Splash Bay moving ahead the design, engineering and construc-
despite city regulations tion of the wheel. The manufactur-
ing was executed by Maurer German
AUSTRALIA — Although
the city council of Fraser Coast, Wheels from Munich under an exclu-
Queensland, Australia voted to ap- sive license in Europe.
prove a $AUD 2 million waterpark, The new, state-of-the-art Observation
the deputy mayor expressed con- Wheel (R80XL SP) reached its highest
cerns over the project being sub- point of approximately 264 feet just
ject to 102 conditions that were before Christmas. It was a wonderful
imposed before approval was giv- Christmas gift to the city of Munich,
en. Details such as the exact num-
where the special LED-lighting could
ber of feet each attraction must be
be seen from all over the city.
from the property boundary, or the
The R80XL Giant Observation
exact height of a sound barrier as
Wheel will be manufactured in two
well as stipulating the park must
different versions. A stationary semi-
close by 5 p.m. each day, to such
transportable version, the R80XL
minute details as having backup
cameras on waste collection ve- SV, intended for locations where the
hicles servicing the park, left some R80XL can be installed as a more per-
people wondering why so many manent or long term installation. The
conditions were imposed for this second model, the R80XL SP is the
particular project. “I can’t think of fully-transportable version that comes
another application that has been with its own compact base frame
handled this way,” Director Trevor
which supports the whole structure.
McDonald said. Splash Bay’s devel-
This version is intended for operators
opers said they would meet all of
that plan to move the R80XL around.
the imposed guidelines.
Transportation of the complete R80XL
SP takes approximately 60 specially
Yas Waterworld gives
adapted standard ISO containers.
preview to Facebook fans
For both versions two different
UAE — Yas Waterworld, Abu
cabin packages are offered: 54 eight-
Dhabi, UAE, held a contest on its
passenger cabins in different seating
Facebook page and awarded 25
configurations (face-to-face, back-to- Bussink Design has finalized the
contestants and their friends a
back, cocktail, dinner or VIP), or 27 installation of the R80 XL, the
sneak peak at the waterpark three
weeks before the official open- 16-passenger cabins, also available in world’s largest transportable Giant
ing. The winners served as test pi- the different configurations. All cab- Observation Wheel. With manufac-
lots for the rides and were asked ins are designed and manufactured turing executed by Maurer German
to upload photos and talk about by CWA, the well-established ‘people Wheels, the first example of the
the rides on their Facebook page. mover’ company from Switzerland. 264-foot-tall Wheel was illuminated
Yas Waterworld has 43 attractions Other partners working on the with 5,000 LED lights in Munich just
including a ProSlide hydromag-
R80XL together with Bussink Design before Christmas. The R80 XL will be
netic water coaster with laser ef-
and Maurer German Wheels are offered in various cabin configura-
fects. According to the park, five
Siemens Germany who provide tions. The R80XL SV US version will
of the new ride attractions in-
the Drive and Control system and be manufactured under an exclusive
clude a first-of-their-kind feature.
R&S Dynamics AG from Vaduz, license by Chance American Wheels,
The park opened to the public on
Liechtenstein for the engineering. Wichita, Kansas, and ready for deliv-
January 24.
The design review in accordance with ery by the beginning of 2014.
4See BUSSINK, page 10 COURTESY BUSSINK DESIGN
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2013
U.K. pier wins lottery funded grant
UNITED KINGDOM — The future of one of tions. We will continue to rely on this support and
the U.K.’s best known Victorian seaside piers has enthusiasm as the project moves to its next, excit-
been assured with the granting of GBP 11.4 million ing phase. We now need to put everything in place
in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). to enable us to start work on the pier in spring next
The news of the support from the HLF was year (2013) and we will be setting out our plans for
announced by the Hastings Pier and White Rock this shortly. We very much look forward to having
Trust (HPWRT), a development trust made up of the pier reopened by the end of 2014.” Above, Hastings Pier was devastated by fire in 2010.
members of the local community who wish to see The trust’s plans include the rebuilding of the Below, The HLF grant funding will ensure Hastings Pier is
Hastings Pier, which first opened in 1872, rescued structure to provide a stable platform for future de-
brought back to its former glory.
and redeveloped after it was almost destroyed by velopment, the creation of a new visitor center, the
COURTESY HASTING PIER/WHITE ROCK TRUST
fire in 2010. development of the Western Pavilion building (the
The grant will provide the majority of the only building to survive the fire) as a signature eat-
GBP13.9 million needed to deliver the rescue and ing and drinking venue and the creation of a pro-
restoration project as envisaged by the trust and gram of seasonal activities.
speaking at the time of the announcement, HP- This latest news comes shortly after it was an-
WRT chief executive Simon Opie said: “This is a nounced that the Government had confirmed that
brilliant decision by the Heritage Lottery Fund a compulsory purchase order of the pier from its
for the future of the pier and the future of Hast- Panamanian owners, Ravenclaw Investments, can
ings. The commitment and support of everyone in- go ahead, following the company’s failure to meet
volved has been crucial to this success and the trust a deadline to begin repairs to the pier.
is indebted to a great many people and organiza- —Andrew Mellor
BUSSINK IE Park marks 20 years of success
Continued from page 9
German building codes
with mid-size bumper car range
for transportable installa-
tions was successfully car-
ried out and unconditionally
approved by TÜV Nord from
ITALY — IE Park/Soli
Essen, Germany. The final
bumper cars will celebrate a
acceptance test will be car-
major milestone in the com-
ried out and conducted by
pany’s history in 2013 when it
TÜV Süd in Munich. Western
marks the 20th anniversary of
European materials and sup-
the first mid-size bumper car
pliers from the Netherlands,
to be introduced to the amuse-
Germany, Switzerland, France
ment and attractions industry.
and Liechtenstein were care-
The Hypnos bumper car
fully selected for this project.
was the first model in the mid-
The total development for
size range to be designed by
the R80XL took over 30 years
IE Park/Soli bumper cars and
of experience and five years
made its debut in 1993, bring-
of intensive design and engi-
ing yet another proposition
neering works alone by a team
to operators looking for new
of highly skilled and trained
options in the marketplace.
engineers. With this construc-
But crucially too, it was the
tion a new peerless standard
ideal bumper car vehicle size
has been developed without
for the FEC market which
compromises in construction,
at that time was still in its
safety and quality. Quality
infancy as a key sector of the
Control of the manufacturing
amusement industry.
and installation process was
“The background to the IE Park/Soli bumper cars celebrates a major milestone in the company’s history in 2013
permanently supervised and
introduction of the Hypnos when it marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Hypnos, the first mid-size
monitored by BISSWISS AG
mid-size vehicle was also bumper car to be introduced to the amusement and attractions industry.
from Switzerland, guarantee- safety related,” explained IE COURTESY IE PARK
ing a product of the highest
Park/Soli bumper cars Sales bumper cars received a par- time. size range is available in a
quality ever seen in our indus-
Director Andrea Munari. “We ticularly positive reaction to The original Hypnos variety of colors and decora-
try.
recognized that there was the product from the FEC sec- model was updated in 2000 tive themes, as well as with
Customers for both the
a requirement for a vehicle tor, as well as from theme with the introduction of the various optional extras, while
R80XL SV and the R80XL
aimed at older children who and amusement parks, as it Hypnos Omega, while further a choice of floor pick up or
SP have already signed up
were too big for the junior provided an ideal alternative mid-size models have also overhead power supply is also
for delivery in the first half
cars but not big enough to go to both junior and adult vehi- been added to the range over offered.
of 2013. An additional two
in adult cars on their own. It cles. It also allowed opera- the years. In 2003, the Charlie “We have been very
R80XL wheels are already in
also provided operators with tors to utilize a larger number was added, followed in 2005 happy with the success of the
production at Maurer German
a vehicle that wasn’t an adult of vehicles in the same area/ by the Sport 1 and in 2008 by mid-size range over the last 20
Wheels for delivery in late
model, that parents could track as a set of adult cars, a the Sphera, all of which have years,” added Munari, “and I
2013 and early 2014.
ride in with their children, or factor that helped the com- proved popular with cus- am sure we will enjoy similar
The R80XL SV US ver-
that two children could ride pany gain much market share. tomers around the world, in success over the next 20 years
sion will be manufactured
together.” Additionally, it provided particular in the Middle East as we continue to develop the
under an exclusive license
Having had the vision to yet another option, with the where many indoor FEC and mid-size range of bumper cars
by Chance American Wheels
introduce what has become chance to operate a mixture of amusement park venues are to to give operators of all types of
based in Wichita, Kansas, and
a very important range in both junior and mid-size cars be found. venue more and more choice.”
will be ready for delivery by
the marketplace, IE Park/Soli on the same track at the same Each model in the mid-
the beginning of 2014.