One of my favorites-- the Tilt-A-Whirl. One of the best memories of my childhood was going to a little-bitty carnival with my best friend and riding the TAW over and over and over... We heckled the ride op, and he responded (at least we thought at the time) by putting that puppy into overdrive. We spun so much, so fast, that the word went by in a blur. And I KNOW we got extra-long rides, too. What fun. I know some parks still have them, but none near me. :(
The other thing I miss is the Octopus. I remember going to Kennywood with my family as a kid, and riding the Monongahela Monster with my dad. Scared the *#@! out of me, but it was a fun sort of scared, because I knew that dad wouldn't let me fall out. (Unlike riding the Jack Rabbit with my cousin-- thought for sure I'd be a goner there! :) ) I REALLY miss that ride. Again, something you don't see to often.
It's nice to see that Scramblers seem to be making a comeback. I remember riding the one at White Swan in PA with my grandpa (showing my age now), and him losing his hat. Giggling hysterically as I slid back and forth in the seat. The feeling that maybe, just maybe, this time your car will collide with the other one flying past!
How about that rocket ship that they used to have at Idlewild-- anyone remember that? The one that used to move in sync with a movie? I fell out of my seat in that one one time. Plop! Right into the aisle. I also slid out of my seat on the Catapillar at Idlewild. (I was a tall kid, and able to ride things that were maybe a bit "old" for me.) Funny, every time I either fell or almost fell out of my seat, I was riding with my cousin... Hmmm... :)
Cat (feeling nostalgic) Purrson
Cats, books, and roller coasters-- three of the best G-rated, calorie-free pleasures in life!
SFA has both an Octopus (the Rodeo) and a Tilt. Gonna give 'em both a spin on Opening Day.
For anyone interested in classic flat rides, this site is definitely worth a look. It contains loads of fantastic stuff- many things pertaining to the topic at hand.
Coaster Junkie from NH
I drive in & out of Boston, so I ride coasters to relax!
As for Octopus/Monster/Spider - Everly Aircraft Company (the same company that made the O-planes) is long gone. There may be a company that makes parts for them, but that doesn't mean they manufacture the ride.
For your reading pleasure on Octopus/Monster/Spider:
http://www.coasterbuzz.com/2004-238-74598.htm
Take note of Rideman's explanation of the differences. It's the most concise yet informative description I've seen.
Hexentanz (Witch's Dance)
http://www.flatrides.com/Ride%20Index/ZiererTampico2.jpg *** Edited 2/26/2007 10:11:12 PM UTC by Acoustic Viscosity***
AV Matt
Long live the Big Bad Wolf
What about Caterpillars, especially ones with a working cover? I remember the fan that blows up at you each time you go around. I believe that Idlewild still has a fully functional one. My mother was no coaster fan but she really loved flats back when she was younger. The Caterpillar was her favorite.
Arthur Bahl
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