Twist (ride)

A Sizzler Twister made by KT Enterprises (Keith Emmett), in the sunset

The Twist or Twister 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.

Description

The Twist or Twister 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]

Variants

Grasscutter Twist

A grasscutter twist has a basic frame shape and no platform and is driven by a lower arm assembly. This type of twist is extremely popular in the United States, where it is known as the Scrambler.[2]

Sizzler

A Sizzler twist are twists which have 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 five fatalities since 1997.[4]

Gee Whizzer

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 Twister type rides 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.

Current installations

Manufacturing tablet for the Scrambler at Cedar Point.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "History Rides Twist". National Fairground Archive Retrieved 2016-7-16
  2. "Riide Profile- Scrambler". The Coaster Guy Retrieved 2016-7-16
  3. "Scrambler". Ride Extravaganza Retrieved 2016-7-16
  4. On Thrill Rides, Safety Is Optional - washingtonpost.com
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