Troika (ride)

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The Troika is an amusement park ride, designed and manufactured by HUSS Maschinenfabrik in the early 1980's. The ride is available in both transportable and permanent forms, although due to the total weight and size of the ride (35 tons, plus an additional 27 tons for the temporary base and platform), transportable Troikas are unpopular and uncommon.

1 Design and operation
- 1.1 Similar ride
2 Appearances
3 References

[edit] Design and operation

Troika at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH

A Troika consists of three arms radiating from a central column. At the end of each arm is a wheel-like assembly holding seven gondalas, each of which seats 2 people side by side.

When the ride is activated, the central column rotates clockwise, while the gondala wheel at the end of each arm rotates counterclockwise. Hydralic cylinders then raise the arms to an angle of 40°. The gondalas do have some capacity to rock from side to side, but this is minimal. At the end of the ride cycle, the arms are lowered, and the rotation stopped.

The main safety restraint is a buzz bar system, which locks into one of five positions.

Portable versions of the Troika can be dissassembled, but due to the size and weight of the machinery and platform, rack onto no fewer than three trailers.

[edit] Similar ride

The Tivoli Scorpion is based on the same pattern as the Troika, but a much smaller gondala wheel diameter results in greater speed and centrifugal force experienced by the riders (claimed to be over 100 km/h). The Scorpion is significantly lighter than a Troika, making it more popular for operation at carnivals and fairs.

[edit] Appearances

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Australia - One Troika; Tumblebug at Luna Park Sydney. One travelling Scorpion.
Canada - At least one Troika; Adrenaline Test Zone at Calaway Park.
England - At least one Troika; a travelling model now converted for park use.
The Netherlands - Two Troikas; Turbo Star at Familiepark Drievliet, Tomahawk at Attractiepark Slagharen
Scotland - At least one Troika; The Crows Nest at Loudoun Castle.
United States - At least seven Troikas (at Cedar Point, Palace Playland, Paramount's Kings Island, Six Flags Elitch Gardens, Paramount's Great America, Fun Spot Amusement Park, and Six Flags Great America).