Music Express

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Music Express is an amusement park and carnival ride based on the original Catterpillar rides of Germany. Several near-identical ride designs are also produced by other companies; Musik Express by Italian company Bertazzon and US Majestic Rides, Himalaya by American company Wisdom Rides, German company Mack, and French company Reverchon, and Silver Streak by Wisdom Rides. This ride is a modern adaption of the famous Harry Traver Caterpillar rides.

Contents 1 Design and operation 2 Variations 3 Appearances 4 References

[edit] Design and operation

The ride features twenty 3-passenger cars connected in a circle. These cars rotate on a track with alternating sloped and flat sections. Rotation is possible in both a backwards and forwards direction, as the ride is manually operated. The ride is powered by 4 DC motors, and can reach a maximum speed of 12 rotations per minute.

The riders in each car are restrained by a single solid lap bar that is locked across the body of the car; making the ride unsuitable for young children or people of short stature. The bar must be manually locked or unlocked, and only locks in one position. Lights and music are also controlled by the operator, which (as the name suggests) contribute heavily to the ride experience. Most parks and carnivals require all riders to be at least 42 inches or even taller, depending on circumstances and ride design.

Most Music Expresses are built with a backdrop dividing the rear third of the ride from the front two-thirds. This backdrop, normally covered in artwork and lights, and providing a mild headchopper-like effect as the riders enter and exit the rear section. As this blocks lines of sight, additional staff are required to safely supervise this ride in operation.

At at least Dorney Park's Musik Express, written above are the words "Mit Musik Geht Alles Besser", which, loosely translated, is German for "Everything is easier with music."

[edit] Variations

Bertazzon Musik Express

No major variations from Mack Rides version.

Majestic Rides Musik Express

14 cars, hydraulic locking system, increased top RPM. ^[1]

Wisdom Rides Himalaya

22 cars. ^[2]

Mack Rides Himalaya

Music Express

Reverchon Himalaya

Larger, slower.^{[citation needed]}

Wisdom Rides Silver Streak

16 cars, smaller height difference, multiple lapbar positions. ^[3]

[edit] Appearances

The letter following the operating park or show indicates the manufacturer and model of the ride:

(Ma) = Mack Rides (B) = Bertazzon ^[4], (Ma) = Majestic Rides, (W) = Wisdom Himalaya, (R) = Reverchon, (SD) = SDC, (SS) = Wisdom Silver Streak.

• Australia - Tango Train at Luna Park Sydney
• Canada - Playland
• Italy - Mirabilandia
• United Kingdom - Gulliver's Land
• United States
  • Himalaya at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (R), Trimpers Rides (R)
  • Musik Express at Hersheypark, Indiana Beach, Conneaut Lake Park, Morey's Piers, Kennywood, Six Flags Great Adventure, Lake Compounce, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, and Adventureland (New York).
  • Super Cat at Valleyfair (ST).
  • Musik Express at James E Strates Midways, ACME Atom Smasher at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Rock & Roll at Bowcraft Amusement Park, Rock & Roll at Gillette Shows (B), Super Himalaya at Casino Pier (B).
  • Hip-Hop Himalaya, Coney Island, independently operated. (B).
  • Cannonball Express, The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom (B).
  • Trade Winds, Busch Gardens Williamsburg (R).
  • Super Himalaya owned by Mighty Bluegrass Shows (R).
  • Hurricane Alabama Adventure (B).

[edit] References