Ring of Fire / Larson Fireball

1 Introduction
2 Design
3 Travel path
4 Operation
5 Back falls
6 Safety features
7 Power
8 External links

Introduction

Larson International has made three rides of similar design. The first being the SUPER LOOP, followed by RING OF FIRE, and the third being FIREBALL. Several variations of each exist (ex. Space Raiders, Mega Loop, etc.) The rides run the same but the RING OF FIRE, and all models prior, have caged trains, and the FIREBALL has open face off trains. Also, some owners of the old RING OF FIRE rides have had the caged trains replaced with the new FIREBALL trains.

Design

Both of the rides are similar in design. There is a large steel boxed track loop attached to a concrete base or portable trailer with supporting outriggers and steel cables. In this boxed track is a multiple-piece pivoted end rim with wheel dogs attached settled within this boxed track. On one section of the rim the train is snugly placed. The rim is run through a shock absorbent tire drive, which drives the train around the loop.

Travel path

The rides train is rocked back and forth at a generous rate, as not to put too much stress on the tire drive. The train elevates in height on every pass through the station, until the ride has gained enough momentum to make it over the loop. Once so many consecutive loops are made the train can be shifted to go the other direction. -WARNING!!! (Shifting directions is best on the ride when in line with the inverted part of the loop.)- The train can also be hung upside down (stop at top), its best to not exceed an inverted stop for more than 6 seconds, it can make passengers uncomfortable, even so, this ride is a great addition to any amusement park.

Operation

Most if not all of the super loop styled rides are manually operated with toggle handle. Most of these rides have a dead mans operators chair to detect absence of operator, as not to move if handle was bumped. Operators of these rides have to be knowledgeable of weight distributation, and speed to distance ratio.

Back falls

Since the super loop styled rides are tire driven, even the slightest water build up on the rim can cause the drive tires to hydroplane the rim. This action keeps the ride from completing its loop, and can sometimes make a loud annoying squeal. It is also not good to operate this ride in frequent lightning.

Safety features

Emergency power cut off button.
Four photosensors, two on both sides of the loading deck to detect items or people in their way.
Dead mans operator chair that detects absence of operator.
Anti-air double lock harnesses with secondary precaution belt that activates when air is released.
Pull up, and move operation toggle that will only move when tip of handle is compressed.
height requrement 48"

Power

90 KW for the wheel drive and 30 KW for all lighting elements.