.gif)
Matterhorn (ride)
Encyclopedia
For the Disneyland attraction, see Matterhorn Bobsleds
.
The Matterhorn or Flying Bobs, sometimes known by alternate names such as Musik Express or Terminator in the UK, is an amusement ride
very similar to the Superbob
, which consists of a number of cars attached to axels that swing in and out. The hill and valley shape of the ride causes a pronounced swinging motion: the faster the ride goes, the more dramatic the swinging motion. It is quite common to see this ride at a travelling Fun Fair
. Most carnivals and parks require riders to be at least 42 inches or taller.
, KonTiki at Six Flags New England
and at Coney Island (Cincinnati). The carnival rides are typically transported on two trucks. One is for the ride itself, and the other is for the swinging cars.
All rides are essentially similar in concept, but have varying designs. Cars typically move forward and backward at varying intervals during the ride.
Allen Herschell Company made the first "Flying Bobs" in the 1970s. Chance-Morgan
currently manufactures a few versions, called the "Alpine Bobs" or "ThunderBolt." Mack manufactures the Matterhorn, Feria Swing, and Petersburg Schilitenfahrt (Sleigh Ride).
. The main difference between the two rides is the Music Express' use of a track, rather than axles. These versions can also be found in the United States, but have been discontinued by most manufacturers.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
The Matterhorn Bobsleds or the Matterhorn is an attraction composed of two intertwining steel roller coasters, which opened in 1959 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It is modeled after the Matterhorn, a mountain in the Swiss Alps...
.
Amusement ride
Amusement rides are large mechanical devices that move people to create enjoyment. They are frequently found at amusement parks, traveling carnivals, and funfairs.-Notable types:*Afterburner*Ali Baba*Balloon Race*Booster...
very similar to the Superbob
Music Express
A Music Express is an amusement park and carnival ride based on the original Caterpillar 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...
, which consists of a number of cars attached to axels that swing in and out. The hill and valley shape of the ride causes a pronounced swinging motion: the faster the ride goes, the more dramatic the swinging motion. It is quite common to see this ride at a travelling Fun Fair
Funfair
A funfair or simply "fair" is a small to medium sized travelling show primarily composed of stalls and other amusements. Larger fairs such as the permanent fairs of cities and seaside resorts might be called a fairground, although technically this should refer to the land where a fair is...
. Most carnivals and parks require riders to be at least 42 inches or taller.
In The U.S.
Rides are commonly known as "Flying Bobs". They can typically be found at carnivals, but can also exist at amusement parks such as the Flying Bobs at DelGrosso's Amusement ParkDelGrosso's Amusement Park
DelGrosso's Amusement Park is a family-oriented amusement park located in Tipton, Pennsylvania, a northern suburb of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The park was purchased by the DelGrosso family in 1946 and was named "Bland's Park" until 2000...
, KonTiki at Six Flags New England
Six Flags New England
Six Flags New England , formerly Riverside Amusement Park, is a Six Flags theme park, named for the New England region, in which it is located. Located off of Massachusetts State Route 159, Six Flags New England is located less than from the major City of Springfield, Massachusetts, in the nearby...
and at Coney Island (Cincinnati). The carnival rides are typically transported on two trucks. One is for the ride itself, and the other is for the swinging cars.
All rides are essentially similar in concept, but have varying designs. Cars typically move forward and backward at varying intervals during the ride.
Allen Herschell Company made the first "Flying Bobs" in the 1970s. Chance-Morgan
Chance-Morgan
Chance Morgan, a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer, was formed in 2001 with the merger of Chance Industries and D. H. Morgan Manufacturing . The main office is D. H. Morgan's former location in La Selva Beach, California and they utilize Chance Industries' former manufacturing...
currently manufactures a few versions, called the "Alpine Bobs" or "ThunderBolt." Mack manufactures the Matterhorn, Feria Swing, and Petersburg Schilitenfahrt (Sleigh Ride).
In The U.K.
The common analog of the Matterhorn is the Music ExpressMusic Express
A Music Express is an amusement park and carnival ride based on the original Caterpillar 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...
. The main difference between the two rides is the Music Express' use of a track, rather than axles. These versions can also be found in the United States, but have been discontinued by most manufacturers.
Links
- Matterhorn History at the nfa.
- Database of Matterhorns travelling in the UK.
Rides Manufacturers
- Bertazzon
- Chance Morgan
- Mack
- Reverchon