The Matterhorn or Flying Bobs, sometimes known by alternate names such as ''Musik Express'' or ''Terminator'', is an
amusement ride
Amusement rides, sometimes called carnival rides, are mechanical devices or structures that move people especially kids to create fun and enjoyment.
Rides are often perceived by many as being scary or more dangerous than they actually are. This ...
very similar to the
Superbob
''SuperBob'' is a 2015 British low-budget superhero comedy film about a Peckham postman who develops superpowers after having been hit by a meteorite. The film premiered in London on 16 October 2015, after having first been shown at the London ...
, which consists of a number of cars attached to axles 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. This ride is commonly seen at a
travelling funfair
A traveling carnival (US English), usually simply called a carnival, or travelling funfair (UK English), is an amusement show that may be made up of amusement rides, food vendors, merchandise vendors, games of chance and skill, thrill acts, ...
s. Most carnivals and parks require riders to be at least 42 inches or taller.
United States
Rides are commonly known as "Flying Bobs". They can typically be found at carnivals, where another common name for them is the "Himalaya," but can also exist at
amusement parks
An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central ...
such as the Flying Bobs at
DelGrosso's Amusement Park
DelGrosso's 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. In 2000, the DelGros ...
, KonTiki at
Six Flags New England
Six Flags New England, formerly known as Gallup's Grove (1870–1886), Riverside Grove (1887–1911), Riverside Park (1912–1995) and Riverside: The Great Escape (1996–2000), is an amusement park located in Agawam, Massachusetts, a western s ...
and at
Coney Island (Cincinnati) and Matterhorn at
Cedar Point
Cedar Point is a amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Opened in 1870, it is considered the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. behind Lake Compounce. Cedar Point is owned and ope ...
and
Lake Winnepesaukah
Lake Winnepesaukah, commonly known as Lake Winnie, is an amusement park located in Rossville, Georgia, just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Carl and Minette Dixon opened the park to over 5,000 guests on June 1, 1925. They named it after the Nat ...
. 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.
The
Allan Herschell Company
The Allan Herschell Company specialized in the creation of amusement rides, particularly carousels and roller coasters. The company manufactured portable machines that could be used by traveling carnival operators. It was started in 1915 in the ...
made the first "Flying Bobs" in the 1960s.
Chance-Morgan
Chance Morgan Coasters, Inc. is a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer. It was formed on June 14, 2001 when Michael Chance, grandson of Chance Rides founder Richard H. Chance, acquired the assets of roller coaster builder D. H. Morgan M ...
currently manufactures a few versions, called the "Alpine Bobs" or "Thunder Bolt." Mack manufactures the Matterhorn, Feria Swing, and Petersburg Schilitenfahrt (Sleigh Ride). Another common manufacturer of the Matterhorn is Bertazzon.
It is currently unknown for what company that manufactured the other version, called "Rip Curl" in Fun Spot in Orlando, Florida.
United Kingdom
The common analog of the Matterhorn is the
Music Express. 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 all manufacturers except
Bertazzon
Bertazzon is an amusement ride manufacturing company based in Sernaglia della Battaglia, Italy. The company produces a variety of flat rides including bumper cars, carousels, swing rides, Matterhorns, Musik Expresses and dark ride systems.
H ...
.
Rides manufacturers
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Bertazzon
Bertazzon is an amusement ride manufacturing company based in Sernaglia della Battaglia, Italy. The company produces a variety of flat rides including bumper cars, carousels, swing rides, Matterhorns, Musik Expresses and dark ride systems.
H ...
*
Chance Morgan
Chance Morgan Coasters, Inc. is a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer. It was formed on June 14, 2001 when Michael Chance, grandson of Chance Rides founder Richard H. Chance, acquired the assets of roller coaster builder D. H. Morgan ...
*
Mack Rides
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Reverchon Industries
Reverchon Industries was a developer, designer and manufacturer of amusement park attractions that were sold all over the world. The company went into liquidation in September 2008, filing for bankruptcy and closing down their manufacturing and ope ...
See also
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Matterhorn
The (, ; it, Cervino, ; french: Cervin, ; rm, Matterhorn) is a mountain of the Alps, straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy. It is a large, near-symmetric pyramidal peak in the extended Monte Rosa area of the ...
External links
Matterhorn Historyat the nfa.
of Matterhorns travelling in the UK.
Video featuring a Matterhorn.
References
Amusement rides
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