Joyland Books

[marc]

Hi Chief Engineer,
I had my first visit today and love the new tea cups ride. Was this ride a toyset before and where did it come from. Thanks in advance[/img][/url]
_________________
HANDS IN THE AIR!!!
"HACKS"
FELIXSTOWE`S NUMBER "1" ENTHUSIAST
Hacks Pix
www.funfairworld.co.uk

[Chief Engineer]

Hi Fatboy,

It has been a bit hectic getting everything ready in the lead up to Easter , so not been online for a while.

I thought you might enjoy a little look and a quick explanation of how the 'Waveswinger' works, although it is quite a simple idea, it can be hard to imagine what is going on under the covers. Sorry for the jigsaw picture, but it seemed the easiest way to piece all the images together so you get the full picture as I could not get a full shot in one go.

As you can see there is a central column which has a slight angle at the top, this is the part the gives the chairs on the waveswinger the tilt as it rotates. There is an inner and outer drum that sit over the column, the inner drum is pulled up the column by two wire ropes in the slots either side of the column attached to a big hydraulic ram inside the column, the outer drum which rotates via two hydraulic motors against the inner drum, holds all the frame work for the chairs and decorative panels. When the inner drum is pulled up to the top of the column it follows the angled column to tilt the whole top over but also the inner column is rotated at half the speed of the outer drum in the opposite direction , which gives the ride that classic wobbling top.

I'll run through the build up in my next post.

CE

[Chief Engineer]

Hi marc,

Glad you enjoyed your visit, just a shame about the weather, typical Easter.

Yes you are right, the juvenile tea cups ride was a toyset, it has belonged to the new owners of the Pier for a while, I am sure they must have some pictures of the ride with its original toys which I can post up and of course I will find out about the maker, age and history.

CE

[Chief Engineer]

Hi marc,

Here as promised is a picture of the ‘T’ cup ride with its original more traditional toy set fixed to the platforms.

According to the paperwork it was manufactured C1940 by Orton & Spooner with a question mark to follow, but later on it is credited to Maxwell & Sons, so I will have to do a bit more digging.

CE

[marc]

Thanks C.E. great pictures, pity that it could not have been kept as a toyset
_________________
HANDS IN THE AIR!!!
"HACKS"
FELIXSTOWE`S NUMBER "1" ENTHUSIAST
Hacks Pix
www.funfairworld.co.uk

[AJ]

It seems that the Whirlwind could be on its way back, well to the UK at least.
Lightwater Valley are looking at it as a possible option for next year.
http://valleymania.co.uk/news/show_news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1281983081&archive=&template=VM_Main
_________________
Jimmy Godden & Bob/Barry Moss ARE the Devil Personified!

[FATBOY]

brilliant!!!!! will have to travel up there to ride it!!!! where the chief engineer, 900K seems a snip!!! come on clacton pier pull ya finger out...