Troika (ride)

The Troika is an amusement park ride, designed and manufactured by HUSS Maschinenfabrik in the mid-1970s.cite web |url=http://www.ride-extravaganza.com/rides/troika/ |title=Amusement Ride Extravaganza - Troika |accessdate=2007-08-06 |last=Burton |first=David] The ride is available in both transportable and permanent forms, although due to the total weight and size of the ride (35 tons, plus an additional 27 tons for the temporary base and platform), transportable Troikas are unpopular and uncommon.

Design and operation

A Troika consists of three arms radiating from a central column. At the end of each arm is a wheel-like assembly (star) holding seven gondolas, each of which seats 2 people side by side. The combination of the Arm and Star is a Sweep.

When the ride is activated, the central column rotates clockwise, while the Star at the end of each arm rotates counterclockwise. Hydraulic cylinders then raise the arms to an angle of 40°. The gondolas do have some capacity to rock from side to side, but this is minimal. At the end of the ride cycle, the arms are lowered, and the rotation stopped. Because it is a relatively mild thrill ride, it is a good ride for younger children or beginning riders who aren't up to riding more extreme attractions, like Huss's own Enterprise or Top Spin.

The main safety restraint is a buzz bar system, which locks into one of five positions. Huss recommends that riders be at least 42 inches tall with an adult or over 50 inches tall to ride alone.Fact|date=August 2007

Portable versions of the Troika can be disassembled, but due to the size and weight of the machinery and platform, rack onto no fewer than three trailers.

imilar ride

The Tivoli Scorpion is based on the same pattern as the Troika, but a much smaller gondala wheel diameter results in greater speed and centrifugal force experienced by the riders (claimed to be over 100 km/h). The Scorpion is significantly lighter than a Troika, making it more popular for operation at carnivals and fairs.

Variants and modern adaptions

Huss now makes a modern version of the Troika, called the AirBoat. It is smaller and can only carry 24 people (with 3 pods and 4 cars per pod). It runs at about the same speed. One example that is no longer running was the Gator Bait ride at Six Flags New Orleans; however, this ride closed due to damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Appearances

* Australia - One Troika: "Tumblebug" at Luna Park Sydney. One traveling Scorpion.
* Canada - At least two Troikas: "Adrenaline Test Zone" at Calaway Park and "Diablo" at La Ronde (closed in 2003)
* England - At least one Troika: a traveling model now converted for park use. At least one Scorpion; a themed ride at Adventure Island in Essex.
* France - At least one Troika: "L'aigle Noir (The Black Eagle)" at OK Corral Theme Park
* The Netherlands - Two Troikas: "Turbo Star" at Familiepark Drievliet, "Tomahawk" at Attractiepark Slagharen
* Scotland - At least one Troika: "The Crows Nest" at Loudoun Castle [cite web
url=http://www.ukrides.info/loudountristar.htm
title=Loudoun Castle rides
publisher=UKRides.info]
* United States - At least eight Troikas (at Cedar Point, Palace Playland, Kings Island, Elitch Gardens, Kings Dominion, Fun Spot Amusement Park, and Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Over Texas).
* Finland - One Troika: "Troika" In Särkänniemi, Tampere
* Belgium - At least one Troika: "Troika" at Bobbejaanland
* Germany - At least two: Wellenreiter at Hansa-Park, Dancing Queen (travelling version)

References

* Technical specifications available at [http://www.hussrides.com/520ClassicTroika.htm HUSS Maschinenfabrik's website]