Madhouse (ride)
A Mad House is a ride that is used at fairs, fairs and amusement parks and creates the illusion that the passengers would rotate within a rocking space by 360 °. In German-speaking older versions of this system are also called witches swing, and the German manufacturer Mack Rides uses in his German publications that name.
Operation
It is a space that is usually octagonal ( hexagonal ) constructed in the longitudinal direction. The two side parts are each provided with a circular rail system, said rails are supported on friction wheel drives, allow the rotation of the space 360 degrees around its own axis. At the same time a gondola bridge is each centered on the side panels hung on the take passengers in each secured by iron benches. As a general rule, passengers sit opposite on these benches. The gondola bridge can be swung in both directions and thus follow the movement in space. This gives the impression that passengers would be " turned upside down ". In reality, however, only the space continues downward, while the gondola bridge performs a rocking motion up to 30 degrees to either side.
The decoration of a Mad House often mediated by fixing all moving parts in the room the impression that they would behave without the influence of gravity.
History
End of the 19th century, the first witch swings were developed in rudimentary versions. However, since then the technology has evolved a lot. The first modern Mad House is the one built by Vekoma and opened in 1996, Villa Volta in the Dutch Efteling theme park ..
Apart from Vekoma, who built much of the existing facilities, also produces the German manufacturer Mack Rides a ride of this type
Technology
By controlling by computer and synchronous operation of lighting effects and music a perfect illusion is possible. The drive modes may be varied depending on the audience. It is driven by AC motors.
The capacity is in the modern versions of Mack and Vekoma 40-78 people per trip, depending on the version. Older systems can accommodate far fewer passengers.