Oktoberfest 2003 – Page 3
The Nightfly, a Mondial Inferno owned by Eduard Rosai, is one of three machines like this built. It was the forerunner of the famous Top Scan and offers sensations that are unmatched by many rides. The boom rotates and the gondola can spin around the boom on two axis's, which creates some amazing visuals. It is hard to believe that an attraction that weighs several tons has this kind of maneuverability.
The Jumping, a Huss Jump, is owned by showman Distel. This is a great example of the massive size of the rides on the German fair circuit that could never travel in America. This is a ride that requires a lot of fine-tuning to keep it running correctly, but the Distel family keeps investing in it year after year. The small buildings directly in front of the ride is the Kasse where guests pay to ride. Since the attractions are owned by families fairgoers need to purchase a ride at each attraction where they receive a paper ticket or token as proof of payment.
The Power Tower 2, owned by Ewald Schneider, is the tallest portable freefall tower in the world. It stands 66 meters above the ground and was manufactured for the showman by Maurer-Söhne of Munich. Thirty-two passengers can fly up and down the tower in one of three different programs: Pogo, Hop or Double Jo Jo.
The Hexentanz II (Witch's Dance) is a Zierer-manufactured ride that is not found many places around the globe. This one is owned by the Fahrenschon family and is immaculately cared for.
The photo on the left is Rund um den Tegernsee" (round about Lake Tegern). It was built for and still owned by the Homann family. The ride was built in 1967 and was rebuilt ten years ago. It isn't uncommon to see the Homann's dog riding the attraction (thanks to TrickTrack for information on this ride). Another ride that runs round in circles is Feuer & Eis (Fire & Ice), which is owned by Michael Courtney. The attraction is a well cared for Alpenblitz II from Anton Schwarzkopf. Although the ride is probably around twenty-five years old this version looks like it just rolled out of the Schwarzkopf factory in Munsterhausen. Note the fountain in the middle of the ride, it is just one of several special effects which also include unique lighting and a large mountain that the train speeds through two times on the course.
The Wellenflug, a Zierer Wave Swinger, may look like just another standard fair ride at first glance. However, this attraction, owned by the showman Stranninger, is run like everything else at Oktoberfest- all out. The ride speeds through the first half of the cycle and then all that can be heard over the thumping techno music is the clanking of chairs and chains as the Wave Swinger is thrown into reverse. Riders bump into each other as their toes reach for the sky and they fly through the air backwards. Just another example of the lengths that German showmen will go to in order to deliver a memorable ride experience and promote returning riders.
