Gravitron

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This article is about the amusement ride. For the hypothetical elementary particle, see graviton.

The exterior of a Gravitron at Luna Park, Melbourne; since removed circa 2004

The Gravitron (currently marketed as the Starship 2000) is an amusement ride, most commonly found as a temporary ride. First manufactured by Wisdom Industries in 1983 (patented in 1986), the Gravitron quickly became a fixture at fairs and carnivals in many countries. It is a modification of an earlier ride called the Rotor. Several examples of the Gravitron were produced under licence, ARM in the UK and Ferrari in Australia.

[edit] Design and operation

The Gravitron at Night at The Western Fair in London, Ontario, Canada - September 2004

The ride is completely enclosed, with 45 padded panels lining the inside wall. Riders lean against these panels, which are angled back. As the ride rotates, centrifugal force is exerted against the pads by the rider, removing the rider from the floor, due to the slant. The ride can reach a maximum speed of 24 rpm in less than 20 seconds, due to the 33 kW 3-phase motor. At this speed, the riders are experiencing centripetal force equivalent to three times the force of gravity.

The ride operator is located in the center of the ride. Part of the operator's duty is to control lighting and music in addition to the ride itself. Some variants include Closed-circuit television cameras, allowing waiting riders and passersby to observe the ride in action.

The entire ride racks on a single 50-foot trailer for transport. The ride can be assembled in less than six hours, and packed up in three.

[edit] Incidents

Riders on the Gravitron's walls

In April 2004, an accident occurred at the Dade County Youth Fair in Miami, Florida when a panel came off and threw a girl out of the ride. As a result, DCYF strengthened their safety guidelines and removed the ride from the park.^[1]^[2]

On September 8, 2007, a teenage boy was injured while riding a Gravitron amusement ride at the Spokane County Interstate Fair in Spokane, Washington. He hit his head on a metal part of the ride, and needed two staples in his scalp to close the wound. Witnesses say that the boy ignored safety warnings and climbed the walls of the ride while it was in motion. State investigators determined that the ride was safe and that the accident was the result of the victim's behavior.^[3]

[edit] Appearances

The Central DJ Booth

Australia - At least six; Vortex at Dreamworld and five traveling models.
North America - Believed to be upwards of 40. Morey's Piers hosts the original ride.
The Bahamas - The Holiday Carnival hosts this ride.
The United Kingdom Pleasure Island hosts this ride.
United States Tom Evans United Shows hosts this ride.
Finland Suomen Tivoli hosts this ride.
Canada Rib Fest Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario hosts this ride.