Ronald Bussink
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Ronald Bussink has been a leading designer of giant Ferris wheels and similar structures for over 25 years.[1] Bussink entered the amusement industry market in 1985[2] and designed, manufactured, and delivered more than 60 giant Ferris wheels between 1990 and 2005,[3] including the Giant Wheel wheel operated by World Carnival, who claimed it was the world's tallest transportable wheel. Its height has been reported as both 66 metres (217 ft)[4][5] and 60 metres (197 ft).[6]
The Bussink company was previously known as Nauta Bussink prior to moving its offices from the Netherlands to Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland.[7][8] It was then known as Ronald Bussink Professional Rides, a registered trademark of Ronald Bussink Aktiengesellschaft,[3] which was subsequently renamed Professional Rides Aktiengesellschaft.[9]
In 2008, following the sale of Bussink's Wheels of Excellence range to Vekoma, Bussink created a new company, Bussink Landmarks, to concentrate on the supply of Ferris wheels of 100 metres (328 ft) and greater in height.[10]
Wheels of Excellence
The Wheels of Excellence range included the following models:
- R40
- Available as either a fixed or transportable model. 15 or 30 passenger cars, each able to carry 8 people.
- R50
- Available as either a fixed or transportable model. 18 or 36 passenger cars, each able to carry 8 people.
- R60
- Available as either a fixed or transportable model. 21 or 42 passenger cars, each able to carry 8 people.
- Bussink R60 wheels have operated in Australia (Brisbane), Canada (Niagara Falls), France (Paris), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur & Malacca), UK (Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield), USA (Myrtle Beach), and elsewhere.
- One of the most famous and well-travelled Bussink R60 wheels is the 60-metre (197 ft)[11][12] tall Roue de Paris, originally installed on the Place de la Concorde in Paris for the 2000 millennium celebrations. Roue de Paris left France in 2002 and in 2003-2004 operated in Birmingham and Manchester, England. In 2005 it visited first Geleen then Amsterdam, Netherlands, before returning to England to operate at Gateshead. In 2006 it was erected at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok, Thailand, and by 2008 had made its way to Antwerp, Belgium.[13] Roue de Paris uses 40,000 litres (8,800 imperial gallons) of water ballast to provide a stable base. It weighs 365 tonnes (402 short tons), and can be erected in 72 hours and dismantled in 60 hours by a specialist team. Transport requires seven 20-foot container lorries, ten open trailer lorries, and one closed trailer lorry. Its 42 passenger cars be loaded either 3 or 6 at a time, and each car can carry 8 people.[11]
- R80
- Fixed wheel with either 6 or 8 support legs, and optional self-rotating capsules. 56 passenger cars, each able to carry 8 people.
In 2008, the Wheels of Excellence range of giant wheels was acquired by Vekoma Rides Manufacturing. Vekoma created a new division, Dutch Wheels BV, to market giant wheels as stand alone attractions.[10] As of 2012, Wheels of Excellence variants listed by Dutch Wheels BV were the R40, R50, and R60 models.[14]
Following the sale of the Wheels of Excellence range, Bussink created a new company, Bussink Landmarks, to concentrate on the supply of Ferris wheels of 100 metres (328 ft) and greater in height.[10]
Evolution
See also
References
- ^ Bussink Landmarks
- ^ AALARA E-zine
- ^ a b Ronald Bussink Professional Rides - Giant wheels, Giant rides
- ^ Deaths shut The Eye
- ^ 5 killed in fall from Ferris wheel
- ^ Five Killed in Ferris Wheel Accident
- ^ Ronald Bussink
- ^ M&S News | North America > United States from AllBusiness.com
- ^ Handelsregister des Kantons Appenzell Innerrhoden Internet-AuszugTemplate:De icon
- ^ a b c Giant Wheels go Dutch - Vekoma takes over Bussink range
- ^ a b Roue de Paris - Technical Information
- ^ Dutch Wheels - The History of Giant Wheels
- ^ The History of 'La grande Roue de Paris'
- ^ Dutch Wheels - our product range