Larson International

Larson International is a designer and manufacturer of amusement rides based in Plainview, Texas. The company has designed its own collection of amusement rides, as well as owning rights to rides originally designed by Bisch-Rocco and Sellner Manufacturing.

Larson International, Inc.
TypePrivate
IndustryManufacturing
FounderWalter Larson
Headquarters
Plainview, Texas
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Jeff Novotny (President)
Websitelarsonintl.com

History
El Diablo, a Larson 22M Giant Loop, at Six Flags Great Adventure.

J & S, Rides, Inc., currently doing business as Larson International, dates back to at least 1988.[1][2]

In January 2002, Larson International, along with AmTech and International Ride Services, hosted the annual Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers (AIMS) Safety Seminar.[3]

In February 2002, Larson International acquired the rights to Bisch-Rocco's Flying Scooters ride.[4] In the late 1920s, Alvin Bisch and Ralph Rocco designed a rotating, ride-like device for training pilots.[5] In the 1930s, this design evolved into the Flying Scooters amusement ride.[6] Several installations were manufactured by Bisch and Rocco. The first new installation by Larson International was purchased by California's Great America and installed in 2002.[7]

In January 2011, Larson International purchased Sellner Manufacturing, an amusement ride company based in Faribault, Minnesota.[8] Sellner Manufacturing's foundations date back to 1923 when Herbert W. Sellner invented a Water-Toboggan Slide. In 1926, Sellner invented the Tilt-A-Whirl ride and founded Sellner Manufacturing. The company invented other products over the years, but the Tilt-A-Whirl was its most popular ride, with nearly 1,000 units manufactured to 2010.[9] In the late 2000s, Sellner Manufacturing, which was then led by great-granddaughter Erin Sellner Ward, was facing financial difficulties. The State Bank of Faribault approached Larson International for a possible takeover. Larson International's acquisition saw the company gain ownership of everything except Sellner's building. This included the relocation of all ride plans, molds, computers, office furniture, equipment and machines, to Larson International's Plainview facility.[1]

Products
NameIntroducedOriginal designerIn association withDescription
22M Giant LoopLarson InternationalN/AA larger version of the Fire Ball, measuring 22 metres (72 ft) in diameter.[10]
Giga Loop2018Larson InternationalN/AA larger version of the Fire Ball, measuring 30 metres (98 ft) in diameter.
Flying Rides2011Sellner ManufacturingN/AAerial carousels that come in a variety of themes, including Bumble Bee Bop, Jumping Jumbos, and Star Command.[11]
Flying Scooters2002Bisch-RoccoN/A[4]
Flying Scooters (portable)Bisch-RoccoMajestic Manufacturing, Inc.A portable, fairground version of Larson's ride is in development.[12]
Fire Ball2000Larson InternationalN/Aoriginally named Super Loop (early 1970s) and renamed as Ring of Fire (1988).[13][14]
Funnel ForceLarson InternationalN/A[15]
The Hubless WheelLarson InternationalN/ACombines the 22M Giant Loop structure with Star Dancer ride vehicles to result in a ferris wheel-like experience.[16]
Huff-n-Puff2011Sellner ManufacturingN/AA self-powered handcar ride for children.[17]
Kiddie Star DancerLarson InternationalN/A[18]
Mega BounceN/AA.R.M.[19]
The Ships AhoyLarson InternationalN/AA themed teacups-style ride.[20]
Spin Rides2011Sellner ManufacturingN/ATeacups-style rides that come in a variety of themes, including Barrels of Fun, Bear Affair, Berry-Go-Round, Chilly Willy, Dizzy Dragon, Martian Madness, Monkey Mayhem, Pumpkin Patch, Spin the Apple, Tea Time and Tons of Fun.[21]
Star DancerLarson InternationalN/A[22]
Super ShotN/AA.R.M.Originally known as Atmosfear.[23][24]
Tilt-A-Whirl2011Sellner ManufacturingN/A[8]
Track Rides2011Sellner ManufacturingN/ASmall track-based fairground rides, with themes available of Jalopy Junction and Rock Town.[25]

Former products

In the past, Larson International has had informal alliances with other manufacturers including Chance Rides, S&S Power and NBGS, whereby the manufacturers would assist in the fabrication of each other's rides in exchange for revenue sharing.[26] Products previously designed and manufactured by Larson International are shown in the table below.

NameIntroducedDescription
High Roller/Crazy Train1989[27]
Moby Dick[28]
Ring of Fire1988new name replacing Super Loop (early 1970s) and renamed Fire Ball (1999).[29]
Space Loop[30]
Super Loopearly 1970srenamed Ring of Fire in 1988 and Fire Ball in 1999.[31]

Installations

Many of Larson International's ride have been sold to fairground operators as portable, travelling rides.[32][33][34][35][36] A listing of rides permanently installed at amusement parks is shown in the table below.

Ride nameParkCountryTypeOpenedStatusRef
Air CrowIndiana Beach United StatesFlying Scooters2005Closed
AtmosFEARMorey's Piers United StatesSuper Shot2005Operating
Bourbon Street FireballSix Flags America United States22M Giant Loop2015Operating[37]
Brain DrainElitch Gardens Theme Park United States22M Giant Loop2014Operating[38]
Brain DrainFrontier City United States22M Giant Loop2015Operating[38]
Brain DrainMagic Springs and Crystal Falls United StatesSuper Shot2018Operating
Cedar Creek FlyerDorney Park United StatesFlying Scooters2015Operating[39]
Chaos
El Diablo Loop Coaster		La Ronde
Six Flags Great Adventure		 Canada22M Giant Loop2019
2015		Operating
Dare Devil Chaos CoasterSix Flags Discovery Kingdom United States22M Giant Loop2015Operating[37]
DeliriousValleyfair United States22M Giant Loop2018Operating
Dragons FlyCastle Park United StatesFlying Scooters2008Operating[40]
El Diablo Loop CoasterSix Flags Over Texas United StatesGiga Loop2019Operating
Eye Of The StormKentucky Kingdom United States22M Giant Loop2017Operating
FearfallKentucky Kingdom United StatesSuper Shot2014Operating
FireballSix Flags Fiesta Texas United States22M Giant Loop2016Operating[41]
FireballSix Flags New England United States22M Giant Loop2016Operating[41]
FireballSix Flags St. Louis United States22M Giant Loop2016Operating[41]
Flying AcesIdlewild Park United StatesFlying Scooters2007Operating
Flying EaglesCalifornia's Great America United StatesFlying Scooters2002Operating[7]
Flying EaglesCanada's Wonderland CanadaFlying Scooters2016Operating
Flying EaglesValleyfair United StatesFlying Scooters2016Operating[42]
Flying FishStory Land United StatesFlying ScootersUnknownOperating[43]
French Quarter FlyersSix Flags America United StatesFlying Scooters2014Operating
Frontier FlyersHersheypark United StatesFlying Scooters2003Operating[44]
Greezed Lightnin'Great Escape United States22M Giant Loop2016Operating[41]
Hair RaiserLuna Park Sydney AustraliaSuper Shot2013Operating
Harley Quinn SpinsanitySix Flags Over Georgia United StatesTilt-A-Whirl2015Operating[37]
Hornet's NestDarien Lake United StatesFlying Scooters2012Operating[45]
KongMorey's Piers United StatesFlying Scooters2015Operating
Lake Erie EaglesCedar Point United StatesFlying Scooters2014Operating
Lakeside GlidersMichigan's Adventure United StatesFlying Scooters2013Operating
Mardi Gras HangoverSix Flags Great America United StatesGiga Loop2018Operating[46]
PhoenixLa Ronde CanadaFlying Scooters2016Operating[41]
Professor John's Flying MachinesKentucky Kingdom United StatesFlying Scooters2014Operating
Rolling ThunderSix Flags Darien Lake United States22M Giant Loop2015Operating[47]
Screamin 'EaglesGreat Escape United StatesFlying Scooters2013Operating
SpinsanitySix Flags Fiesta Texas United StatesTilt-A-Whirl2016Operating
Surfside GlidersKnott's Berry Farm United StatesFlying Scooters2013Operating[48]
The Joker Chaos CoasterSix Flags Over Georgia United States22M Giant Loop2015Operating[37]
The Mad Mocking BirdDollywood United StatesFlying Scooters2019Operating
TourbillonLa Ronde CanadaTilt-A-Whirl2018Operating
Winged WarriorFrontier City United StatesFlying Scooters2014Operating
Wonder Woman Flight SchoolSix Flags Over Georgia United StatesFlying Scooters2016Operating[41]
Woodstock GlidersKings Island United StatesFlying Scooters2015Operating
Woodstock GlidersWorlds of Fun United StatesFlying Scooters2016Operating
ZenithMéga Parc CanadaHubbles Wheel2019Operating
Zero GIndiana Beach United States22M Giant Loop2016Closed[49]
UnknownHappy Valley Shenzhen China22M Giant Loop2018Under construction

References
  1. "Larson gains new dimension with Sellner purchase" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (11): 1. February 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  2. "Larson International, Inc". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  3. O'Brien, Tim (January 29, 2001). "Hundreds of students attend seminar; seven honored at awards banquet". Amusement Business. 113 (4): 16.
  4. Mooradian, Don (February 18, 2002). "M&S news". Amusement Business. 114 (7): 4.
  5. US patent 1912174, Bisch, Alvin, "Device to train aviators or for amusement purposes", published May 30, 1933, assigned to Rocco, Ralph
  6. US patent 2162877, Bisch, Alvin, "Amusement device", published June 20, 1939, assigned to Rocco, Ralph
  7. O'Brien, Tim (May 13, 2002). "Parks holding off on adding major rides". Amusement Business. 114 (19): 20–22.
  8. McDonough, Doug (January 25, 2011). "Larson International acquires Tilt-a-Whirl manufacturer". My Plainview. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  9. "Fast Facts" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (11): 1. February 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  10. "22M Giant Loop". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  11. "Flying Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  12. "What's New". Larson International, Inc. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  13. Muret, Don (May 1, 2000). "Windy City 'Flings' itself into outdoor season". Amusement Business. 112 (18): 36.
  14. "The Fire Ball". Larson International. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  15. "Funnel Force". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  16. "The Hubless Wheel". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  17. "Huff-n-Puff". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  18. Muret, Don (July 1, 2002). "Minnesota State Fair set for 68 rides, new attractions". Amusement Business. 114 (26): 17, 24.
  19. "Mega Bounce". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  20. "Ships Ahoy". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  21. "Spin Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  22. "Star Dancer". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  23. Millbauer, Katie (June 2005). "Pier Review". Amusement Business. 117 (6): 16–19.
  24. "Super Shot". Larson International. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  25. "Track Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  26. O'Brien, Tim (May 13, 2002). "Suppliers point to weather as key for sales in 2003". Amusement Business. 114 (19): 12–16.
  27. Emmons, Natasha (February 3, 2003). "Mason having 'Fun' with new signing". Amusement Business. 115 (5): 15.
  28. Powell, Tom (May 31, 2004). "Good Weather Makes PBJ Owners 'Happee'". Amusement Business. 116 (22): 13, 20.
  29. Powell, Tom (August 7, 2000). "Business picking up for Interstate". Amusement Business. 112 (32): 28.
  30. Powell, Tom (December 6, 1999). "Reithoffers nearing deal for rides". Amusement Business. 111 (49): 32.
  31. Powell, Tom (November 8, 1999). "Amusement industry expo still growing; attendance tops 4,000". Amusement Business. 111 (45): 44.
  32. Muret, Don (April 28, 2003). "Geren acquires 13 fair/festival dates". Amusement Business. 115 (17): 1, 16.
  33. Muret, Don (August 21, 2000). "Warm weather and short jump good for Salernos at Rib America". Amusement Business. 112 (34): 48.
  34. Barbieri, Kelly (August 11, 2003). "McDonagh's invests $1.3 million into show". Amusement Business. 115 (32): 14–15.
  35. Powell, Tom (November 18, 2002). "Carnival owners discuss plans for spending at IAAPA trade show". Amusement Business. 114 (46).
  36. Powell, Tom (December 8, 2003). "Macaronis Have Great Season; Eye More Foreign Help Next Year". Amusement Business. 115 (49): 11, 12.
  37. MacDonald, Brady (August 28, 2014). "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2015". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  38. https://www.frontiercity.com/rides/new-brain-drain/
  39. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  40. "Dragons Fly at Castle Park: Larson Scooters now open". Park World Magazine. May 30, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  41. MacDonald, Brady (September 3, 2015). "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2016". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  42. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  43. Ruben, Paul (May 7, 2009). "Story Land". Park World Magazine. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  44. Barbieri, Kelly (February 3, 2003). "Hersheypark prepares for new rides, food". Amusement Business. 115 (5).
  45. "Kernels – May 2012". Park World Magazine. May 9, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  46. "World's Largest Larson Loop coming to Six Flags Great America - WildGravity Travels". WildGravity Travels. August 31, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  47. https://www.darienlake.com/rides/rides-thrill/rolling-thunder/
  48. "New at Knott's". Park World Magazine. December 12, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  49. https://www.facebook.com/IndianaBeachAmusementPark/photos/a.337714677198.150905.337613147198/10153641891002199/?type=1&theater/
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.