Twist (attraction)

Concept and operation

The first concept was developed in 1959 by the american company Eli Bridge. It was imported into England in 1979 but was already traditional with the the United States.

Attraction consists of a horse-gear of three arms at the end of each one whose a bunch of nacelles is suspended. At the same time the main axis supporting the arms and the bunches can turn. This effect gives the feeling of a fast movement of dance or rotary blade, from where the various names, closer to nicknames given to attraction: Twister , Cyclone , Sizzler (chopper), Scrambler (mixing) or Grasscutter (mower) and Cha Cha in Australia.

The number of revolutions varies according to the position of the nacelle compared to the principal circle, more quickly on the circumference than near to the axis of the arm.

Sub-types

There exist two sub-types with the Twist, the " grasscutter" and the " sizzler".

Grasscutter Twist

The Grasscutter Twist has a simple metal reinforcement and not platform. This version enough " rustique" and very popular with the United States and is associated with the popular imagery of the pastoral fun fairs.

There exists a variation called Scrambler (American nickname) with a circular structure placed towards the top of attraction. Vertical metal bars encircle the top of attraction and are used as supports with decorative lightings.

The majority of attractions of this type were built by Eli Bridge.

Sizzler Twist

The Sizzler Twist has a finer metal armarture but n the other hand often has a partial or complete platform. It is with the arrival of this sub-type that the manufacturers engaged on the way of esthetics of attraction.

Here versions developed by certain manufacturers:

Bennett & pollards : These versions have smaller circumferences between the center of attraction and the bunches. They have moreover of the cylindrical structures at the top of the axis power station, making them very similar to Scramblers.

PWS Sizzler , Sonacase Twister : These two versions have a platform but not objects at the top of the central structure. The reinforcement is often n the other hand very enlightened.

Wisdom' S Sizzler : This version does not have a platform but preserves a fine reinforcement. One second structure and placed at the top of the 3 arms, consisted of 3 twisted structures. L'" esthétique" was pushed until putting lights on all the attarction, nacelles included/understood. Attraction goes emptier than Scrambler or Wisdom' S Super Sizzler.

Wisdom' S Super Sizzler : This version has a platform, an aspect very close to Sizzler with in more one decoration behind attraction. It can also turn in opposite direction.

Alternatives

From the concept of this very popular attraction was created into 1985 the breakdances.

External bonds

Al the Fun off the Fair - history off the U.K. funfairs and lists off current wrinkles.
Al the Fun off the Fair Twists has database off dolly twists in the U.K. with pictures.
Twist History At the National Fairground Files

Manufacturer

Eli Bridge Company
Sonacase LTD
Wisdom Wrinkles

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