Hrubetz Paratrooper Info and History - Flat Ride of the Week 52

[@TheHiredGun187]

I used be a carney for 2 years and had to help set this ride up after I got done setting up my ride (The Zipper). I miss working the shows, you meet alot of nice people from all over the country.

[@UEdiver]

Thank you for sharing this. The Paratrooper was and is still one of my favorite flat rides ever. Where I live at in Indiana, there were four at point operating in the state. Including one that I operated for a while at Fun Spot Park in Angola, IN during 2002. Now there is just one left in the state in Monticello, IN.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

These were so fun and visually appealing as a kid. Especially If the was glitter in the paint!

[@jimmypiontek8872]

Here in Germany are some „paratroopers“ with a different lifting mechanism like a wave swinger. The whole ride goes up straight and then tilts. The tilting angle also rotates. The gondolas have each 3 riders capacity and can also be turned around by the operator. This type is called Hollywod-Star by Fähtz.

[@markvolpe2305]

I've seen videos of some models where the cars would rotate.

[@philjones1432]

We have that type in the UK now too. I haven't been on one but they have been to my town. They look faster that the old style ones.

[@thrillridefreak8884]

Dartron also made another lifting Paratrooper type ride called Star Trooper. The carts on that one can fit up to 4 people and you can either choose to sit facing clockwise or counterclockwise. Not sure if thats the right term to use but you get my point. This ride is no longer in production though.

[@JEdwardBanasikJr]

I took my 5-year old son on one back in the mid-90s thinking it was like an updated classic. It ran way too fast and was just all centrifugal force. It terrified the hell out of him. To this day he won't talk to me and he's now 32 years old .🤪

[@seanmce8132]

I truly don't understand why these slow gentle rides give me headaches and neck tightness, yet I can ride pretty much everything else.

[@jaovitorbecker1302]

Here in Brazil we have the Delta, a most thrilling and modern version of the paratrooper, manufactured by Três Eixos. This ride reaches twice the height reached by paratrooper, and can be found in the Rio de Janeiro's Tivoli Park. The ride is quite intense although it doesn't look like it.

[@Coyotek4]

Paratroopers will never crack a personal 'Top Ten' list for me, but I always enjoy them. I've ridden the one at Knoebels with my daughter multiple times; on one occurrence, my cap blew off my head (but thankfully was easily recoverable after the ride was over). I don't think I've ridden one elsewhere, but way back in the day, Dorney Park had a version that was 'permanently lifted'; I only learned from watching this video the reason why. (I remember one at Keansburg Beach in NJ too, but those days are far in the past now, sadly.) I think I rode a Cliff Hanger once; did *not* care for it at all and won't personally ask for that version to get its own FROTW video.

[@mickywinks4700]

The original paratroopers had a gasoline engine on them. They had a single pole support very similar to a Rollo plane. If you have ever ridden one, you could not say that it was boring. They went so fast that you would think that your seat was going to fly off the wheel. They pulled some major g's. There was one of these still operating at a small park here in Texas up until around ten years ago. I rode it once. It was quite intense compared to the rim/drive hydrollic models.

[@zacharyj1004]

This was my first family thrill ride I rode back when I was like 5 and it holds a place in my heart. I've seen them run fast sometimes, slow and even backwards. I've ridden one similar called Star Trooper and it was very slow.

[@CarnivalUmbreon]

My family used to have the older style electric drive Paratrooper. Which I think predates the rim drive I think

[@BassGuitarSlide]

Schwarzkopf also made some of these rides - they are called "Ski Lift" and one of them travels in Switzerland. I experienced this rarity in Basel 2018 - it was surprisingly intense and loads of fun!

[@tufab3494]

In Brazil we always called this ride "Twister". It was one of my favorites at my home park, alongside their old hurricane ride. Unfortunatelly this hurricane ride I mentioned killed 3 teenagers in Rio de Janeiro after it was recolated.. Edit: you could make a video on the Hurricane ride if you haven't done it yet!

[@robertdecker7046]

Loved this ride as a kid!! I have seen another version called the Startrooper. It went much faster and the seats could seat people on either side. It started flat then went up in the slant like the Paratrooper. It was really fun!

[@StopGhozting]

Just wanted to point out that there is another type of paratrooper ride called a 'Supertrooper' made my UK manufacturer PWS. It is a paratrooper that would start spinning on the platform then it lifts up vertically and once at top it will tilt from one side to another, it's a pretty unique one. Also it had an amazing lighting package on most of them

[@sirrides-a-lot7153]

There's quite a few Paratroopers here in Ohio. McGinnis Amusements, Big O, and I think Kissel Amusement all have one. There's one at the park at the Columbus Zoo too. That's the only one I can ride because they don't have the no single riders requirement on it (Dartron implemented that sometime in the late 2000s....the last time I remember being able to ride one by myself at a fair was 2005. That was also the same year I last saw one go backwards. Bates Amusement had an ARM model called Super Trooper. It had the "paper plane" bonnets on it. In 1992 Dartron debuted the Startrooper which is essentially a sped up Paratrooper that has seats facing both ways and lifts up. It's a really fast ride, it runs at about 15 RPM.

[@paulfabre6058]

Both Frank Hrubetz and Ray Eyerly were quite interesting guys. Along with Dick Chance and Allen Herschell, all of these guys were truly pioneers. Early Bud Hurlbuts if you will. I think that it would be most interesting and important for posterity if a person (you) were to publish a biography of all of these guys. If for nothing else to help elevate them to the level of recognition that Bacon & Morgan get nowadays. Thanks for the new and improved version of FROTW. I am really enjoying it. NOW- On to my awesome suggestions. #1 Velare Space Wheels. #2 Sky Wheels-A/H & Chance. #3 Tagadas. I was too lazy to look if you have done them yet but, Trabant, Chance/Herschell? Rock-n-Roll, Chance Toboggan, Schiff Wild Mouse, and maybe the entire Eyerly "O-Plane" catalog: Rock-O, Roll-O, & Fly-O. Keep up the good work. This is important.

[@edgetaker]

Adventureland in Addison, IL, introduced the lifting version as the "Super-paratrooper" sometime in the early 1970's. I remember riding it a few times before the park closed due to competition with Marriott's (later Six Flags) Great America which opened in 1976.

[@markvolpe2305]

Six Flags Darien Lake has a rare Fahtze model named Haymaker which is a nice family ride and has a foot chopper effect with the control booth.

[@freednighthawk]

We've still got a Hrubetz ground model Paratrooper at Lagoon. Been operating since 1966. It's quite smooth and pretty fast, though it does have the whole loading issue. Also, Lagoon built small little humps into the concrete for loading and unloading, which caused me to whack my head pretty good on the edge of the cover. (I'm 6'6)

[@dindog22]

I have always wanted to ride one of these. never had the chance

[@chrisgardiner2215]

they are fun, don't listen to this guy

[@NYsam15]

I’ll always be in love with the Paratrooper, partially because it was at all the summer carnivals here in Western New York. There was this awesome little park called Midway Park near Jamestown, NY (I think the park is still there) they had a lifting Paratrooper!

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

Grew up through my early childhood years riding the one at Kennywood, which was unfortunately removed after the 2020 season. It ran faster than the other four permanent models I’ve done (Waldameer, Idlewild, Conneaut Lake and Indiana Beach). I also did one transportable model that easily ran faster than the other ones.

[@mr.timusproductions116]

That first lifting paratrooper you showed was, at least to me, oddly mesmerizing- It felt impressive. Probably because of those lights-

[@GbHandlebar]

In the UK, we also have Super Trooper rides, which are an interesting variation on the theme. They superficially look similar, but the frame rises up a central column before first tipping in one direction and then tipping at an increased angle in the other. The original versions of these were created by Northern Amusements, I think back in the 90s. However, PWS started making their own version just a few years back. They’re built to be travelled, but Alton Towers has presented one (“Funk ‘N’ Fly”) for the past two seasons.

[@johnwengrow1721]

Very true! A properly running Paratrooper is definitely not boring. And speaking of Indiana Beach--theirs has been slowed down and the lift reduced compared to when it was installed in 1980-sadly!

[@Alleghenymike1]

I can tell you the hydraulic lifting Paratroopers came in the early 1960s. The one at Glen Echo MD collapsed when the spindle snapped. I have pictures we took when we were there.

[@BAKU2K2]

Hrubetz also offered the Paratrooper as a conversation for Spitfires. To my knowledge, there are no Spitfires operating in their original configuration, as all of them had been converted into Paratroopers, mainly for increased ridership and less maintenance.

[@johnfaulders9880]

We have a Paratrooper ride at Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware!

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

Paratroopers are a fun ride. Cliff Hanger on the other hand is fun, but pretty uncomfortable.

[@punchfisttop]

The lifting Paratrooper is one of my favs ever! When Geauga Lake got rid of theirs's and replaced it with a YO YO I was heart broken!!!!

[@johnwengrow1721]

love paratrooper

[@winterbonnie_8]

Paratrooper is also stationed at Silverwood Theme Park, I rode it there for the first time and I found it an enjoyable experience

[@Doommaster1994]

They have one of these at the Puyallup Fair. Never rode it though since I don't like vertical G-forces.

[@FunFairRides]

finally watched one of your videos!!! Really enjoyed it! Thanks for asking, using the footage and giving credit. If there is anymore of my videos you find useful feel free to use them

[@CoasterCollege]

Thank you!

[@caliendosbandanapoletanach5213]

I can remember some of the early style 'troopers being operated incredibly fast, so fast the seats would fly out inline with the sweeps.

[@Coyotek4]

Still on my personal FROTW wishlist: Matterhorn / Flying Bobs & Trabant / Hully Gully - these were mentioned in a previous video, and I look forward to seeing them. . Orbiter Miami Hurricane . [old-school and/or unique] Boomerang ... I remember seeing this at Casino Pier a LONG time ago, when I was too young for such things 'Sidewheeler' (or maybe 'Sidewinder') ... looking a bit like the inner workings of a watch, this one-of-a-kind SFGA installation was something to see

[@godisg1]

Huss came out with a version that seats 3 riders. The one I rode and operated was at Darien Lake

[@markvolpe2305]

That's not a Huss, it's a Heintz Fahtze model along with the Silver Bullet.

[@micoasters]

One of my fave flats, I just rode my first one this summer and loved it. Also Thanks for using my footage. I believe the paratrooper in my videos came from Martian’s fantasy island/ Niagara amusement park after doing some reasearch. I hate those cliffhanger rides. My ribs are sore when I come off

[@BigDaddy36254]

The one at Waldameer is pretty good. Although I was kinda dizzy by the end of it’s longer cycle. It is probably one of the best I have rode.

[@jobdrive]

in germany, the paratrooper is called TWISTER. The carousel is a classic, unfortunately there are only a few left in europe

[@44bthknuckles]

the cobra in a double paratrooper variation made by venture rides.the cliff hanger is based on startroooper

[@juliennizan3129]

Crazy now that we have a years worth of flat ride of the weeks now!

[@CiarraMMichelle]

These and Star Flyers are my favorite rides!!

[@klcrist]

It is a shame that Kennywood removed their lifting Paratrooper, but there is still a lifting Paratrooper at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania.

[@GermiesCoasterYard]

If it's any indicator on the low capacity of the raised models, we have one at the zoo that always has long lines, and not because it's popular. Most of our quese, most of the time, can be emptied loading one cycle. Not fun, especially when guests are ready to exit the attraction.

[@Rantasalmi47]

2:07 1962, Located at linnanmäki in finland, located nearly in the middle of their current drop tower kingi and walk-through attraction Pellen Talo. edit: 2:18 instatly after launch they were cheap, thats actually how Linnanmäki got one, they got more expensive over the years.

[@danielmkubacki]

Funland in Rehoboth De has a Paratrooper they run it fowards and backwards.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I always ride the Paratrooper at Knoebels.

[@Capybara1997-o1l]

I have...actually never heard of this! EDIT: HAVE heard of (and ridden) a Cliff Hanger before, and they're even more uncomfortable the more chest a female has. It also puts undue pressure on the chest and lungs, which, combined with the wind speed, can cause issues breathing.

[@BladeGirl92]

I remember riding one at Kennywood before they removed it, other times it was at a fair.

[@djs_projects_repairs]

I've seen them at traveling carnivals and fairs here on the east coast. I've riden both versions the older ones are a little cooler the other you had footage of I actually fell asleep on. I've rode the hang literally u showed and comfort is low even for shorter riders like me.

[@PikaDrewski]

I make it a regular ride for me at Knoebels Amusement Resort as it is my favorite ride there

[@SwankyBC]

pws make super troopers (basically the same), i have seen a few brand new ones come out this year here in uk.

[@timdertim]

An absolute favorite ❤

[@myopnonmusic5525]

only one ive been on was at sandspit cavendish beach, when I first rode it it was one of my favourite rides, now it does nothing for me

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

I’ve ridden the one at the old Bowcraft

[@amyjojinkerson-b6o]

a ride is not made for comfort it is made for thrills

[@princessravendiamond4288]

I've ridden Cliff Hanger flat rides many times and honestly they're really uncomfortable. Sure the hang gliding theme is cool but that's basically it

[@noelehagen6258]

Can you make a video explaining the 7 dwarf mine train

[@44bthknuckles]

dont forget the dartron star trooper do a part 2 of this. the star trooper became the cliffhanger.

[@Duffster115]

can you do one of the Flying Coaster Flat ride aka the Kangaroo at Kennywood wich is the last of its kind in the world?

[@11hughman12]

My week is now complete

[@Coyotek4]

So which ride came first: Paratrooper, Round-Up, or Enterprise? (I always lump them together regarding the lifting mechanism.)

[@markvolpe2305]

Did Hrubetz make an enterprise?

[@emmathomson2244]

A NEW INTRO!

[@brerkris]

awesome!

[@craigschray4486]

I disagree with the authors opinion. This ride is and has been one of my favorites

[@pokemonfanwsbgalt8574]

THE INTRO MUSICCCCC

[@44bthknuckles]

ldting paratroopers are called airbourne and please a part two of paratroopers and competition

[@orionwatts9200]

There's one in fun spot orlando

[@popetzm1]

There's a video of a paratrooper going in reverse. I've rode on a paratrooper that went reverse

[@JEdwardBanasikJr]

I recall riding one of the original non-lifting ones in reverse too during a ride cycle. It was obviously a very slow day at the carnival considering it's low capacity.

[@jasonthomasthomas3056]

You forgot conneut lake Park had now conneut lake Park is now defunct but paratrooper is still there

[@amusementkrazy]

Rip Kennywood’s paratrooper

[@your.L0cal.jester]

Mannnn KennyWood Is was my childhood park 😩

[@jasonthomasthomas3056]

It's a park version

[@jccomfg2736]

Kilinski rides were more luxurious than Hrubetz rides.

[@moogooguypan2514]

Lifting Paratroopers 1961

[@jobdrive]

❤❤

[@AW-hn6ro]

my wish list for FROTW rockstar orbiter round up yo-yo clif hanger

[@ThunderhawkZoe]

I’ve ridden the Paratrooper at Waldameer and I enjoyed it but it wasn’t really anything special. I’d probably rank it similarly to a troika

[@UKThemeParks]

We have a few based at parks over here, they are all dreadful. We do have a couple of travelling ones including an original which ride much better.

[@chrisgardiner2215]

.... 🤔 The Paratrooper ride was for a guy and his sweetheart or a woman and her man ..... or in 2022 a man and his Ibex .... or a hamster girl and her it