Are These The Rarest Carnival Rides In America?

This week we are looking at a collection of what are probably some of the rarest carnival rides in the United States. From the 1940's to the 1980's, Garbrick Manufacturing produced a number of different rides at their shop in Centre Hall Pennsylvania. Although they no longer manufacture carnival rides, they still operate them at carnivals on the east coast.
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[@PeteRondeau]

Follow our carnival ride restorations here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqrIm5dtgbd-g7M

[@DIYGene]

Great video Pete. Very interesting video. Although the rides look to be in good shape, they seem to be lacking a lot of the old decorations.

[@Binx345me]

You don't happen to have a Huss Rainbow in storage for restoration do you?

[@elcheapo5302]

Some beautiful classic rides. Nice to see them still doing their thing. Great video, Pete!

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks so much! I really am happy that they can keep these rides moving.

[@Coyotek4]

In terms of speed, that Flying Saucer ride really reminded me of an Enterprise ... though of course, with these cars, this one could never go to so high of an angle. It does look impressive.

[@ThatEverydayEnthusiast]

I mean they could if it went faster.

[@PeteRondeau]

I can see that comparison, yes.

[@naughtiasteffano9885]

I believe these were converted Spit fires! Same ride but had little plane that barrel roll upside down.

[@d4m4s74]

So many classics. Here in the Netherlands some fairs have a "nostalgic" section but that's usually just a caterpilar, a merry go round, a whirligig, a whip and maybe a cakewalk

[@SixRoundsStudio]

That was a fun video Pete! Love the history of old machines.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks Bill!

[@rebelcat420]

I remember a lot of these rides from my childhood. Growing up in central PA, it seems like every fair and carnival had a number of these rides.

[@PeteRondeau]

well central PA is Garbrick country so not surprising they'd be around.

[@lenvonspeedcult517]

I really dig your videos. I own Garbrick Wheel serial No. 1 from 1946. I restored it 5 years ago and we use it for all our backyard parties. I also built a ride I call the "roaster coaster". It's basically a cross between the old Cedar Point Demon Drop and a Zipper. It also has two Go-Go cages and flamethrowers. If you ever are around Detroit, hit me up. Len

[@ThatEverydayEnthusiast]

:O ARE YOU THE ONE WHO WAS FEATURED IN A SHOW ON AN EPISODE TITLED SOMETHING ABOUT AN “ABUSEMENT PARK?” If so, that ride looks amazing and ridiculously intense. That’s so cool. I wish I could put together stuff like that. The most of anything I’ve been able to build related to any of my hobbies are my two self-designed MIDI busker organs.

[@PeteRondeau]

I've seen video of the Roaster Coaster, that thing is insane. Glad you stopped by here!

[@michaelchorbasr1291]

Len, I am obsessed with the Roaster coaster you built. So amazing. I also saw a video of your Garbrick wheel. Very nice refurbishment. As you I have backyard amusement rides, last year we bought a Molina and Sons coaster. Currently we are repainting the coaster train. I thought it would be cool if you could build me a coaster like yours without the go-go cages and flame throwers though. I’m working on buying 2 more antique rides at the moment. Our first ride we bought was an Alan Herschel 1957 Little Beauty Carousel. I love having this stuff for our big parties. Would love to connect with you. I think what you have done is great!

[@kennethgustavison1812]

That was AWESOME! I love amusement rides of all types from all times. Everyone is so obsessed with new and fancy ways to spin around, but I really enjoy these old rides too.Thank you so much for posting this. I subscribed and will probably be buying the book with your link.

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad to have you along! I pretty much focus on the older stuff, mostly prior to 1990, but the older the better.

[@scottbrandner6596]

What book?

[@TheTrumpReaper]

I wish that there were a (really big) museum for these ancient still-operating rides.

[@PeteRondeau]

Me too!

[@gregmalin6892]

Another great video! Nice to see these old rides in operation. I've seen an Allan herschell helicopter ride before here in Cape breton Nova scotia a number of years back. The kids rode it, and at the same carnival, we rode a king frolic. Great to see these rides!

[@johnpatterson4272]

I have never seen so many vintage amusement rides in one place at one time. Here in Ontario, Canada in the 60s, 70s and 80s they were plentiful and found at every small town fair and exhibition. In the 21st century for the same places they have vanished due to oppressive insurance costs to continue their operation. Thanks for the video.

[@janmcguire5268]

Wow, thanks for showing us those old rides!

[@PeteRondeau]

You're welcome!

[@richardlee1092]

Great stuff! Takes me back to county fair kids day!

[@tommyhanlon5903]

Stunning views best of luck thanks for sharing

[@rogerestill9275]

Thanks for this video. Got to see some rides I've never seen before and I've seen plenty. Been "with it" since the early 80s

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad I could show you something new!

[@michaelchorbasr1291]

Awesome video! I really enjoy your content, thanks for sharing and taking the time to do this.

[@ThatEverydayEnthusiast]

I love the carousel. The jumpers being angled like they are for stacking is smart.

[@PeteRondeau]

Garbrick was always focused on making things easy to move.

[@bretthays2674]

I''m glad you went down the rabbit hole, this is a great video.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks, Brett- ironically, if I had made the original video I was planning on making, it would have included the footage of you powder coating wheels. lol

[@kingsislandfanboy]

I love these old flat rides. Especially any Eyerly Aircraft ride. Great Video!

[@PeteRondeau]

Many thanks!

[@theshowersinger6681]

Eyerly Roll-o-Plane is my favorite ride of all time. I love when it lifted to the rolls were to each side, it felt so out of control crashing from side to side against fellow passengers and laughing.

[@darrelc6746]

These are cool pieces i never seen them before.

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad I could share them!

[@darrelc6746]

@@PeteRondeau Thank you for sharing them great video.

[@ScottyMania313]

Awesome video. I like the lighting package on the Roll-o-Plane.

[@PeteRondeau]

a combination of vintage and modern.

[@timothyhughes6814]

Great video Pete! Glad I could help. I appreciate all the work that you put into your videos.

[@PeteRondeau]

I appreciate the invite and all the help with fact-checking!

[@sjtom57]

Love those old classic rides. Nice vid.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank You!

[@davidchristensen6908]

Thank you I enjoyed the video. As always.

[@Binx345me]

Great video! It just popped up on recommended but recently I dreamed of old amusement park rides (30's to 60's) that were waay before my time. Then thought about it all with a nostalgia I don't really have. Most of these are are new to me, and I have never seen them in oerson, a few I knew about and glad to see covered.

[@darrennorman1108]

Roller plane is called dive bomber in England great video some lovely older rides

[@bryankindred2902]

Interesting video and great footage. Thanks for sharing.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks for watching!

[@daffers2345]

What a fascinating video! I love learning about rare old rides and learning abour attempts to save them. I know the Turbo is basically the Holy Grail of the rare rides. Maybe someday ... Thank you for mentioning that some rides have had features disabled these days. The only Roll-O-Plane I've ridden still spins laterally during its cycle in addition to the vertical movements. I have heard that it's rare to find one like that, but I didn't know that it was something that could be adjusted or changed.

[@johngentil1835]

Hi Pete! This has to be one of my favorite videos you've put together. I truly believe the older rides may look tame but can feel quite intense and scary, even the kiddy rides. I'm a huge fan of a good ol' Cobra/Viper and the Octopus of old. What really made this video special was the grandkids experiencing these old rides with dad and grandpa. Keep upthe good work.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks so much, I'm glad to hear you appreciated it!

[@YIKES615]

Enjoy your videos, well done.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank You!

[@dpacyau]

I like that most of these rides are absent the adornments to make the pretty so you can see the mechanisms that drive the rides.

[@PeteRondeau]

Especially the helicopter for me. So much going on in the center of that ride - or getting to see the truck rear-end differential that is driving the octopus.

[@lotsatrains]

Great video Pete and I remember going on that Hustler ride at a local carnival as a kid and thought exactly the same thing from watching it but went on it with my dad and a couple other people and that thing took off 😂

[@PeteRondeau]

I remember riding it as a kid, but I clearly didn't remember it well.. I mean it wasn't crazy- I would do it again, just unexpected.

[@MonteD1]

Awesome that these are preserved and in use! Thanks for the video.

[@Coyotek4]

The video marks the first time I've ever heard the name "Nittany" without hearing "Lions" or references to Penn State.

[@PeteRondeau]

Well, we have a mountain here "Mount Nittany" And the Garbrick family shops sat at the base of that mountain in Centre Hall Pa.

[@ShawnDyck]

Great video

[@jayducharme]

I used to run a Wisdom Tempest at an amusement park. They were really fragile. The main I-beam was driven by a small chain that was prone to snapping. But I liked the speed control on it. By varying the speed slightly, you could get the tubs to spin mercilessly. 😁

[@naughtiasteffano9885]

Omg you guys are so fun. I’ve always had a very deep obsession with rides. I build models of traveling ones. I especially love doing the art work and painting on them. I built quite a few of the older Chance rides. My absolute favorite ride is the Skydiver. I haven’t seen one since 98ish. I really wish people would save them and keep them going. I’d love to restore one. I built one in 1:87 scale. It’s my dream to own one. If you guys ever decide to do one count me as a teammate! 💯 I’d gladly volunteer to help. Another classic that they made was a Turbo! That is a wild looking ride. It was before my time in the 1970s. and they stopped traveling in the 80s when I was getting into rides as a little girl. 😢everyone said it was a spectacular ride. I love the way it racked too! There’s only one left running in the world and it is in Australia

[@orvudsstudios]

Can't wait to see the Tempest setup vid, always been curious about that one, a personal favorite. Ever run into a Chance Radar? We had one here at the county fair back in the 90's but it just vanished into history, sadly... Wish it'd make a comeback somewhere!

[@PeteRondeau]

Unfortunately, I have not seen a radar.

[@gjacobson76]

I have been watching and enjoying your videos for a while. I wanted to tell you about Little Amerrika in Marshall, Wisconsin. We really enjoy taking our children there. They have some vintage rides and the longest narrow gage railroad ( about 3miles). They have a machine shop and build train engines. You should look into it and try to go there to do a video and possibly an interview. They have a campground and you can ride the train to the ride grounds. They are responsible priced and have a friendly staff.

[@PeteRondeau]

I've never been there, but Carpetbagger had a video about it earlier this year and my comment was "The selection of rides at this park appear to be right up my alley"

[@dennisholtby2140]

Love the video, as usual. cute grandkids.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank you!

[@rexnewcombe8337]

Pete, that one ride reminds me of Hrubetz Spitfire.

[@PeteRondeau]

yes, thats a good comparison, a spitfire without wings.

[@Elavator66]

It's like a non-inverting Huss Enterprise!

[@PeteRondeau]

Yes, a few folks have made that comparison. I agree, it is like a very early enterprise

[@devospice]

OMG! I have never been on the Roll-O-Plane but I have always wanted to! When I was a kid I was too small to go on it, then when I was finally big enough nobody had that ride anymore. Although my mother told me they were called the Salt and Pepper Shakers. (Unless that was a different manufacturer.) I didn't know any of these were still in operation!

[@PeteRondeau]

A lot of people call them the salt & pepper shakers. They still run one at Knoebels amusement park here in PA. That one has the horizontal function as well. So, you haven't lost out on your chance- they are still out there.

[@devospice]

@@PeteRondeau Oh sweet, thanks! I'm from New Jersey. Now I have an excuse to get out to Knoebels. :)

[@GhostRider50918]

Nice how cool those are classic amusement

[@SaraAB87]

Flying saucer reminds me of the SDC hang 10, a ride I am hunting for after seeing it at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg NY around 2008. I found the ride sitting in a field in Ohio thanks to the used rides website so it doesn't look like it will be running anytime soon. I've been on a few of these rides, I have a video of the king frolic and a video of the hang 10 but they aren't uploaded at the moment on my channel.

[@aaron.0303]

2:43 This was the ride that caught my attention. The Spinner. It's probably "no single riders" though like the other great rides such as Zipper and Chance Skydiver and Tumbler.

[@PeteRondeau]

Well, you could ride it, but without another rider to counter balance you, you'd just be looking at the sky the entire time.

[@mustang0464]

Another great video Pete. My favorite carnival ride when I was a kid is The Tempest. Please do a video about that one if you can.

[@PeteRondeau]

Hope to get to it next spring.

[@ytzpilot]

The spinner is just a seatbelt that’s awesome 😂

[@Blather]

Thanks for another great video, Pete!

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks for watching!

[@langr752]

2:13 I feel like we’re transported back to the 50s what an amazing carnival… by the way I see what we called the rock and roll, which was like a spinning drum and a small indoor arcade family fun center from when I was little little

[@langr752]

The tumbler … oh wait you said the rock ‘n’ roll the place on long island was called space Plex It was amazing but I think the owner took off with all the money one night

[@langr752]

5:05 wait did Hersheypark have that or Dutch Wonderland? I remember it you went completely vertically upside down right?

[@crazyleyland5106]

Good to see some rides that aren't as scary as most fairground rides. I myself don't like being subjected to too much g, or plummeting. With the King Rocket ride, those space shuttles are historic in their own right. Here in the UK one of my local travelling fairs has a 1930s built Eli Bridges Atlantic Star Ferris wheel which they take around the south and east of England. My local fair had, in the 80s, the Willy's Dive Bombers, very much like the one shown here- there are a few of these in Britain. I've only seen one Rok 'n' Roll- I think there are only 1 or 2 in Britain.

[@PeteRondeau]

I love carnival rides but I can't take too much of the spinning any more.

[@SamConran-u7p]

When I was a kid in Blackpool I remember a roundabout ride where u sit in a cage thing and it it spun u 360 bit like the one u show but closer to ground

[@ThatDogBarks.]

Omg Hell yeah man!

[@dananderson3077]

Wow, nice one Pete and cool to see a working version of your restoration project.......

[@PeteRondeau]

yes, gives me a bit of motivation to get the lead out and make some progress!

[@DanielAgustin-z7o]

One ride that I miss and is hard to find is the double stacked ferris wheel. I don't know who the manufacturer is, but I would love to see that ride make a comeback.

[@flynlr]

believe those are chance sky wheels . rode the dickens out of the one at the Long Beach Pike in socal.

[@charlesg4640]

@@flynlryep that’s it! The SkyWheel. The most attractive amusement park ride on the grounds in my opinion. James E. Strates Shows had it when I was growing up at our state fair in Delaware and there was one many years ago in Ocean City, MD. I do miss seeing them.

[@damegataco]

The flying saucer is like the enterprise (I think that's the name), but with open top cars that sit across and doesn't angle up nearly as much.

[@AlphaFlight]

There's something about a classic show. Fluorescent lights simple designs.

[@thehamelsduck1600]

The Flying Saucer reminds me a little of the Magic Carpet that Wisdom built although it was on a platform like a Gravatron. They have some really cool old pieces. Thanks for sharing them with us Pete.

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

The flying saucer reminds me more of a Huss Enterprise without going vertical and smaller. In general these rides look very barebones compared to our european ones, but I love it. Gives it a sorta retro and industrial theme that I personally enjoy very much. Would love to get some rides on these.

[@PeteRondeau]

Well, also keep in mind that all the rides in this video were produced from the 1930's to the 1980's They are a product of their time.

[@craigpringle5937]

You may want to check out the centre county grange fair next aug it is in center hall pa which is also garbricks home town

[@BIGTRUCK7.3]

In okoboji Iowa they used to have a permit roll-o-plane And I remember when I was younger while riding it the main drive chain broke and we got left upside down. Talk about a freaky situation when you're a kid.

[@harrycalder]

Knoebels still has their Merry Mixer, if you're looking to see one in operation again.

[@PeteRondeau]

Oh, i've seen it. I was just meaning that I hadn't seen Garbrick's own version that they personally own.

[@randomized4266]

Huey's Amusements in PA owns a merry mixer I believe.

[@PeteRondeau]

I'll ask him about it next time I see him.

[@IBMWREAL]

Glad you had fun

[@davefroman4700]

Flying saucer reminds me of an early enterprise.

[@SamConran-u7p]

Ahh u show it at end garbrick tumble it is never forgot it

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

A few rare rides I've seen & rode are a rim driven Rock O Plane, Fly O Plane, Hrubetz Fireball, King Frolic, Hustler, and Huss Flipper. I mat be wrong, but I think the Brookhaven Exchange Club has a King Rocket ride. I may be able to get to their fall carnival to verify that in October.

[@PeteRondeau]

A rim driven Rock-o-plane is a rarity. The only one i've ever seen was for sale earlier this month in Texas.

[@jacksonseyl5255]

I think the ride I would compare the Flying Saucer to is an A.R.M. Quasar.

[@BubaLabinski223]

Mr.Rondeau Jeffrey Barry from Lebanon PA I just thought of something. I guess it was your grandchild or something that asked you about the funnel cake when you’re on the tempest ride reminds me of me at Hersheypark. I just got done eating a big meal and I go on the rotorand that’s when you stick to the wall and the floor drop out from under you. I loved it didn’t get sick at all. I loved it will take care and keep those I enjoy you especially when you go visit like this and assemble the rides I like restoration stuff too.

[@PeteRondeau]

I used to love Hershey's rotor when I was a kid. But, one year I made a mistake. The line was empty so my brother and I rode it 3 times back-to-back. That was a mistake. I don't think I ever rode it again.

[@BubaLabinski223]

@@PeteRondeau Hershy had the cameras in the rotor and I remember the monitors outside. People could watch and one person threw up and it didn’t fly out or nothing. It just went back in their face because the gravity or whatever the force it just soaked them with. Puke.

[@dougberdan3906]

The ride it makes me think of is an Enterprise, I can also see some resemblance to a paratrooper

[@zacharybabcock7809]

We used to have a frolic in my town before it was replaced by a wisdom tornado

[@PeteRondeau]

Yes, that would be the modern day equivalent.

[@xsm5525]

nice video! what about "the turbo" is that rare?

[@PeteRondeau]

@@xsm5525 very. I’d love to see one

[@tomasruzhidalgo]

I’d like to see a Flying bobs set up

[@askjeevescosby2928]

He goes to the carnival and steals parts off the ride 🤣

[@scottbrandner6596]

That's me lol even though my dad makes more than 30 bucks a hour.

[@elidavidson5503]

Do you know how I would actually find where one of Garbrick's shows are? They do not have a schedule listed as far as I can see. Very cool

[@PeteRondeau]

Best way would probably be to reach out to them through their facebook page. Their time is done for the season up here in PA and they are heading to warmer weather. Right now they are in Pamplico South Carolina

[@raymondmcmillan788]

YEAH THE SPINNER DOES LOOK LIKE A ROCK O PLANE

[@Coyotek4]

I have to assume you have been to Knoebels at some point ... and if not, you *really* need to go. They have both a Roll-o-Plane (dubbed "Satelite") that still gets to horizontal during the ride cycle *and* a Merry Mixer. They also have a Tumbler (dubbed "Looper") ... honestly, I never thought I'd see those tubs on a Ferris wheel like in the video.

[@PeteRondeau]

Yes, I have spent quite a bit of time at Knoebels.

[@scottbrandner6596]

Hi! I'm a 10 year old kid that likes theme park rides. My "backyard coaster" is just a wagon down a hill. Sometimes a make a carnival for my family witch the rides are normally just the wagon, a scooter track, and a a shell-shaped sandbox lid that people move around for it to move. Do you have any suggestions for rides that i can set up in less than 40 mins?

[@societyofamusementparkhistory]

Strickers has a King Rocket ride, however kind of hard to get in there.

[@PeteRondeau]

Yes, I would like to get in there. Unfortunately only being open to the public 3 or 4 days a year makes it tough to fit in the schedule. I sent them a message once about the possibility of stopping out on an off day just to get some pictures of the rocket but never heard back.

[@societyofamusementparkhistory]

@@PeteRondeau I went on Labor Day, lovely park. Highly recommend a stop there

[@davefroman4700]

I used to love going to fun fairs and carnivals. Then I went to Europe and saw theirs and it just ruined it for me. The showmen over there really dress up the rides and add a lot of lights, scenery, lasers, smoke shows you name it. Even the food and games are better.

[@Ricardo-x1t1n]

The rock n roll too

[@liamcollinson5695]

I happen to live in a town with a incredibly old fair hull fair uk its over 700 years old and the oldest ride is a 140 year old merry go round i would recommend at least watching a video on it they is a fair few more unusual rides like we get multiple tagada which i believe are banned in the us due to the lack of restraints they really are and i incredibly dangerous but fun

[@timfischer]

Why did they disable the functionality on the flying saucer? 4:42

[@PeteRondeau]

I believe it causes extra wear and tear on the ride. The function still exists because it is used during the setup process but they no longer run it that way with passengers.

[@timfischer]

@@PeteRondeau Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to your next "progress" video (and any other videos you care to post)

[@jamescotter5376]

They're more family shows like that.Are the best show. That was a great

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jf9488]

The flying saucer tubs are supposed to be space ships, UFOs.

[@Ricardo-x1t1n]

I saw a version of the rock o plane and the yo yo

[@evenglare]

When I was young I used to go to a fair every year ever since I can remember. There's one ride I remember but have never seen showcased on the internet. Have you ever come across a ride that had like... white cages, that were attached by a cable to a center rotating axis. I think I remember the center rotating part being red. The riders would climb in the cages and they would lock then they would begin the ride and the cages would swing outward. Similar to the classic swing rides we see now days. I dont know, i might even be just misremembering because it was so long ago. But I've done some deep research and have never come across this. The company I believe was Crabtree Amusements. But Im not completely sure if this company was supplying the rides because it was so long ago when I was a little kid. Anyone have any ideas of what I'm talking about ?

[@PeteRondeau]

Look up the flying scooter ride and see if that is roughly the center you remember. Back in the day, there were DIY plans available to make cages to replace the original flying scooter tubs. That may be what you rode.

[@evenglare]

@@PeteRondeau Yeah that does look very similar to what I remember.

[@PeteRondeau]

The other ride it might be would be a ride called the Flying Comet made by King. You should be able to find some pictures of that online.

[@izzynutz2000]

I have set up and ran and torn down both the Hustler and a tempest in my opinion The Tempest is a better ride

[@raymondmcmillan788]

THE ROCK O PLANE ON DRUGS

[@PeteRondeau]

lol

[@sumguy8]

acrost is not a word

[@Scott-yi7jc]

Do not leave children unsupervised at carnivals. I was brut____ moles___ by a man and his son in the seventies. My life was completely destroyed! Now that I have nothing to live for I'm seeking closure. I have been trying to find the names of my aggressors but the industry is trying to hide it. The show was called the Bill hames show which is now carnival Americana. All I need is closure!