Rainbow (ride)
Rainbow[1] is an Amusement park ride created by HUSS Maschinenfabrik of Bremen, Germany (now HUSS Park Attractions of Budapest, Hungary). The Rainbow was manufactured from 1982 to 2000 and is often confused with its cousins Ali Baba and 1001 Nachts plus other similar models. The HUSS Rainbow has developed a vast fan base due to its large stature, smooth ride, bright lights, and iconic motor noise.
| Rainbow | |
|---|---|
.JPG.webp) Rainbow at Linnanmäki in Finland | |
| Status | Discontinued |
| First manufactured | 1982 |
| No. of installations | 42 |
| Manufacturer | HUSS Maschinenfabrik |
Design
There were 42 units produced, which were seen towering atop midways all over the world. The more popular traveling model was created plus several park models. Some units were also converted to the opposite model later in their life. At least 2 units were converted from its older brother Ranger which uses the same trailer and main support structure as the Rainbow.
There was a major accident[2] in Liseberg, Sweden During the 2008 season that forced the shutdown and inspection of all HUSS Rainbows in service. The accident was caused by a potentially unmaintained driveshaft, HUSS ordered the replacement of driveshafts on all remaining rainbows at a cost of about $40,000 USD per unit. Some rides were upgraded but many were scrapped completely or sold for parts.[3] There are about a dozen HUSS Rainbows still operating today.
The popularity of the classic ride has led to its own Facebook page[4] and related Facebook groups,[5] with several websites and forums dedicated to HUSS rides.[6]
The Rainbow was developed in the early 1980s using the mechanics of the Ranger also built by HUSS, and adding a pivot to the end of the arm so the 33 foot gondola always stays upright anywhere in its orbit. It holds 36 passengers in three rows, with 2 persons per seat, for an overall capacity of about 720 riders per hour. An electronically controlled hairpin shaped handle moves into place to keep riders in a seated position; however most of the time you were floating somewhere between the seat and the lap bar. Later owners were required to upgrade with seat-belts for added safety.
The gondola features two statues (typically Hawaiian girls) atop the front railing of the gondola. Underneath is an illuminated cloud that can be seen from the ground. The most popular design features cloud shapes on the side of the gondola that had eyes and a smiley face painted on them. The upper end of the main arm displays a stationary cloud sign with chasing lights that spell "Rainbow" in cursive writing. This hid the two counterweights and added a higher class look. The traditional version has a blue and gold double V-stripe on the main support, but some models had varying colours throughout their lifespan. The overall colours changed from ride to ride, and there were some custom units created with different themes and configurations. Many units were refurbished with modern looks and lighting.
The Rainbow came packaged on three (sometimes possibly four) over-sized trailers or installed as park models. It took a crew of four, about six hours to set up and four hours to tear down. A crane is used to erect the main shaft. When installed, the ride weighs 65 tons, and has a footprint of 20 metres (66 ft) x 17 metres (56 ft). When standing still it is 20 metres (66 ft) tall, but had a flight height of 26.5 metres (87 ft) and was driven by four, 150kW hydraulic motors.
Operation
The ride is run manually with a joystick, although some models were programmed and ran from push-buttons.
It can move in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction with the ability to stop or reverse at any point in its orbit. It was very customary to stop the ride in its up-most position and wait a while, then reverse directions without warning.
The Rainbow was equipped with hairpin shaped lap bars that raise and lower electronically from the main control booth. Most models have a foot pedal to ensure the operator is present.
In about 2000, HUSS required that all Rainbows were to be fitted with seat-belts, which caused many parks to sell their old Rainbows for Ali Baba type models which feature the more modern Over-The-Shoulder restraints, much faster set-up times, and a faster ride with a smaller footprint; but definitely not nearly as a thrilling ride overall. These models are thrilling in a different way and should not be confused with the original HUSS Rainbow.
Some owners equipped their rides with cameras so the operator could see what the riders were doing while in motion, as a deterrent for guests who would slide from under the bars or stand up while the ride was in motion.
Some models were later fitted with a flat aluminum panel instead of the clouds for easier inspection of the two driveshafts underneath the riders' seats.
Accidents
● On July 15, 2008,[7] 30 people[8] were injured when a Rainbow collapsed at Liesberg theme park in Sweden. The ride was dismantled on July 17, 2008. Investigators then confirmed on July 19, 2008, that they had discovered a faulty drive shaft during their inspection. They believed that one of the axles designed to hold the passenger carriage horizontal had failed, causing the gondola to jam on an angle as the arm continued to rotate. HUSS ordered the temporary closure of all Rainbows during their investigation period, afterwards HUSS ordered the replacement of the driveshafts on all remaining rainbows in service.
● On June 9, 2006, a 2-year-old boy broke his arms and legs after falling at least 25 feet (7.6 m) from the "Over the Rainbow" ride at Dixie Landin’ in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was seated next to his 3½-year-old sister but about 8 feet (2.4 m) from his mother at the time; his mother says she was told that the other adjacent seat was out of order.[9]
● On May 26, 2002, a 28-year-old man fell to his death from the Rainbow at Elitch Gardens, when he was standing up on the ride after unlocking his safety restraint. According to the park, the man was part of a group of mentally-challenged individuals on an outing to the park.[10]
Appearances
| Serial # | History | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 41301 | Dragon Temple
This is the first Rainbow ever built. In 1982 HUSS used the frame and supports from a Ranger ride, and added a pivot and a platform gondola to keep passengers right side up during the full ride. It began as a trailer mounted model and was converted to a park model. It is still in operation today. Originally having blue seats, a rainbow stripped arm, 3-colour V-stripes (pink/blue/gold) on the support (which was the standard livery on the Ranger), a bone as the counterweight sign with a tribal mask in the middle, along with two tribal masks on the gondola fence. The ride was built without any lights. It was built for Showman Charles Dehner and toured Germany until it was sold to Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Germany where it lived for 17 years before moving to Sommerland Syd Park, Demnark in 2012; which closed a year later due to bankruptcy. It was sold to Legendia Park in 2014, and is currently operating. It was renamed as "Dragon Temple" and themed with red-brown seats, a yellow arm with brown supports and no face. It has flat metal dragon signs on the fence posts and on the counterweight sign. 1982: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 41307 | Antibesland Rainbow
Trailer mounted with orange seats, white textured arm and a wicked light show! Named "Nuvola" it was the first of 2 Rainbows at Gardaland in Italy. It was pictured having white angels on the gondola instead of Hawiian girls. It was originally seen with a red trailer. 1982 or 1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 41308 | Fleur Rainbow
Trailer mounted with white arm with green outline and blue seats. It can be found at Fête Des Tuileries every year. Thought to be one of the best traveling Rainbow's. 1983: Built |
 Rainbow ride no. 13 |
| 41312 | Kentucky Kingdom Rainbow
Park model, white arm with pink/blue sides on the main arm. Was removed from service as a precaution, after the accident in Sweden. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 41313 | Conklin Rainbow
Trailer mounted with beige seats, white arm pink vertical stripes and blue/pink V-stripes on the main support. It was taken out of service by Conklin after the 1998 season, and appears to have been listed with Moser for sales. 1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 47717 | Wade Show's Rainbow
Park Model converted to trailer mounted with white arm, orange seats, square Rainbow sign on top (handmade by Wade Shows). The backdrop mainly used originated on a HUSS Ranger. In 2008 the Rainbow was taken out of service and stored in their winter headquarters until 2013, where it was refurbished with LED lighting, a new backdrop, paint-job and an upper arm mural. The square Rainbow sign still remains. The refurbished ride was unveiled in January 2014 at the South Florida Fair in the USA and is currently in storage but believed to be retired. It is currently shown as Sold on usedrides.com but its current status is unknown 1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 47718 | Wonderland Texas Rainbow
White arm with gold/blue V-stripes and blue seats. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 47724 | P.N.E. Vancouver Rainbow
Originally a park model with beige seats, seen at Playland as trailer mounted with orange seats, white arm with flowers on it, and gold/blue V-stripes on the main support. It displayed the traditional two Hawaiian girls on the gondola and had a space themed backdrop. It was later fitted with gondola cameras by Playland. 1982: Built |
   Playland Vancouver Rainbow |
| 47725 | Magic Park Land Rainbow
Trailer mounted, From 2000-2010 it was re-themed as "Millennium" where the rainbow and counterweight sign were removed. It was re-themed back to Rainbow by Klinkerfuß who gave it yellow seats with a light blue arm that had light strips down the edges and a yellow/orange squiggly arrow on the support. It has "Rainbow" signs on the fence posts. It was only at Adventureland for 1 season before being replaced by the Chance Rides Falling Star. Magic Park Land painted the arm a darker blue, removed the light strips, and painted the supports white. It was last known to be using the beach backdrop and displayed the serial number plate (33871) from a HUSS Enterprise ride that was removed from the park. It is believed that parts from the Heide Park Rainbow was used to refurbish this Rainbow in about 2010 by Klinkerfuß. Unknown: Built |
  Millennium |
| 48368 | Myrtle Beach Rainbow
Park model with white arm and orange seats and a blue base/trailer. 1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 49645 | Heide Park Rainbow
Park model. It was all white. 1992: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 12 | Strates Rainbow
Trailer mounted with caramel seats, white arm with red/blue V-stripes on the main support and a red trailer. It was bought new by Strates Shows in 1983 and sold at auction in 2009. It currently has a yellow trailer with solid white supports and is currently being refurbished but there are no immediate plans to finish the project. 1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 13 | Over the Rainbow
Trailer mounted, Named "Over The Rainbow" with a white arm, yellow seats and a very bright and colourful backdrop. The rainbow is dark colours. It is currently listed For Sale but remains featured on Dixie Landin's website.[31] 1987: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 14 | EsselWorld Rainbow
Beige seats with a Yellow arm and supports with a white sun face, The mounted backdrop was formerly mounted on Schäfer's "Enterprise" Ride located in the same park. The park closed in April 2022 and all the rides are Standing But Not Operating. The Rainbow is for sale and needs refurbishing. 1983: Built |
 Essel World 2015 |
| 15 | Liseberg Rainbow
Park model. Originally, the arm was white in color, had flowers, and the it had the original sun and background facade. During the 1990s, the ride was pink and the sun was replaced by the Liseberg logo. In the early 2000s, the ride was painted blue and a painted picture of the sun was put on it. After that it had a blue arm with light blue seats with no statues on the gondola. The one that crashed in 2008. Liseberg's Rainbow was so badly damaged and it was scrapped. It only had one owner. 1983: Built |
 Liseberg ride in 2006 |
| 16 | O'Neil's Rainbow
Trailer mounted with beige seats and yellow/blue V-stripes. It features angels on the gondola, which OCS removed. It had a dark blue backdrop featuring clouds, stars and cherubs which OCS was not using., It has raised flowers on its upper arm arms. Possibly Push button controlled. main arm is painted two-tone shades of blue in 2006 by OCS Fun. The unit needs some repair and there are no immediate plans to finish it. 1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 17 | Pleasureland Rainbow
Trailer mounted with flowers down the arms with raised flowers on the upper arm, cloud top and classic rainbow gondola with gold seats. It was said that the sun face pivoted so it was always pointed the right way. Last documented with a surfing-themed backdrop. Button operated.
1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 18 | Serbian Rainbow
Trailer mounted with rainbow vertical stripes on arm, gold/blue V-stripes on support. Has a custom rectangle sign on top.
1983: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 19 | Great Escape Rainbow
Converted from the parks Ranger Ride, This park model had a white arm with flower pattern on upper and lower arm. Gold seats. The ride was closed after the end of the 2007 season and was put into storage behind Desperado Plunge then later scrapped in 2012. Replaced by Sasquatch in 2009. Its rumored that this unit started at La Ronde but some sources say not. ?1983 : Built |
 Rainbow in storage at Six Flags Great Escape before being scrapped in 2012. |
| 20 | Finland Rainbow
Originally, the arm was painted colours of the rainbow. At the turn of the millennium it was painted. After that it had white arm with gold/blue V-stripes on supports. Named Sateenkaari, previously known as Rainbow (1984–2003). In the summer of 2008, after the collapse of the Liseberg's Rainbow, Linnanmäki's Sateenkaari was suspected to be unsafe. The ride was closed in the middle of the season 2008. In the winter of 2008/2009, Sateenkaari underwent a thorough check, where it was found to be safe and it returned to use for the 2009 season. However, Sateenkaari needed major maintenance and it had to be closed again in September 2009, before the end of the season. At the end of 2009 the ride was dismantled and stored. Refurbishment of the ride was considered due to its great popularity, but in the end it ended up being scrapped. The sun face was saved and is on display at the park. It only had one owner. 1983 or 1984: Built |
"Sateenkaari" |
| 21 | Conestoga
Named Conestoga. Wild-West Themed. It uses the seats from a Huss Pirate Ride instead of the typical Rainbow gondola which face toward the center of the ride. 1983 or 1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 22 | Elitch Gardens Rainbow
Solid white upper and lower arm with orange seats. This unit ran until it closed in 2008. It was then slowly removed and officially scrapped in 2014. 1984 or 1985: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 23 | Bobbejaanland Rainbow
White arm with flowers and white seats. Had blue/gold V-stripes on the support. Originally, it had a statue of a woman in a large red dress and a pole with flowers at both sides of the cage, which were later removed for unknown reasons. 1984 or 1985: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 24 | Aztec
"Aztec" is a park model named currently operating in Iraq, With blue and red arm, yellow seats and a tribal thing in the center. In 1993 it had a rainbow arm and gold seats. It may have had a pink arm and pink seats after this, and the operator booth clouds were also pink at that time. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 25 | Jambore
Gardaland's second Rainbow. Cavallino Matto restored this unit and renamed it "Jambore" only for the 2009 season, then it was later sold to Luna Park in France. It was Standing But Not Operating for the 2020 season and was sold for parts a year later. Unknown: Built |
  Jambore |
| 26 | La Carreta Desbocada
"La Carreta Desbocada" (The Runaway Cart/Crazy Wagon). Covered Wagon Theme. Formerly known as "Expedicion El ArcoIris". Rumoured to be used for spare parts or scrapped. This Could be the same unit that was at Hopi Hari. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 27 | Crazy Wagon
Named "Crazy Wagon". Looks like Conestoga. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 28 | Kuwait Magic Rainbow
Trailer mounted and has White supports with gold and blue V-stripes. It has a white arm with raised flowers on the upper arm and beige seats. The upper Rainbow sign is lit in all red lights, but are no longer working. Was last seen without any sun rays but the gondola rainbow lights were still working. 1983 or 1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 29 | Trono de Pakal
A park model named "Trono de Pakal", which is almost identical to the Aztek Rainbow. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 30 | Netherlands Rainbow
This is a trailer-mounted unit. It has a while arm with flowers on it. Gold seats and blue/gold V-stripes. 1983 or 1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 31 | Flying Over the Rainbow
Appears to be a park model called "Flying over the rainbow". A white arm, hold seats and mostly gold with blue inside V-stripes. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 32 | Dizzee World Rainbow
Trailer mounted, White arm had gold/blue V-stripes along with the main support, and gold seats. It was removed from the park for some time but then refurbished and reopened. It possible was painted in dark colours with stripes at one time. 1983/1984: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 33 | Aladdin
Park model named "Aladdin". Magic carpet theme with colourful arm and support and no backdrop. 1995: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 34 | Japan Rainbow
White arm with flowers, double counterweight sign, possibly blue seats. Unknown: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
| 42 | Escape Rainbow
This is the last unit that HUSS built. Solid Red upper and lower arm with yellow seats which are definitely blue currently. It was last seen without any sun rays. 2000: Built |
[no media in Wikipedia Commons] |
References
- "Ride-Extravaganza (Rainbow)". Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- "Liseberg Accident - Swedish News Page". Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- "CW Forum (Rainbow) (Rainbow)". Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- "HUSS Rainbow Facebook Page". facebook. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- "HUSS Rainbow Facebook group". facebook. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- "Rainbow - Amusement Ride Extravaganza". ride-extravaganza.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- AP (2008-06-15). "NBC News - Rainbow Ride Crash". NBC News.
- AP (2008-06-15). "CBS News - Rainbow Ride Collapse". NBC News.
- WAFB (2023-10-30). "Dixie Landin' Sued for Boy's Accident". WAFB.
- "Two men killed in ride accidents at Six Flags". 27 May 2002. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- freizeitpark-welt.de. "Serengeti Rainbow page". freizeitpark-welt.de. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- themeparkreview.com. "Serengeti Rainbow page". themeparkreview.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Max Tr (2010-08-08). "Serigeti Rainbow off ride video". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- onride.de (2018-11-20). "Legendia Dragon Temple on-ride video 2018". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- kirmesfanmopohl (2009-12-14). "Legendia Dragon Temple off-ride video 2019". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Yvonne O. (2017-07-10). "Legendia Park Rainbow photo". flickr.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maps. "Google Maps Satellite View - Dragon Temple". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Antibes land (18 March 2019). "Rainbow Ride Page". Antibes land. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- StreetView. "Google Street View - Antibes Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maps. "Google Maps - Wonderland Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- OzRides (2018-12-12). "OZrides HUSS Rainbow Fête Des Tuileries 2018". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- OzRides (2014-01-04). "OZrides HUSS Rainbow Fête Des Tuileries 2012". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- StreetView. "Google Street View - Wonderland Park Rainbow". Google StreetView. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- StreetView. "Google Street View - Wonderland Park Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maps. "Google Maps - Wonderland Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ride-index.de (2019-03-25). "klinkerfuss Rainbow 2012". ride-index.de. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Magic Park Land (France). "Rainbow Ride Page". Magic Park Land (France). Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Stevie GEEK (2019-03-06). "Rainbow off ride video 2018". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maps. "Google Maps - Rainbow, Magic Park Land". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maxwell Ivey (2012-09-07). "Rainbow 3". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Dixie Landin' Park. "Dixie Landin' Rides". Dixie Landin' Park. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- Dixie Landin' Park. "Dixie Landin' Rides". Dixie Landin' Park. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- StreetView (2018-06-01). "Google Street View - Dixie Landin' Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- IRM Rides. "Louisiana Rainbow For Sale". Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- StreetView. "Google Maps - Essel World Rainbow". Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- OzRides (Aug 13, 2008). "YouTube O'Neals Rainbow 2006 Sydney Royal Easter Show". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- StreetView (2018-10-01). "DYL's Boneyard-Google Street View". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ride-index.de (2019-03-25). "ride-index.de - Rainbow/Cloud Flight". ride-index.de. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ride-index.de (2019-03-25). "ride-index.de - Rainbow-eberhard". ride-index.de. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- "Youtube - Beerfest 2017". YoutTube. 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- "Youtube - Control Booth View". YoutTube. 2019-03-25. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- HUSS Rainbow. "Linnanmäki official Facebook page (in Finnish)". Facebook. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Lake Winnepesaukah. "Lake Winnie - Conestoga". Lake Winnepesaukah. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Maps. "Google Maps - Lake Winnie Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- StreetView (2007-08-01). "Google Street View - Lake Winnie, Rainbow". Google Maps. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- elitchhappeings. "Rainbow Dismantling". elitchhappeings. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Bobbejaanland. "Bobbejaanland Rainbow". Bobbejaanland. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ride-index.de (2019-03-25). "ride-index.de - Wingender". ride-index.de. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- "Luna park Cap d'agde Official Website". Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- "Kuwait Magic Rainbow Photo". wix. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- "Kuwait Magic Rainbow Facebook Video". facebook. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- "Brean Leisure Park - Wikipedia". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- Caters Clips (Jun 16, 2017). "Man Explores Abandoned Japanese Theme Park". Youtube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- noraneko9999 (Mar 3, 2013). "1995. August 13th. Theme park. Amusement park. Grueck Kingdom". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - "Google Maps: Gluk Japan Rainbow Abandoned". Google Maps. Mar 3, 2013. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
External links
Media related to Rainbow (ride) at Wikimedia Commons
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