EXPLORE LAGOON: RIDES: Space Scrambler

  

 

Opened: 1961

Location: North Midway

Manufactured By: Eli Bridge Company

Ride Model: Scrambler

Max Speed: 11.4 rpm

Structure Height: 15 feet

Structure Weight: 19,600 lbs

Base Dimensions: 60 feet in diameter

Number Of Cars: 12

Ride Capacity: 36 (3 per car)

Hourly Capacity: 480 riders per hour

Height Requirement: 36" minimum. 36"-46" must ride with an adult.

 

history & info

Al Griffin provides a good description of the Scrambler in his book Step Right Up, Folks: 

      "Three radial arms hold secondary masts that in turn support four rotating cars. The sensation of speed is doubled as each counter-clockwise-turning car flashes by a car swinging clockwise from the secondary mast following behind it."

      Lagoon's Space Scrambler was originally installed in 1961 where the north Sky Ride station is today. When the Wild Mouse was added in 1965, the Scrambler was moved to the South Midway which may have been near where the Flying Saucer was, just north of Rock-O-Plane. In 1986, Space Scrambler moved to its current spot where Tri-Star had been from 1982-1985. At that time, the Tri-Star moved back to its original spot east of Jet Star 2.

      When W.E. Sullivan rode the first Ferris Wheel at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, he was determined to build his own. His first "Big Eli" Wheel was built in 1900 and the success changed his bridge building business forever. Other Eli Bridge Company rides that have operated at Lagoon include the Dragonfly and the Ferris Wheel.

 

photos

Space Scrambler as seen from the Sky Ride at night.

Photo: Rick

 

Another aerial view during the day.

Photo: Rick

 

  

 

SOURCES

Lagoon

Eli Bridge Company

Step Right Up, Folks! by Al Griffin

 

Updated 11 Mar 2008