A Day as a Houdini Op
by: Adam Lazz on September 13th, 2008
By
now, we all know the trick behind the ride, but do you know what drives
the ride? The ride is composed of four electric hydraulic motors (on
both sides) that are responsible for turning the whole entire drum,
which is the actual room, 360* in any direction (either left or right).
If one of these motors fail or grows weak, the ride will not function
properly and the effect will be ruined. There are a total of eight
motors that drive the drum. The motors have rubber tires on the ends
and push the barrel in the proper direction. The swinging arm/seats is
drive by an electric motor as well. This motor reaches a maximum angle
of 30* which causes the swinging sensation. Once again, if this motor
acts up, the ride will loose its effect.
The
pit of the ride, which is where all of these motors are located, is
essentially the basement of the ride. The pit goes approximately 15
feet into the ground and is made of solid concrete; stronger, thicker
walls then an average basement. Inside the actual basement, you will
find a large room which is where lead and supervisor meetings are
normally held.
Now onto the heart of the ride, the operators room.
What
can be better then being inside your own private air conditioned room?
The operators room is comprised of a large operators panel, 5 small
black and white televisions, one PC monitor, a large glass panel, and
the entertainment system hard drive. The cameras are there for the
operator to see every room of the ride (2 in the pre-show, 2 in the
main ride, and one in the exit). The PC monitor is there to show the
location of the drum and gondola while the ride is in motion. It also
indicates if the ride is in the proper “home” position for loading and
“unloading”. Finally, the glass panel is for the operator to view the
pit of the ride in case of a fire.
How to do a full cycle:
1. Press start pre-show button.
2.
While pre-show is taking place the main ride is running. The operator
is responsible for keeping his eyes on the main ride at all times and
the attendant is responsible for watching over the pre-show.
3.
Once the main ride is done, guests exit and the ride waits for the
pre-show. Once the pre-show is done, the entrance doors automatically
open and to op. spiels to guests to move to the very end of the row.
4.
The attendant collects all loose articles (adds to the sensation of
going upside down) and proceeds to lock to restraints. The attendant
signals to the camera and the operator sees the signal and presses the
close restraints.
5.
Attendant then signifies it’s all clear. The first all clear is for the
exit doors of the room to be closed (operator pushes a button) and the
second all clear is for the entrance doors of the room.
6.
Once both doors are closed, the operator presses the start ride button
and the ride begins. Once the ride comes to a complete stop, restraints
automatically open and the exit doors automatically open as well.
7. Repeat cycle.
Fun facts:
1. Houdini has the highest safety system of any rides.
2. If
the fire alarm ever goes off, the ride automatically stops itself in
the middle of the cycle, brings the ride back to home position, and
automatically unlocks restraints and opens the exit doors.
3. Houdini is the only flat ride in the park that will close when rollercoaster’s close, due to weather.
4. Houdini has a capacity of 70 riders per cycle.
5. Houdini must be properly balanced. If it’s not, the effect will be ruined.
6. Entertainment is in charge of all the visual effects. Example: Houdini head and projector.
