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| Manufacturer | Chance Rides | ||||||||
| Product | Olympic Bobs | ||||||||
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Olympic Bobs, at times referred to as Olympic Bob Sled, was a Bayern Kurve built by American manufacturer Chance Rides previously located at Palace Amusements in Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA. The ride also previously operated at Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and at the Florida State Fair. The ride was reportedly the only Olympic Bob model ever produced.[1]
History
Olympic Bobs was intended to be added to Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in 1968 at a cost of $100,000.[2] There are contradicting reports whether the ride operated at the Florida State Fair in early 1968, prior to its time at Coney Island.[3][4] It's uncertain if the ride opened at Coney Island in 1968, as it was also reported as a new addition in 1969.[5]
The ride was owned by its manufacturer, Chance Rides, and was removed from the park in the off-season. It operated at the Florida State Fair during this time, but returned to Coney Island for the 1969 season, albeit late.[6] The ride did not return to Coney Island for the 1970 season, but was replaced by the Galaxi roller coaster.[7]
While operating in Florida, an incident occurred on February 6, 1969 that killed a 17-year-old rider.
The ride was later relocated to Palace Amusements in Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA. After the park's closure in 1988, it was reportedly sold to Wonderland Corp. and was intended to reopen at a new water park in 1990.[8] However, later news reports suggest that the ride was still installed in the building as of 2003.[9]
Incident
On February 6, 1969, at approximately 3:40pm, a 17-year-old rider was killed and her 19-year-old riding companion injured when they fell from the ride. The incident reportedly occurred after the 17-year-old rider stood up midcycle.[3]
References
- ↑ "Olympic Bobs (only one model built)". The Flat Joint. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ "New Thrill Ride Planned For Coney Island Patrons". The Cincinnati Enquirer. 1968-03-31. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Malinowski, Jay (1969-02-07). "Fall Kills Girl, 17, At Fair". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ Malinowski, Jay (1969-02-08). "Fatal Fall at Fair Seen Differently by Witnesses". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ "Eight New Rides, Puppet Theater Added in Coney Island Expansion". The Cincinnati Post. 1969-01-23. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ "A Fireworks Display". The Cincinnati Post. 1969-06-14. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ Palmer, George (1970-04-27). "Cleanliness Is The Rule At Cincinnati's Coney Island". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ "Ferris". Asbury Park Press. 1989-08-01. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ "Farewell to Tillie's domain". The Record. 2003-01-28. Retrieved 2023-12-12.