Rocket Ships (Euclid Beach Park)

Rocket Ships

Euclid Beach Park Location Cleveland, Ohio, USA Coordinates 41.582075°N 81.570239°W / 41.582075; -81.570239 Status Defunct Operated 1896 to 1969 Cost $10,000
Statistics
Manufacturer	Traver Engineering Company
Product	Circle Swing
Type	Flying Machine

Rocket Ships was a Flying Machine previously located at Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. The ride originally opened in 1896 as Circle Swing, although some sources say it opened in 1902. The ride was also known as Aeroplanes and Aerial Swing.

History

The ride opened around the turn-of-the-century with a single central tower. Park operator D.S. Humphrey noticed the tower slightly twisting due to the torque of the resolving load and had an additional tower built right over the first. The ride also opened with loading at ground level, but an elevated loading platform was later installed.

The ride originally had wicker gondolas. They were replaced in 1927 by airplane-shaped vehicles by the Traver Engineering Company. They were replaced again in 1938 by new futuristic-looking cars, inspired by Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. The new cars were built in-house. The ride was renamed Rocket Ships at this time.

After the ride closed, the rocket-shaped cars were sold. Two were left abandoned in warehouses and the third was used as part of a residential Christmas display. In the late 1990s, the three vehicles were converted into automobiles and are now driven at special events.

Design

The ride had a 101'5" tall tower and a 43' diameter platform.