The explorer was first manufactured by Reverchon Industries of France in 1980. Reverchon, a pioneer in the electric bumper car. Several units were made under license in USA and Australia in the early 1980’s with approximately 30 built worldwide before production ceased by Reverchon around 2001.
The ride consists of a fast undulating rotational movement with 3 ups and downs per revolution ranging from 0.5 to 5 metres (1.6 to 16 ft), with a swinging sensation, both clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Unlike similar rides the hydraullically driven Explorer does not use a tram guide to lift and lower the cars but instead an ingenious reverse eccentric centre hub.
The large 40-person ride is mounted on one 46ft trailer and can be set up in as little as 4 hours with 3 people.
There are approximately 5 Reverchon units operating in Europe, at least 5 in USA and 3 Explorers in Australia - one at Melbourne’s Luna Park, one immaculate road model renamed Flashdance owned by Chant’s, and an ex-park model under refurbishment. These 3 were built in Australia under license from Reverchon in the 1980’s.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- 20 two seats cars
- Two axis
- Maximum speed : 16 rpm
- Power supply : 80 kW
- Hourly capacity : 900 to 1,000 people
- Set-up time : 6 hours for 3 people
- Hydraulic unit with 4 functions
- Control rack for all functions
- Mounted on a 14 m (46 ft) trailer
- Road weight 24 tons
Nice website. I have marked it in my favorites..Thanks
Doug Rathbun - May 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 am
Such an underrated ride. Awesome experience, especially in reverse.
Skippy - May 31st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
They used to have this ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in CA when I was growing up. If I recall correctly, it was called Wave Jammer.
JJ - June 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Oh hell yeah! I would soooo go on that ride! Looks hella sick,damn It sounds like a suspended version of the himalaya,only ALOT damn rougher,Damn!
ba-boss-bomb - July 2nd, 2009 at 7:43 am
A great ride with excellent atmosphere and a great feeling when travelling in reverse especially. I am not a fan of the safety bar which comes down too far IMO, severely restricting body movement but apart from that it’s awesome and one of my favourite intermediate rides.
Ben - July 9th, 2009 at 10:50 am
looks cool.
Nun-ya-buz - August 14th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
This is on my list of rides that deserve to be re-manufactured. The A.R.M. Quasar is very similar to this.
Michael - February 24th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
That reminds me of a ride that was at Old Chicago in the ’70s, called the Chicago Bobs. I don’t remember if the Bobs platform lifted that high though or at that much of an angle
Moon - August 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
This is probably the best fair ride i’ve ever been on! I go to Luna Park in St. Kilda once a year, and this is the first ride i head for! except, it’s called G-Force
Loki - September 7th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I just purchased this ride. It’s located in Oklahoma City, OK. For Sale, Make offer web3rd@aol.com consists of two semi trailers
WEB - December 7th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
i would ride this
Angel - December 21st, 2010 at 6:47 am
I’m too scared about this.
Lindsey - January 3rd, 2011 at 6:16 am
defintly in my motion picture, flying bumper cars this is awsome.
sir erick whitley - May 17th, 2011 at 2:22 am
I’ve seen one of these and, if I recall, they are a larger version of an A.R.M. Quasar. Still like the Quasars better; on appearance alone. The Explorer I saw was run by Tip-Top-Shows and it had a Star Trek theme.
M Time - June 6th, 2011 at 5:30 am
OMG HELL YEA (i shouldnt cuss cuz im young) but FRICKIN HELL YEA I WANNA GO ON THIS THIS LOOKS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sydney - July 5th, 2011 at 7:29 am
There’s an Explorer still traveling around Chicago (I believe).
Chuck - October 31st, 2011 at 4:09 pm
The Explorer is a great ride, but so is the Hang Ten. I think there is still one traveling the East Coast.
jim - November 17th, 2011 at 6:25 am
Chuck… The one you are referring to is still owned and operated by Modern Midways out of Chicago Heights, IL. Yes they still have it.
Justin - January 11th, 2012 at 2:30 am