The Troika* was the first ride of its kind, manufactured by HUSS in the early 1980s, described as “an ideal family ride … with high capacity and harmoniously balanced ride patterns.” Due to its large size however, it is more suited to amusement parks than as a fairground attraction.
The ride consists of 3 arms, each bearing 7 gondolas - seating 2 people. The three arms turn one way while the planet wheels turn in the opposite direction. The arms lift upwards with the aid of hydraulic lifting cylinders to an angle around 40° exposing riders to varied G-forces. The movement is very smooth and mild compared to Tivoli’s smaller and faster Scorpion. Nevertheless, it is a great ride enjoyed by people of all ages.
The HUSS Troika folds up onto 3 trailers, while the faster Tivolli Scorpion is surprisingly compact, fitting on a single trailer.
There is at least 4 park Troika’s in North America, 5 in Europe and 1 in Australia.
*The word Troika has 2 known definitions: 1. A traditional Russian dance 2. A local term for the cheapest way to get drunk in Russia - share a bottle of Vodka between 3 people!
Dear David,I noticed that you do not have the Himalaya (Reverchon,Mack,or Wisdom)rides.You also don’t have Flying Bobs or any other Flying Bobs type rides.You do need to add those in your website..I do recommend for you to check out Tyrone Mays site which is based on the Reverchon Himalaya rides..
Tom Nolan - July 1st, 2009 at 9:15 am
hi Tom, the Himalaya / Flying Bobs / Matterhorn is on my ‘upcoming’ list and will hopefully be on the site by Xmas 09. Regards, David.
david - July 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I’ve only ridden one Troika before and to be totally honest, I was quite disappointed with it. I liked the movement but I found myself wanting something a little more, perhaps a bit faster or another little twist; I’m not too sure. I much prefer the faster Scorpion despite it making me feel very dizzy at the beginning and end of the ride cycle.
Ben - July 9th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
In the UK, these are generally known as Tri-Stars, not got many left over here though, not seen or ridden one either :(
Danny - July 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 am
I bet that this ride is set to Music like Polka
Aaron J. Smith - September 13th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I was more a fan of the Octopus/Spider rides but these are nice, it’s a breezy ride and people who don’t like fast or spinny ones tend to like this one.
Moon - August 23rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm