The classic Roundup first debuted back in 1954, manufactured by Frank Hrubetz, USA. The ride was a quick success with licenses being issued in Europe (Swedish-based Gunnar Manson) and Australian-based Ferrari. Various other manufacturers soon caught on to the rides’ success and built similar versions in the UK such as Cadoxton and Sam Ward.
As can be seen, the Roundup is essentially a Rotor / Gravitron on a 50 degree angle, using centrifugal force to keep rider’s in place. The ride comes in 24 and 32 person units, racks up onto a single trailer and can be set up in 1.5 hours, making them convenient for the travelling show owner.
The Roundup remains a popular ride world-wide with an appeal that has lasted through generations of carnival-goers. There are approximately 20 Roundups in Australia, 40 in the UK and 70 in the USA.
