Rock O Plane
Debuting in 1947 by the Eyerly Aircraft Company, the Rock O Plane has truly stood the test of time on the carnival midway, putting smiles on people’s faces for over 60 years and accommodating 16 adults or 24 kids at a time, in eight cars.
Rock-o-Plane’s key feature is its unique rider-interaction - patrons can control their free-spinning seats with a brake, making their seat capable of upside-down action, or if not pushed, a sedate ferris wheel ride.
During transport, the ride packs down to a single trailer - the main pole folds down on a hydraulic ram with 4 arms folding each length of it, and the cars unbolted and positioned underside (or above)
There are approx 30 units in the UK and approximately 40 in USA. At least 2 units were built under license in Australia in the 1960’s, while in 1999, a UK engineer developed a forward-facing seat arrangement, essentially creating a whole new ride experience.
I want to ride one of these things. Do you know what shows carry them in the U.S.A?
Jim - May 10th, 2011 at 6:53 am
I love this ride, but it bruises your legs.
mike - May 27th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Jim, Chance rides has a few,and also kissel brothers shows
mike - May 27th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Looks like a fun ride! Does anyone know who in Australia operates or operated these rides?
Ben - June 15th, 2011 at 8:10 am
I finally rode one of this at Santa Cruz Boardwalk - big fun!
VulcanNonibird - June 23rd, 2011 at 5:48 am
this must be new . is this new??????????????????
Oliver - July 9th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
This ride kind of reminds me of the Skydiver because technically its a ferris wheel where you can control the gondola
MB - July 15th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
We have one of these. I went on it yesterday for the first time. IT WAS AWESOME! I loved it. but i blacked out on it for a second. the one i know is called rok n rol though?
BL - August 20th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Outstanding!
The Flaming Pencil - September 15th, 2011 at 1:47 am
Lagoon in Farmington, Utah has one. You can roll the cage if you rock and work the brake correctly…big fun.
http://www.lagoonisfun.com/misc.php?page=rocko
Greg - September 17th, 2011 at 4:55 am
We have one sitting in the weeds behind the warehouse. Hasn’t operated since the nineties.
Chuck - October 31st, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Outstanding wheel. Its a shame more shows (big and small) don’t carry one of these. It has great thrills, its easy to set up/tear down, and you can pull it as double with another load. Shows need to think about putting more wheels back on their midways (not just a few giant wheels) to give people choice (and make the midway look stronger).
Jim - November 12th, 2011 at 4:25 am
new New NEw NEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oliver - December 4th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Two locations in Sydney that had Rock O Planes were Luna Park and Manly Fun Pier. Manly Fun Pier closed down sometime in the 70’s and the one at Luna Park was eventually removed.
Neil - January 13th, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Is this machine for sale?
Peter - January 25th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
“We have one sitting in the weeds behind the warehouse. Hasn’t operated since the nineties.
Chuck - October 31st, 2011 at 4:12 pm”
Is this machine for sale? Can you give Chuck my email address?
Peter - January 25th, 2012 at 5:55 pm