The SuperLoops premiered in the early 1970s, manufactured by Larson International who at this time had only produced tractors and other agricultural machinery from their establishment in 1965. Superloops was invented by Walter House (also Gravitron) and his prototype unit travelled North America with Century 21 Shows for many years.
The loop’s 20 person train shuttles back and forth around the inside of the loop, attached to an inertia ring - a circular 360° conveyor-belt locked into a track. This inertia ring is powered by the friction of hydraulic motors in the ride’s base, providing it with both clockwise and counter-clockwise movements at the discretion of the ride operator (who sits in a steel frame immediately beside the track).
The Superloops is truly unique in its design, with no other ride coming close to its easily recognisable 23-metre (55 ft) steel ring construction. Perhaps the most intriguing element of this ride is the ingenious fold-up design that is not only capable of fitting onto a single trailer, but also self-assembling; via 2 large hydraulic rams at the loop’s base, each third of the loop folds out while the upper portions, in turn, hinge upward eventually connecting at the top-centre. (the fastening of the top of the ring is a very precarious process, as viewed below) Support cables are then anchored into place for lateral support to the free-standing steel ring. The ride can be set up with only two men in as little as 2-3 hours.
With great draw card value and dominant circular construction it easily catches attention of passers-by while also polluting the midway with its distinct loud clattering as the train rockets around the inside of the loop; further adding to its unique appeal.
Larson has gone on to produce 2 generations of House’s original Superloops design:
The Ring of Fire premiered in the late 1980s sporting computer programmed turbo lights around the ring, which now illuminated 360 degrees right under the trailer base, as well as an updated design of the inertia-ring to minimise maintenance.
In 1998 Fireball premiered with a roofless passenger train to give unobstructed rider views with a modernised train (over-the-shoulder restraints).
To date there have been approximately 100 Superloop-type units constructed worldwide, some fabricated outside of US under license from Larson. E.g. A number in Europe manufactured by Vekoma and at least 1 unit manufactured in Australia by CAMAC.
In recent times outside North America the Superloops and its later generations have largely become obsolete with the abundance of higher-capacity double vehicle Kamikazes which have proven easier to assemble and maintain also with single trailer portability and perhaps a more modern appeal to today’s generation of carnival goers. Nevertheless, the sight and sound of a 55 foot Superloops / Ring of Fire / Fireball on the horizon of any carnival is something that will always hold an excitement of its own.
awsome reminds me of the ring of fire that i ride every year at the big butler fair. in butler pa
jenn - June 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Dear Sirs To my city come each year a super loop that looks to be made a lot of years ago. Is there any way to know if this machine should stop of operating? Level vibrations or non destructives probes? Many people will thank you. Yours, Jorge Mora Guayaquil - Ecuador
Jorge Mora - June 29th, 2009 at 1:45 pm