Rockoplane
Quick Facts
Manufacturer(s): Eli Bridge, Eyerly
Debut year: 1960
First UK produced: 1980
Last UK produced: 1980
Total UK number: approx 40
Summary: Once again an innovative patent by the US engineer Eyerly, the
Rock-o-plane uses a Big Wheel structure with egg-shaped cages that can
be rotated upside down using a wire braking system. Known variously as
Skyliners and Eggs.
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The early history of the Rock-o-plane is little known
in the UK. A single example exists from around 1960, but it is uncertain
whether any others made the trip from the USA. The first Rock-o-plane
is recorded in the Skegness amusement park in 1962, and is travelling
with the Remblance family by 1970. This machine remained a novelty until
the end of the 1970s when showman John Manders bought a machine. Shortly
after this, the import of Rock-o-planes became prolific, led by showmen
such as Keith Emmett, J. Manning and the Mulhearn family, who were extending
links over the USA.
The Rock-o-plane remained an imported ride - with Eyerly
and Eli Bridge machines coming over regularly from the USA where they
were a staple part of the carnivals. The ride took some time to catch
on in the UK - and it was generally considered a white-knuckle experience
that also involved some degree of skill by the rider in applying the brakes
at crucial junctures to create either spin or a sustained upside-down
position. No UK manufacturers took up the challenge of constructing Rock-o-planes,
but a development occured around 2000 with UK owners developing a forward-facing
seating arrangement and essentailly trademarking a new ride experience.
Showman William Wood used ride companies in Brigg and
Sheffield to construct his Rock-o-plane, which utilised a DC motor drive
mechanism from a Tilling-Stevens lorry. His original machine could travel
in both directions and had no brakes for the riders, although engineer
Pete Smith (Bennetts, Nottingham UK) designed a second set of cars with
a braking system.
A hybrid ride emerged in the 1970s, with three Loop-plane
rides being converted to small, double-sided Rock-o-plane style rides
known as Over Riders. This rides were basically designed to extend the
novelty of the Loop-o-plane ride, and looked compact in comparison to
a standard Rock-o-plane. A scratch built Over Rider was constructed by
the Church company for Henry Waddington in the 1908s, and this was quickly
cut-down to resemble a standard Rock-o-plane.
Remblance's machine, drive detail, Birmingham, 1970.
The Skegness machine - in the 1960s?
The original Remblance machine debuting with new cars - Newcastle 2001.
William Wood's UK-built ride, showing mechanism.
Brian Waddington's Church-built ride, 1987.
Chadwick's Over-Rider - a converted Loop-o-plane.
The cut-down Over Rider at Scarborough.
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