Larson International

American amusement ride designer and manufacturer

Larson International, Inc.

Type| Private
Industry| Manufacturing
Founder| Walter Larson
Headquarters|

Plainview, Texas

United States

Area served

| Worldwide

Key people

| Jeff Novotny (President)
Website| larsonintl.com

Larson International is a designer and manufacturer of amusement rides based in Plainview, Texas. The company has designed its own collection of amusement rides, as well as owning rights to rides originally designed by Bisch-Rocco and Sellner Manufacturing.

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Products
* 2.1 Former products
* 3 Installations
* 4 References
* 5 External links

## History[edit]

El Diablo, a Larson 22M Giant Loop, at Six Flags Great Adventure.

J & S, Rides, Inc., currently doing business as Larson International, dates back to at least 1988.[1][2]

In January 2002, Larson International, along with AmTech and International Ride Services, hosted the annual Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers (AIMS) Safety Seminar.[3]

In February 2002, Larson International acquired the rights to Bisch-Rocco's Flying Scooters ride.[4] In the late 1920s, Alvin Bisch and Ralph Rocco designed a rotating, ride-like device for training pilots.[5] In the 1930s, this design evolved into the Flying Scooters amusement ride.[6] Several installations were manufactured by Bisch and Rocco. The first new installation by Larson International was purchased by California's Great America and installed in 2002.[7]

In January 2011, Larson International purchased Sellner Manufacturing, an amusement ride company based in Faribault, Minnesota.[8] Sellner Manufacturing's foundations date back to 1923 when Herbert W. Sellner invented a Water-Toboggan Slide. In 1926, Sellner invented the Tilt-A-Whirl ride and founded Sellner Manufacturing. The company invented other products over the years, but the Tilt-A-Whirl was its most popular ride, with nearly 1,000 units manufactured to 2010.[9] In the late 2000s, Sellner Manufacturing, which was then led by great-granddaughter Erin Sellner Ward, was facing financial difficulties. The State Bank of Faribault approached Larson International for a possible takeover. Larson International's acquisition saw the company gain ownership of everything except Sellner's building. This included the relocation of all ride plans, molds, computers, office furniture, equipment and machines, to Larson International's Plainview facility.[1]

## Products[edit]

Name | Introduced | Original designer | In association with | Description |

|
|
|
|
|

22M Giant Loop |  | Larson International | — | A larger version of the Fire Ball, measuring 22 metres (72 ft) in diameter. | [10]
Giga Loop | 2018 | Larson International | — | A larger version of the Fire Ball, measuring 30 metres (98 ft) in diameter. |
Flying Rides | 2011 | Sellner Manufacturing | — | Aerial carousels that come in a variety of themes, including Bumble Bee Bop, Jumping Jumbos, and Star Command. | [11]
Flying Scooters | 2002 | Bisch-Rocco | — |  | [4]
Flying Scooters (portable) |  | Bisch-Rocco | Majestic Manufacturing, Inc. | A portable, fairground version of Larson's ride is in development. | [12]
Fire Ball | 2000 | Larson International | — | originally named Super Loop (early 1970s) and renamed as Ring of Fire (1988).[13] | [14]
Funnel Force |  | Larson International | — |  | [15]
The Hubless Wheel |  | Larson International | — | Combines the 22M Giant Loop structure with Star Dancer ride vehicles to result in a ferris wheel-like experience. | [16]
Huff-n-Puff | 2011 | Sellner Manufacturing | — | A self-powered handcar ride for children. | [17]
Kiddie Star Dancer |  | Larson International | — |  | [18]
Mega Bounce |  | — | A.R.M. |  | [19]
The Ships Ahoy |  | Larson International | — | A themed teacups-style ride. | [20]
Spin Rides | 2011 | Sellner Manufacturing | — | Teacups-style rides that come in a variety of themes, including Barrels of Fun, Bear Affair, Berry-Go-Round, Chilly Willy, Dizzy Dragon, Martian Madness, Monkey Mayhem, Pumpkin Patch, Spin the Apple, Tea Time and Tons of Fun. | [21]
Star Dancer |  | Larson International | — |  | [22]
Super Shot |  | — | A.R.M. | Originally known as Atmosfear. | [23][24]
Tilt-A-Whirl | 2011 | Sellner Manufacturing | — |  | [8]
Track Rides | 2011 | Sellner Manufacturing | — | Small track-based fairground rides, with themes available of Jalopy Junction and Rock Town. | [25]

### Former products[edit]

In the past, Larson International has had informal alliances with other manufacturers including Chance Rides, S&S Power and NBGS, whereby the manufacturers would assist in the fabrication of each other's rides in exchange for revenue sharing.[26] Products previously designed and manufactured by Larson International are shown in the table below.

Name | Introduced | Description |

|
|
|

High Roller/Crazy Train | 1989 |  | [27]
Moby Dick |  |  | [28]
Ring of Fire | 1988 | new name replacing Super Loop (early 1970s) and renamed Fire Ball (1999). | [29]
Space Loop |  |  | [30]
Super Loop | early 1970s | renamed Ring of Fire in 1988 and Fire Ball in 1999. | [31]

## Installations[edit]

Many of Larson International's ride have been sold to fairground operators as portable, travelling rides.[32][33][34][35][36] A listing of rides permanently installed at amusement parks is shown in the table below.

Ride name | Park | Country | Type | Opened | Status | Ref

|
|
|
|
|
|

Air Crow | Indiana Beach |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2005 | Operating |
AtmosFEAR | Morey's Piers |  United States | Super Shot | 2005 | Operating |
Bourbon Street Fireball | Six Flags America |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2015 | Operating | [37]
Brain Drain | Elitch Gardens Theme Park |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2014 | Operating | [38]
Brain Drain | Frontier City |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2015 | Operating | [38]
Brain Drain | Magic Springs and Crystal Falls |  United States | Super Shot | 2018 | Operating |
Cedar Creek Flyer | Dorney Park |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2015 | Operating | [39]
Chaos
El Diablo Loop Coaster | La Ronde
Six Flags Great Adventure |  Canada | 22M Giant Loop | 2019
2015 | Operating |
Dare Devil Chaos Coaster | Six Flags Discovery Kingdom |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2015 | Operating | [37]
Delirious | Valleyfair |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2018 | Operating |
Dragons Fly | Castle Park |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2008 | Operating | [40]
El Diablo Loop Coaster | Six Flags Over Texas |  United States | Giga Loop | 2019 | Operating |
Eye Of The Storm | Kentucky Kingdom |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2017 | Operating |
Fearfall | Kentucky Kingdom |  United States | Super Shot | 2014 | Operating |
Fireball | Six Flags Fiesta Texas |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2016 | Operating | [41]
Fireball | Six Flags New England |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2016 | Removed | [41]
Fireball | Six Flags St. Louis |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2016 | Operating | [41]
Flying Aces | Idlewild Park |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2007 | Operating |
Flying Eagles | California's Great America |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2002 | Operating | [7]
Flying Eagles | Canada's Wonderland |  Canada | Flying Scooters | 2016 | Operating |
Flying Eagles | Valleyfair |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2016 | Operating | [42]
Flying Fish | Story Land |  United States | Flying Scooters | <2006 | Operating | [43]
French Quarter Flyers | Six Flags America |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2014 | Operating |
Frontier Flyers | Hersheypark |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2003 | Operating | [44]
Greezed Lightnin' | Great Escape |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2016 | Operating | [41]
Hair Raiser | Luna Park Sydney |  Australia | Super Shot | 2013 | Operating |
Harley Quinn Spinsanity | Six Flags Over Georgia |  United States | Tilt-A-Whirl | 2015 | Operating | [37]
Hornet's Nest | Darien Lake |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2012 | Operating | [45]
Kong | Morey's Piers |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2015 | Operating |
Lake Erie Eagles | Cedar Point |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2014 | Operating |
Lakeside Gliders | Michigan's Adventure |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2013 | Operating |
Mardi Gras Hangover | Six Flags Great America |  United States | Giga Loop | 2018 | Operating | [46]
Phoenix | La Ronde |  Canada | Flying Scooters | 2016 | Operating | [41]
Professor John's Flying Machines | Kentucky Kingdom |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2014 | Operating |
Ring Wing Speed / 环翼飞车 | Happy Valley Shenzhen |  China | 22M Giant Loop | 2018 | Operating | [47]
Rolling Thunder | Six Flags Darien Lake |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2015 | Operating | [48]
Screamin 'Eagles | Great Escape |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2013 | Operating |
Spinsanity | Six Flags Fiesta Texas |  United States | Tilt-A-Whirl | 2016 | Operating |
Surfside Gliders | Knott's Berry Farm |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2013 | Operating | [49]
The Joker Chaos Coaster | Six Flags Over Georgia |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2015 | Operating | [37]
The Mad Mocking Bird | Dollywood |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2019 | Operating |
Tourbillon | La Ronde |  Canada | Tilt-A-Whirl | 2018 | Operating |
Winged Warrior | Frontier City |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2014 | Operating |
Wonder Woman Flight School | Six Flags Over Georgia |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2016 | Operating | [41]
Woodstock Gliders | Kings Island |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2015 | Operating |
Woodstock Gliders | Worlds of Fun |  United States | Flying Scooters | 2016 | Operating |
Zenith | Méga Parc |  Canada | Hubbles Wheel | 2019 | Operating |
Zero G | Indiana Beach |  United States | 22M Giant Loop | 2016 | Removed | [50]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b "Larson gains new dimension with Sellner purchase" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (11): 1. February 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
2. ^ "Larson International, Inc". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
3. ^ O'Brien, Tim (January 29, 2001). "Hundreds of students attend seminar; seven honored at awards banquet". Amusement Business. 113 (4): 16.
4. ^ a b Mooradian, Don (February 18, 2002). "M&S news". Amusement Business. 114 (7): 4.
5. ^ US patent 1912174, Bisch, Alvin, "Device to train aviators or for amusement purposes", published May 30, 1933, assigned to Rocco, Ralph
6. ^ US patent 2162877, Bisch, Alvin, "Amusement device", published June 20, 1939, assigned to Rocco, Ralph
7. ^ a b O'Brien, Tim (May 13, 2002). "Parks holding off on adding major rides". Amusement Business. 114 (19): 20–22.
8. ^ a b McDonough, Doug (January 25, 2011). "Larson International acquires Tilt-a-Whirl manufacturer". My Plainview. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
9. ^ "Fast Facts" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (11): 1. February 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
10. ^ "22M Giant Loop". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
11. ^ "Flying Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
12. ^ "What's New". Larson International, Inc. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
13. ^ Muret, Don (May 1, 2000). "Windy City 'Flings' itself into outdoor season". Amusement Business. 112 (18): 36.
14. ^ "The Fire Ball". Larson International. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
15. ^ "Funnel Force". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
16. ^ "The Hubless Wheel". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
17. ^ "Huff-n-Puff". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
18. ^ Muret, Don (July 1, 2002). "Minnesota State Fair set for 68 rides, new attractions". Amusement Business. 114 (26): 17, 24.
19. ^ "Mega Bounce". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
20. ^ "Ships Ahoy". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
21. ^ "Spin Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
22. ^ "Star Dancer". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
23. ^ Millbauer, Katie (June 2005). "Pier Review". Amusement Business. 117 (6): 16–19.
24. ^ "Super Shot". Larson International. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
25. ^ "Track Rides". Larson International. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
26. ^ O'Brien, Tim (May 13, 2002). "Suppliers point to weather as key for sales in 2003". Amusement Business. 114 (19): 12–16.
27. ^ Emmons, Natasha (February 3, 2003). "Mason having 'Fun' with new signing". Amusement Business. 115 (5): 15.
28. ^ Powell, Tom (May 31, 2004). "Good Weather Makes PBJ Owners 'Happee'". Amusement Business. 116 (22): 13, 20.
29. ^ Powell, Tom (August 7, 2000). "Business picking up for Interstate". Amusement Business. 112 (32): 28.
30. ^ Powell, Tom (December 6, 1999). "Reithoffers nearing deal for rides". Amusement Business. 111 (49): 32.
31. ^ Powell, Tom (November 8, 1999). "Amusement industry expo still growing; attendance tops 4,000". Amusement Business. 111 (45): 44.
32. ^ Muret, Don (April 28, 2003). "Geren acquires 13 fair/festival dates". Amusement Business. 115 (17): 1, 16.
33. ^ Muret, Don (August 21, 2000). "Warm weather and short jump good for Salernos at Rib America". Amusement Business. 112 (34): 48.
34. ^ Barbieri, Kelly (August 11, 2003). "McDonagh's invests $1.3 million into show". Amusement Business. 115 (32): 14–15.
35. ^ Powell, Tom (November 18, 2002). "Carnival owners discuss plans for spending at IAAPA trade show". Amusement Business. 114 (46).
36. ^ Powell, Tom (December 8, 2003). "Macaronis Have Great Season; Eye More Foreign Help Next Year". Amusement Business. 115 (49): 11, 12.
37. ^ a b c d MacDonald, Brady (August 28, 2014). "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2015". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
38. ^ a b "Oklahoma's Most Thrilling Theme Park - Frontier City".
39. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
40. ^ "Dragons Fly at Castle Park: Larson Scooters now open". Park World Magazine. May 30, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
41. ^ a b c d e f MacDonald, Brady (September 3, 2015). "Six Flags unveils new attractions for every park in 2016". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
42. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2015.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
43. ^ Ruben, Paul (May 7, 2009). "Story Land". Park World Magazine. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
44. ^ Barbieri, Kelly (February 3, 2003). "Hersheypark prepares for new rides, food". Amusement Business. 115 (5).
45. ^ "Kernels – May 2012". Park World Magazine. May 9, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
46. ^ "World's Largest Larson Loop coming to Six Flags Great America - WildGravity Travels". WildGravity Travels. August 31, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
47. ^ "环翼飞车-主题·项目-深圳欢乐谷官方网站".
48. ^ "Buffalo's Most Exciting Theme Park - Six Flags Darien Lake".
49. ^ "New at Knott's". Park World Magazine. December 12, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
50. ^ "Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on April 30, 2022.[user-generated source]

## External links[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Amusement rides

Rides|

* Ali Baba
* Balloon Race
* Bayern Kurve
* Booster (Fabbri)
* Booster (HUSS)
* Breakdance
* Bulgy the Whale
* Bumper boats
* Bumper cars
* Bungee trampoline
* Carousel
* Caterpillar
* Cliffhanger
* Condor
* Desperados
* Devil's wheel
* Disk'O
* Double Shot
* Enterprise
* Evolution
* Ferris Wheel
* Fire Ball
* Flying Scooters
* Flying theatre
* Freefall
* Frisbee
* Fun Slide
* Gravitron
* Haunted swing
* Hayride
* Helter skelter
* Hurricane
* Jump and Smile
* Kamikaze
* Log flume
* Loop-O-Plane
* Looping Starship
* Madhouse
* Matterhorn
* Mechanical bull
* Monster
* Motion simulator
* Music Express
* Octopus
* Old Mill
* Orbiter
* Paratrooper
* Pirate Ship
* Power Surge
* Rainbow
* Ranger
* Red Baron
* Rock-O-Plane
* Rockin' Tug
* Roll-O-Plane
* Rotor
* Round Up
* Scrambler
* Screamin' Swing
* Shoot the Chute
* Sky Swatter
* Skycoaster
* Skydiver
* Space Shot
* Speed
* Super Shot
* Super Star
* Swing Around
* Swing boat
* Tagada
* Tango
* Teacups
* Tilt-A-Whirl
* Top Scan
* Top Spin
* Topple Tower
* Tornado
* Troika
* Tumble Bug
* Turbo Drop
* UFO
* Waltzer
* The Whip
* Wipeout
* Zipper

Types|

* Dark ride
* Drop tower
* Gyro tower
* Haunted attraction
* Kiddie ride
* Pendulum ride
* Reverse bungee
* River rapids ride
* Roller coaster
* Simulator ride
* Slot car ride
* Summer toboggan
* Swing ride
* Tow boat ride
* Water ride

Manufacturers|

* Allan Herschell Company
* Anton Schwarzkopf
* B.A. Schiff & Associates
* Bertazzon
* Chance Morgan
* Chance Rides
* Charles I. D. Looff
* Crown Metal Products
* D. H. Morgan Manufacturing
* Dentzel Carousel Company
* Dynamic Structures
* Eli Bridge Company
* ETF Ride Systems
* Eyerly Aircraft Company
* Fabbri Group
* Frank Hrubetz & Company
* Frederick Church
* Funtime
* George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.
* Giovanola
* Gustav Dentzel
* Harry C. Baker
* Harry Traver
* Herbert Schmeck
* Hopkins Rides
* HUSS Park Attractions
* Intamin
* Jason Surrell
* John A. Miller
* John C. Allen
* John Wardley
* Jora Vision
* Keith Sparks
* KMG
* KUKA
* Kumbak
* LaMarcus Adna Thompson
* Larson International
* Lee Eyerly
* Mack Rides
* Marcus Illions
* Mondial
* Moser's Rides
* New Wave Rides
* O.D. Hopkins
* Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters
* Polin Waterparks
* Preston & Barbieri
* Pretzel Amusement Ride Company
* ProSlide Technology
* Reverchon Industries
* Ride & Show Engineering, Inc.
* Ride Entertainment Group
* RoboCoaster
* Ron Toomer
* Ronald Bussink
* S&S – Sansei Technologies
* Sally Corporation
* Sanoyas Hishino Meisho
* Sansei Technologies
* SBF Visa Group
* Senyo Kogyo
* Sonacase
* Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company
* Technical Park
* Tivoli Enterprises
* Tony Baxter
* Universal Creative
* US Thrill Rides
* Vekoma
* Vernon Keenan
* Walt Disney Imagineering
* Wendell "Bud" Hurlbut
* Werner Stengel
* WhiteWater West
* William F. Mangels
* Zamperla
* Zierer

Related articles|

* Amusement park
* Animal theme park
* Fair
* Family entertainment center
* Traveling carnival

* Category
* Commons

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