Many families driving through Swabia’s rolling hills were scratching their heads as they rode through the sleepy Bavarian town of Munsterhausen. Just off the main road rose a 50 meter (164 foot) Ferris Wheel. The ride was adorned with an LED light package. By day it could be seen from a distance and when lit at night there was no missing the everchanging light package.
One of many projects Gerstlauer has worked on over the last year is a custom Ferris Wheel for Nigloland Park in Dolancourt, France. The beautiful park is located in the Champagne-Ardenne region and already has a wide array of rides and attractions. For 2009 the park is getting a new Ferris Wheel that will be an icon of the area.
“The owners wanted a family ride that would allow park-goers to see for miles in any direction,” said Siegfried Gerstlauer, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides’ Managing Director. He continued, “The unique hanging gondolas ensure that the wheel’s rim does not block the view. It really is a great attraction for the park.”
Gerstlauer recently had the wheel set up in the factory yard and offered free rides to guests that had driven from all over Bavaria. In order to keep the relationship strong with the surrounding farming communities the company has traditionally opened some of its attractions to the public. “Munsterhausen is a small town, but we really appreciate the citizenry being so open to letting us set up rides here,” said Gerstlauer. “Whether it is a Ferris Wheel or a Euro-Fighter roller coaster the town has always been very supportive.”
The Ferris Wheel is currently being packed up for shipping to France. It is expected to open for families at Nigloland later this spring.
Quick Stats:
Height: 164 ft (50 m)
Wheel Diameter: 137 ft (41.7 m)
Width: 85 ft (25.9 m)
Depth: 72 ft (21.9 m)
Speed: 7.8 ft/sec (2.37 m/s)
RPM: 1