Chance Rides

Chance Rides Manufacturing
Private
Industry Amusement ride manufacturing
Founded Chance Manufacturing: 1961
Chance Rides Manufacturing: 2002
Headquarters Wichita, Kansas[1]
Key people
 Harold Chance, Richard (Dick) Chance, Michael Chance
Products Roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, gentle rides
Subsidiaries Chance Morgan
Website http://www.chancerides.com/

Chance Rides Manufacturing is a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer. The company was formed on May 16, 2002, when the former Chance Industries Inc. emerged from bankruptcy. The main office and manufacturing facility are located in Wichita, Kansas.

History

"Chance Operations" redirects here. For other uses, see Chance Operations (disambiguation).

Chance Manufacturing was incorporated in 1961 by Richard H. (Harold) Chance. Harold Chance had been involved in the amusement business since 1946 building small trains for the Ottaway Amusement Company. He designed a 24-inch gauge replica of the C. P. Huntington, a well-known steam locomotive built in 1863.[2] Titled by the same name, Chance's C. P. Huntington is the company's most successful product line.[1] In 1967, Chance began producing Starliner Trams under the subsidiary Chance Coach. In 1970, Chance acquired the assets of the Allan Herschell Company. Richard G. Chance (Dick Chance) assumed control of the company and formed Chance Industries, Inc. in 1985 to oversee the various divisions – Chance Rides, Chance Coach, and Chance Operations.[1] In December 1986, Chance then acquired Bradley & Kaye, a ride manufacturer specialized in children's rides and carousel figures.[3]

Modern era

For several years, Chance Rides Manufacturing products were sold under the brand Chance Morgan. In 2011, the company reintroduced the Chance Rides brand which encompasses Chance Morgan Coasters, Inc. and Chance Rides Manufacturing.[1] On September 17, 2011, trade publication Amusement Today presented Chance Rides with the Golden Ticket Award for Supplier of the Year, in honor of the company's 50th anniversary.[4]

Chance carrousels

Chance began selling carrousels (deliberately spelled with two 'Rs') in 1971 following the acquisition of the Allan Herschell Company the previous year. Chance modified the Herschell design giving it a more ornate style.[1] After Chance purchased Bradley & Kaye in December 1986, Chance was able to use the molds and manufacturing rights to 62 carousel figures produced by Bradley & Kaye owner, David Bradley. He had carefully reproduced prized carousel animals from famous carvers over the previous 20 years and new molds were cast at the Chance facility under his direction, until Bradley died in 1988.[5] These famous reproductions with spectacular detail have been included on Chance carrousels since the late 1980s. With the merger of the D. H. Morgan line of carousels, some of the unique Morgan figures have been added to the collection as well. Although fiberglass, the magnificent detail and menagerie of different styles of horses and other figures have become a trademark of Chance Rides carrousels.[1]

Chance Wheels

The first Ferris wheel from Chance, the Astro Wheel, was sold to showman Don Franklin and debuted at the 1967 Iowa State Fair. It featured 16 cars with two passengers per car.[6] The first park model, an 80-foot Giant Wheel, was built in 1975 at Valleyfair amusement park in Minnesota.[7] It features 18 cars holding four passengers per car and is still in operation. The Giant Wheel/Century Wheel was introduced in various sizes in both park and portable models in 1988.[8]

In 2006, Chance worked with Ronald Bussink Professional Rides of Switzerland and Dutch Wheels BV, a division of Vekoma Rides, to produce larger wheels such as the Niagara SkyWheel which stands 53.3 m (175 ft) tall.[9] It features 42 air-conditioned cars seating eight passengers per car.[10] According to Chance Rides director Angus Jenkins, the larger wheels are known as observation wheels as opposed to Ferris wheels, since they carry riders in enclosed cars rather than in open seats.[11]

On October 19, 2012, Chance Rides announced a long term license agreement with Bussink Design GmbH for the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell the R80XL Giant Wheel in North America.[12] Chance Rides will market the R80XL, which is over 250 ft (76 m) tall, under an affiliate company, Chance American Wheels. The first R80XL wheel was manufactured by Maurer German Wheels in Munich, Germany, and will be delivered early in 2013; three more R80XL wheels are currently under construction by Maurer.[13] The first U.S. version, built by Chance, is expected to be ready for delivery by the beginning of 2014.[14] Chance Rides/Chance American Wheels will continue to manufacturer and sell R60 wheels in North America under an exclusive license from Dutch Wheels BV.[9]

Notable wheels include:

Chance coasters

Chance Manufacturing's first roller coaster was the Toboggan, a portable ride in which a small vehicle climbed vertically up a tower then spiraled back down around the same tower. The ride was invented by Walter House of Amarillo, Texas, and Chance acquired the manufacturing rights and started producing it in 1969. The coaster was designed to be a carnival ride, fitting on two trailers, but several units were purchased by amusement parks where they were set up as permanent attractions. Chance built 32 of these units, two of which still operate at a permanent park.[23] In 1998 Chance introduced the Big Dipper children's coaster. With the integration of the D. H. Morgan line into Chance Rides in 2001, the company acquired track manufacturing technology and the ability to offer a variety of coaster designs. D. H. Morgan was an offshoot of Arrow Development, original developer of tubular steel track, first used on Disney's Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction. In 2006, Chance formed an alliance with Vekoma.[24] Chance Rides represented Vekoma in North America and manufactured the steel track for select projects. On October 17, 2012 Chance Rides and Vekoma discontinued their agreement to produce rides together for the North American market.[25]

Steel roller coasters

Chance Rides steel roller coasters currently in operation.

Opened Name Park Notes Ref
1971 Toboggan Lakemont Park [26]
1993 Wild and Wooly Toboggan Little Amerricka [27]
1998 Joust Dutch Wonderland [28]
1999 Big Dipper Michigan's Adventure [29]
1999 Gold Rush Wild Adventures [30]
2001 Wile E. Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster Six Flags Over Texas [31]
2002? Toboggan Xingqinggong (China) [32]
2004 The Joker Funhouse Coaster Six Flags Over Georgia sold by Chance Morgan [33]
2005 Superman el Último Escape Six Flags México sold by Chance Morgan [34]
2008 Steel Lasso Frontier City sold by Chance Morgan under license from Vekoma [35]
2008 Eagles Life in the Fast Lane Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Music Park sold by Chance Morgan under license from Vekoma [36]
2008 Shake, Rattle & Rollercoaster Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Music Park sold by Chance Morgan under license from Vekoma [36]
2013 Freedom Flyer Fun Spot America sold by Chance Rides under license from Vekoma [25]
2014 Lightning Run Kentucky Kingdom First Hyper GT-X Coaster [37]

Current Chance rides

Past Chance rides

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Seifert, Jeffrey (November 2011), "Chance Rides celebrates 50 years of fun and thrills", Amusement Today, 15 (8.2): 28–30
  2. ↑ "Southern Pacific Railroad Steam Locomotive No. 1". California Department of Parks and Recreation. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  3. ↑ "About the Author". Maker of Dreams. Archived from the original on February 13, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2016. In December 1986, when Chance Rides, Inc. acquired Bradley & Kaye, a Long Beach, California based ride manufacturer specializing in children’s rides and carrousel animals, Swinson saw a new opportunity for Chance Rides in the shopping center industry, which he was already familiar with because of his commercial real estate background.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Seifert, Jeffrey (September 2011), "For 50 years, Chance Rides delivers rides, fun to the amusement industry", Amusement Today, 15 (6.2): 32
  5. ↑ Meares, Hadley (November 1, 2013). "Beverly Park and Ponyland: The 'Kiddieland' that Inspired Walt Disney". KCET. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  6. ↑ Chance, Harold (2004). The Book of Chance. Wichita, Kansas: Wichita Press. p. 44. ISBN 0-9649065-0-3.
  7. ↑ Chance, Harold (2004). The Book of Chance. Wichita, Kansas: Wichita Press. p. 56. ISBN 0-9649065-0-3.
  8. ↑ "Ferris Wheel Comes Full Circle". New York Times. May 20, 2001. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Dutch Wheels expands its activities into the North American market". Amusement Today. October 31, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  10. ↑ One of a Kind ‘Giant Wheel’ Debuts in Niagara Falls, Canada
  11. ↑ Voorhis, Dan (January 16, 2014). "Chance Rides of Wichita building 175-foot-tall observation wheel for resort outside D.C.". The Witchita Eagle. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  12. ↑ R80XL Giant Wheel
  13. ↑ "Chance Rides signs exclusive deal with Bussink Design". Amusement Today. October 20, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Bussink Design sets new World Record with R80 XL!". Bussink Design. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  15. ↑ Rice, Bill (June 10, 1989). "Much to do in Lake George". Schenedtady Gazette. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Cleveland I-X Center". About.com. April 10, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  17. ↑ "I-X Center Facility Overview". I-X Center. 1999. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  18. ↑ "Chance Giant Wheel Draws Guests to new addition at Hersheypark" (Press release). Chance Rides. July 18, 1996.
  19. ↑ "Chance Giant Wheel and other Chance products help Clementon Amusement Park cash in on family appeal" (Press release). Chance Rides. August 6, 1997.
  20. ↑ Breathtaking views of Niagara Falls Aboard the First Chance Morgan R60 Giant Wheel
  21. ↑ New R60 Giant Wheel Coming to Myrtle Beach, SC
  22. ↑ "Chance Rides Blog". Chance Rides. August 8, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  23. ↑ Chance, Harold (2004). The Book of Chance. Wichita, Kansas: Wichita Press. p. 48. ISBN 0-9649065-0-3.
  24. ↑ "Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV - Sales & Marketing". Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  25. 1 2 3 "Chance Rides & Vekoma Rides decide to discontinue North America coop". Amusement Today. October 17, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  26. ↑ Baldwin, Timothy; Seifert, Jeffrey (2000). Guide to Ride 2000. Zanesville, Ohio: American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. p. 94. ISBN 0-9703987-0-0.
  27. ↑ Baldwin, Timothy; Seifert, Jeffrey (2000). Guide to Ride 2000. Zanesville, Ohio: American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. p. 108. ISBN 0-9703987-0-0.
  28. ↑ Baldwin, Timothy; Seifert, Jeffrey (2000). Guide to Ride 2000. Zanesville, Ohio: American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. p. 90. ISBN 0-9703987-0-0.
  29. ↑ Baldwin, Timothy; Seifert, Jeffrey (2000). Guide to Ride 2000. Zanesville, Ohio: American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. p. 61. ISBN 0-9703987-0-0.
  30. ↑ Baldwin, Timothy; Seifert, Jeffrey (2000). Guide to Ride 2000. Zanesville, Ohio: American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. p. 61. ISBN 0-9703987-0-0.
  31. ↑ "Roller Coaster Census: Wile E. Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster". Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  32. ↑ "Roller Coaster Census: Xingqinggong". Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  33. ↑ "Roller Coaster Census: Wile E. Coyote Canyon Blaster". Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  34. ↑ "Roller Coaster Census: Superman el Último Escape". Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  35. ↑ "Roller Coaster Census: Steel Lasso". Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  36. 1 2 "Chance Morgan Press Release" (PDF). October 12, 2006. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  37. ↑ Hargrove, Lisa (19 November 2013). "Chance Rides Talks Lightning Run & More at IAAPA 2013". Coaster Crew (Interview). Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  38. 1 2 3 4 "Chance Rides Carrousels". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  39. ↑ "Aviator". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  40. ↑ C.P. Huntington Train Specs
  41. ↑ "Century Wheel". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  42. ↑ "Electric Cars". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  43. ↑ "Family Coasters — Big Dipper". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  44. ↑ "Freestyle". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  45. ↑ "Giant Wheel". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  46. ↑ "Hypercoaster" (PDF). http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  47. ↑ "Hyper GT-X Coaster". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  48. ↑ "Observation Tower". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  49. ↑ Rutherford, Scott (November 2011), "Chance SkyWheel lights up Myrtle Beach tourism business", Amusement Today, 15 (8.2): 30
  50. ↑ "Chance Rides Wheels". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  51. 1 2 "Chance Rides Revolution". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  52. ↑ "Unicoaster". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  53. ↑ "Wipout". http://chancerides.com. Chance Rides, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013. External link in |website= (help)
  54. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Chance, Harold (2004). The Book of Chance. Wichita, Kansas: Wichita Press. pp. 35–67. ISBN 0-9649065-0-3.
  55. ↑ Burton, David. "Chaos". Amusement Ride Extravaganza. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  56. ↑ Burton, David. "Inverter". Amusement Ride Extravaganza. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  57. ↑ "Rides & Attraction — Music Fest". Helm & Sons Amusements. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Chance Rides service bulletin" (PDF). Leisure Technical Consultants Limited. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  59. ↑ Hollis, Tim. Images of America: Six Flags Over Georgia. Charelston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing. p. 101. ISBN 0-7385-4358-6.

External links

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