The rotor at amusement parks across the USA. Hello, This photo is very familiar. When we first started going to the Long Beach Pike in 1947-48, we were too little to go inside with our dad to ride this whirlwind attraction. Our mom would not go inside. By the time we were in the last years of elementary school, we were brave enough to go inside and feel the effects of the ride. It was the first big attraction from the entrance near the bus route or the East parking lot. In our science class, we learned the scientific result of centrifugal force. We had to swing water inside of a pail in a complete circle over our heads… out side of the class room, of course. If one was too slow, the centrifugal force was not in effect and the water dripped or fell out of the bucket. A circle of force had to be done in order not to have the water fall on your head. After we got the hang of it, we tried to stop at the top, to see who could stay the longest without getting wet. The teacher thought it was funny. He allowed us to get wet if we did not stop, then move fast enough to keep the water in the swinging bucket. But, when we were able to walk into the round ROTOR tube, we were in for a surprise. As the round walls started spinning, the bottom of the tube, or the floor was lowered beyond anyone’s reach and we were all spinning as we watched the floor go down at least 10 feet. If the machine stopped suddenly, we would all fall down to the floor below. As we were spinning, the force, centrifugal force, kept us plastered to the spinning wall. For those stuck to the wall, it was as if we were just standing there. Trying to get our arms out was difficult and some could not move at all. I was able to get one arm out and move my hand. But, I could not get both arms extended. Other old folks kicked their legs out, but some came right back to the wall where we were all stuck for the duration of the ride. Jnaki It was amazing, but if one looked above, there were folks waiting for the next spinning ride at the normal walkway level. We were actually about 10 feet lower. When the ride started slowing down, we all thought we would fall. But, the timing mechanism allowed the floor to come up and stop right at the correct level with the normal walkway and we all walked out through the wooden door to the outside. Some folks were dizzy and took awhile to get the balance back to normal. YRMV
The Jalopy Journal
