Question 1

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Carousel?

Accepted Answer

What comes to mind when you hear the word "carousel"? Was that Paris in the 1920s? Near Montmartre's Sacre-Coeur Basilica, flashing lights, music from music boxes, and beautiful carousel horses turning. This is something we used to see a lot in movie scenes, mainly because of the 2001 movie Amelie. But recently, when I think about carousels, I think of a very different place-carousel rides park. And the amusement park is closer to our house.

Although purchasing the carousel rides online provided more convenience for amusement park owners, however, a question that often puzzles amusement park owners is how much does the carousel cost? This is also the most concerning problem when investors in purchase carousel horse amusement equipment. In the beginning, it would cost at least $1 million to bring an antique carousel (as opposed to the later cast aluminum and fiberglass models) to your city. Fiberglass or metal replicas cost about $150,000. Between $200,000 and $1 million is a good choice.

Actually, it's hard to say how much a carousel costs, as prices range from $7,500 to around $350,000, depending on its customized structure and size. For example, $10,000 could buy a "backyard" six-animal carousel in your backyard. However, giant commercial-size 68-72 seat carousel rides cost would up to $350,000 to $400,000. The average custom-made per animal seat costs between $4,000 and $5,000.

As one of the most popular amusement parks, the carousel has many different themes, transmission modes, design concepts, and processing technology, which makes the carousel market wider. Here are some of the factors that have a big impact on prices.

• Size of the manufacturer. A big carousel manufacturer's price can be more expensive than a small manufacturer's. Because the big manufacturers can not only guarantee the quality of products but also the novelty and innovation degree of the equipment appearance is advanced. There will naturally be more choices. Generally, large manufacturers will be equipped with a professional R & D design team to develop more functional, more beautiful new carousel horse equipment. Only with novel appearance equipment and colorful lighting can attract more customers to patronize and create higher value. In addition, if the production process of carousel horse equipment is not standardized, the production efficiency will not be high. What's worse, the devices don't last long.

• Fluctuations in raw material prices. The main structure of our carousel horse riding equipment is made of steel, and the horses are made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. There is no material price immutable. So, the raw materials price rise or declines is also a direct impact on the price of carousel rides. The corrosion resistance, stability, and thickness of glass fiber will directly affect the cost of the carousel. The purchase price of quality materials will not be cheap. If the quotation is particularly low, then normal factory production needs to reduce production costs. Small manufacturers will certainly cut corners or use other materials. Therefore, do not buy cheap products for purposes.

• Styling and decor can also affect costs. Some carousels are simple in shape and style, while others are grand and full of animal models. Therefore, those luxurious and high-quality exterior painting process requires more time and energy to design and manufacture. There will also be additional costs for music boxes and LED lights to give passengers a better experience.

• Passenger capacity is an important factor. If the size is small and the capacity per hour is low, the carousel is cheaper.

• Drive mode. There are two main drive modes, one is down driving, the other is top drive. It costs more to top drive carousel than a down drive carousel. Top-drive carousels rides require adding lubricating oil once every one to three months. It will not go wrong and run very smoothly and give passengers a better comfortable experience.

When buying a carousel, consider what your budget is. Or, shop around to see what carousel factories have to offer. Then, you'll get a better purchase plan. DAMO Group is here to offer you a variety of models and commercial designs for free amusement park equipment. Serving clients ranging from wealthy private buyers to large amusement parks, please feel free to contact us.

Question 2

What Are the Difference Between an Upper and Lower Drive Merry Go Round?

Accepted Answer

There is a doubt about the carousel drive pattern for many customers. Actually, large MGR sorts of two kinds of working types: top-drive and down-drive models. Top-drive merry-go-round rides are more experience than the down-drive ones. Top drive horse rides are more attractive and beautiful. Meanwhile, it is much expensive than a normal carousel for sale. As for the lower drive merry-go-round, even the appearance same as the upper-drive merry-go-round, the lower drive is much easy to remove and assemble. Many carousel factory manufacturers prefer this kind of drive model. So, the price is cheaper than the former type of merry-go-round.

Question 3

What Are the Horses on a Carousel Called?

Accepted Answer

Every horse is different and unique - that's how the manufacturers describe the merry-go-round. Of course, some carousel manufacturers’ lingos are also accumulated in the factories. Let's find them out.

Did you notice the different postures of the horses on the carousel? Some have all four feet on the ground, and these are called "Stander." Some horses have their front legs up in the air and their back legs on the ground -- these horses are called Prancer. A horse that moves up and down on a pole, with all four feet in the air, is aptly called Jumper.

Why is it called that? We know that the inspiration for today's carousels came from 12th century Asia and Europe. Knights compete in tournaments. The device, which is mounted on a central pole, allows riders to practice jousting with spears. For them, it was a form of combat training in cavalry skills. Therefore, different styles of war horses have different names.

King Horse: The number one horse on the carousel. The lead horse is usually behind the chariot. The leading horse is usually the largest and most luxurious. Sometimes its logo is emblazoned with the manufacturer's initials. New fiberglass carousels also don't allow the lead horse to mingle with other animals.

Chariots: They are also called lovers’ seats. These are the benches for those old men and lovers who cannot get on the horse, and would like to snuggle and smooch!

Stander: It describes the horses or animals at least 3 feet on the ground, and do not move up or down. The lead horse is usually a standing horse. We know, if you are the king, you don't have to jump or run for anyone!

Jumper: It describes the horses/other animals that move up and down with two hind legs on a platform, two front feet in the air, or all four feet off a carousel platform. Jumpers are usually "moving" horses on carousels (either suspended overhead or attached to mechanisms below). Jumping horses are most often seen on the outside of carousels. Another term sometimes used for a horse that leaves a platform with all four legs is galloper.

Outside Row: The outermost ring of any carousel contains the largest and most decorated figure. This is because the outside row is the easiest to see, so the horses intended for the outside row are the most ornate. Middle and inside-lined horses rarely show all the beautiful sculpted details that outline-lined horses carry.

The Romantic Side: The most gorgeous side of the merry-go-round. Traditionally, the carousel runs parallel to the central pillar, with one side facing the pillar and the other facing the crowd. In particular, the side of the carousel facing out is usually the most decorative and ornate than the side facing the center of the carousel. Therefore, it is called the "Romantic" side. On an American carousel, the romantic side is on the horse's right, while on an English carousel, the romantic side is on the horse's left. The reason is that the American and British carousels spin in different directions. But now, carousel manufacturers decorate both sides.

Carousel direction: American carousels usually run counterclockwise to make it easier to grab the brass ring with your right hand (on older carousels, you can grab the brass ring to win a free ride. Most of it is now gone). The British merry-go-round usually spins clockwise. This is obviously designed to allow the rider to mount the horse "correctly" from the left.

Horse Posture: The animals' heads on the carousel can be either up or down, and many of the decorations (saddles, bridles, ornaments) have specific details that are required by the carver or designer.

Menagerie Figure: Any animal other than a horse. Some popular animals are lions, tigers, zebras, bears, deer, pandas, goats, giraffes, and camels. This animal gives the carousel a special aura to the community that is hard to ignore. In addition, the carousel will also appear on some custom mysterious creatures. Any animal, real or fictional, we can make it happen for you!

Round Plate: Decorative plate, placed on the upper part of the carousel's exterior, under the canopy, usually carved and brightly painted. The round planks hide the mechanical workings of the carousel.

Manufacturer Logo: Ancient carvers often don't sign their work, so the signature can be a warning sign that the animal is not the original. However, don't confuse the signature with the company logo. These are usually carved directly into the animal, so they are not signatures but company logos. Some carousel horses have the manufacturer's logo on their designs, such as the Philadelphia Sled Company's PTC. However, new carvers often sign their works, so take this into account when examining animals. A new copy, if made well, is not a bad thing. In fact, I've seen some amazing new reproductions by great sculptors.

Question 4

Carousel Rides History

Accepted Answer

Do you remember when walking to the merry-go-round with a marshmallow in one hand and a fist full of coins in the other? It's an iconic childhood memory that many people can relate to at an amusement park.

A carousel is a ride consisting of a rotating circular platform and seats for riders. The word "carousel" comes from The Spanish translation, "Carosella." In The United States, a carousel is called “merry-go-round” “horse tornado”, and “flying horses”. In France, these rides are called carrousels. In Italy, they are called Carosello. "Seats" are traditionally rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on poles that are moved up and down by gears to simulate galloping, accompanied by a loop of circus music. This led to one of the other names, Galloper. Besides, Carousels, also known as carousels, jumpers, and horse riders. It has its origins in an interesting history dating back a thousand years. In this article, we'll take you through the history of the carousel and show you how it came to be what it is today.

In the 12th century, the turn-horse was used by the European Crusaders to describe combat preparation exercises and games played by Turkish and Arab riders. In a sense, this early equipment can be thought of as a cavalry training mechanism. As riders wield their swords to attack simulated enemies, it prepares and strengthens riders for actual combat. The Crusaders found the device and took the idea back to their own lands.

Since the mid-16th century, carousels have been used for special occasions such as royal weddings or state visits. Because of no fight, it's taking the place of serious competition. For example, by 1745 AD, carriage maker Michael Dentzel had transformed his horse-and-carriage business in what is now southern Germany into a carousel manufacturer.

Other manufacturers such as Heyns in Germany and Bayols in France also started making carousels around this time. By the early 19th century, carousels were being built and operated at various fairs and parties in Central Europe and England. Britain also developed a tradition of making carousels in its own distinctive style. The first known recorded steam-powered carousel was created by Thomas Hurst and exhibited at the Bolton New Year's Fair in Lancashire, England in 1861.

The carousel was gradually developed in Germany, France, The United Kingdom, Italy, and other European countries, but it did not reach full development until it entered the U.S. stage. Before the Great Depression, East Coast manufacturers like Dentzel Carousel Co. and Philadelphia Toboggan Co. set the standard for ornate, hand-carved wooden carousels.

Over the course of a few months, the wood stacked in the corner was cut, glued into pieces, then sculpted into legs, heads, and tails, and finally fused into glittering, fantastical animals. The new horses’ mane is almost always carved away from the side of the carousel and faces the public. A horse's mane usually falls on either side of the neck without a specific direction. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about both companies, however, is not what they do, but how they make Mansfield their home.

In the industrial age of steel and plastic, the manufacturing of wooden carousels is relatively new. Most of the new spinning carousel animals found today in food courts and parks are replicas of these brilliant carvers. These classic rides all have beautiful rotating centers with elaborate platforms for horses that gallop around in circles.

Unlike the relatively static poses of most European carousel characters, the American characters are more representative of the active beast. The curly mane, expressive eyes, and moving posture are their trademarks. Another interesting phenomenon, did you know that in the United States, the merry-go-round turns counterclockwise? In the UK, they rotate clockwise. Traditionally, riding starts on the left. This is because most warriors are right-handed, with swords on the left for a quick approach. It's too hard to mount from the right. In Britain, the merry-go-round rotates clockwise, so horses can ride it from the left, in keeping with tradition.

In the United States in the early 19th century, some advertisements for carousels claimed that doctors highly recommended carousels as an aid blood circulation. Historically speaking, there are many carousels that have their place in history. Built by Gustave Dentzel in 1905, the carousel is still in operation in Rochester, New York. One of the more interesting examples is the desegregation of the amusement park where an 11-month-old girl rode a merry-go-round on the day of the historic March on Washington in 1963. In 1981, the carousel was moved to the National Mall. Although many of the original species have gone, today, carousels can still be found in parks around the world.

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