Fire Ball

The Fire Ball is a looping thrill ride manufactured by Larson International, featuring a 20-passenger train that travels along a vertical ring-shaped track, delivering seven inversions and speeds over 30 mph while providing extended "hang time" for riders at the inverted top of the loop.^[1][2] Introduced in 1972 as Larson International's inaugural amusement ride product, the Fire Ball originated from a collaboration between designer Walter House and company founder Walter Larson, evolving from earlier loop-style attractions into a modern, self-erecting model popular at carnivals, amusement parks, and family entertainment centers.^[2] The ride stands 55 feet tall in its fixed installation variant, with a compact footprint of 41 feet by 10 feet, and requires a minimum rider height of 48 inches to ensure safety during the high-speed rotations and gravity-defying maneuvers.^[1] Its portable version, weighing 60,300 pounds and transportable on a 46-foot trailer, can be assembled by three people in four hours, making it a versatile choice for traveling shows with an hourly capacity of 375 riders.^[2] Customizable with themed loops, the Fire Ball emphasizes affordability, low maintenance, and U.S.-made construction, contributing to its widespread use and enduring appeal in the amusement industry for over 50 years.^[1][2]

History and Development

Origins

Larson International was founded in 1967 by Walter Larson and his wife Sharon Larson in Plainview, Texas.^[3] Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing high-clearance tractors with six-foot ground clearance for row crops such as corn and vineyards, producing approximately 3,000 units that were distributed across North America until the late 1990s.^[3] The development of the ride now known as the Fire Ball began in 1970 when designer Walter House from Amarillo, Texas, approached Walter Larson with a prototype for a looping amusement ride.^[3] By 1972, House and Larson collaborated to refine and launch the Super Loop, marking Larson International's entry into the amusement ride industry and its first such product.^[3] This gravity-defying loop ride represented a shift from the company's agricultural roots to thrilling entertainment experiences.^[3] The Super Loop drew from predecessors in the amusement industry, including early loop rides like the Loop-O-Plane introduced by Eyerly Aircraft Company in 1933, which featured caged passengers for safe inversions.^[4] House's prototype, which toured North America with Century 21 Shows prior to Larson's involvement, built on these concepts.^[5] In the 1970s, the ride reflected broader influences from gravity-based pendulum designs, such as swinging ships, which evolved into full-looping mechanisms to heighten thrill through continuous inversions.^[4] The Super Loop debuted in 1972 to considerable fanfare, quickly gaining traction in the portable ride market for traveling carnivals and fairs.^[6] Early installations, including appearances at events like the State Fair of Texas by 1975, highlighted its appeal for mobile operations, contributing to positive initial reception and paving the way for Larson's expansion in the amusement sector.^[7]

Evolution of Models

The evolution of the Fire Ball ride began with the original Super Loop, introduced by Larson International in 1972 as the company's first amusement ride product.^[6][2] In the late 1980s, Larson developed the Ring of Fire as an intermediate variant, incorporating fire-themed motifs and enclosed cars to enhance the thrill experience while providing weather protection for riders.^[5] This model featured computer-programmed turbo lights around the ring.^[5] The modern Fire Ball debuted in 1998, replacing prior iterations with open-topped trains equipped with over-the-shoulder harnesses, allowing for greater visibility and increased hang time at the loop's apex to amplify the sense of weightlessness.^[5] These updates shifted the focus toward a more intense, exposed ride dynamic while maintaining the core looping mechanism.^[5] In the 2000s, Larson expanded the lineup with the 22M Giant Loop, a larger park-oriented model reaching 73 feet in height and accommodating 24 riders per cycle for higher throughput in fixed installations.^[3][8] By the 2010s, the Giga Loop followed, scaling up to 100 feet tall with capacity for 32 riders, emphasizing extreme inversions and speeds exceeding 30 mph to cater to demand for bigger thrill rides.^[3][9] Larson's acquisition of Sellner Manufacturing in 2011 integrated classic ride designs like the Tilt-A-Whirl into its portfolio, enabling cross-innovations in ride theming and engineering that influenced subsequent loop model refinements, such as improved restraint systems and operational efficiency.^[3][10] In April 2023, Larson International merged with Rocky Mountain Construction, combining expertise in looping rides and roller coasters to further advance amusement ride development.^[11]

Design and Engineering

Structure and Mechanics

The Fire Ball ride features a vertical loop track constructed from steel, forming a ring-shaped structure with a typical diameter of 55 feet for the standard model. This loop is elevated on a free-standing support frame, designed for minimal space with a footprint of 41 feet by 10 feet, and can be mounted on a concrete base or portable trailer equipped with outriggers and stabilizing steel cables. The entire assembly uses high-quality materials manufactured in the United States to ensure durability and structural integrity.^[1] The core mechanics involve a powered drive system at the base, where the 20-passenger train is rocked back and forth multiple times using friction wheels and hydraulic motors engaging an inertia ring to build momentum, enabling it to complete loops through applied propulsion. Riders experience inversion at the top, with the train capable of completing multiple rotations—typically three in one direction followed by three in the opposite—while stalling briefly in the inverted position for added thrill. Propulsion and braking are achieved through the friction drive system, utilizing hydraulic motors that engage with the inertia ring to control speed and direction, reaching over 30 mph during operation.^[1][5] Key components include the continuous ring-shaped track, on which the train's wheels roll along the inside, and the motorized inertia ring powered by the base's friction wheels for smooth traversal. A hydraulic drive system provides the initial boost and ongoing assistance to maintain loop completion, while anti-rollback devices prevent unintended backward sliding, especially during inverted stops. These elements ensure reliable motion without a traditional lift hill, emphasizing compact engineering for portable or fixed installations.^[5]

Train and Restraints

The Fire Ball ride features a detachable train designed to carry passengers through the looping structure, with the standard model accommodating 20 riders in a configuration resembling a compact roller coaster train. The train consists of multiple rows of facing seats, typically arranged in pairs for a total of 10 two-person benches, allowing riders to experience the inversions face-to-face. Introduced in 1998, the modern versions incorporate an open-top design without a roof and over-the-shoulder restraints, updating from earlier models that used lap bars, enhancing visibility, exposure to the elements, and safety during the ride cycle.^[1][5] Passenger safety is ensured through over-the-shoulder harnesses equipped with ratcheting lock mechanisms that secure riders firmly during the high-speed loops and inversions. These restraints swing down from behind the head and lock into place with a ratchet system, providing support across the shoulders and torso while allowing limited head movement. The harness assemblies include padded elements for comfort and are designed to accommodate a range of body sizes, with emergency release levers accessible to operators for rapid evacuation if needed. Additionally, the seats feature fixed dividers between positions to maintain spacing and auto-locking features that engage upon seating. Riders must be of appropriate height, weight, and shape to ensure the restraints properly engage.^[12][13][14] Capacity varies by model to suit different installation scales, with the standard Fire Ball limited to 20 passengers, the 22M Giant Loop expanded to 24 riders for higher throughput, and the Giga Loop model supporting up to 32 passengers in an extended train configuration. These adjustments maintain the row-based seating while scaling the number of benches accordingly. Seating is adjustable to fit diverse body types, though strict requirements ensure proper restraint engagement.^[1][15][9] Accessibility provisions include a minimum rider height of 48 inches (1.22 meters) to ensure safe restraint use and clearance during inversions, with no accompanied minimum specified for the standard model. Weight and size limits are enforced per seat or car to guarantee a secure fit, typically requiring riders to properly occupy the space without impeding harness function.^[1][14]

Operation

Ride Experience

Riders board the 20-passenger train positioned at the base of the vertical loop and secure themselves using over-the-shoulder restraints.^[1] With all passengers loaded and restraints checked, the operator dispatches the train, which begins rocking gently back and forth along the track to build initial momentum via the ride's drive system.^[1][16] As speed increases, the train ascends toward the apex of the 55-foot (17-meter) loop, gradually inverting the riders and propelling them through the first full rotation at over 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour).^[1] The cycle continues with the train completing three full inversions in the forward direction, followed by a stall in the inverted position at the top—delivering the seventh inversion and intense hang time that heightens the sensation of weightlessness—before reversing direction and executing three more inversions in the opposite orientation.^[1][5][2] Throughout the experience, the rapid rotations generate substantial positive and negative G-forces during the bottom pulls and inversions, while the rush of wind and elevated views from the loop contribute to a profound sense of disorientation and exhilaration.^[17][1] The sequence culminates in a gradual deceleration as the train returns to the station platform, allowing for a safe unloading of passengers once it comes to a complete stop.^[1]

Technical Specifications

The Portable Fire Ball ride, manufactured by Larson International, requires an electrical supply of 240 volts and 250 amperes for operation.^[2] Setup for portable models typically takes 4 to 6 hours and involves a team of at least three personnel, with the ride occupying a footprint of approximately 58 feet by 39 feet on level ground.^[2] The ride supports a theoretical hourly ride capacity (THRC) ranging from 360 to 480 riders, varying by model and configuration; for the standard portable version, this is 375 riders per hour with a 20-passenger train.^[2][18] The full cycle time, including loading and unloading, is approximately 3 minutes.^[17] The ride functions provided the site remains level and free of obstructions.^[2] Maintenance protocols emphasize daily lubrication of friction wheels and other moving components to prevent wear, alongside weekly inspections of the track and mechanical systems to verify structural integrity.^[19][20]

Safety and Maintenance

Safety Features

The Fire Ball ride employs robust operator controls to ensure safe operation, including a dead-man's switch requiring continuous input to sustain motion and an emergency stop button that initiates an immediate Category 0 power cutoff using hardwired electromechanical components. A manual override further enables rapid power disconnection during critical scenarios, while the ride mandates a minimum of two operators—one dedicated to passenger loading and restraint verification, and another to ride controls—to minimize errors during boarding and dispatch. These controls form part of the safety-related control system (SRCS) outlined in industry standards.^[21][22] Integrated sensor systems enhance real-time monitoring, with automatic restraint checks providing external indications of proper latching for over-the-shoulder harnesses and inhibiting ride start if failures are detected. Speed monitors prevent over-rotation by enforcing manufacturer-specified limits, and tilt sensors maintain structural integrity by alerting to any deviations in the ride's orientation during loops. These components collectively mitigate operational hazards through continuous parameter surveillance.^[21][22] Evacuation protocols prioritize accessibility, featuring ladders positioned at loop apexes for emergency passenger retrieval and onboard tools for manual restraint release without requiring special equipment or patron contact. Operators receive training aligned with ASTM F2291 requirements, emphasizing restraint verification, emergency procedures, and SRCS operation to handle foreseeable evacuation scenarios effectively.^[21][22] No major incidents, such as fatalities or severe injuries from ride failure, have been recorded for the Larson International Fire Ball model. In response to anomalies, standard procedures dictate immediate shutdown via the emergency stop or sensor triggers, followed by securing the ride, passenger evacuation if needed, and comprehensive inspection before any resumption; for instance, a 2023 malfunction caused by a lodged foreign object resulted in temporary suspension without injuries, resolved through routine protocols.^[23][24]

Inspection Requirements

Fire Ball installations must adhere to the standards set by the ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, which includes ASTM F770 for ownership, operation, maintenance, and inspection procedures, as well as guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that reference these voluntary standards for ensuring ride safety.^[25][26] These regulations typically mandate annual third-party inspections conducted by certified engineers or inspectors to verify structural integrity, mechanical function, and compliance with manufacturer specifications, with state amusement ride safety officials overseeing enforcement.^[27][28] Routine maintenance involves pre-season visual inspections to detect corrosion, particularly on support arms, welds, and load-bearing components, with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic testing recommended if corrosion is suspected, per Larson International service bulletins for rides over five years old.^[29] Daily operations include visual examinations of welds, bolts, pins, and restraint assemblies to identify wear or damage before opening to passengers, aligning with ASTM F770's pre-opening inspection protocols.^[25] Operators are required to maintain comprehensive documentation, including logs of ride cycles, detailed maintenance records for all inspections and repairs, and reports of any rider incidents, as stipulated in ASTM F770 and state regulations.^[25] State-specific variances exist, such as California's stricter seismic standards under Cal/OSHA, which incorporate earthquake-resistant design criteria for permanent rides into the inspection process to account for regional hazards.^[30] Since the 2010s, industry-wide reviews have led to enhanced corrosion prevention measures, including updated non-destructive testing (NDT) practices and inspector qualifications in ASTM F2974-18.^[31] Larson-issued service bulletins require detailed inspections of tubular structures and restraints on Fire Ball models, including a 2023 bulletin following a malfunction incident warning against non-OEM equipment mounted inside the track to prevent foreign object interference; though no formal recalls specific to Larson International have been issued.^[29][23]

Installations

United States and Canada

The Fire Ball ride, manufactured by Larson International as a Super Loop model, features several permanent and portable installations across the United States and Canada, with many portable units frequently relocated between fairs and events.^[1] A prominent example in the United States is the Cyclone at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas, which debuted in 2012 as a standard 55-foot model and remains fully operational, offering riders seven inversions at speeds up to 25 mph.^[32][33][34] The ride's seaside location enhances its appeal, drawing visitors with its gravity-defying loops overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Another longstanding U.S. installation is the Fire Ball at Castle Park in Riverside, California, a standard Super Loop model operational since 2006, providing exhilarating forward and backward rotations for thrill-seekers with a minimum height of 48 inches.^[35][36] Integrated into the park's Ride Park area, it contributes to the venue's collection of over 20 attractions and has undergone routine maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. In Canada, the Chaos ride at La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, Quebec, serves as a key example of a Giant Loop variant (72 feet tall), operating year-round as part of Six Flags' portfolio and delivering intense inversions to visitors since its relocation and reopening in 2019.^[37][38] Seasonal operations are common for portable models at events like the Pacific National Exhibition fair in Vancouver, where similar looping rides have appeared historically.^[39] Active Super Loop installations persist in North America, reflecting the model's enduring popularity despite relocations for portable units at traveling carnivals and recent removals at some parks. Notable closures include the Bourbon Street Fireball at Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland (opened 2015, closed after 2023), which had incorporated New Orleans-inspired decor.^[40][41]

International

The Fire Ball ride has installations outside North America, including a standard model operating at Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu, Taiwan (known as Wheel of Wind and Fire), which debuted in 2018.^[42] These sites reflect the ride's appeal as a compact, high-thrill attraction suitable for urban theme parks. Early models like the Ring of Fire were introduced in the late 1980s, with some units serving temporary or mobile operations in Europe and portable deployments at festivals in the Middle East.^[5][2] Cultural adaptations include multilingual signage to accommodate diverse visitors and enhanced capacity configurations to handle dense crowds typical of international entertainment venues.^[1]