midwaymarketplace.com Blog

Fairground modelers, amusement industry historians and hobbiests

mistermidway — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:31 +0000

Hello again; I know most people think of people who build models of carnival rides, cicruses, and amusement parks are simple hobbiests who do it for the love of doing it. However, many of them are actually historians in their own way. The reason for this is that they have to have material to work from when designing or building new models. Most of them have hundreds if not thousands of old photos, diagrams, and newspaper clipping. And that doesn’t include their oral history. Many of them have followed particular show men or show families for years. A few years ago I started searching for pictures of my grandfather’s carnival Wagner’s Shows. I wasn’t able to find any, but it was the ride modelers who were the first to answer my enquiries. Several had photos of shows my grandpa’s show worked with, but none of them had what i needed. But I realized that these people are doing a valuable service to the traveling amusement industry here and anywhere they have carnival, fun fairs, or amusement parks. So, I decided to assist the modelers community by offering free links on the website to fairground modelers and their creations. So far, only a few have taken me up on the offer.
Today, I’m going to share some photos with you. They are from John Barrett a ride modeler from England who makes models for his own enjoyment, and who also sells kits for people wanting to join in this entertaining hobby. I’ll post the photos he just sent me along with a link to his page on the midway. He says he will be adding at least one new model to his collection each week. The current offerings include
a candy floss stand or what we would call cotton candy,
a refreshment van or catering van,
a donut stand yumm, a generic side stall,
and last but not least a rifle range or shooting gallery. You can see his creations and those of other fairground and ride modelers on my fairground models page.
Even if you don’t have any interest in buying or making these, the photos should be a lot of fun to check out from time to time.
Like I said, I believe that these modelers are doing their part to keep the history of the traveling amusement business alive and as a result keeping part of the american heritage in tact too. The links on the models and modelers page are free and always will be. If you are involved in this passtime, then please feel free to submit your information. You can use the link submission form or just send me an email. I’m hoping to gear from modelers from around the world. If you have any questions about this subject or anything else having to do with the amusement industry, feel free to call or email; and I’ll do my best to get you an answer or a resource. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
Webstie www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Beautiful Angeles pedal carousel for sale

mistermidway — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:48:28 +0000

Hello again; When I started the midway, I wanted it to be as inclusive as possible. i told myself that anything would be fair game as long as it could be related to some area of the amusement industry. I’ve tried to make that clear, but some people still think that I only do traditional mechanical rides suitable for carnivals, fun fairs, and amusement parks.
Well, today I’m proud to include a rare find. Its a beautiful six horse pedal carousel built by the angeles company in 1993 or 1994. They only made this model for two years.
They made similar models until 2001, but no longer offer anything like this. This item is an unusual find. I sent the photos to the manufacturer, and they were surprised to find one in this good of a condition.
Here are the specifications from the 1993 product catalog. It has six highly detailed horses made from durable polyethylene that have hand painted gold accents and solid brass poles. It comes with a beautiful weather proof 64 inch umbrella making it suitable for use indoors and outdoors.
It is intended for riders ages two to six. With a seat height of 20 inches and a handlebar Height of 24 inches, the horses are perfect for the little ones. It takes up about five feet in diameter and is very durable in that it can handle a total capacity of 270 lbs.
I have to thank the good people at Angeles especially Tara Stroot who kindly and patiently gathered the information. Their website is Angeles products They are the industry leader in pedal trikes and just about anything you would need for a daycare, preschool, etc.
As you can see from these photos it is in great condition and in perfect mechanical working order. It is located at a school in Wisconsin and available immediately. As soon as the snow slacks off some a professional photographer is going to drive over and take some better pictures. She has also promised video, and i understand the kids and their parents are excited about being in it. The lady who will be taking the photos is named April Asturias, and she is an up and coming photographer in her own right. You can see her work on April’s page
The school doesn’t really want to part with it, but they need the money for other equipment and supplies. This unit originally sold for $1,200, but no one is making anything like it any more. They are hoping to get $3,500 for it, but are open to offers.
This unit would be great for an indoor play center, a party rental company, a restaurant, or another school or church youth program. These very rarely come up for sale, so don’t miss your chance to grab this one up. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Amazing spectacular sky coaster ride

mistermidway — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:21:00 +0000

Hello again; Today, I’m writing to tell you about an amazing opportunity to own a spectacular thrill ride called the sky coaster.
What A THrill!! Here is a 1995 173 ft. Arch Skycoaster with dual launch towers and hydraulic landers for $160,000 firm. It has great money making potential.
The dual launch towers allow up to six flyers at a time. Each flight lasts about five minutes. They paid $750,000 for it new, and a Skycoaster of this style and size retails for approximately half a million dollars today. The first two photos are of the actual ride taken while it was still in operation at Opryland In Nashville, Tennessee. The other photos are of similar models and intended only to give you a better idea of its style and size.
The unit for sale is currently broken down into sections and is ready to ship. You can click here to watch a video of the ride from its days at Opryland. The video was taken while the ride was at its original location at the back of the park. The ride was such a hit that they moved it to what they called the central park location where it would have higher visibility and get more traffic. Then they added the scizzor lift platforms and hydraulic landers. They tell me this ride grossed about $900,000 the last year of operation. This would be a great addition to any amusement park, city park, zoo, or other tourist area. It could also be excellent for a family entertainment center that is ready to add a spectacular ride to its offerings. Feel free to call or email with any questions. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

added video of the Bertazzon mall carousel

mistermidway — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:56:34 +0000

Hello again; I do my best to encourage people to update their listings as often as possible. The more information, photos, and videos I can show potential buyers, the better chance I have of finding a new home for their equipment.
Today, I received a very nice video of the Bertazzon Venician carousel. You can see it by clicking here It is still on location at a mall in Georgia. The new owners want to sell because they have a policy of clearing out all distractions from the store and restaurant spaces. They want $100,000 for it. That price does not include dismantling it, transporting it to your location, or reinstalling it there. I do know a couple of people who could handle that for you, and I would be happy to request a quote for any serious buyers. This one would be great for an amusement park, family entertainment center, shopping mall, restaurant, city park, zoo or other tourist area. And an enterprising show man or woman could probably rack this unit for traveling with a carnival or fun fair. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

FEC needs a General Manager

mistermidway — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:56:10 +0000

Hello; As i continue to build up the Midway Marketplace, I find myself being asked about other services. Last summer I did an appraisel on a used concessions trailer to assist a concessionaires children get a bank loan to buy the business from their parents and keep it in the family. I have had a wanted section on the site for a while now, but today is my first prestigious posting. Below, please find their listing.
Seeking an entrepreneurial General Manager for a unique park located in the Dallas Texas area. The client is looking for someone who has succeeded as a FEC manager or who has served at the supervisory or department manager level of a theme park or water park with at least five years of experience. This individual should be hands-on, willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to build something that will last for many years. Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of operating a business from marketing to maintenance and more. This is a great opportunity for someone that is ready to step up and take “ownership” of a facility. Please send resume and salary requirements in confidence to roy.turley@yahoo.com
This is a major step forward for the reputation of my company and the website. I hope you will forward this posting to anyone you believe might be able to meet their needs. And be sure to mention that you saw the listing on the midway marketplace. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

kids mechanical bull

mistermidway — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:35 +0000

Hello again;
Today, I have a beautiful 2010 mechanical bull ride from Gameart for $7,500. This one has been designed to appeal to all ages, and its small foot print makes it perfect for everything from fairs, festivals, and party rentals to an indoor play center, shopping mall, or restaurant.
It can handle both kids and teen riders. It is only eight feet in diameter with a beautiful custom designed ring. It runs off of a standard 110 volt electrical outlet. You can haul it in the bed of a pick-up, on a small trailer, or in a cube van along with other attractions.
It is in very good condition and ready to go to work immediately. It is located near Atlanta Georgia. Whether you are an existing amusement company operator or someone just getting started with your company, this would be a great addition. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Wattman trackless train

mistermidway — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:53:04 +0000

Hello again;
Today, we have a beautiful 2008 Wattman trackless train in excellent condition for $52,000. Wattman is without a doubt the Cadillac of trains. It features beautiful wood work. And when kids see it, they just have to ride it.
This train can acomodate 24 children at a time. It has a locomotive, a coal car, two regular cars, and a caboose.
It is an electric train with 48 volt batteries, and a full charge will last up to four days. The owner tells me they usualy charge $3 one way or $5 for a round trip. This train has NEver been rented out.
The sign is included, but there is no trailer included, so the buyer will have to bring their own or arrange for alternative transportation. It is located near Atlanta Georgia and is available immediately.
The owner operates several carousels, and he is selling to add to his inventory of merry-go-rounds. This one would be a great addition to a carnival, fun fair, amusement park, family entertainment center, party rental business, or for an individual wanting something for their own children or granchildren to play on. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Temple of Doom obstacle course

mistermidway — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:31:42 +0000

Hello again; Inflatable rides have come to be a big part of the amusement industry. This is especially true now that companies are offering large inflatable slides and obstacle courses. These units are just as much at home at a carnival or fun fair as they are with party rental companies.
Here we have a Worldwide Inflatables Temple of Doom Obstacle course in very good condition for $3500.
As you enter you must climb over or squeeze through the mummies. Then you enter the alligator pit which is actually sunken with large inflatable alligators. The people at Worldwide really outdid themselves on this one.
Then its through these six foot spikes and into the second half of the obstacle course.
Next, you must climb a rock wall and then slide down the opposite side to safety.
The front half is covered with a giant Sphinx head, and the second half is covered with a pyramid.
These pictures were taken in November of 2010. They have only used this piece a couple of times a year, and the vinyl has no fading or mildew.
This price doesn’t include blowers, but the owner will include two used blowers for an additional $300. The unit is located near New Orleans, Louisiana, and she will prepare it for shipping if you can’t arrange to pick it up.
This would obviously be a great addition to any rental company wanting a spectacular piece for the teens and adults. But because of its size, capacity, and impressive graphics it would also be perfect for a carnival or fun fair midway. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Parker three abreast carousel

mistermidway — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:06:40 +0000

Hello again; There are very few rides more associated with children and childhood than a carousel. You will find them at carnivals and fun fairs as well as shopping malls and city zoos.
Today, I have This complete 1943 Parker three abreast carousel for $50,000.
It was originally installed at a park called mutton hollow in Branson, Missouri, but it has been in storage for about ten years now.
Mechanically, the ride needs nothing to be ready to operate. The wooden sweeps are in excellent shape. The canvas was bought new and only used for three months.
The horses are cast alumanum and only have the usual nicks and scratches you would expect from normal use. The scenery is a composite of metal and fiberglass, and I’m told its of a classy design.
The two chariots will need a little work, but overall you could use the ride right away. And with a good cleaning and some touch up paint, you could have a real show piece.
The ride does not come with a truck or trailer, but the owner is willing to deliver and install it for an additional fee. He is also willing to make any improvements you wish at your expense. He is also ready to assist anyone that needs it in getting a shipping quote to locations outside the continental United States.
This ride would be a great addition to any amusement park, family entertainment center, tourist area, shopping mall, etc. And for the experienced show man or woman it wouldn’t be difficult to rack this unit for use on a traveling carnival or fun fair. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

NASCAR racing business

mistermidway — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:53:26 +0000

Hello again; Over the years, a wide range of new rides, games, and interactive attractions have come to be part of the amusement industry. Today, there isn’t much that is more popular than NASCAR. Many of the roll-a-ball derbies and water race games have been retheemd with racing cars and sound effects. And the portable rc racing games are some of the most profitable games out there. They are equally good for carnival or fun fair midways as they are for party rental businesses.
And here we have a complete rc racing business with two tracks and six big cars for $22,500. The owner does want you to know that the cars are not currently in the condition mentioned but will be by the time of the sale. He only needs a deposit, so he can start upgrading the insides of the cars to the newer 2.4 standard.
If you already have some of these cars, you could purchase the business as it is right now for $17,500. If you are looking to travel, he can also help you with some future bookings.
This is a custom NASCAR themed concession trailer with the track inside. It opens on three sides and includes the following equipment.
There are six like new rebuilt cars with new batteries, new radios, new motors, extra bodies and parts. There are also six full-sized steering wheels and six stools so the little guys can race just like the big boys.
It has the charging system for the car batteries. It has a lap Counter. There is a game computer with keyboard/and mouse that runs integrated customizable software with full attract mode. For the game experience there are four 22 inch monitors to see laps along with a four speaker sound system.
The trailer comes with a marquis lighting system, active lighting effects for racing and racing flags for outside of the trailer. The trailer is 24 and a half ft. in length with an 11 ft. single piece roof. It has leveling jacks, and the white skirting is included.
He pulls this trailer with a one ton van. He will also be including assorted spare parts and tools and a spare computer. In addition to the track installed in the trailer there is also a 10 by 20 ft. portable track to take the racing indoors. And there are two carts for carrying the portable track.
These attractions can be very profitable. he tells me the standard rental for a private event is $800 to $1,200 per day, and they can gross up to $1,000 and up at weekly fairs or festivals. The owner will deliver for free to anywhere east of the Mississippi. Beyond that he is willing to negotiate the delivery costs. This would be a good addition to an existing concessions or party rental business. It would also be an excellent way for someone to get started in the amusement industry. Whether you want to travel the country or just get extra money on weekends, it would be hard to beat NASCAR racing! Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com