| The fiberglass cars were loosely based on a Bradley and Kaye design and a few were purchased from Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Georgia. But when these cars were put into service, it was discovered that the backs of the cars were not high enough to support the backs of riders during the dip and outside hill. So the Bells created a prototype car, extending the back by about 16 inches and formed a mold to make the newer cars. They then sourced a |
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| local company to build 45-55 cars at a cost of over $3000+ each.The undercarriage and wheels configuration were also designed by the Bell family locally to “free wheel” down the facade's exposed speed hill and dip. This was an extra feature to add excitement to those patrons passing by. As the Bells were friends with other park owners of Joyland in Wichita, Kansas and Wonderland Park in Amarillo Texas, these parks also bought cars from the Bells. |
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The ride used 15 cars at a time, distributed evenly, with extra cars waiting in storage. All that was left now was to choose a name for the newly built ride. Bob Jr. thought about this and decided a Phantom theme would work and finally came up with one of the most scary and riveting ride names ever: Phantasmagoria!
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| The top of the facade featured the classic “spinning eyes”, and a lunging dog. It was both sinister, warped and as dark and creepy a facade built up to that time. The ride opened up in July of 1973 and the fun, lively and friendly Bell's Midway would never be the same. |
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