Below left: the infamous (plywood) sawmill blade attached to the shaft of electric motor. Right: the lower right end of the sawmill table is connected to the arm of a pneumatic cylinder. The table is mounted on a rocking pivot. The cylinder pulls the right end of the table down a few inches and the 'victim' rolls forward on internal wheels toward the blade. After the car passes, the end of the table is released upward and the figure slides back to her original position. |
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In
a similar manner, the bat flies overhead along a garage door track
which is tilted to allow the bat to swoop toward the riders as
the car enters the tunnel. It then rocks back to return the bat
to the starting point.
Scott explained that when the wheels wear down, roller skate wheels are used as replacements . |
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Far
left: hanging torture victim rotates on overhead motor. Center: torturer pulls winch handle to stretch victim on rack. Below: motor beneath rack table with crank and two connecting rods: one rocks torturer back and forth, the other extends and contracts victim's torso. |
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The
Distortions Unlimited electric chair stunt waits around the bend
from the mermaid.
Right: Motor and hardware inside back of chair. |
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Collapsing
beam effect with breakaway cutouts contoured to release from each
other. Sections are hinged and pushed down by air cylinder.
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| And now for our quiz! Time's up, dark ride fans. Have you figured out the missing element? The answer? Fencing! Did you notice that none of the stunts have any screening, chicken wire or plexiglass to protect them? Even though we found Ocean City patrons to be particularly well mannered (compared to some places |
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we've
been), there's
often
going to
be one
troublemaker in the bunch. How does Trimper's
protect this Tracy shrine? Well, there are several 'see in the
dark' video cameras aimed at every corner of the ride, being monitored
in the park office. Plus,
there are various numbers of staff members stationed inside with
quick access to any part
of the interior through a series
of
hidden passageways.
Now, we know YOU wouldn't be naughty, would you? Take our word
for it,
it's really not worth it.
Just
ask the guy who thought the
head
of one of the stunts would
make
a nice souvenir
for his girlfriend
and grabbed
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| it as his car passed by. When he and his date emerged from the ride with one head too many, they were immediately greeted by crew members who were none too happy with their antics. The perpetrator wisely opted to pay a couple of thousand dollars in restitution rather than 'tell it to the judge'. |
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank: |
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•Mr. Granville Trimper, for allowing us unlimited access to both The Haunted House and Pirates Cove, and for keeping these rides “true to Tracy.” • Scott Hudson, manager of The Haunted House, for his hospitality and for taking us behind the scenes of the ride, even when those “scenes” were miles away from the park. • Cliff Hudson, Scott’s father, and former Haunted House manager for providing us with valuable historical information. • Johnnie Jett, the park’s office manager, for being our point person and watching over The Haunted House with her video monitor. FYI - The park office is located directly over the Saw Mill scene! Photos by Bill Luca and George LaCross. © 2003 www.laffinthedark.com Note: The Haunted House itself operates on the boardwalk through Thanksgiving weekend, then reopens in late February. However, operating dates and times are subject to change, so if you’re planning an off-season visit, call Trimpers Rides to confirm. Click here to go to Trimper's Pirates Cove |
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