Manufactured by Cointronics, the London Taxi was released in 1993.
The original version had a driver in the front seat (well, his head and shoulders at least!)
Original version - Stardust Amusements, Hopton-on-Sea, June 2023
A three seater driverless variation was made a couple of years later.
Three seater version - Lucky Strike Amusements, Hemsby, April 2017
Ride Releases
1993 - London Bus, London Taxi
Unknown - Little Red Bus, Playbus, School Bus, Telephone Car
Manufactured by Cointronics of Hastings, the London Bus was released in 1993. It was widely distributed in the UK by Cromptons Leisure Machines.
Caesars Amusements, Hemsby, April 2017. This particular unit had its destination stickers replaced to give it some "local flavour"! It appears to have retained its original soundtrack however, featuring famous London landmarks.
Released in the early 1990s, Santa Fe Sam was manufactured by Whittaker Brothers. This cheerful - if a little strange looking - Mexican-style steam engine had two front windows designed to look like eyes with a large red nose and mouth (hidden beneath a moustache!) on the front. Strangest of all perhaps were the two human arms positioned in front of the cab! Sam originally came coloured in blue and yellow and wore a large yellow sombrero. Like most Whittaker Brothers rides, he underwent a colour makeover around the turn of the 21st century, with his blue paintwork being replaced with a vivid green livery.
1990s Whittaker Brothers Leaflet
This was a very popular ride in the 1990s, and it seemed at least once could be found at most seaside resorts for many years.
Walton-on-the-Naze Pier, September 2017
Sam measured 61" x 29" x 70" and weighed 240lbs.
Green version from the 2000s - Sandancer Amusements, Talacre, May 2017. Unfortunately, this unit was not working properly and refused to move.
The second Magic Roundabout Ride was designed by Ashley Heron of Copy Right Rides in late 1992. It was manufactured by BAFCO of Alford, and made its debut on their stand at the ATEI in January 1993. The two-seater roundabout featured Dougal, similar to the 1960s version made by Edwin Hall but, where Hall had used a random horse, there now stood a fibreglass Ermintrude mount. Between the rideable figures, moulded to the central column, were models of Zebedee and Florence.
1990s BAFCO advertising material
The ride played The Magic Roundabout theme tune when in motion. It measured 50" x 78" and, as of the 2000 BAFCO price list, cost £3,695.00 to purchase.
Skegness Boating Lake, September 2018
