Alligator

 Manufactured by Whittaker Brothers, the Alligator was released in the mid-1990s.  It shared a similar design to many other Whittaker animals rides of the time, with a cut-out in its back, and space for two riders, with each having a random steering wheel!


1990s Whittaker Brothers Leaflet

The ride played a cut version of "The Unicorn Song" when in motion.  It also had a push button for a "growl" sound effect.


Blackpool Zoo, October 2023.  Unfortunately, this unit was mute.

As with many other Whittaker Brothers rides, the Alligator underwent a colour makeover around the turn of the 21st century to give him a more modern appearance.


2002 Whittaker Brothers Leaflet

According to an old Whittaker Brothers leaflet, the ride measured 64" x 30" x 63".

Hippo

Manufactured by Whittaker Brothers, this hippo ride was released in the early 1990s.

Walton-on-the-Naze Pier, August 1998

I believe it originally played "Mud Glorious Mud" when in action.

Blackpool Zoo, October 2023.  Unfortunately, this unit was mute.

Pink Panther Police Van

 One of three Pink Panther rides manufactured by Jolly Roger Amusement Rides, this Police Van was released in 1995.

Togo

 Ride Releases

1989 - Carousel

Space Copter

Originally known as plain old "Helicopter", the earliest reference I've found of this machine is a picture in a 1990 Amutec leaflet.  The ride was later updated with new stickers and renamed Space Copter, which is the name I've used in order to help us all to retain some sanity!  There are already far too many "helicopter" rides floating around out there as it is!


1990 Amutec Flyer

The Helicopter/Space Copter is a two seater ride and was part of Amutec's Compact Kiddie Rides range.  It had "a most attractive interior of Flashing Panels and Lights" and a "4 Way Joystick for additional sound effects" according to the 1990 flyer.


Burnley Market, October 2023

The helicopter measures 46" x 33" x 60" and weighs 165lbs.  It cost £1,648.00 to buy in 1990, which had risen to £2,095.00 by 2001.

Fire Engine

 This fire engine ride was manufactured by World of Rides in the 1980s.


Burnley Market, October 2023

Silver Ghost

Silver Ghost is a lovely old veteran car released by Whittaker Brothers in 1977.  It was, as the name suggests, a silver car with a red seat.


1980s Whittaker Brothers Flyer

Two separate flyers from different years show slightly different colouring.  All of the units I ever saw looked more like the picture above with detail in the panelling, so I'm unsure if the more basic one below was just a prototype or a rarer released version of the ride.


1980s Whittaker Brothers Flyer

There was a push button inside for a honking horn sound effect, and a  pedal to increase the engine sound.  The tune played throughout the ride was "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".


Burnley Market, October 2023

I have fond memories of one of these cars outside a local children's clothing shop when I was little.  Being quite compact, these were popular with small shops as well as the regular amusement arcade locations.

The car measured 53" x 30" x 41".