Manufactured by Cogan (just in case the name didn't give it away!), this American-style truck was released in the late 1990s. It was sold in yellow or black. The black one seems to have been labelled the "international variant", although I have no idea in which countries each version was sold! The black one was certainly more common in the UK at the time of its release.
Cogan Flyer, 2000
Cogan Flyer, 2000
The truck moves with an oscillating motion, with the speed controlled by the rider via a lever inside. It was a very popular ride in its day, and remained in production for many years.
Clacton-on-Sea, August 1998
"Cogan-truck is our reassessment of the american truck with vivid colours, lots of lights, mufflers, steel grille and bumper. It is also equipped with a special windscreen made of shock-resistant material with two happy fellow passengers. Once inside the Cogan-truck, the child can have fun thanks to the joystick, which makes the kiddie ride pick up and brake, and to the big sound and noise push buttons. He can also play with the rotating steering wheel and a wonderful radio with different songs. Moreover, the Cogan-truck is not only beautiful, but also comfortable as the four big handles on the sides allow the child to get on very easily. They can be used as steps (the lateral ones) and they make easier the load and the unloading operations. The handles have also the function of bumper during the kiddie ride transport. The cash, the counter-slot and the electric installation (according to CEE laws) are inside the figure, but they can be reached through dedicated doors. The kiddie ride is delivered together with its tow-bar and use and maintenance handbook." - Cogan flyer, 2000
St Anne's Pier, Lytham, March 2019
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cogan Truck
Big Foot
Manufactured by Cogan, Big Foot (or Piedone as it is known in its Italian homeland) was released in the late 1990s. It is a large blue land rover-type car with HUGE wheels.
2000 Cogan Flyer
I always think of Big Foot marking a major turning point in kiddie ride history. Gone were the days of simple cute little animals tha rocked back and forth atop small bases. From now on, rides would be big, bold, brash...and did I mention BIG?! It was the first in a series of 'base-less' kiddie rides too. The wheels themselves act as the base and stay stationary while the ride is in motion. Only the cockpit moves, gently lifting up and down. The rider could control the speed of the ride by using a lever on the dashboard.
2000 Cogan Flyer
Big Foot was a huge success on the British market and was a common sight at seaside resorts for many years. However, it has gradually been replaced by more recent giant rides. It is still in production as of 2026, which is a testament to its success.
Walton-on-the-Naze Pier, September 2017
"This kiddie ride will surely have an impressive scenic effect. It is characterized by apparently excessive dimensions and 4 authentic tyres. When they are blocked the wheels are the basement as during the ride only the cockpit shakes. Whenever it is necessary to move the whole machine, they can be released in order to handle it easily because the wheels rotate. This kiddie ride is equipped with steel bull-bar and roll-bar and with a special windshield made of shock-resistant material.
Inside the cockpit, the child can have fun using the joy-stick which makes the kiddie ride accelerate or stop, and the big buttons for sounds and noises. Also he can dispose of the rotating steering wheel and a wonderful radio with buttons playing different songs. The Bigfoot is also equipped with lots of lights which brighten according to the beat of the radio. The cash, counter-slot and electric system are built in the figure, but are accessible thanks to special doors." - Cogan Flyer, 2000.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Mini Circus Car
Manufactured by Falgas, I believe the Mini Circus Car was released around 1999.
Brasserie Le France, Centre Commercial Les Eleis, Cherbourg, July 2024
Smokey Joe
Smokey Joe, the steam engine that really smokes!
2001 Amutec Flyer
Amutec released this ride in 1999, and it was the first ever steam engine ride to blow "real smoke" out of its funnel. It was a very popular ride for a couple of years after its release and I remember regularly seeing them at seaside arcades in either orange, dark blue or, very occasionally, purple. Sadly, the special smoking feature didn't last very long which might account for why most of these rides disappeared quite quickly. Such a shame as this was a lovely gimmick and a very attractive ride.
Skegness Pier, June 2017
Smokey Joe cost £2,495.00 to buy, as of the 2001 Amutec price list.
Monday, November 9, 2026
Fairytale Coach
Manufactured by Amutec as part of their "Prestige Rides" range, the Fairytale Coach was released around 1999. It was quite a magnificent ride for its time, featuring a purple pumpkin-shaped coach with gold detailing, and pink/white swirly lollipop-esque wheels. The coach was driven by a handsome frog, dressed in a smart purple uniform, and pulled by two cream horses with blonde manes and tails. The horses were also dressed smartly with matching purple/green blankets, purple/white head collars and bridles and gold plumes.
Jellikins
Manufactured by Amutec of Mablethorpe, the Jellikins ride was released around 1999.
2000 Amutec Flyer
"Enter a Jellytastic world of fun with Bouncey and his Bumper Car, as seen on GMTV's Jellikins." - Amutec flyer, 2000.
Fantasy Island, Ingoldmells, June 2017. This particular unit was originally a photo option but the camera had been removed.
As of the 2001 Amutec price list, the ride cost £2,395.00 to purchase.
Teletubbies Tubbytronic Superdome
Manufactured by Amutec, the Teletubbies Tubbytronic Superdome was released in December 1999, following on from the success of the Noo-Noo ride released earlier that year. It never seemed to gain the same popularity as the Noo-Noo though.
2000 Amutec Flyer
"Say 'Eh-oh' to the magical world of the Teletubbies with pre-school favourites Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po. A gentle turning motion and interactive sampled sounds make the tubbytronic superdome the guaranteed 'Again again' ride of the year!" - Amutec leaflet, 2000
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, August 2018
According to the 2001 Amutec price list, the ride cost £3,495.00 to purchase.