Scorpion – Schuler
The Swiss action carousel with changing spinning movements
Operator: Franz Schuler / Schuler's Chilbibetriebe · since 2016
Scorpion – Schuler is a travelling action ride run by the Swiss showman family Schuler. The ride, made by the British company Tivoli, combines several spinning movements for a ride that is quite different from an ordinary roundabout. The operator advertises Scorpion as unique in Switzerland and highlights its many ride variations.
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What to expect
- Multi-axis rotation
- Several ride programmes
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Several groups of rotating gondolas; the operator promotes the ride as unique in Switzerland.
Schulers Scorpion comes to life through several interlocking rotations and a lively travel history across three countries.
This is what riding Scorpion – Schuler is like
On the Scorpion, the movement takes place across several levels. Passengers do not simply sit on a single rotating disc; instead, they are carried in groups of gondolas around several pivot points. This creates changing directions and a lively ride: as one group moves outwards, its position relative to the centre changes. This interplay creates the Scorpion’s distinctive, rapidly changing sensations.
Schuler states that his ride can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. This is particularly interesting because the ride does not achieve its dynamics through a single fast rotation alone. The movements overlap and constantly change your perspective. From the edge of the fairground, you can clearly see the groups of gondolas swinging out in turn and then returning to the centre.
General
- Manufacturer
- Tivoli Manufacturing (Great Britain)
- Model
- Tivoli Scorpion / Tri-Star (Troika)
- Also known as
- Skybirds
Ride
- Speed
- 60 km/h
History of Scorpion – Schuler
The ride, now operated by Franz Schuler, has an international history. Before its time in Switzerland, it was operated by several showmen in Germany and the Netherlands. Documented stops include Roos, Staudenrausch, Wimmert, Schmidt-Sterzenbach and van Rooij. Later, the Scorpion travelled with Melanie Spengler in Switzerland before coming to Schuler in 2016.
This succession of operators explains why the ride also appears in older records under the name Skybirds. When identifying it at funfairs, the combination of the ride's name and its operator is therefore crucial: another ride called Scorpion would not automatically be the same physical ride. Its specific operating history makes this Scorpion easy to recognise.
Operator, origin and special features
In addition to the Scorpion, the Schuler family operates other fairground attractions, including bumper cars and a swinging ship. On their website, they describe the Scorpion specifically as an action ride. The ride is a Tivoli Scorpion or Tri-Star model, which uses several groups of moving gondolas. A specialist overview gives a capacity of 42 people per ride cycle.
The long history of the ride also plays a part in shaping its appearance: originally operated internationally, it is now a firm fixture in the Swiss fairground line-up of the Schuler family. If you spot Scorpion, you’ll get more than just an intense ride — you’ll also see a piece of European showman history.
Timeline
After working for showmen in Germany and the Netherlands, with Melanie Spengler in Switzerland from 2012; with Franz Schuler since 2016. Formerly also known as Skybirds.
- Operator
- Franz Schuler / Schuler's Chilbibetriebe
- With operator since
- 2016
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Roos; Pfretzschner; Staudenrausch; Wimmert; Schmidt-Sterzenbach; van Rooij; Melanie Spengler
Who is Scorpion – Schuler suitable for?
The Scorpion is intended for visitors looking for a fast-paced ride with frequent changes of direction. The operator family describes the ride as suitable for different age groups. Whether you are actually allowed to ride depends on the current height and safety rules at the entrance. If you are particularly sensitive to spinning motions, the multiple rotations are the key difference from a gentle ride.
The ride is exciting for spectators too: the different arms and groups of gondolas constantly create new patterns of movement. This makes the Scorpion look like a constantly changing choreography on the fairground. Our overview of attractions offers an overview of other types and travelling rides..
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Scorpion – Schuler live
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