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Sixfields Fair 2

A bizarre postscript to this early period of roundabout building is something called the Razzle Dazzle of the 1880s and 1890s. Sometimes called an "Aerial Novelty" it consisted of a flat circular elevated platform mounted on a centre pole, with seats and an outer wall. A steam engine below the platform provided the revolving movement and the whole thing was designed to tilt as it revolved. On earlier machines this was achieved in true swingboat fashion by men yanking on ropes. This tilting movement was later automated with the introduction of a gimbal beneath the platform. It is said that this ride was never as popular to experience as it was to look at.

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Uploaded on April 13, 2010
Taken on April 5, 2010