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Click on any thumbnail for the full-size pic
 Evolution was a massive spinning and rotating ride which was installed as one of 25 new rides for the 1999 season as the park declared a "war on lines". The ride was impressive to watch as it swung 360 degrees while spinning its passengers, and was dazzling at night with it's hundreds of fair style lights flashing and lighting up the night sky. Located between Granny's and the Dream Street Skyride Station, Evolution was rarely seen running by the majority of park guests. Since its installation, it was plagued with problems, mainly caused by an overly complex operators panel which few could run. After spending only a few seasons at the park, and running a handful of days each of those seasons, Evolution was disassembled in the 2002-2003 off season and relocated to Six Flags St. Louis where it received modifications to its theme elements and operators panel and now runs as Xcalibur. |
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The massive center column and passenger compartments arrive in the parking lot, awaiting assembly in the spring of 1999. |
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With the pieces all
on site, assembly begins with the erection of the massive legs and
central arm with counterweight. Those parts in place,
assembly of the central spokes begins, and the passenger cabins sit off
to the side awaiting placement. The rides lighting panels
sit in the car storage area for the Skyride while assembly of the ride
structure takes place. The Evolution ride was designed for quick assembly as it moved form fair to fair throughout Europe, so putting it together at the park was a relatively quick and easy process. The ride operator's booth was placed atop the ride's computer control room, housed in a modified shipping container. The shipping container would have a wood sheathing added to it to make it look more permanent. The site preparations required construction of a large concrete pit, necessary to accommodate the size of the wheel as it swung towards the ground. |
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The ride was put
through a rigorous test cycle and state inspections prior to it being
allowed to open to the public. With the rides first cycle some of the decorative lenses from the lighting components were dislodged and plummeted to the ground as the ride movements and air moved by the ride shook off anything left loose. Evolution was quite impressive to watch cycle and guests stood at the construction fences looking as the massive ride went into motion. You can see from some of the shots below just how necessary the pit was to give the ride the clearance required for it's 360 degree swing. In the the testing photos where the stockade fence is in place, it's interesting to note in the background the cables and wheel assemblies are missing from the Skyride as it was completing its off-season rehab. |
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Evolution, like many rides on the
European fair circuit was designed to be flashy and catch people's
attention. The dazzling array of lights which covered so may
of the rides surfaces along with bright colors and mirrors drew your eye
from long distances day or night. Like many thrill rides, Evolution was as much spectator attraction as ride, as your sense were assailed by the sounds and sights of this massive piece of equipment in motion. |
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Watch a video of Evolution in action: |
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Technical Information |
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| Manufacturer: | Nauta, Bussink & Bailey | |
| Ride Model: | Evolution or Imperator | |
| Total Height: | 34.5m (113 feet) | |
| Evolution Wheel Diameter: | 15m (49 feet) | |
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Number of Gondolas: | 16 |
| Load per Gondola: |
4 persons at 75 kg each= 300 kg |
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| Load Capacity: |
64 persons at 75 kg each = 4800 kg 64 persons at 165 lbs each = 10582lbs |
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| Base Width: | 20m (approx. 66 feet) | |
| Base Depth: | 24m (approx 79 feet) | |
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Apparently Evolution's
installation was originally planned for Movietown, occupying the patio of the HBO Backlot Commissary, but ended up being placed between the Skyride
Station and Granny's. Some of the signage ended up being used as part of the FrightFest decorations. Evolution truly stood out along the park skyline. |
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Details of the structure of Evolution including the massive structure, builder's plate, operator's booth, cabins and footings. The computer control room is under the operator's booth, and here you can see the decorative wood sheathing that was used to wrap the shipping container. |
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The closed sign was
often what most guests saw when they approached Evolution, and finally
after a few seasons of difficulties the ride was removed. Today the footprint of Evolution is still easy to discern, as the round pit and four footing locations are clearly visible from the ground or from the heights of the Skyride and Big Wheel. The ride's queue line is still in place though the railings have been removed and the landscaping has filled in around it. |
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| Before: Originally on the European Fair Circuit |
During: Located at Six Flags Great Adventure 1999-2002 |
After: Relocated to Six Flags St. Louis 2003-Present |
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