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SIMULATOR RIDES
Until recently,
constructing simulator rides has been an expensive, high tech business.
The first simulators were built to train military
pilots. Long before the days of virtual reality, the view through the
cockpit came from remote video cameras which moved on gantries above
physical model landscapes. These model landscapes were huge,
often the size of aircraft hangers.
By
the mid nineties, computer virtual reality graphics were taking over
from physical models. Today's flight training simulators, like the NASA
ones left, have virtual landscapes projected on multiple screens giving
a 180 degree view. |
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| Much simpler simulators, running fixed video synchronised
to the movement of the 'cabin', were introduced in funfairs in the mid 90s.
They seat about 12 people, require an operator,
and are still expensive to buy (c£200k).
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Many talented
filmmakers make entertaining short films, but its often difficult
getting them shown, and even more difficult making money from them.
However DVD technology now makes it possible for amateur enthusiasts to
build cheap, low tech simulator rides. People seem quite happy to pay £1
- £2 to watch my short films and be wobbled about a bit.
My simulators, made without any grants, have recouped the construction
and filming costs in less than a year. The most tricky part is finding a
good site – I’m lucky to have found the Southwold Pier. The site
needs to be busy to attract enough people. It also needed to be well
managed so problems are quickly reported and vandalism is avoided.
Insurance can also be a problem. Insurance companies are always suspicious
of anything new, and have had numerous claims on ‘Kidirides’ outside
supermarkets, so premiums are impractically high. My solution is to be
very cautious - small movements can be just as effective as large ones - but
safer. I also build them to the same standard as my museum exhibits, complying with all current
health and safety legislation.
Good to see that Japan hasn't lost interest. This is a prototype 'witch'
simulator ride on a broomstick, spotted on boing boing in september
2007.
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