Flyer Addicts Research Blog

Flyer Addicts has been doing some behind-the-scenes networking that has helped us better understand the Bisch-Rocco Flying Scooter.

Part Bisch-Rocco Catalog, Part Manual Cover Page

The latest discovery was dropped in our lap during a visit with a self-proclaimed addict in Chicago. Among other information and brochures gathered during his long history in the amusement industry – he donated a 7-page assembly manual for a portable (8-car) Flying Scooter that includes a part list and maintenance recommendations. Thanks to Ken for this insight into the inner-workings of our obsession.

Many of the pages reference the “Rocco Amusement Company”, so we can assume this document was produced after the 1955 – when Alvin Bisch retired from the company and the related Playland Amusement Park. Click the jump for the full manual, and our commentary.

As an addict, we’ve been staring at the portable versions of the Bisch-Rocco Flying Scooter – trying to dissect the structure and figure out how this machine was setup and disassembled dozen of times a year by 2 or 3 workers without the benefit of cranes. Some time ago, we realized each angled arm of the portable scooter was on a pivot, and noticed many scooter had a large metal ring towering high about the center post. It was then easy to see how a pully-and-rope system could be used by one worker to raise the arm while the other attached the support bars to the erected structure. Page 2 of our new manual confirmed this. It appears many of the now-permanently installed portable models removed their “hoisting ring”, as it is a separately installed piece of metal.

It's as easy as 1-2-3 (Click for full size image)

The next page of the manual details parts and hardware used to secure the scooter tub to the revolving structure.

You Flying Scooter Parts List

Then two pages provide a textual instruction manual of the installation process. According to these instructions, even the individual tubs were disassembled for transport. Also noted is the warning, “DO NOT operate the ride over 12 RPM.”

Instructions Page 1

Instructions Page 2

Now that your scooter is installed, how do you maintian it? According to the manual: Inspect the ride daily, Oil cable connectors weekly and add oil to the gearbox bi-weekly. It’s that simple!

Scooter Maintenance Page 1

Maintenance List Page 2

So, if you have a portable model scooter sitting in your garage, now you have no excuse not to get it up and running in your backyard….and don’t forget to invite some Flyer Addicts over…