March 29, 2011
It disturbs me that yet another death on an amusement ride has occurred and a ride inspector may have played one or more roles in this tragedy. A kiddie train that has a service proven record that was manufactured over fifty years ago is at the center of attention. The manufacture, Miniature Train Co., an Affiliate of P.A. Sturtevant was a Rensselaer, Indiana based business. That company was purchased or obtained by the Allan Herschell Company. The Allan Herschell Company was acquired by the Chance Manufacturing Co,, INC of Wichita, Kansas.
All of these companies manufactured and produced very good products which were primarily amusement rides. None of these businesses exist today to my understanding. The key to a good ride is good maintenance, a good inspection and proper operation.
The kiddie train at Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina is reported to be owned and operated by the County Parks and Recreation Department, is called a G-16 Miniature Train. It was operated by one of their employees.
In South Carolina kiddie trains are considered amusement rides and are required to be inspected once a year by a state amusement ride inspector. It is reported that the inspector falsified his report for an inspection just days before the March 19, 2011 incident where the train is reported to have been going too fast and overturned while approaching a curve in the tracks.
The Operator of the kiddie train has given several statements publicly. I’ll go with his first statement to police while on the way to the hospital. It is the most believable and appears to be from the heart.
We have now found out that a manual exists for this train that gives detailed information on how to maintain and operate this G-16 Miniature Train. A child’s life was lost and many people were injured. How can anyone have faith in the system?
Ken Martin
Amusement Ride Safety Consultant
KRM Consulting
Richmond, VA
804-342-1808
http://www.krmgoup.com
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