Custom building a carnival or circus is great if you have the skills or the resources to do so. For the rest of us, Lionel has filled the void.
The first of its series of miniature rides, so rich in color and action, are the nos. 14109 Carousel ($299.95) and 14110 Ferris Wheel ($199.95).
The Ferris wheel combines lights with action (not to mention height – it stands a solid foot tall!).
But even more fun, at least to my ears, is the carousel, which adds the dimension of sound. This neat accessory requires an area about 12 inches in diameter.
After opening the carousel box, make sure you carefully remove the coil of foam that securely holds the horses in place during shipping. If you neglect this step and try to operate the carousel, you may ruin the motor. Next, remove the three pennants from their envelope and place them in the large holes located in the center of the carousel’s roof.
As for wiring this accessory, you should be ready to go in about 30 seconds. The instructions explain how to operate your carousel from track power, a separate power source, or even command control.
Now just slide the control switch at the base of the carousel to start everything moving, with or without the delightful sound of an old-fashioned calliope. Naturally, I wanted the music turned on as the miniature horses moved up and down while the floor rotated.
The 12 molded-plastic horses are tiny works of art, each crafted to resemble actual designs from a century ago. Happy boys and girls are perched atop nine of the steeds, with the kids grasping a mane or pole as the ride spins. Gazing toward the center, they can see themselves reflected in the mirrored panels, just as riders on actual merry-go-rounds can.
All in all, this is a superb representation of everyone’s favorite amusement park or carnival ride.
The arrival of Lionel’s carousel, Ferris wheel, and the recent announcement of the operating Pirate ride bode well for fun times for O scale folks on the Lionel line.
