In 2022, a comprehensive overhaul occurred at the Russenrad.
A Cultural Icon: Thuringia's 1925 Gundelwein-Built Ferris Wheel
In the heart of Thuringia, a small but significant piece of early 20th-century amusement ride history stands tall - the 1925 Gundelwein-built Ferris wheel.
Craftsmanship of Gundelwein
The wheel's construction was the work of Franz Gundelwein, a renowned carousel manufacturer known for building various types of amusement rides during that era. The Ferris wheel in Thuringia is a testament to Gundelwein's high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Origins and Ownership
Originally owned and operated by a local entertainment or fairground company, the Ferris wheel has served as a prominent attraction in Thuringia’s fairs and amusement parks for many decades. Over the years, ownership has changed hands, but the wheel's legacy has remained an integral part of local culture.
Unique Features
What sets this Ferris wheel apart is its integration with a Bruder concert organ. Bruder, a manufacturer of mechanical organs, is known for providing lively, traditional music at fairs and amusement parks. The organ, built into the system, adds an authentic, nostalgic fairground tune to the ride experience, setting it apart from more modern Ferris wheels.
Renovation in 2022
In 2022, the Ferris wheel underwent a comprehensive renovation to preserve its historical value and ensure safety standards for modern visitors. The restoration included structural repairs, repainting, and upgrades to mechanical components, all while carefully maintaining its original aesthetic and the operation of the Bruder concert organ. This renovation aimed not only to prolong the wheel's operational life but also to celebrate and honour its cultural heritage, keeping it as a living piece of Thuringia’s amusement history.
For more specific details, such as the exact location in Thuringia or current ownership, local archives or direct sources from the site's management might be needed.
The high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail displayed in the 1925 Gundelwein-built Ferris wheel is a reflection of Franz Gundelwein's expertise in home-and-garden design and lifestyle aesthetics, as he was a renowned carousel manufacturer known for various types of amusement rides during that era. Maintaining its original aesthetic, the Ferris wheel is now part of a lifestyle collection in Thuringia, set apart from other rides due to its integration with a Bruder concert organ, a nod to traditional music from home-and-garden and fairground settings.
