Hi guys,

I may soon have the opportunity to re design an already existing ghost train, and I'm looking for some ideas on history and different "scares" that have been used in the past. The ride is about 60 seconds long, and will be fully animatronic (ie. nobody hiding in dark corners touching you up!). At present there are 5 "scares" in the train, with the final one being recorded and played back to the audience once they're off the ride. We have very limited space (the ride is actually part of a themed restaurant), and the scares would need to be quite compact, but I plan on making them larger by painting some backdrops that will hopefully give each item a bit more depth.

So, any ideas? Seen anything cool in the past? It doesn't have to be a big deal either. We still use the fishing line draped from the roof in the dark. Any other, small scale ideas like that would be appreciated too.

Thanks guys,

-- Topher

Doug?!?!? Where are you "Dark Scary Rides" Doug?????

Heya Jeremy,

Is Doug a man I shold be speaking to?

Cheers,

-- Topher

Absolutely, Doug Higley is basically the only person to do the research and tackle the historical subject of Dark Rides in a book. And tackle it extremely well!

Can anyone suggest a source online where I can buy Doug's book?

-- Topher

Get Doug's book here:

http://grindshow.com/GrindShow/Scary.html

Here's another link that you may find useful:

http://www.halloweenmonsterlist.info

http://spookybook.com

eMail me with what you are doing! When? Where? etc.

Sounds like maybe you have an old 'Ghost Pirates' set up from a trailer?

Doug

Wow! Thanks for that Halloween Monster List website. It's brilliant!! I've only looked at a couple of the pages, but already I've seen some really cool ideas. I particularly love the tombstone with the flashing 'Vacancy' sign embedded in it. Fantastic! Thanks again.

-- Topher

Yeah that's a great resourse! Somwe dead links but masses of good stuff!

Topher...google my friend Doug Ferguson...he has many terrigfic ideas and is experienced to the max. He invented the Flying Crank Ghost amongst other 'things'.

I'm going to change my name to "Doug" or "Todd".... the only way to earn respect in the sideshow community.

In your case even Mervyn will do.

By the way...I meant that as a compliment!!!!!

I believe Magickman made something very cool off of that list a couple of years ago. Do a search and you may find it. He also took a nice video of it too!

Mervyn? Hmmmmm..... could I put a "the Great" in front of it?

Doesn't matter. Your rep precedes you.