The story of the Musik Express
The story of the Musik Express begins in the 1920s, with the first “Caterpillar” fairground rides that offered the public the thrill of spinning in circles accompanied by music. In the following decades, especially in Germany, this attraction evolved and took on the name Musik Express.
Over time, it added multicolored lights and increasingly loud music, while still retaining its distinctive feature: the awning that, at the climax of the ride, closes for a moment over the cars. The very name “Musik” testifies to its German roots, and soon the Musik Express became an unmissable presence at fairs and amusement parks around the world. Generations of visitors have cherished it for the unique combination of speed, colors, and sounds it offers.
At Preston & Barbieri, we began producing the Musik Express as early as the 1970s. One of our first made-in-Italy models was shipped to Trimper's Rides in the United States in 1976, marking the beginning of a new adventure across the ocean. Since then, we have continued to refine it while keeping its original spirit intact.
The Musik Express rides we create are distinguished by their twenty dazzling cars—capable of moving back and forth at high speed—and by the famous pneumatic tent that surprises passengers at the moment of maximum adrenaline. Even today, thanks to our passion and the meticulous quality we put into every detail, the Musik Express continues its journey, bringing fun to audiences in every corner of the world and carrying with it a piece of the history of fairground rides.
Musik Express F.A.Q.
How fast does the Music Express go?
The Music Express rotates at a top speed of 12 rpm. Thanks to its bi-directional rotation and the undulating track with alternating dips and humps, the ride generates strong centrifugal forces that make it feel even faster and more intense than the figure alone suggests.
What is the Music Express?
The Music Express is a flat ride built around a circular, undulating track. A series of cars are connected to a central rotating mechanism through radial arms, and as that mechanism turns, the cars sweep along the track in a fast, swirling motion. The ride moves both forward and backward and is paired with music and vibrant lighting to create a lively, exciting atmosphere. Preston & Barbieri has been producing the Music Express since the 1970s.
How long does the Music Express ride last?
Ride duration is set by the operator and can be customized to suit your venue and audience. A typical cycle combines forward and backward rotation along with the music and light show, and the pneumatic tent closes over the cars at the peak moment for maximum excitement. Contact us to define the cycle length that best fits your operation.
How many people can ride the Music Express?
The Music Express seats up to 40 riders, arranged across its twenty cars. This high passenger capacity makes it well suited to busy midways, fairs and amusement parks where throughput matters.
Who can ride the Music Express?
The ride is designed for teens, families and general midway audiences. The minimum height requirement is 110 cm, which corresponds to roughly 5 years of age, ensuring riders can safely enjoy the speed, the elevation changes and the lateral forces of the experience.
