The Caterpillar ride is a vintage flat ride engineered by the inventor Hyla F. Maynes of North Tonawanda, New York, who dubbed it the Caterpillar when it debuted in Coney Island, New York in 1925. It generates a significant amount of centrifugal force, causing the riders on the inside of the seats to crush the riders on the outside of the seats. It was once found at nearly every amusement park around the United States, but is now so rare that an original Caterpillar ride can only be found operating in two parks today. Though only two Caterpillars are known to be operating, there have been reports claiming there are additional Caterpillars in storage or standing at a few other parks.
Caterpillar at Canobie Lake Park as seen from overhead in 2019
One of the cars of Canobie Lake Park's Caterpillar as seen in 2021; the centrifuge, rods, wheels, track and furled canopy are also shown here.
Canobie Lake Park's Caterpillar in motion with its orange-striped green canopy unfurled, covering its riders
A Music Express is an amusement ride based on the original Caterpillar rides of Germany. Several near-identical ride designs are also produced by other companies: Musik Express by Italian company Bertazzon and US Majestic Rides, Himalaya by American company Wisdom Rides,
German company Mack, and French company Reverchon, and Silver Streak by Wisdom Rides. This ride is a modern adaptation of the famous Harry Traver Caterpillar rides.
The Love Train is an example of the Music Express ride when lit at night.
A Music Express in operation at Six Flags Great Adventure
A Music Express at night in operation at Kennywood Park
Musik Express of Suomen Tivoli during the 2009 Circus Festival in Kerava, Finland
