Engine 86 – Lagoon History Project

Opened: 23 May 2020
Location: Kiddieland
Manufactured By: Zamperla – Altavilla, Vicenza, Italy
Ride Model: Crazy Bus (Fire Chief theme)
Max Height: 23 ft
Ride Capacity: 24 children or 16 adults
Hourly Capacity: 480
Footprint: 33 x 98 ft

Engine 86 is a Zamperla Crazy Bus, made primarily for children and their parents. The number “86” refers to the opening of the Lake Park Bathing Resort on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in 1886. When Lake Park closed, some of the buildings were moved inland as part of what we now know as Lagoon.

Spotted in storage from the parking lot in August 2019, the ride was ready to open on 28 March 2020, which was the first day the park was planned to begin operation for the year. But Lagoon’s opening day was delayed for almost two months because of health precautions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ride is located east of Jumping Dragon and south of The Bat, among large trees that are believed to be as old as the park itself.

Engine 86 opened in late May along with the rest of the park. Later in its first season, new effects were added including animations in the top floor windows showing firemen and a dalmatian, as well as smoke effects and a ringing bell at the top of the structure.

During operation, the fire truck remains level as the arms rotate, reminiscent of the former Flying Carpet ride that closed in 1999.

Another extra touch to the area was finally added in 2021 when one of Lagoon’s old fire engines was fixed up and put on display in front of the ride.

LAGOON FIRE DEPT. ENGINE № 1

Year: 1940s
Make: General
Model:

For decades, Lagoon had two fire trucks stored near the lift hill of the Roller Coaster. The were moved in the late 2010s and the engine marked № 1 would be given new life inside the park.

The structure for this fire engine’s new home was in place when Engine 86 opened in 2020, but it wasn’t until March 2021 that the restored fire engine arrived. No information is provided near the engine, but it looks similar to photos of the General-Pacific models from around 1949, or even as early as 1941. If you have anything to share about them, please contact me.