How do you power the rail in an old school carnival dark ride?

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Building a dark ride requires careful consideration of electrical systems, particularly for powering the cars with an onboard DC motor. A dead area of track is essential for safe loading and unloading, while questions arise about the necessary voltage, rectifiers, transformers, and grounding for the system. Safety codes are critical and must be adhered to in the design and implementation of the ride. Adapting commercial golf carts is suggested as a simpler and safer alternative. Knowledge of electrical systems and safety regulations is crucial for successful execution.
hilltopzombie
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I am pretty good with mechanical stuff like motors and guns, but I know next to nothing when it comes to electricity.

I want to build a dark ride/ghost train/pretzel ride in an area about 1000 sq ft. I want to keep it as simple as possible. The track will wind around through this area. The cars will be powered by an onboard dc motor. There needs to be a dead area of track where the cars will come to a stop for loading and unloading. Once I'm seated, the car can be shoved forward onto the live rail and start propelling itself.

How much voltage AC would be needed. How many rectifiers/transformers would be needed to connect the power to the track? What size? Who sells them? If the brush from the motor rubs against the live rail, where does the ground go? Would your average electrician know how to hook this up?

Please have mercy on my ignorance.

Thanks-
 
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None of us are expert at everything. However, before designing electrical things that might have safety problems, a fair amount of knowledge and experience is necessary. Part of the knowledge has to do with the numerous safety codes such a ride must comply with.

I suggest that the easiest and safest way for you to proceed, is to adapt commercial golf carts to the purpose. Even then, you must find out the applicable safety codes and comply with them.

Good luck,
 

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