Ernie Devey  - During the late 70's and through most of the 80's Ernie Devey used the Atkinson shown below for the No1 Dodgems.  The lorry carried the bumbers and roof principles steps and uprights.  At one time it also had generating sets on the back.  These were put onto an ERF tractor later.

Atkinson KYC 251D at Taunton 1987 (Photo by M Wells)

Atkinson KYC 251D at Babbacombe 1985

In 1988 Ernie Devey replaced his complete fleet and this Atkinson went to Freddie Thomas for his Waltzer.  Current status unknown

Colin DeVey operated a pair of Atkinson 8 Wheelers to pull the Waltzer and Ark loads.

The Waltzer Atkinson came first, it is reckoned that it was ex London Brick.  It had a frame body built on to it and it was taken up to Maxwells in Scotland to bring back the Waltzer and its centre.  It had 6 forward gears and one reverse and unusually reverse gear was where most vehicles had 1st gear.  This often (including me) caught people out, as you attempted to pull away and started going backwards.

Atkinson 36LKR "THE LION" at Cullumpton 1978 (Photo by Rod Jesson)

The Waltzer Atkinson came out in blue and was lavishley decorated by "Pete the Painter" as the picture above shows. 
Around 1979 the lorry was striped back and was just plain blue.

Atkinson 36LKR "THE LION" at Taunton 1982

Around 1983 the Atkinson went to Marroon in colour

Atkinson 36LKR "THE LION" at Goodrington 1987

Eventually some lettering goes on

Atkinson 36LKR "THE LION" at Goodrington 1997

The biggest makeover the Atkinson had was for the 1999 season - fully lettered, smart curtains and an enlarged luton over the cab.  Sadly, looking at its best it was involved in a major road accident - with the truck being shunted from behind. The Waltzer ride was badly damaged and rebuilt over the winter onto a 6 wheel articulated trailer.  The lorry retired and is in the Dingles Firaground Museum

Atkinson 36LKR "THE LION" in 1999.

Having travelled the Waltzer as a single 8 wheeler and centre truck, Colin DeVey altered the ARK loads so that they could travel in the same combination as the Waltzer.

Atkinson "The Lioness" AYO 361B in the Bristol yard 1975

The lorry carried the Steps, Animals, Platforms and Girders and on the top deck the ceilings, uprights and light strips.  This lorry was extended and had a large belly box on the back. When on the moterway at full speed the lorry would rock forwards and backwards.  Painted by "Pete the Painter" to be similar to the Waltzer Atkinson.  The two loads looked impressive together.

Around 1979 this lorry was stripped back and painted plain blue.

Atkinson "The Lioness" AYO 361B on route to Cornwall 1981 with the Waltzer behind.

Later on the lorry returned to Marroon and was lettered again

Atkinson "The Lioness" AYO 361B pulling into Goodrington 1987

The ARK retired at the end of the 1987 season to be replaced by a Wools Orbiter.  The ride and lorry were parked up in Bristol and are now in the Dingles Fairground Museum.

This lorry was also produced as a corgi model - though like most corgi models it was not true to life.  They used the lorry cab from the Waltzer style atkinson with a body on similar to the Ark.

Rowland DeVey - Rowland purchased Phillip Stevens old Atkinson to use with his Flying Coaster ride. 

Atkinson 235HCY pulling onto Paignton Green with the Coaster load

The lorry was retired after a few season's replaced with a nice looking ERF (see ERF page)

Simon DeVey - Simon purchased the ex Whitelegg's Waltzer and with it came this 8 wheeler.  Simon changed the ride significantly and did away with the 8 wheeler.  It is now in preservation.

Atkinson "City of Plymouth" 174 FYU  at Truro