Edward
Felix

In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a project that combined my love of design, technology, and history: the complete retheming of Luna Park Melbourne’s iconic Ghost Train. As one of the world’s oldest dark rides, this 90-year-old treasure has captivated visitors since 1934. But after years of wear and tear, it needed a fresh new look—while keeping its unique charm alive.

The project began with a deep dive into the ride’s history. The Ghost Train was originally built by the Pretzel Amusement Ride Company and is the last of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Preserving its heritage while updating the experience for modern audiences was my main focus. Working closely with the team at Luna Park, I aimed to honour the ride’s past while giving it an entirely new visual identity.

One of the biggest challenges was the lack of blueprints or plans for the original ride layout. To solve this, I 3D scanned the entire ride and reconstructed it in virtual reality (VR) to test out new designs before any physical work began. This allowed me to experiment with the layout and fine-tune the details with precision. Using Blender and Unity, I built a fully interactive VR version of the Ghost Train, giving the team the ability to ride it virtually before committing to any changes.

The key to making this project work was 3D printing. With the help of BambuLab’s advanced 3D printers, I was able to create custom pieces for every scene inside the ride. From intricate lighting fixtures to spooky props like candles, candelabras, and even bookshelves, 3D printing allowed me to produce high-quality, bespoke parts that fit perfectly into the ride’s design.

I also paid homage to Luna Park’s own ghost story—the legend of the White Lady. This mysterious figure has been spotted haunting the park for decades, and she now has a dedicated house within the ride. Our design focused on creating an eerie, timeless atmosphere, enhanced by custom lighting and effects, all produced with the latest technology while keeping a hand-crafted feel.

The entire process was a balancing act of embracing modern technology while respecting traditional craftsmanship. Every mural was hand-painted, and every portrait in the ride was created by talented artists, giving it a truly unique look. Yet behind the scenes, advanced 3D printing, VR, and custom-built electronics ensured that everything was as efficient, durable, and immersive as possible.

The project was a labour of love, blending the rich history of Luna Park with the possibilities of today’s tech. If you find yourself in Melbourne, don’t miss the chance to ride the Ghost Train and experience its spooky new world!