Watch the Finkosel at the 2008 Detroit Autorama!!!
The Finkosel is a custom-built carousel based on the creations of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth built by Chuck Kaparich.
Well, here's what happens when TWO nutcases let their imaginations run wild!
John Detrich had just completed the Thunderpig drawings for my car and we
began talking about our jobs. I'm an amusement ride builder and John is an artist.
We're both big fans of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. I'm not sure exactly how we got
into the conversation, but I mentioned that I had just sold the horses from one of
my small carousels to a childens hospital in Atlanta and would now have to carve
new figures for it. I think it was John that jokingly said.. "Wouldn't Finks make a cool
carousel? " and the idea of the "FINKOSEL" was born. Well, neither of us could get
it out of our heads and John worked up some preliminary sketches. From there came
scale drawings. John even got permission from the Roth Estate to build the thing.
The idea sat for a long time till I could clear my work schedule a bit, but finally the FINKOSEL
is underway.... We'd love to have your comments, ideas, and encouragement.... kaparich@montana.com.
A couple of friends and me are handling the building of the creatures and John is gonna
do all the decorative painting. Upon completion we hope to trailer mount the
caro..er ..FINKOSEL and set it up at car shows around the country!
Click on the links below to see how the FINKOSEL is progressing:
At the Western Montana Fair 2003, this Finkosel display took First Place in its division (woodcarving-other)
and one of four Best in Show Ribbons! Now what do you think about that?!
