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Abstract
Wheel weighs approximately 800 pounds (together with the platform, where contestants stand, 4,000 pounds) Constructed with aluminum tubing and wood The wheel itself is 7 feet 6 inches in diameter. There is no official name for the sound effect when contestants land on "Bankrupt."
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No longer used: The "Surprise" wedge, which awarded a special prize if players solved the puzzle; and "Double Play," which allowed players to call two consonants on same spin.
Wheel weighs approximately 800 pounds (together with the platform, where contestants stand, 4,000 pounds)
Constructed with aluminum tubing and wood
The wheel itself is 7 feet 6 inches in diameter. Platform, including where contestants stand, measures 18 feet 9 inches across. Height, from the floor to the top of the spokes, is 3 feet 9 inches.
Rotates on ball bearings (inside spindle). Oiled every day. Oil "is something automotive, heavier than WD-40," says Harry Friedman, executive producer.
Runs on approximately 60 amps of power (the equivalent of four washing machines)
"People misjudge just how heavy it is," says Friedman. "The only time that I thought the wheel was going to fall off the spindle was during NFL players week."
The weakest spin ever was when an older female contestant spun just six spokes, or two wedges.
Composed of 24 wedges and 72 spokes Why 24? Visual reasons, says supervising producer Steve Schwartz: "Twenty-four is the best number you could divide a pie into for the wedges to be seen on TV."
Font of wheel's lettering and dollar amounts is a customized version of Clarendon bold/black.
Is there a feud between "The Price Is Right's" Showcase Wheel and "Wheel of Fortune's" wheel? "There are no rivalries," says Schwartz. "It's all in the family."
That's not what "Price" host Drew Carey told us."'The Price Is Right' wheel is infused with magic and blessed by ancient shamans. ... So, yeah, our wheel is better."
Prize wedges picked up by contestants are made of thick card stock and at their widest are 12 inches by 28 inches.
Most-used wedge color: lavender (four times)
An independent attorney is present during telecasts. He selects puzzles at random, briefs contestants on rules and spins the wheel to make sure it is properly calibrated.
When the wheel travels, it is broken down into 63 pieces. The entire set -- including the video puzzle board, lighting, rigging -- fits into 14 semitrailer trucks.
What slows the wheel? Teardrop-shaped rubber stoppers (flippers)
Even with all the new technology and updates, the show has used the same wheel frame since its first show.
A video wedge, with rotating dollar amounts, was added this season.
For the first 20 years, the chase lights surrounding the wheel were bulb-based. In 2003, the show began using a plexiglass LED system capable of displaying 16.5 million colors.
When the show taped its pilot in 1975, it was called "Shopper's Bazaar," and the wheel was vertical. Producers said it was awkward, and so they turned the wheel horizontal, as it remains today.
There is no official name for the sound effect when contestants land on "Bankrupt." Might we suggest the "Slide Whistle of Doom"?
The wheel was constructed at the CBS set shop. There is a backup wheel, stored in a warehouse, in case the main wheel breaks down.
Have you noticed that contestants are about the same height? They stand atop adjustable hydraulic risers. It's for camera composition, but also helps shorter players reach the wheel.
Experience our never-before-seen wheelcam at chicagotribune.com/wheel
Credit: Compiled by Kevin Pang
Caption: Photo (color): Vanna WhiteGraphic (color): (The wheel)
(Copyright 2008 by the Chicago Tribune)