| Blackpool Pleasure Beach - the late 1990s |
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The Hiram Maxim Flying Machine of 1904, with the
Sony Playstation seen in the background, right.
After 94 years the ride is still powered by its original engine,
designed by Sir Hiram Maxim. It is now on display behind glass, from the shop below the ride. |
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Maxim built three such rides, the others (no longer in
existence) being at London and Southport.
Near left: the Flying Machine and The Big One - over 90 years separate them. |
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The Steeplechase never seems to get the patronage it
deserves. Perhaps the ride itself is not visible enough as there are few viewpoints
from which to watch the ride in action and the interior of the station itself is obscured
from view. There are seldom three horses seen side by side which is a shame as the element
of a race would add to its appeal.
Right: the Big One makes its way out of the station. |
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A childrens' fairground occupies part of the Southern
half of the Pleasure Beach and for 1998 caricature figures of some of the park's staff were
erected. The park was the subject of a 6-part television documentary series on television and some members of staff were featured extensively.
The figure shown here is of park owner Geoffrey Thompson.
The wooden framework of the Roller Coaster can be seen behind. |
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The Ghost Train, the galloping steeds of the Derby Racer and Alice in Wonderland. |
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A new dark ride for the Millenium slowly took shape on the site of
the old Fun House which was destroyed by fire during the night of 16-17 December 1991.
Tantalising glimpses of vertically placed sections of track were seen before the front
was fully closed in. |
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