| Blackpool Pleasure Beach - the late 1990s |
| The Sony Playstation, Blackpool.
Blackpool's first white knuckle ride named after a computer games console (huh? Must be some money there somewhere...!) shoots
riders vertically into the air. Whilst not the most photogenic of rides, it's effect on riders can be judged here! |
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The Grand National is Blackpool Pleasure Beach's double roller coaster.
Built in 1936, it is still one of the very best rides on the park. Two trains race each other over a decent length of track with two of the dips levelling out and then plunging again before rising up again. The final dip before the station seems to just miss the walkway from where the pic (right) was taken. |
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The Avalanche - a bobsleigh ride down an elongated "hammock" of a track. |
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| The River Caves were first opened in 1906. The layout
- in fact the track - is still very much original.
Inside are displayed tableaux of various scenes from around the world.
The external appearance has changed several times since 1906, though the waterwheel providing
the power can still be seen. |
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This used to be the Cresta Cafe with a Swiss ski resort
theme. Now several stalls provide different types of food.
In the centre of the room a mannekin figure climbs up and down the rope.
The Haunted Swing is based on a very old principle of a fixed swing around which a
full size room revolves completely. This version of the ride opened in 1955 and has
occupied the same site ever since. |
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The Big Dipper station has been modernised. A good
viewing area has been provided and the archways allow more light into the station than the
previous structure.
A major fire in 1975 nearly led to disaster with the station being ablaze and the train,
fully loaded with passengers still out on the track. The bravery of staff who risked the
flames to stop the car and get passengers out was remarkable.
The Big Dipper remains a favourite ride. In 1998 a new World Record was set - 1000 hours
non-stop riding. |
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