Black Hole (roller coaster): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Removed steel enclosed roller coaster}} |
{{Short description|Removed steel enclosed roller coaster}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}{{Use British English|date=January 2015}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=January 2022}} |
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{{refimprove|date=January 2022}} |
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{{Infobox roller coaster |
{{Infobox roller coaster |
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|name = Black Hole |
|name = Black Hole |
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|previousnames= Black Hole II ''and'' New Black Hole |
|previousnames= Black Hole II ''and'' New Black Hole<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|image = File:Black Hole (Alton Towers) after removal.jpg |
|image = File:Black Hole (Alton Towers) after removal.jpg |
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|caption = Tent for Black Hole after the ride was removed |
|caption = Tent for Black Hole after the ride was removed |
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|coordinates = {{Coord|type:landmark|display=title,inline}} |
|coordinates = {{Coord|type:landmark|display=title,inline}} |
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|status = Removed |
|status = Removed |
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|soft_opened = {{Start date and age|1982|df=y}}<ref name=TPJ/> |
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|opened = {{Start date and age|1983|df=y}}<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|closed = {{End date and age|2005|03|05|df=y}}<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=TPJ/><ref name=BBC/> |
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|previousattraction= Dinosaur Land |
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|replacement = [[The Smiler (roller coaster)|The Smiler]] |
|replacement = [[The Smiler (roller coaster)|The Smiler]] |
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|type = Steel |
|type = Steel |
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|type2 = enclosed |
|type2 = enclosed |
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|manufacturer = Anton Schwarzkopf |
|manufacturer = Anton Schwarzkopf |
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|designer = Anton Schwarzkopf /<br>[[Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH]]<ref name=TPJ/> |
|designer = Anton Schwarzkopf<ref name=RCDB/> /<br>[[Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH]]<ref name=TPJ/> |
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|model = [[Jet Star 2 (Lagoon)|Jet Star 2]]<ref name=TPJ/> |
|model = [[Jet Star 2 (Lagoon)|Jet Star 2]]<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=TPJ/> |
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|track = custom twister |
|track = custom twister |
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|lift = [[electric spiral lift]]<ref name=TPJ/> |
|lift = [[electric spiral lift]]<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=TPJ/> |
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|height_m = 13.5 |
|height_m = 13.5 |
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|drop_ft = 27 |
|drop_ft = 27 |
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|length_m = 583<ref name=TPJ/> |
|length_m = 583<ref name=TPJ/> |
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|speed_mph = |
|speed_mph = 44 |
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|inversions = 0 |
|inversions = 0<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|duration = 1:50 |
|duration = 1:50<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|angle = 33 |
|angle = 33 |
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|capacity = 900 |
|capacity = 900<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|acceleration = |
|acceleration = |
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|gforce = 2. |
|gforce = 2.5 |
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|restriction_in= 42 |
|restriction_in= 42 |
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|trains = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
|trains = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
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|carspertrain = <!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
|carspertrain = 2<!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
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|rowspercar = |
|rowspercar = 3<!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
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|ridersperrow = 1<!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
|ridersperrow = 1<!--Must contain only numeric characters.--> |
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|custom_label_1= Built<br>base area |
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|custom_value_1= {{Convert|82.0|x|152.6|ft|abbr=on|lk=on}}<ref name=RCDB/> |
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|rcdb_number = 799 |
|rcdb_number = 799 |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Black Hole''', briefly known as '''Black Hole II''' and '''New Black Hole''', was an [[Enclosed roller coaster|enclosed]] [[steel roller coaster]] at the [[Alton Towers]] theme park in [[Staffordshire]], |
'''Black Hole''',<ref name=RCDB>{{Cite web|url=https://RCDB.com/799.htm|title=Black Hole - Alton Towers|website=RCDB.com|publisher=[[Roller Coaster DataBase]]|access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref> briefly known as '''Black Hole II''' (1988) and '''New Black Hole''' (1989), was an [[Enclosed roller coaster|enclosed]] sit-down [[steel roller coaster]] located at the [[Alton Towers]] theme park, near [[Alton, Staffordshire|Alton]] in the English [[Shire#Shire names in England|shire]] county of [[Staffordshire]], United Kingdom.<ref name=RCDB/> Constructed during 1982, it operated from 1983 until 2005.<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=BBC>{{Cite web|url=http://News.BBC.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/4318727.stm|title=End of era for Alton Towers ride|website=News.BBC.co.uk|location=[[Staffordshire]], England|publisher=[[BBC News]] - [[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=7 March 2005|access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref> The [[roller coaster]], a [[dark ride]], was contained within a huge blue tent (originally green and yellow) that ensured the ride took place in total darkness.<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=TPJ>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ThemeParkJunkies.co.uk/index.php?act=parkguide&rgp=1&ride=43&area=31&park=4|title=Black Hole - Alton Towers|website=www.ThemeParkJunkies.co.uk|publisher=Theme Park Junkies|archive-url=https://web.Archive.org/web/20070905153855/http://www.ThemeParkJunkies.co.uk/index.php?act=parkguide&rgp=1&ride=43&area=31&park=4|archive-date=5 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The roller coaster itself was a [[Jet Star 2 (Lagoon)|Jet Star 2]], designed by [[Anton Schwarzkopf]], and engineered by [[Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH]] (Ingenieur Büro Stengel) from [[Munich]], [[Bavaria]], Germany.<ref name=RCDB/><ref name=TPJ/> During the time that Black Hole operated, the park also operated a similar outdoor [[Jet Star 3]] coaster, the [[Beast (Alton Towers)|Beast]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Black Hole was constructed within Fantasy World |
Taking the place of the former 'Dinosaur Land' attraction, which had then been moved into storage, the modular steel track for Black Hole was constructed during 1982, within [[Alton Towers#X-Sector|Fantasy World]]. Built within a base area of {{Convert|82.0|x|152.6|ft|abbr=off|lk=on}},<ref name=RCDB/> it was opened for the 1983 season, and was themed around [[Outer space|space]]. |
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In 1985, the bottom of the first drop was modified slightly to make the ride run more smoothly. Lights were also added to the lift so that riders were able to brace themselves for the first drop. For the 1988 season, |
In 1985, the bottom of the first drop was modified slightly to make the ride run more smoothly. Lights were also added to the lift, so that riders were able to brace themselves for the first drop. For the 1988 season, Black Hole was dismantled and transported to Europe, where it had an overhaul by BHS (later becoming [[Maurer Söhne]]) of [[Peißenberg]] in Germany, to accommodate dual-car trains.<ref name=RCDB/> The reconstructed roller coaster reopened, and was briefly named 'Black Hole II', then 'New Black Hole' in 1989,<ref name=RCDB/> before reverting to its original name. |
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The opening of [[Oblivion (roller coaster)|Oblivion]] in 1998 brought the redevelopment of Fantasy World as |
The opening of [[Oblivion (roller coaster)|Oblivion]] in 1998 brought the redevelopment of Fantasy World as [[Alton Towers#X-Sector|X-Sector]]. Black Hole was integrated into the new themed area with another refurbishment. The colour scheme of the original tent was changed from yellow and green to deep blue, with a new entrance in the style of X-Sector. Inside, Black Hole received a redesigned queue layout, and the architecture of the station was restlyled with a [[Jules Verne]] theme. |
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In later years, the Black Hole became costly to maintain, and the park decided to close the attraction in 2005. The coaster track was dismantled and sold in 2007. At the time, there were no confirmed plans to redevelop the empty |
In later years, the Black Hole became costly to maintain, and the park decided to close the attraction in 2005. The roller coaster track was dismantled and sold in 2007. At the time, there were no confirmed plans to redevelop the empty tent, so it remained unused for several years. |
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During a one-off |
During a one-off question-and-answer session in 2010, held to celebrate the opening of [[Thirteen (roller coaster)|TH13TEEN]], it was confirmed by [[John Wardley]] and then-marketing director Morwenna Angove that preparation for a new roller coaster in 2013 had started, and that the former Black Hole area was a potential site. A [[Planning permission in the United Kingdom|planning application]] proposing a new roller coaster on the Black Hole site was submitted in early 2012, and approved by [[Staffordshire Moorlands|Staffordshire Moorlands District Council]]. The large tent which housed the now former Black Hoke was finally dismantled in April 2012, to make way for [[The Smiler (roller coaster)|The Smiler]], marking the end of its stay at the park after almost 28 years. |
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==Scare mazes== |
==Scare mazes== |
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==Relocation== |
==Relocation== |
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After a renovation from [[Gerstlauer]], the ride reopened as [https://web.Archive.org/web/20170102082122/http://www.Furuvik.se/Bad--Tivoli/attraktioner/rocket/ Rocket] at [[Furuviksparken|Furuvik Zoo]] |
After a renovation from [[Gerstlauer]], the former Black Hole ride was transported to Sweden, and reopened as [https://web.Archive.org/web/20170102082122/http://www.Furuvik.se/Bad--Tivoli/attraktioner/rocket/ Rocket] at [[Furuviksparken|Furuvik Zoo]]<ref name=RCDB/> on 21 May 2011. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Portal|Staffordshire|England}} |
{{Portal|Staffordshire|England}} |
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{{Commons category-inline|Black Hole (Alton Towers)}} |
{{Commons category-inline|Black Hole (Alton Towers)}} |
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*[http://www.TowersAlmanac.com/areas/rides.php?id=23 Black Hole] — at Towers Almanac |
*[http://www.TowersAlmanac.com/areas/rides.php?id=23 Black Hole] — at Alton Towers Almanac |
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*[http://www.TowersNerd.com/history/retired/blackhole/ Black Hole] — at |
*[https://web.Archive.org/web/20060719232542/http://www.TowersNerd.com/history/retired/blackhole/ Black Hole] — at TowersNerd, via Archive.org |
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*[https://web.Archive.org/web/20080310232117/http://www.TowersTimes.co.uk/history/oldrides/bh.htm Black Hole] — at |
*[https://web.Archive.org/web/20080310232117/http://www.TowersTimes.co.uk/history/oldrides/bh.htm Black Hole] — at TowersTimes.co.uk, via Archive.org |
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*[https://web.Archive.org/web/20170102082122/http://www.Furuvik.se/Bad--Tivoli/attraktioner/rocket/ Rocket] — at Furuvik Zoo |
*[https://web.Archive.org/web/20170102082122/http://www.Furuvik.se/Bad--Tivoli/attraktioner/rocket/ Rocket] — at Furuvik Zoo |
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{{Alton Towers}} |
{{Alton Towers}} |
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{{British dark rides}} |
{{British dark rides}} |
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{{Roller coaster types}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Black Hole (Roller Coaster)}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Black Hole (Roller Coaster)}} |
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[[Category:Alton Towers]] |
[[Category:Alton Towers]] |
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[[Category:1983 establishments in England]] |
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[[Category:2005 disestablishments in England]] |
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⚫ |
Revision as of 13:10, 6 January 2022
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2022) |
Black Hole | |
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Previously known as Black Hole II and New Black Hole[1] | |
![]() Tent for Black Hole after the ride was removed | |
Alton Towers | |
Location | Alton Towers |
Park section | X-Sector |
Coordinates | 52°59′14″N 1°53′43″W / 52.9873°N 1.8953°W |
Status | Removed |
Soft opening date | 1982[2] |
Opening date | 1983[1] |
Closing date | 5 March 2005[1][2][3] |
Replaced | Dinosaur Land |
Replaced by | The Smiler |
General statistics | |
Type | Steel – enclosed |
Manufacturer | Anton Schwarzkopf |
Designer | Anton Schwarzkopf[1] / Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH[2] |
Model | Jet Star 2[1][2] |
Track layout | custom twister |
Lift/launch system | electric spiral lift[1][2] |
Height | 13.5 m (44 ft) |
Drop | 27 ft (8.2 m) |
Length | 583[2] m (1,913 ft) |
Speed | 44 mph (71 km/h) |
Inversions | 0[1] |
Duration | 1:50[1] |
Max vertical angle | 33° |
Capacity | 900[1] riders per hour |
G-force | 2.5 |
Height restriction | 42 in (107 cm) |
Trains | 2 cars. Riders are arranged 1 across in 3 rows for a total of 6 riders per train. |
Built base area | 82.0 ft × 152.6 ft (25.0 m × 46.5 m)[1] |
Black Hole at RCDB |
Black Hole,[1] briefly known as Black Hole II (1988) and New Black Hole (1989), was an enclosed sit-down steel roller coaster located at the Alton Towers theme park, near Alton in the English shire county of Staffordshire, United Kingdom.[1] Constructed during 1982, it operated from 1983 until 2005.[1][3] The roller coaster, a dark ride, was contained within a huge blue tent (originally green and yellow) that ensured the ride took place in total darkness.[1][2] The roller coaster itself was a Jet Star 2, designed by Anton Schwarzkopf, and engineered by Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH (Ingenieur Büro Stengel) from Munich, Bavaria, Germany.[1][2] During the time that Black Hole operated, the park also operated a similar outdoor Jet Star 3 coaster, the Beast.
History
Taking the place of the former 'Dinosaur Land' attraction, which had then been moved into storage, the modular steel track for Black Hole was constructed during 1982, within Fantasy World. Built within a base area of 82.0 by 152.6 feet (25.0 by 46.5 metres),[1] it was opened for the 1983 season, and was themed around space.
In 1985, the bottom of the first drop was modified slightly to make the ride run more smoothly. Lights were also added to the lift, so that riders were able to brace themselves for the first drop. For the 1988 season, Black Hole was dismantled and transported to Europe, where it had an overhaul by BHS (later becoming Maurer Söhne) of Peißenberg in Germany, to accommodate dual-car trains.[1] The reconstructed roller coaster reopened, and was briefly named 'Black Hole II', then 'New Black Hole' in 1989,[1] before reverting to its original name.
The opening of Oblivion in 1998 brought the redevelopment of Fantasy World as X-Sector. Black Hole was integrated into the new themed area with another refurbishment. The colour scheme of the original tent was changed from yellow and green to deep blue, with a new entrance in the style of X-Sector. Inside, Black Hole received a redesigned queue layout, and the architecture of the station was restlyled with a Jules Verne theme.
In later years, the Black Hole became costly to maintain, and the park decided to close the attraction in 2005. The roller coaster track was dismantled and sold in 2007. At the time, there were no confirmed plans to redevelop the empty tent, so it remained unused for several years.
During a one-off question-and-answer session in 2010, held to celebrate the opening of TH13TEEN, it was confirmed by John Wardley and then-marketing director Morwenna Angove that preparation for a new roller coaster in 2013 had started, and that the former Black Hole area was a potential site. A planning application proposing a new roller coaster on the Black Hole site was submitted in early 2012, and approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. The large tent which housed the now former Black Hoke was finally dismantled in April 2012, to make way for The Smiler, marking the end of its stay at the park after almost 28 years.
Scare mazes
During the park's annual Halloween Scarefest event in October 2011, the Black Hole building was used to house two temporary scare maze attractions. This was the first time the structure had been put to public use since the attraction's closure in March 2005.
Relocation
After a renovation from Gerstlauer, the former Black Hole ride was transported to Sweden, and reopened as Rocket at Furuvik Zoo[1] on 21 May 2011.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Black Hole - Alton Towers". RCDB.com. Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Black Hole - Alton Towers". www.ThemeParkJunkies.co.uk. Theme Park Junkies. Archived from the original on 5 September 2007.
- ^ a b "End of era for Alton Towers ride". News.BBC.co.uk. Staffordshire, England: BBC News - British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 March 2005. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
External links
Media related to Black Hole (Alton Towers) at Wikimedia Commons
- Black Hole — at Alton Towers Almanac
- Black Hole — at TowersNerd, via Archive.org
- Black Hole — at TowersTimes.co.uk, via Archive.org
- Rocket — at Furuvik Zoo