When you see those silhouette images of Blackpool, The Big One is always a part of those. It’s iconic and something you see miles out as you drive into Blackpool itself. If it can be remodelled with a new track and carriages in some way that would be my preference with some track reconfigurement to make the ride more exciting would be my preference. Great format guys.
Really enjoy your vlogs guys, and these new chat ones are great too. The Big One has to stay one way or another. Yesterday was totally the most dreadful day of operations I've known at Bpb. Aware big dipper was shut prior, but then Icon and Rev were shut the whole day too. Nobody around to explain anything. Seemed a mild, non windy day but Big one only opened after 3, at windiest point of the day - with one train that had two carriages out of use! They'd also pretty much shut down Nick Land again not advertised,, apart from a small handful of rides. Steeplechase also down for ages after a horse got stuck. We've had passes for years with our two children and made me think why did I renew next year. Didn't do the express as would have been like viewing a closed park, felt like more rides were off than operating. And my sister in law paid nearly £40 to come, planning to enjoy Icon and the rest. When you look forward to last season rides, it felt as depressing as what happened when you see there for opening weekend, like the paying public just don't matter.
@@stuartharbidge4142 apparently they’ve started their winter maintenance a few weeks earlier than what they normally do hence why so many attractions are closed. Hopefully this means a better year next year.
@@bunkerboy02That would be okay if they advertised it clearly so that people know before buying tickets etc they are coming to a half shut down park. Or they should sell tickets at half price if so. What they did at the weekend was disgraceful. It conned people into thinking the park was operating when really it wasn't.
Here's my solution, and it's not too far off Scott's suggestion: Lose ENSO and get a full Extreme Spinner train for Icon, no up charge just wait an extra train for standard or spinning experience (I think the tracks are the same), and increase the launch speed. Those LSM's can handle a lot more, they are just currently set for reliability over power, you can reduce that impact making the first launch rolling, in that first launch it would be able to hit approx 65, making that top hat full ejector and the first half of the layout very whippy and intense. Same deal with second launch but as it's already rolling it won't even take a reliability hit. What's so good about the multi launch is you can even have different settings for each train, have a normal train and a crazy train and it would be fantastic for marketing. You could implement this in months, ready for the start of next season at minimal cost. While that's the new star attraction and gets lots of rave reviews from Americans, close big one and RMC it. You can just get them to profile the first drop in a similar way, make it the new UK talleat, give it a vertical drop with an aggressive 90° twist part way down, and use that massive structure for a load of world class elementsm imagine a big wave turn facing the beach. It would be the UK's dallest coaster, the world's tallest, fastest, and longest RMC, a good chance it'll be the world's best ride full stop, AND as RMC's never have slow elements, the chance of Hugh wind rollbacks are massively reduced. That's the great thing about ejector airtime, those just become floater in bad conditions instead of rolling back altogether. Anyway this plan could be done within 2 years at a hilariously low cost relative to the quality of attractions it would result in. Imagine that same colour scheme with I-Box track!
Hi guys. Thank you for your video. I've never personally done Big One but watching videos on re track work that has going on I think it has many years yet to go.
When I look to visit the park I’m always checking the weather to see if the Big One is open. The park just feels different when it’s not running it just loses a lot of its heart. Take out the Big One and attendance drops. I like the idea of a re-track but make modifications and get the record back. Great format and brilliant discussion both.
The only ones I wouldn’t mind getting removed are avalanche or infusion. And even then depending on what it replaced and whether it could have a good maintenance shed built next to it, I would like to see the avalanche station get reused so it would still have the Alpine theme but just as a different coaster that would utilise the station.
Great video guys. It is an icon no pun intended. It can not be left to ruin. My worry is so many rides at end of life means everything is breaking. Tough decisions ahead.
@@yourexperienceguide maybe remove rough rides and replace it with a smoother rides (eg:big dipper is rough so maybe replace it with a launch coaster maybe like have the fastest coaster in the uk?
Really enjoying the sit down chat videos guys ,keep up the good work. I think The pleasure beach finds its self in a similar position to Alton towers.regarding ride removal,lots of the general public would be all for removing iconic coasters but the enthusiasts would be mostly against it.Your vlog a while ago asking if the heritage rides are holding the pleasure beach raised similar questions. In my view it’s great to keep nostalgic,iconic coasters but for parks to progress and attract visitors replacing them becomes necessary.
Great video , I hope they preserve the PMBO in its original form and I think they will, whatever replaces Grand Prix I think will give an indication on whether Big One's days are numbered. if it was ever removed they may as well close the gates forever imo., regardless of any replacement. I think other coaster removals will happen, most of which wont be replaced and a handful of new attractions added, as part of a scaled down amusement park in years to come as they move more and more towards the resort model. I think they have realised a long time ago (as have Merlin) that once Universal gets green lit, they won't be able to compete on ride hardware.
@@marcdawson4635 that sounds like a very grim future, any more rides for removals that aren’t replaced and the park might as well be a defunct park! They shouldn’t have to compete on right hardware, they are a seaside, amusement park that will always be its own thing, and nothing like universal, this resort model clearly isn’t working, and the sooner somebody else in the Thompson family takes over the better, we need to go closer back to the roots if they are to truly be successful. I really hope your prediction about more rides going unless coming in doesn’t happen🤞🙏
Big One still looks crazy big now, must have been insane when it was first built. 100% needs to be kept exactly as it and continue with the re-track. I agree it is a UK landmark and not just in thoosie land. Blackpool and the UK would be poorer if it was removed. Technically not the best coaster now but I absolutely love it and have a personal connection after conquering it at 8 years old.
Shoukd restart the retracking but, could the reason for no retracking this time round for the Big One, be the ongoing work on Ice Blast and the rumoured new ride, plus possibly work on the River Caves? . Personally, I can see the retracking commencing again in 25/26.
Having lived on the Fylde coast for 20 years and watched the big one being built I can imagine bits of the support structure could also do with renewal. As for Taziker, I was in their factory over summer and they had a coaster in build for export to the US. Leave the first drop alone but I do think there is potential to re profile some of the ride. It all takes cash though......
Losing the big one at the pleasure beach would be a sad day. Its iconic to the pleasure beach and its still a big draw to the park. Probably not even in top 10 uk coasters anymore but still good. I do have a bit of fear for the pleaure beach nowadays. They cant seem to cover maintenance costs anymore and rides are down and closing more and more. That doesnt seem to just be a pleasure beach problem.
@@yourexperienceguide that's what happens when interest rates go from next to 0% to 6% mixed with rising costs everywhere. Hard to keep increasing entrance costs at theme parks with a lot of people struggling as is.
I think it's a tricky one! I really loved the Big One and I've loved it since I was a kid, but then I do also agree that change is stifled but then I wouldn't want it to go either 😅😂
I was at the park the otherday. One of the ride ops said the arrow coasters days are numbered. Im hoping they continue saving big one. Its not the best but its history!
I think it 'will' go at some point, however for now I'm reminiscing driving into Blackpool around 30 years ago and seeing the lift hill in the distance. I can remember parking up and heading for the park that day as if it was yesterday! Still have the on-ride photo somewhere, somewhat slimmer and with more hair! Happy memories. Will it be here 30 years hence, tbh I seriously doubt it.
@@yourexperienceguide I'd be interested to know what the oldest operating steel coaster is. I can't imagine any park ever wanting (or being able to?) keep a steel coaster operating as long as some of the woodies?
Best thing to do build a preservation park somewhere in the UK and banish the older rides there and keep them preserved instead of completely destroying them and make room for newer equipment, just seems the park there runs on people's nostalgia. There has to come a time that you need to move with the times and keep things interesting to pull punters
I think the reason why icon didn’t draw people in like it should’ve done was partly because the marketing was terrible and will advertising they did have wasn’t enough, and possibly even the business model i.e. no longer being free entry possibly contributing. I’m not saying that they should go back to free entry because I know the arguments for an against that, but it’s possible that that might of put people off at the time maybe with it being pleasure beach bring back the dearly non-rider past that might make a big difference as people may well be more accepting of that then they are of Pay one price.
@ I know that, what I’m saying is that people still weren’t accepting of it not being free entry at that point, however if the daily non-rider pass does come back some of those people might be more forgiving of the non-rider pass then they were previously purely because of the P1 price model they’ve had for the last four years.
If it was my park… 1.) Re theme The Big One. The queue line and internal queue building need a lease of life. Blackpool is by the sea, some sort of nautical horror theming / kraken etc would go hand in hand. You can’t get rid of it, it’s a landmark now. 2.) Enso on Icon, get each train to have the spinning seat on the rear and lower the price to £5/£7. Huge uptake and more revenue. 3.) Knock down that arcade across from river caves area and put the Gyro Swing there. 4.) Be bold and call up RMC to reimagine the Grand National. I think it would then be the only place in the world with dueling RMC coasters? - there’s your headliner. 4.) Take up the option for new seats that are available for Ice Blast that rotate. Theme it to fit in with Valhalla. 5.) Family coaster to replace Grand Prix, doesn’t need to be big, just fun. 6.) Red Arrows, Steeplechase, Dodgems all on the chopping block. 7.) Call up 6 Flags and ask them what they are planning to do with Kingda Ka 😂
@ yeah I think you’re right about it being listed but I think it’s only if you remove it entirely, RMC would keep the structure just bump it up and replace the rails. It would be so awesome!
@@romanmarshall1412RMC would need to put new footers in which would mean making huge structural changes. It’s pretty unlikely. Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏
If they are bringing in the large intermin geo-swing, that will bring in the people in the meantime. Keeping parts of the structure and adding a new coaster I think would be the best option. Saying that, I do believe they need to get rid of the big dipper first. It was extremely rough when riding it on Halloween.
The big one is iconic, even though I personally don't enjoy it (all height, no thrill), but that back side of the park is still lacking. I think removing steeple chase, the maze, the blue flyers, etc would give a lot of room for something new. The main thing I want to see is more theming, Embrace the viking theme at the front, transition it into vampiric horror, then split into nickelodeon one side a new theme on the other, idk, dragons or something. Or wacky inventions with wallace and gromit. Just something visually appealing and interesting.
like you've mentioned, it can only go if its replaced by something bigger and better. its part of the blackpool skyline and you can even see it from Barrow-In-Furness on a good day. Blackpool does need to up its game though, id rather make the 3hr drive to alton towers than the 1hr to pleasure beach as they offer much more for a better price.
I HIGHLY Recommend you make a trip to the Gold Coast in Australia. Movie world has a hypercoaster named DC Rivals. The drop is INSANE! I prefer it over big one. I think Mack Coasters could do an incredible job for BP.
The big one has such a presence in Blackpool, but we need more reliability with all rides in pleasure beach. Hopefully we can get more rides on it next year before any changes come!
I think a re profile would be best bring some new elements, keep the drop but make the second hill a massive upside down stall and at the turn around section tilt the train ground side and then flip it like the crazy new inversion on hypera, you could make the noisy hill (stairs rattle a zero g roll. I agree I live in blackpool and when I drive past or I take the dog on the beach I can’t help but look and think wow. Plus would not take a lot to change the angle of the hill to take back the hight record or smash it completely.
I think the park needs upgrading like the other ride is coming down to what to .? and cheaper prices for entry as people would go in, and as for the big one could maybe extending the ride with twist and turns and maybe adding more fun things to the park too
the big one is a icon at pleasure beach ( no pun intended hah) and should not be going anywhere. it put the park on the map and it would be a sad day if and when it gets removed. There is enough space in the park for new rides without any needing to go and thankfully more are coming. Love the sit down chat style video. BPB has always been about having unique rides and rides like the big one and steeplechase are part of that and what sets it apart from other parks
BPB was just short of 100 years old when the Big One opened and by far the biggest park in the UK, maybe even Europe. They were already on the map. However, they’ve not really progressed since and have been left behind sadly, and aren’t in a position to remove it. Thank you for the feedback 😊
Interesting as always lads and love the sitting down format, you’re just lacking a couple of beers and snacks to add to the ambience! Do you believe The Big One will be maintained into the future so it could realistically reach a centenary like Big Dipper or is that a different proposition? Keep up the great work in the closed season 👍👏🎢
Their somebody at the door 😂😂 I agree on a lot you can't get rid of some rides (wooden and big one ect) The pmbo desperately needs a Nemesis style magic wand wave.. But I fully appreciate that it's not an easy conundrum to fix.. (especially with poor foot fall) But yes it's the 2nd Blackpool tower.
Only issue is the only reusable part might be the lift hill as the profiling on a big one element eg: a big one ‘airtime’ hill compared to a modern ejector hill are completely different.
its scary, we live now in a time in our life that iconic rides come to there end. Some rides are iconic, some nostalgic and some are legends. Some have to go, but who. Kingda Ka was to young but is was a icon. Python at Efteling is nostalgic but also a legend for making the park what is is now. Its so diffecult and you walk on a thin rope. Wild train was a legend but the park took it down with pain in the heart. Lognes monstar is also a legend for the park, it kicked off a massif grow. These are dissionse i would not like to think about
Disagree on the re track option. The Taziker sections are just as rough as the rest imo. Its just throwing good money after bad. Build the new big coaster there and take it down afterwards is the best call. Failing that RMC it adding 23.5 extra feet 😂
Loved the ride fell out with the ride. Just too rough now. However it is an amazing landmark due to how imposing it looks. Imo it could only be replaced with another imposing ride structure like Zadra/Iron Gwazi. A 250ft Zadra would look everybit as good as The Big One imo
Some key points have been missed here. The main one is that the UK will not be building the tallest rollercoaster in the world ever again. The Big One is historically significant. The structure is still imposing and induces fear. Enough time has passed now where the rollercoasters that Arrow built, need to stay. Yes, even Steeplechase. These things are so rare, unique and precious that removal would be tragic.
Keep the support structure but get b'n'm to lay there hyper track over it with some profile tweeking for stronger airtime and better valleys. Maybe re do the helix at the end so it's tighter and more intense. This way i feel that Blackpool will still have that iconic structure. Riders will have a much better ride experience. The uk will get a propper hyper coaster. Throughput will increase by atleast two fold with the bigger trains. Win win. Not to mention the costs saved with not having to put in new supports.
I’d rather they remove the whole structure than let B&M anywhere near it, most of their hyper coasters are dull and now they’re building coasters with rattly noises, and vibrations.
In my opinion if Avalanche was to go next that opens up a huge space along side grand prix. That's surely more than enough space for a UK record holder? With modern technology anythings possible especially with where supports can go etc. If the pleasure beach takes back the uk record it's an instant win for the park, people will flock from far and wide. Just like what hyperia done for Thorpe!
As far as the big one itself goes, I would just continue to retract it like they’ve been doing obviously with a different manufacturer, and I would add LED chasers of the lift Hill and then the station roof.
Do you really think Amanda would remove it not only was it her dad's most famous project, but it's like the 20th century Blackpool Tower it would be a terrible loss to Blackpool if it was ever removed. Hyperia is great but for me The Big One is still much more impressive to look at than Hyperia
It’s iconic and a landmark without doubt. However I wouldn’t have wasted the money retracting parts (although can see why they did). I would have got someone in to fully redesign the layout. Ideally RMC.
I'd suggest keeping the first drop and turnaround the same, they're both too iconic to change. But there's a lot in-between that would benefit from reprofiling to make it more exciting. The coat hanger shaped first hill for example, there's potential there for some kind of mad speed/airtime hill. The same goes for a lot of the other elements, I wouldn't make any radical changes beyond the first hill... but there is potential there to make the coaster on the whole more exciting without ripping out the heart of the ride. Bring it into the 21s century and get rid of the clunky Arrow profiling.
I’d have to say close it. It’s far too rough sadly. I’d personally say a middle-solution is to close off the wheel seats completely - it’s just honestly so rough it put all my family off coming back to Blackpool. Seriously! ps - enjoying this new format!
Bin it, not only does it break your neck on the first drop, it has no airtime and half the time it’s closed due to the wind. I’d replace it with something following its path like with a B&M or even better whoever made Hyperia.
The Big One has to stay at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Resort) because it draws in the punters and coaster enthusiasts from all over. It just needs the TLC that it deserves to keep the ride going for many more decades. If they continue with the re-tracking project, the helix and turnaround must be a priority. If they lose the plot and get rid of the Big One, then they need to replace it with a coaster that is unique and also a first for the UK or even Europe.
Problem is with the big one is its sheer size, the cost of maintaining it is astronomical. The park is really suffering with footfall due to many reasons. Unfortunately it will be the big one that suffers the most.
I'd love them to reprofile some of the hills to give some airtime but that's probably not realistic. Whatever they do with it it has to stay imo. Even if they built the "bigger one"
@yourexperienceguide I don't understand the love the big one gets at all. I want to take out a restraining order against it after what it did to me the last time I got on it. Trains are definitely an issue. Unless you fit into those hard roundbacked seats like jelly into a mold, you get slammed side to side with every transition turning your ribs to mush. The last time I got off it was the last time I will get on it. It was never a great ride even when it was new. After that first drop, you get your breath back halfway over the next hill, then spend the rest of it waiting for the next thing to take your breath again. Sadly the trim brakes arrive first. In the meantime it's just violence and pain. As for the trains. Go ride Colossus at Thorpe Park. Then ride Sik at Flamingo Land. Same track different cars and the difference that makes is remarkable. I would not be sorry to see the big one go. Okay. Rant over.
the only way i can see that they could remove big one is if they made a coaster taller and faster that follows the same path as big one but it’s more modern. as for current big one i wonder if the same company who retracked Python at Efteling if they could do anything with Big One
I think if Blackpool took the height and speed record back with an intermin mega/giga in place of TBO. The GP would not be too fussed about TBO leaving. The enthusiasts are the ones that would be offended. The GP do not have the same kind of Connection to rides that the community has. I think replacing TBO with something bigger and faster would bring in a lot of people
It seems to me they have done what needs to be done with the Big one so it will stay as is for now which for me is ok ... the age releated issues with the other steel coasters for various reasons are for me far more pressing
I’ve grown up with it being an ever present, Blackpool and the North would feel weird without it. That being said I’d replace it with a modern hyper, ideally Intamin with them having a few amazing twisted first drops like exp g force and Kondaa would keep the legacy of the ride alive
It’s iconic and a landmark yeah BUT it can’t stay forever. There will be a time when it becomes boring and look/feel behind the times. Like it’s 30 years old now, realistically how long can it last?! Maybe something new, fresh, bigger and better might be an option to look at but obviously that’s for BPB to decide.
The Big One might have been a cutting edge thrill ride in the mid 90's, but it just doesn't have the thrill factor anymore. The initial climb and drop may be exciting, but there's nothing to it after that. Sadly, removing and replacing it with something better is likely to cost £20-30m. Something that has little chance of ever happening under the current ownership and climate.
To be honest it wasn’t innovative, it was mine train tech from the 70s, same as Magnum XL-200. It’s still comfortably in the top 3 UK coasters IMO, enthusiasts moan about it but it’s always the most popular ride at BPB.
Got to keep the big one.. It's a focal point of Blackpool. You dare your friends and family to ride. Same with icon. Icon needed better marketing. It's a fantastic coaster.. But blackpool needs the big one. Without doubt.
The first 2 or 3 hills after the big drop have poor profiles resulting in a them being not as thrilling as they should be. I wonder about feasibility of re-profiling them as part of re-tracking.
I feel sorry for Pleasure Beach The Big One makes Pleasue Beach’s skyline but I fear people’s emotional attachments could kill the whole park. The heritage rides are both a blessing and a curse as is being on the seafront. Heritage rides are what makes the park special but they are a financial drain, they don’t attract enough visitors and they make the overall ride offering too rough as a whole. I don’t think there is an obvious route for the park to become sustainable and financially secure. The Big One isn’t big enough now to attract enough people into the park. Are people going to keep returning to the park to ride it as it gets rougher again? Does the ride attract enough visitors to be worth the drain of the maintenance costs of a steel coaster on the coast? If the was a new coaster that would be smoother, be better to maintain, cope better with the wind, sit well on the skyline and be a more enjoyable ride then I think the park would be better of looking past people emotional attachment to the Big One and replace it. Or if the trains or layout can be enhanced to improve the experience they should go for that. If Pleasure Beach thinks that the life of the park is coming close to its end then it would be better to keep going as they are and manage their last years as best as they can. Better to make good than to make unsustainable investments that could bankrupt the park. I see the park like it is being kept going for 20 more years.
Big One is still a huge draw to the park, people up north on a budget aren’t going to go to Thorpe for Hyperia alone IMO. They’re in a tough place though with their heritage attractions, big decisions are needed.
I would be fine if they stuck a massive board up at the entrance and say for the next 2/3 years they are going to put all their money into refurbing all their current line up back to top standards and tease a new major coaster coming in a few years but with how they dont communicate it creates more doubt if the future is going to be good or not
Some interesting ideas here. I once heard this idea being proposed on a TH-cam comments section, and I can't stop thinking about it. Somebody said that their dream would be a retrack and reprofiling by Chance Rides, just like they did on the former Steel Phantom in Kennywood, now Phantom's Revenge. Get then to put some new trains on, reprofile the first big airtime hills to make them less triangular so they actually give airtime, and put a couple bunny hills at the end. I doubt they'd say no!
@@yourexperienceguide Good point there, but then again, they've only started retracking the Big One recently, so really anything is possible. Still, it's more of a pipedream really, but still, we pray for this to actually happen!
It needs to stay, it's the parks jewel unless they have the money to take back the record from Hyperia. If not carry on with the retrack once they have finished the other updates they are doing this season close.
If kingda ka was closed then this probably falls in to the same bracket. Yes it's iconic but it would need a potentially iconic coaster to replace it. Tough decision for bpb. Keep the lift Hill and fist drop and reprofile the rest would be my choice
I think there's a bit of a catch with re-tracking the big one. It comes at a huge expense, doesn't offer a big marketing pull as the GP won't notice or care, but it does preserve the ride for maybe another 20 years. However, the criticism of Blackpool is it caters too much to retaining older rides, and is perhaps seen as outdated by a younger GP, particularly with the roughness of some of its older rides. So to retrack TBO I think actually sends the wrong message. If we opted for a topper track of any kind over the existing structure, which would be my choice if feasible, I'd opt for a revised layout into Infusions footprint with that removed and the back half of TBO removed around Steeplechase and have a more exciting layout. If this was done by Mack lets say, with the same cars as Icon, id love the current turnaround helix to be a more intense inner banked turn, leading into a drop with potential for inversions or a whippy layout down around Infusions current area then running into the station over Big Dipper straight in. Otherwise I think if you're removing TBO you need an equally landmark structure in its place. However, Id actually argue against building AS big next time round, sticking to 200ft Maximum due to wind speeds and operating windows, and I also think LSM's are way too expensive to operate for BPB both on maintenance and power, and we wont see a giant launched coaster at BPB ever. A lift hill is much cheaper to run, and I'd have a new lift hill in the same spot, again just running a layout into Infusions footprint but with this being built by Intamin or Mack rides personally. Ideally, and perhaps on topic given the Kingda Ka situation, up to a 150-200ft Mack Extreme Spinning Coaster (with a lift hill not LSM launch) would be the perfect choice. Great views rotating 360 degrees at that height coming down into an exciting layout, it would be a very marketable ride to the GP, not actually TOO wild of a ride depending on what layout / inversions are included, but still a thrill ride that would have a big draw on enthusiasts too. "The Worlds Tallest, Fastest and Steepest Spinning Coaster" or certainly Europes if Six Flags Great Adventure go with their Kindga Ka replacement concept. Otherwise an Intamin Mega/Giga Coaster would be great replacement if they want the height record too.
I’m done with the Big one I’m afraid . I think thought broke my next right at the end near station, don’t know what it was, felt like a dip 😖. I reckon Hyperia has a far better first drop and you know that by the brake run you won’t need an ambulance 🚑 . I know you guys love it but it’s a 1 and done and by that I mean once a year 🙁. It is a land mark but it’s not a world class ride unfortunately 🥺🧱👍🏽
I wholeheartedly agree. I may not like the ride experience much anymore as it’s very much a titty jiggler to quote uncle Nate, but it’s so iconic it would be a bad move to remove it!
I'm really loving the sit down chat style at the moment!
Thank you 🙏
yes yes!
When you see those silhouette images of Blackpool, The Big One is always a part of those. It’s iconic and something you see miles out as you drive into Blackpool itself. If it can be remodelled with a new track and carriages in some way that would be my preference with some track reconfigurement to make the ride more exciting would be my preference.
Great format guys.
Thank you 🙏 More like this to come
Love this sit down talk with you and Stephen. I’ve watched for years and your channel is getting much better lately guys 👍🏻
Thank you! Much appreciated 😄
This new format is thoroughly enjoyable! Thank you all for all the effort!
Thank you 🙏
Ding dong! Someone at the door! 😂 Enjoying these type of videos
Thank you 🙏
Really enjoy your vlogs guys, and these new chat ones are great too.
The Big One has to stay one way or another.
Yesterday was totally the most dreadful day of operations I've known at Bpb.
Aware big dipper was shut prior, but then Icon and Rev were shut the whole day too. Nobody around to explain anything. Seemed a mild, non windy day but Big one only opened after 3, at windiest point of the day - with one train that had two carriages out of use! They'd also pretty much shut down Nick Land again not advertised,, apart from a small handful of rides. Steeplechase also down for ages after a horse got stuck. We've had passes for years with our two children and made me think why did I renew next year. Didn't do the express as would have been like viewing a closed park, felt like more rides were off than operating. And my sister in law paid nearly £40 to come, planning to enjoy Icon and the rest. When you look forward to last season rides, it felt as depressing as what happened when you see there for opening weekend, like the paying public just don't matter.
That’s an awful day, I’m so glad we’ve had our last visit of the year already!
Thank you for the feedback too 😄
@@stuartharbidge4142 apparently they’ve started their winter maintenance a few weeks earlier than what they normally do hence why so many attractions are closed. Hopefully this means a better year next year.
@@bunkerboy02That would be okay if they advertised it clearly so that people know before buying tickets etc they are coming to a half shut down park. Or they should sell tickets at half price if so. What they did at the weekend was disgraceful. It conned people into thinking the park was operating when really it wasn't.
I was in Southport the other day and all you can make out of Blackpool is the tower and The Big One. It’s such a landmark.
Definitely
Here's my solution, and it's not too far off Scott's suggestion:
Lose ENSO and get a full Extreme Spinner train for Icon, no up charge just wait an extra train for standard or spinning experience (I think the tracks are the same), and increase the launch speed. Those LSM's can handle a lot more, they are just currently set for reliability over power, you can reduce that impact making the first launch rolling, in that first launch it would be able to hit approx 65, making that top hat full ejector and the first half of the layout very whippy and intense. Same deal with second launch but as it's already rolling it won't even take a reliability hit.
What's so good about the multi launch is you can even have different settings for each train, have a normal train and a crazy train and it would be fantastic for marketing. You could implement this in months, ready for the start of next season at minimal cost.
While that's the new star attraction and gets lots of rave reviews from Americans, close big one and RMC it. You can just get them to profile the first drop in a similar way, make it the new UK talleat, give it a vertical drop with an aggressive 90° twist part way down, and use that massive structure for a load of world class elementsm imagine a big wave turn facing the beach. It would be the UK's dallest coaster, the world's tallest, fastest, and longest RMC, a good chance it'll be the world's best ride full stop, AND as RMC's never have slow elements, the chance of Hugh wind rollbacks are massively reduced. That's the great thing about ejector airtime, those just become floater in bad conditions instead of rolling back altogether.
Anyway this plan could be done within 2 years at a hilariously low cost relative to the quality of attractions it would result in. Imagine that same colour scheme with I-Box track!
Or do what you said, but get Mack to "RMC" the big one, by removing the track and making it their own custom layout, use Icon's current trains on it.
@@chrisogrady28 great ideas there!
Thank you for watching and commenting
2 person format works really well, really enjoying these.
Thank you, more coming in January
Hi guys. Thank you for your video. I've never personally done Big One but watching videos on re track work that has going on I think it has many years yet to go.
Let’s hope so and thank you
Guys what a brilliant conversation about blackpool including the big one totally agree with you it needs updated or re trackit
Great Video Scott And Steven 😊.
Thank you 🙏
Great format thanks!
Thank you 🙏
Good to see you & Stephen discuss the Big ones future Scott 👍
Thank you 🙏
Love your videos Chief
Glad you like them!
When I look to visit the park I’m always checking the weather to see if the Big One is open. The park just feels different when it’s not running it just loses a lot of its heart. Take out the Big One and attendance drops. I like the idea of a re-track but make modifications and get the record back. Great format and brilliant discussion both.
There’s definitely some atmosphere missing on the days when it’s closed
The only ones I wouldn’t mind getting removed are avalanche or infusion.
And even then depending on what it replaced and whether it could have a good maintenance shed built next to it, I would like to see the avalanche station get reused so it would still have the Alpine theme but just as a different coaster that would utilise the station.
Happy seeing both removed for modern coasters
correct
Just saw you on the velocicoaster thanks for saying hi love your videos
Awesome, how was your day?
The staff let us have a 2nd ride 😎
@@yourexperienceguideit was amazing,got 5 rides on velcicoaster and did Busch gardens today and got 5 rides on iron gwazi. How was the conference
Loving this new sit-down style content 👌
Thank you 🙏 More to come
Great video guys. It is an icon no pun intended. It can not be left to ruin. My worry is so many rides at end of life means everything is breaking. Tough decisions ahead.
It does feel like they’re at a crossroad situation
You couldn't replace big one, it's part of blackpool now,
It would be a big call to get rid
@@yourexperienceguide maybe remove rough rides and replace it with a smoother rides (eg:big dipper is rough so maybe replace it with a launch coaster maybe like have the fastest coaster in the uk?
Really enjoying the sit down chat videos guys ,keep up the good work. I think The pleasure beach finds its self in a similar position to Alton towers.regarding ride removal,lots of the general public would be all for removing iconic coasters but the enthusiasts would be mostly against it.Your vlog a while ago asking if the heritage rides are holding the pleasure beach raised similar questions. In my view it’s great to keep nostalgic,iconic coasters but for parks to progress and attract visitors replacing them becomes necessary.
Thank you 🙏 More of these to come over the winter 😊
Agree accept BPBR does not have access to the international financing power of Merlin group
@ that is very true, Pleasure Beach has its own financial issues too.
Great video , I hope they preserve the PMBO in its original form and I think they will, whatever replaces Grand Prix I think will give an indication on whether Big One's days are numbered. if it was ever removed they may as well close the gates forever imo., regardless of any replacement. I think other coaster removals will happen, most of which wont be replaced and a handful of new attractions added, as part of a scaled down amusement park in years to come as they move more and more towards the resort model. I think they have realised a long time ago (as have Merlin) that once Universal gets green lit, they won't be able to compete on ride hardware.
@@marcdawson4635 that sounds like a very grim future, any more rides for removals that aren’t replaced and the park might as well be a defunct park!
They shouldn’t have to compete on right hardware, they are a seaside, amusement park that will always be its own thing, and nothing like universal, this resort model clearly isn’t working, and the sooner somebody else in the Thompson family takes over the better, we need to go closer back to the roots if they are to truly be successful.
I really hope your prediction about more rides going unless coming in doesn’t happen🤞🙏
I’ve no issue with most of the coasters being replaced by modern stuff. I’d keep Big One, Nash, Dipper & ICON, but that’s all.
@@yourexperienceguide not streak?
Lovin the studio where you do the coaster chats. How did you build it?
We hired the studio space for a few hours 😊
Big One still looks crazy big now, must have been insane when it was first built. 100% needs to be kept exactly as it and continue with the re-track. I agree it is a UK landmark and not just in thoosie land. Blackpool and the UK would be poorer if it was removed. Technically not the best coaster now but I absolutely love it and have a personal connection after conquering it at 8 years old.
It’d be a huge loss
Shoukd restart the retracking but, could the reason for no retracking this time round for the Big One, be the ongoing work on Ice Blast and the rumoured new ride, plus possibly work on the River Caves? . Personally, I can see the retracking commencing again in 25/26.
There’s been changes in personnel at both BPB and Taziker since the project started
Having lived on the Fylde coast for 20 years and watched the big one being built I can imagine bits of the support structure could also do with renewal. As for Taziker, I was in their factory over summer and they had a coaster in build for export to the US. Leave the first drop alone but I do think there is potential to re profile some of the ride. It all takes cash though......
Was it a vertical loop? If so that’s been there for sometime now 👀
@yourexperienceguide Not sure there were a few different pieces on the shop floor. I was on a very different project.
Losing the big one at the pleasure beach would be a sad day. Its iconic to the pleasure beach and its still a big draw to the park. Probably not even in top 10 uk coasters anymore but still good. I do have a bit of fear for the pleaure beach nowadays. They cant seem to cover maintenance costs anymore and rides are down and closing more and more. That doesnt seem to just be a pleasure beach problem.
Everywhere seems to be spending less on engineering and doing the bare minimum
@@yourexperienceguide that's what happens when interest rates go from next to 0% to 6% mixed with rising costs everywhere. Hard to keep increasing entrance costs at theme parks with a lot of people struggling as is.
I think it's a tricky one! I really loved the Big One and I've loved it since I was a kid, but then I do also agree that change is stifled but then I wouldn't want it to go either 😅😂
Thank you for watching 😄
I was at the park the otherday. One of the ride ops said the arrow coasters days are numbered. Im hoping they continue saving big one. Its not the best but its history!
Ride ops don’t usually give out accurate information
I think it 'will' go at some point, however for now I'm reminiscing driving into Blackpool around 30 years ago and seeing the lift hill in the distance. I can remember parking up and heading for the park that day as if it was yesterday! Still have the on-ride photo somewhere, somewhat slimmer and with more hair! Happy memories. Will it be here 30 years hence, tbh I seriously doubt it.
If it lasts another 10 years it’ll be a pleasant surprise
@@yourexperienceguide I'd be interested to know what the oldest operating steel coaster is. I can't imagine any park ever wanting (or being able to?) keep a steel coaster operating as long as some of the woodies?
Best thing to do build a preservation park somewhere in the UK and banish the older rides there and keep them preserved instead of completely destroying them and make room for newer equipment, just seems the park there runs on people's nostalgia. There has to come a time that you need to move with the times and keep things interesting to pull punters
Dreamland Margate already tried and failed with this
Great video
Thanks!
@yourexperienceguide do you reckon ghost train will get any more scenes for 2025
I think the reason why icon didn’t draw people in like it should’ve done was partly because the marketing was terrible and will advertising they did have wasn’t enough, and possibly even the business model i.e. no longer being free entry possibly contributing.
I’m not saying that they should go back to free entry because I know the arguments for an against that, but it’s possible that that might of put people off at the time maybe with it being pleasure beach bring back the dearly non-rider past that might make a big difference as people may well be more accepting of that then they are of Pay one price.
Non rider pass was still in place when ICON opened.
@ I know that, what I’m saying is that people still weren’t accepting of it not being free entry at that point, however if the daily non-rider pass does come back some of those people might be more forgiving of the non-rider pass then they were previously purely because of the P1 price model they’ve had for the last four years.
Icon great though it is wasn't big & innovative enough to draw regular repeat visits from customers all over UK & abroad sadly.
It needs a future ... Still as an iconic coaster BUT....restyled and revamped to take it forward.
How would you restyle it?
If it was my park…
1.) Re theme The Big One. The queue line and internal queue building need a lease of life. Blackpool is by the sea, some sort of nautical horror theming / kraken etc would go hand in hand. You can’t get rid of it, it’s a landmark now.
2.) Enso on Icon, get each train to have the spinning seat on the rear and lower the price to £5/£7. Huge uptake and more revenue.
3.) Knock down that arcade across from river caves area and put the Gyro Swing there.
4.) Be bold and call up RMC to reimagine the Grand National. I think it would then be the only place in the world with dueling RMC coasters? - there’s your headliner.
4.) Take up the option for new seats that are available for Ice Blast that rotate. Theme it to fit in with Valhalla.
5.) Family coaster to replace Grand Prix, doesn’t need to be big, just fun.
6.) Red Arrows, Steeplechase, Dodgems all on the chopping block.
7.) Call up 6 Flags and ask them what they are planning to do with Kingda Ka 😂
You couldn't RMC to Grand national as awesome as it could be I am sure it's a listed building or something 😊
@ yeah I think you’re right about it being listed but I think it’s only if you remove it entirely, RMC would keep the structure just bump it up and replace the rails. It would be so awesome!
@@romanmarshall1412RMC would need to put new footers in which would mean making huge structural changes. It’s pretty unlikely.
Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏
@@romanmarshall1412 Scott do you think Ice Blast is going to get the new S&S rotating seats that can be retro fitted to their old shot towers?
If they are bringing in the large intermin geo-swing, that will bring in the people in the meantime. Keeping parts of the structure and adding a new coaster I think would be the best option. Saying that, I do believe they need to get rid of the big dipper first. It was extremely rough when riding it on Halloween.
Big Dipper is here to stay, but it has got very bumpy in places
The big one is iconic, even though I personally don't enjoy it (all height, no thrill), but that back side of the park is still lacking. I think removing steeple chase, the maze, the blue flyers, etc would give a lot of room for something new.
The main thing I want to see is more theming, Embrace the viking theme at the front, transition it into vampiric horror, then split into nickelodeon one side a new theme on the other, idk, dragons or something. Or wacky inventions with wallace and gromit. Just something visually appealing and interesting.
Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏
I do wonder if part of this years choice to not retrack is due to the amount of other work they're doing this closed season?
Not that I’m aware of mate
@@yourexperienceguide If Taziker was using British made premium steel that production has now ceased in Wales.
like you've mentioned, it can only go if its replaced by something bigger and better. its part of the blackpool skyline and you can even see it from Barrow-In-Furness on a good day. Blackpool does need to up its game though, id rather make the 3hr drive to alton towers than the 1hr to pleasure beach as they offer much more for a better price.
Both parks have a similar amount of attractions
I HIGHLY Recommend you make a trip to the Gold
Coast in Australia.
Movie world has a hypercoaster named DC Rivals. The drop is INSANE! I prefer it over big one.
I think Mack Coasters could do an incredible job for BP.
Looks decent
Keep it and build a bigger one!
Good shout, keeping TBO and building a higher coaster is the dream
@yourexperienceguide that would get people back in the park for sure!
The big one has such a presence in Blackpool, but we need more reliability with all rides in pleasure beach. Hopefully we can get more rides on it next year before any changes come!
It’s unlikely any big changes are imminent
I think a re profile would be best bring some new elements, keep the drop but make the second hill a massive upside down stall and at the turn around section tilt the train ground side and then flip it like the crazy new inversion on hypera, you could make the noisy hill (stairs rattle a zero g roll. I agree I live in blackpool and when I drive past or I take the dog on the beach I can’t help but look and think wow. Plus would not take a lot to change the angle of the hill to take back the hight record or smash it completely.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with it
I think the park needs upgrading like the other ride is coming down to what to .? and cheaper prices for entry as people would go in, and as for the big one could maybe extending the ride with twist and turns and maybe adding more fun things to the park too
Unfortunately you can't reduce the park income whilst at the same time make massive ride investments.
Cheaper entry would mean more ride removals to lower their costs and continue to make a profit
@@andrewbrazier9664 didn't mean at the same time but need more rides r changing maybe
Is this the coaster that was inspired by Magnum XL at Cedar Point?
It is mate
the big one is a icon at pleasure beach ( no pun intended hah) and should not be going anywhere. it put the park on the map and it would be a sad day if and when it gets removed. There is enough space in the park for new rides without any needing to go and thankfully more are coming. Love the sit down chat style video. BPB has always been about having unique rides and rides like the big one and steeplechase are part of that and what sets it apart from other parks
BPB was just short of 100 years old when the Big One opened and by far the biggest park in the UK, maybe even Europe. They were already on the map.
However, they’ve not really progressed since and have been left behind sadly, and aren’t in a position to remove it.
Thank you for the feedback 😊
Interesting as always lads and love the sitting down format, you’re just lacking a couple of beers and snacks to add to the ambience! Do you believe The Big One will be maintained into the future so it could realistically reach a centenary like Big Dipper or is that a different proposition? Keep up the great work in the closed season 👍👏🎢
Thank you 🙏 We’re holding out for a McVities and Tetley Tea partnership for the snacks 🤣
Their somebody at the door 😂😂
I agree on a lot you can't get rid of some rides (wooden and big one ect)
The pmbo desperately needs a Nemesis style magic wand wave..
But I fully appreciate that it's not an easy conundrum to fix.. (especially with poor foot fall)
But yes it's the 2nd Blackpool tower.
Big Mike had come back from the shops 😂
Would someone like intamin be able to re-use parts of the support structure and put new elements on top?
Only issue is the only reusable part might be the lift hill as the profiling on a big one element eg: a big one ‘airtime’ hill compared to a modern ejector hill are completely different.
Probably but it’d be a waste if it stayed the same height
When I went to Blackpool it was packed in July. Why was the dome arcade closed
It’s been closed for years
its scary, we live now in a time in our life that iconic rides come to there end. Some rides are iconic, some nostalgic and some are legends. Some have to go, but who. Kingda Ka was to young but is was a icon. Python at Efteling is nostalgic but also a legend for making the park what is is now. Its so diffecult and you walk on a thin rope. Wild train was a legend but the park took it down with pain in the heart. Lognes monstar is also a legend for the park, it kicked off a massif grow. These are dissionse i would not like to think about
Nobody was expecting the Kingda Ka situation, I was so surprised when the rumour came out! - Scott
I remember the pleasure beach before the big one and when it was constructed.
It’s been there for almost all of my life, it’d be weird without it now - Scott
Disagree on the re track option. The Taziker sections are just as rough as the rest imo. Its just throwing good money after bad. Build the new big coaster there and take it down afterwards is the best call. Failing that RMC it adding 23.5 extra feet 😂
The joins from old to new are unpleasant, not the actual new track
The grand national is now grade 1 listed isn’t it, so they can’t just take it down even if they wanted too?
It can sit closed forever though, the listed status is pointless
Loved the ride fell out with the ride. Just too rough now. However it is an amazing landmark due to how imposing it looks. Imo it could only be replaced with another imposing ride structure like Zadra/Iron Gwazi. A 250ft Zadra would look everybit as good as The Big One imo
I’m hopeful they go bigger than TBO without removing it
Keep it as it is and yeah do a full retrack I don't think removal would beneft BPB at all tbh
Unfortunately there’s not big return on investment for retracking it either
Some key points have been missed here. The main one is that the UK will not be building the tallest rollercoaster in the world ever again. The Big One is historically significant. The structure is still imposing and induces fear. Enough time has passed now where the rollercoasters that Arrow built, need to stay. Yes, even Steeplechase. These things are so rare, unique and precious that removal would be tragic.
Steeplechase has had its day IMO - Scott
Keep the support structure but get b'n'm to lay there hyper track over it with some profile tweeking for stronger airtime and better valleys. Maybe re do the helix at the end so it's tighter and more intense. This way i feel that Blackpool will still have that iconic structure. Riders will have a much better ride experience. The uk will get a propper hyper coaster. Throughput will increase by atleast two fold with the bigger trains. Win win. Not to mention the costs saved with not having to put in new supports.
I’d rather they remove the whole structure than let B&M anywhere near it, most of their hyper coasters are dull and now they’re building coasters with rattly noises, and vibrations.
In my opinion if Avalanche was to go next that opens up a huge space along side grand prix. That's surely more than enough space for a UK record holder? With modern technology anythings possible especially with where supports can go etc. If the pleasure beach takes back the uk record it's an instant win for the park, people will flock from far and wide. Just like what hyperia done for Thorpe!
It’s unlikely that Avalanche will make way in the near future
It is like taking Blackpool tower away so true
Yeah, it’s a similar situation
As far as the big one itself goes, I would just continue to retract it like they’ve been doing obviously with a different manufacturer, and I would add LED chasers of the lift Hill and then the station roof.
As much as I’d like to see chaser lights on it, I think there’s far bigger issues to tackle first
@ oh absolutely, I just mean once they’ve tackled those issues afterwards.
Do you really think Amanda would remove it not only was it her dad's most famous project, but it's like the 20th century Blackpool Tower it would be a terrible loss to Blackpool if it was ever removed.
Hyperia is great but for me The Big One is still much more impressive to look at than Hyperia
Yes, especially if they had the budget to remove and replace
@yourexperienceguide I suppose they have to also think with a business head not heart, but I'd still be absolutely gutted if it was ever removed.
@@neilg7845We’d all be gutted if they removed it
It’s iconic and a landmark without doubt. However I wouldn’t have wasted the money retracting parts (although can see why they did). I would have got someone in to fully redesign the layout. Ideally RMC.
Thing is it wasn’t wasting money, it was literally essential maintenance to stop it becoming a SBNO attraction
@Of course. It’s only a waste of money if they then decide to completely remove or retrack it in the near future.
I'd suggest keeping the first drop and turnaround the same, they're both too iconic to change. But there's a lot in-between that would benefit from reprofiling to make it more exciting. The coat hanger shaped first hill for example, there's potential there for some kind of mad speed/airtime hill. The same goes for a lot of the other elements, I wouldn't make any radical changes beyond the first hill... but there is potential there to make the coaster on the whole more exciting without ripping out the heart of the ride. Bring it into the 21s century and get rid of the clunky Arrow profiling.
I do like the turnaround but it causes wind issues and I think it’d be good to redesign it - Scott
I’d have to say close it. It’s far too rough sadly. I’d personally say a middle-solution is to close off the wheel seats completely - it’s just honestly so rough it put all my family off coming back to Blackpool. Seriously!
ps - enjoying this new format!
The concern with this is it’d make the low throughputs even worse 😢
Thank you! 🙏
Bin it, not only does it break your neck on the first drop, it has no airtime and half the time it’s closed due to the wind. I’d replace it with something following its path like with a B&M or even better whoever made Hyperia.
Probably been on it over 5k times, never broke my neck, never had any serious injuries so let’s not exaggerate because it’s not glass smooth 🤷🏻♂️
Why dont they do the steel phantom / phantoms revenge renovation to the big one
Budget
The Big One has to stay at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Resort) because it draws in the punters and coaster enthusiasts from all over. It just needs the TLC that it deserves to keep the ride going for many more decades. If they continue with the re-tracking project, the helix and turnaround must be a priority. If they lose the plot and get rid of the Big One, then they need to replace it with a coaster that is unique and also a first for the UK or even Europe.
@@Fanriffic2020 the turnaround is really rough now. The track feels a foot wider than the carriage wheels and you’re jerked from left to right.
@@bunkerboy02The turnaround and helix have been looked at for retracking 🤞
Problem is with the big one is its sheer size, the cost of maintaining it is astronomical. The park is really suffering with footfall due to many reasons. Unfortunately it will be the big one that suffers the most.
It’ll be the other rides that get axed first
Was the door bell becka with a shot gun for talking about streak being taken down???😂😂😂
It was Mike, we’d sent him on a little side mission 😂
@yourexperienceguide chippy tea mmmm
I'd love them to reprofile some of the hills to give some airtime but that's probably not realistic. Whatever they do with it it has to stay imo. Even if they built the "bigger one"
Agreed
I have said it before and will say it again. NEW TRAINS!!
They’re not the issue
@yourexperienceguide I don't understand the love the big one gets at all. I want to take out a restraining order against it after what it did to me the last time I got on it. Trains are definitely an issue. Unless you fit into those hard roundbacked seats like jelly into a mold, you get slammed side to side with every transition turning your ribs to mush. The last time I got off it was the last time I will get on it. It was never a great ride even when it was new. After that first drop, you get your breath back halfway over the next hill, then spend the rest of it waiting for the next thing to take your breath again. Sadly the trim brakes arrive first. In the meantime it's just violence and pain. As for the trains. Go ride Colossus at Thorpe Park. Then ride Sik at Flamingo Land. Same track different cars and the difference that makes is remarkable.
I would not be sorry to see the big one go. Okay. Rant over.
How much of a bone cruncher is it at the moment?
No bones were crushed riding it last week
I think they need to improve the trains, such a rough ride.
The trains are fine imo
the only way i can see that they could remove big one is if they made a coaster taller and faster that follows the same path as big one but it’s more modern. as for current big one i wonder if the same company who retracked Python at Efteling if they could do anything with Big One
Problem is they’d be without a signature attraction for 2/3 years
I think if Blackpool took the height and speed record back with an intermin mega/giga in place of TBO. The GP would not be too fussed about TBO leaving. The enthusiasts are the ones that would be offended.
The GP do not have the same kind of Connection to rides that the community has. I think replacing TBO with something bigger and faster would bring in a lot of people
Thank you for watching and commenting 😊
It seems to me they have done what needs to be done with the Big one so it will stay as is for now which for me is ok ...
the age releated issues with the other steel coasters for various reasons are for me far more pressing
It’ll be interesting to see how they manage it because there’s still problematic areas
Big One needs to get back on 3 trains and get the same throughput as Magnum that would be nice to see as I know it can run 3 but doesn't
Magnum has a newer operating system, Big One doesn’t even have three trains now
I’ve grown up with it being an ever present, Blackpool and the North would feel weird without it. That being said I’d replace it with a modern hyper, ideally Intamin with them having a few amazing twisted first drops like exp g force and Kondaa would keep the legacy of the ride alive
It’s been there for almost all of my life, it’d be weird without it now - Scott
@ same here I’d have been 4 when built but my view is nostalgia only gets you so far and they need more than that at this point
Before I even watch the video I've long wanted it to be rebuild by Intamin, but since RMC has come out imo RMC are the ones who need to revamp it.
Hopefully this never happens 😂 - Scott
it's a tough one, sadly even coasters have shelf lifes.
That’s why BPB have spent millions on retracking, but more needs to be done
Why don't they get rid of steeplechase at blackpool pleasure Beach resort
Agreed, horrific rough experience and takes up loads of space
No replacement lined up
Getting the big one back on 2 trains next season would be a good start
It has been on 2 at peak times, but not enough
It’s iconic and a landmark yeah BUT it can’t stay forever. There will be a time when it becomes boring and look/feel behind the times. Like it’s 30 years old now, realistically how long can it last?! Maybe something new, fresh, bigger and better might be an option to look at but obviously that’s for BPB to decide.
It’s worth remembering it’s still one of the newest attractions at BPB 😬
I’m unsure if pleasure beach can survive without the big one.
That’s the issue they’ve got
The Big One might have been a cutting edge thrill ride in the mid 90's, but it just doesn't have the thrill factor anymore. The initial climb and drop may be exciting, but there's nothing to it after that. Sadly, removing and replacing it with something better is likely to cost £20-30m. Something that has little chance of ever happening under the current ownership and climate.
To be honest it wasn’t innovative, it was mine train tech from the 70s, same as Magnum XL-200.
It’s still comfortably in the top 3 UK coasters IMO, enthusiasts moan about it but it’s always the most popular ride at BPB.
Got to keep the big one.. It's a focal point of Blackpool. You dare your friends and family to ride. Same with icon. Icon needed better marketing. It's a fantastic coaster.. But blackpool needs the big one. Without doubt.
Yep, it’d not be the same without it
The first 2 or 3 hills after the big drop have poor profiles resulting in a them being not as thrilling as they should be. I wonder about feasibility of re-profiling them as part of re-tracking.
@@Sir_Hesket_Newmarket it annoys me that more thought wasn’t put into the ride after the first drop, it could have done so much.
@@bunkerboy02 Lots of thought went into it, it was about speed and height without losing lots of existing attractions within the park
I feel sorry for Pleasure Beach The Big One makes Pleasue Beach’s skyline but I fear people’s emotional attachments could kill the whole park. The heritage rides are both a blessing and a curse as is being on the seafront. Heritage rides are what makes the park special but they are a financial drain, they don’t attract enough visitors and they make the overall ride offering too rough as a whole. I don’t think there is an obvious route for the park to become sustainable and financially secure.
The Big One isn’t big enough now to attract enough people into the park. Are people going to keep returning to the park to ride it as it gets rougher again? Does the ride attract enough visitors to be worth the drain of the maintenance costs of a steel coaster on the coast?
If the was a new coaster that would be smoother, be better to maintain, cope better with the wind, sit well on the skyline and be a more enjoyable ride then I think the park would be better of looking past people emotional attachment to the Big One and replace it. Or if the trains or layout can be enhanced to improve the experience they should go for that.
If Pleasure Beach thinks that the life of the park is coming close to its end then it would be better to keep going as they are and manage their last years as best as they can. Better to make good than to make unsustainable investments that could bankrupt the park. I see the park like it is being kept going for 20 more years.
Big One is still a huge draw to the park, people up north on a budget aren’t going to go to Thorpe for Hyperia alone IMO.
They’re in a tough place though with their heritage attractions, big decisions are needed.
The big one has to stay, no if or butts. The only way to keep it is to retract or make it higher to keep everybody happy when the time is right
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with it
I would be fine if they stuck a massive board up at the entrance and say for the next 2/3 years they are going to put all their money into refurbing all their current line up back to top standards and tease a new major coaster coming in a few years but with how they dont communicate it creates more doubt if the future is going to be good or not
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Some interesting ideas here. I once heard this idea being proposed on a TH-cam comments section, and I can't stop thinking about it. Somebody said that their dream would be a retrack and reprofiling by Chance Rides, just like they did on the former Steel Phantom in Kennywood, now Phantom's Revenge. Get then to put some new trains on, reprofile the first big airtime hills to make them less triangular so they actually give airtime, and put a couple bunny hills at the end. I doubt they'd say no!
It gets thrown out there a lot but I feel like if they were interested in this, they’d have done it a long time ago.
@@yourexperienceguide Good point there, but then again, they've only started retracking the Big One recently, so really anything is possible. Still, it's more of a pipedream really, but still, we pray for this to actually happen!
It needs to stay, it's the parks jewel unless they have the money to take back the record from Hyperia. If not carry on with the retrack once they have finished the other updates they are doing this season close.
It’ll be interesting to see who they get in for the future retracking work
If kingda ka was closed then this probably falls in to the same bracket. Yes it's iconic but it would need a potentially iconic coaster to replace it. Tough decision for bpb. Keep the lift Hill and fist drop and reprofile the rest would be my choice
Two very different rides, Intamin no longer produce the hydraulic launch systems and the aftercare for those is pretty much gone.
I think there's a bit of a catch with re-tracking the big one. It comes at a huge expense, doesn't offer a big marketing pull as the GP won't notice or care, but it does preserve the ride for maybe another 20 years. However, the criticism of Blackpool is it caters too much to retaining older rides, and is perhaps seen as outdated by a younger GP, particularly with the roughness of some of its older rides. So to retrack TBO I think actually sends the wrong message.
If we opted for a topper track of any kind over the existing structure, which would be my choice if feasible, I'd opt for a revised layout into Infusions footprint with that removed and the back half of TBO removed around Steeplechase and have a more exciting layout. If this was done by Mack lets say, with the same cars as Icon, id love the current turnaround helix to be a more intense inner banked turn, leading into a drop with potential for inversions or a whippy layout down around Infusions current area then running into the station over Big Dipper straight in.
Otherwise I think if you're removing TBO you need an equally landmark structure in its place. However, Id actually argue against building AS big next time round, sticking to 200ft Maximum due to wind speeds and operating windows, and I also think LSM's are way too expensive to operate for BPB both on maintenance and power, and we wont see a giant launched coaster at BPB ever. A lift hill is much cheaper to run, and I'd have a new lift hill in the same spot, again just running a layout into Infusions footprint but with this being built by Intamin or Mack rides personally.
Ideally, and perhaps on topic given the Kingda Ka situation, up to a 150-200ft Mack Extreme Spinning Coaster (with a lift hill not LSM launch) would be the perfect choice. Great views rotating 360 degrees at that height coming down into an exciting layout, it would be a very marketable ride to the GP, not actually TOO wild of a ride depending on what layout / inversions are included, but still a thrill ride that would have a big draw on enthusiasts too. "The Worlds Tallest, Fastest and Steepest Spinning Coaster" or certainly Europes if Six Flags Great Adventure go with their Kindga Ka replacement concept.
Otherwise an Intamin Mega/Giga Coaster would be great replacement if they want the height record too.
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I think they can easily go higher, the Big One was badly designed when considering the wind situation.
I’m done with the Big one I’m afraid .
I think thought broke my next right at the end near station, don’t know what it was, felt like a dip 😖.
I reckon Hyperia has a far better first drop and you know that by the brake run you won’t need an ambulance 🚑 .
I know you guys love it but it’s a 1 and done and by that I mean once a year 🙁.
It is a land mark but it’s not a world class ride unfortunately 🥺🧱👍🏽
It’s definitely not a world class coaster, but without it BPB would be in big trouble attracting anyone into the park 🫠
Whatever is decided, just don't let Zamperla anywhere near it.
Ooops
Need to make it tallest again
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I wholeheartedly agree. I may not like the ride experience much anymore as it’s very much a titty jiggler to quote uncle Nate, but it’s so iconic it would be a bad move to remove it!
It’d be sad to see it go