Black Hole

[rob666]

After the first season or two, they put in fluorescent orange streaks around the drop curves lit by concealed black lights.
Really good effect.

 

[RoyJess]

Thanks for your memory of the ride. Yeah you're memory is right, it was a Jet Star 2 model so originally had single cars, but later the coaster got refurbished to have dual cars like the newer Jumbo Jet model (the Beast was this model)

Thank goodness that there is nothing wrong with my grey cells

After the first season or two, they put in fluorescent orange streaks around the drop curves lit by concealed black lights.
Really good effect.

I first visited Alton in Autumn 1987. The Black hole opened 1984. I rode the Black hole a good few seasons before those horrid orange streaks were added. They ruined the effect of total darkness, half of the fun was not knowing when the next drop or turn was coming.

 

[rob666]

Each to their own, I liked them.
We all knew where the track went by then anyway!

 

[Marshal-B33J]

Intersting that The Beast became a Blackhole clone. Space Mountain https://rcdb.com/685.htm

 

[RoyJess]

The Beast was a slightly different and slightly bigger layout to the Black hole, I believe the beast had an extra drop, but didn't feel as intense as the black hole as it was in broad daylight. The darkness of the black hole gave the illusion of speed and bigger drop making it feel more extreme

 

[Rick]

The former Black Hole ride is for sale, if you have a big garden

https://www.amusement-rides.com/en/product/jet-star-2-schwarzkopf

 

[Themeparksandy1981]

Would love for Drayton Manor to get that as it’s what they missing currently as a 1.2m tall family market.

 

[Tibble]

Wonder if I can find a big enough and opaque enough tent

 

[Rick]

Wonder if I can find a big enough and opaque enough tent

Just dig a pit

 

[Bert2theSpark]

The former Black Hole ride is for sale, if you have a big garden

https://www.amusement-rides.com/en/product/jet-star-2-schwarzkopf

Plot Twist, they bring back The Black Hole for next season as part of the "new" Retro Squad...

 

[Jim]

Wonder if I can find a big enough and opaque enough tent

Lightwater Valley might do you a nice deal, they have one going spare ...

 

[QTXAdsy]

Plot Twist, they bring back The Black Hole for next season as part of the "new" Retro Squad...

TBH, it would be a better addition to the park then some of the new/revamped poorer rides we've had the park lately.

Then we all get to sing It's Coming Home...

 

[Benjsh]

It was a childhood favourite of mine as well as Space Invader at PB. Awesome rides in their day tbf.

 

[rob666]

And so good on a rainy day for a bit of shelter.

 

[Skyscraper]

Don't know how effective it will be, but there's actually a fundraiser to bring it back to the UK.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-...ow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

 

[rob666]

What a waste of time!

 

[Plastic Person]

Always amazes me to see a photo of the former Black Hole outside and lit by bright sunshine, given how vast and suspenseful that climb felt in the tent. Just shows how far a sliver of theatrics can take you.

 

[Skyscraper]

I understand why these guys want to purchase it but I'm not sure they'll be able to get enough support tbh. Time will tell though.
I think the price is £41,000, and the fundraising limit is £50,000. That leaves £9,000 for transport, removal and construction costs.

A better option would be a UK theme park purchasing it. I could see it fitting nicely in Drayton Manor or Pleasurewood Hills maybe.

 

[Tibble]

I would say there is a 5% chance it would return to the UK and thats optimisitc

Although if it were to go back to AT - move Spinball and put it there - make it dark again and better indoor theming and bang sorted

 

[Matt N]

You've also got to take into account whether Furuvik would even be willing to let it go. They only got it in 2011, so it hasn't been there an especially long time.