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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Icon - 2018 Mack Double Launch Coaster

I'm agreeing with @Danny from the video I'm not blown away nor am I that impressed with the layout. But I will hold my judgement until I have ridden it.

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I think it looks great and can't wait to ride it. It's an amazing investment really for BPB considering the additions we have had since Valhalla opened in 2000.

Just a few years ago if someone had said BPB would get a huge Mack double launch coaster I wouldn't have believed them at best If they even got a coaster I would have expected a Premier Sky Rocket. Similarly I wouldn't have expected Alton to be getting a wooden coaster either so 2018 is shaping up to be a good year, just need Drayton to surprise us now!
 
Same camp as @Danny and @Russ. It looks alright, but any suggestion that this is going to be the UK or European Maverick just seems to be setting up to disappoint.

I wouldn't say this looks anywhere close to Helix, Taron or probably even Blue Fire, all of which set decent standards for this to live up to (granted however, we are quite spoilt now, having these within reach).

The first half, aside from the inversion, certainly isn't much to write home about. The second is an improvement, but it does seem to spend a lot of time just negotiating some drawn out curves. It does look to have its moments, but on the whole I'm not going to get too worked up about it, unless the video is proved wrong, as we know they can be.

Obviously, it is fantastic to see Pleasure Beach investing to this level, and I genuinely am pleased to see them driving forward after the rough patch they've had. It will also certainly help to strengthen their lineup. However, part of me had hoped that they would bank on this ride being the one to put them back on the map. Unfortunately, beyond the UK, I don't really think this is going to cut it. I'd be interested to see if this will actually draw in many more guests from more southern parts of England.

There will always be overseas custom from the enthusiast groups, but if this was being built over in, say, Germany or France, I personally wouldn't be rushing over for it at this point.
 
First of all I am just pleased that the wait for this being announced is over and that we can now look forward to seeing it built over the next 18 months. This has been rumoured for a while now and is just what Blackpool and the UK industry needs.

Let's start with the positives. It's a Mack launch (same model as the incredible Helix), it's long (longer ride time than Helix) and looks like it should feature plenty of airtime. Blackpool have been desperate for an exciting new addition for far too long, I know it is a popular park regardless however year after year the stand out rides have been the same and most of them are somewhat dated. Construction 18 as it's being dubbed will change this.

The layout looks good but not mind blowingly great. I'm going to be honest and say that the off ride video looks disappointing whereas the POV is more promising. If the launch speeds are right there could be a tonne of ejector airtime and transitions that throw you out of your seat. If they are too low it could end up being a lot of forceless meandering. Of course we have no idea yet and it is far too early to make judgement but the maximum speed is about 10mph less than that of Helix.

I don't think it's fair to start drawing Maverick comparisions however comparisons to Helix are inevitable and in my opinion fair. Both are Mack double launch coasters of a smilar length and whilst this is more ground hugging with only two inversions Helix does feature some outstanding airtime and throw you out of your seat moments that I would hope to be repeated on this.

Also, please have 3 trains!

:)
 
Ian said:
I wouldn't say this looks anywhere close to Helix, Taron or probably even Blue Fire, all of which set decent standards for this to live up to (granted however, we are quite spoilt now, having these within reach).

The first half, aside from the inversion, certainly isn't much to write home about. The second is an improvement, but it does seem to spend a lot of time just negotiating some drawn out curves. It does look to have its moments, but on the whole I'm not going to get too worked up about it, unless the video is proved wrong, as we know they can be.

Obviously, it is fantastic to see Pleasure Beach investing to this level, and I genuinely am pleased to see them driving forward after the rough patch they've had. It will also certainly help to strengthen their lineup. However, part of me had hoped that they would bank on this ride being the one to put them back on the map. Unfortunately, beyond the UK, I don't really think this is going to cut it. I'd be interested to see if this will actually draw in many more guests from more southern parts of England.
Click to expand...

I think that's a bit negative considering construction hasn't even started.

The one major problem PB has when building new rides is space which is always going to limit them to some degree (especially if they do not want to remove existing rides).

But on the plus side the lack of space does create some great interactions with other rides which will add a lot to the overall ride experience, and I think that has to be taken into account.

Is it going to be the best coaster ever built ? Probably not, but I do think that it will put PB back on the map as one of the major coaster venues in Europe.
 
Let's not pretend that this won't have the rest of the theme park industry in Europe looking at Blackpool in 2018 because it most certainly will. 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the UK, we can only hope that Drayton jump onto the bandwagon and maybe even Flamingo Land!

:)
 
FINALLY

Looks great and is exactly what Blackpool needs. Doesn't look close to being a Helix beater and could do with an extra inversion or two for my taste, but should still be one of the best coasters in the UK and it's the interactions with the other rides that will make this.

Not going to lose my mind over it but it's a very exciting development and I'm very much looking forward to it.
 
Here is a copy of the press release that came with the announcement:
Blackpool Pleasure Beach said:
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH ANNOUNCES NEW £16.25M ROLLERCOASTER

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced it is to build a new £16.25m rollercoaster. It will be the UK’s first ever with a double-launch – an advanced technology that gives the roller coaster two powerful thrusts of acceleration during the ride. ‘Construction 2018’ will feature the most number of interactions in the world with 15 interactions involving five different rides and two tunnels.

The ride is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their world-class factory in Waldkirch, Germany, utilising the latest state-of-the-art engineering processes, including laser beam technology for extreme accuracy. The ride will open in Spring 2018.

A double launch will see thrill seekers propelled forward at high speed not only at the start of the ride, but also at a second point half way through the two and a half minute experience. Riders will experience the same levels of G force as felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car. The launch of the ride features acceleration which is 4 times that experienced in a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Construction 2018 will reach heights of 88.5ft with drops of up to 82ft. It will interact with five other Blackpool Pleasure Beach rides including the iconic Big One, Steeplechase, Big Dipper, Pleasure Beach Express and the Grand Prix.

Over 44,800 hours have been invested in the development to date with that number expected to treble ahead of completion.

Speaking on the announcement Deputy Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nick Thompson, comments: “We have been working on this concept for five years now and are delighted to be able share news of our plans.

“Construction 2018 will be fast, adrenaline fuelled and exhilarating but also smooth and comfortable – an entirely new ride experience. It sees a significant investment in Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We expect to see thrill seekers flock to the park to experience this UK ride first.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Managing Director, Amanda Thompson OBE, adds: “Construction 2018 follows in the long tradition we have at Blackpool Pleasure Beach of investing in fantastic rides and bringing first of their kind rollercoasters to the UK. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the world’s most ride intensive amusement park, is home to the UK’s first looping coaster, Revolution, and, at the time it was built, the world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, The Big One, plus many more thrilling rides. I’m delighted to be able to continue this tradition and bring such a thrilling ride to the UK.”

Construction 2018 brings together the Thompson and Mack families, owners of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and leading manufacturer of amusement park attractions, Mack Factory respectively.

The development is the biggest of its kind in recent years and cements Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s position as one of the UK’s leading amusement parks.

Key Ride Facts

Total Length – 1.14 KM
Ride time - Approx 161s
Max Height – 88.5ft
Height of Drops – 82ft
Max Speed – 80 KM/H
Max Acceleration (Verticle) – 4.3G
Trains - 3
Click to expand...

Good to see that there will be 3 trains, hopefully it will be the same set up as Helix with an onload and offload platform. However for some reason it seems that the trains on this will only be 4 cars long rather than the 5 on Helix and Blue Fire.

:)
 
the shorter trains could be that with the lower weight per train less power is needed on each launch, helping reduce the energy costs to run the ride. I am no engineer so could be completely wrong!
 
Rob said:
Here is a copy of the press release that came with the announcement:


Good to see that there will be 3 trains, hopefully it will be the same set up as Helix with an onload and offload platform. However for some reason it seems that the trains on this will only be 4 cars long rather than the 5 on Helix and Blue Fire.

:)
Click to expand...
Helix doesn't have an offload platform. Or do you mean you would like it to be similar to Helix, just with the addition of an offload?
 
Having just watched the video of the layout, I'm actually more excited. Baring in mind I've yet to do Helix, this still looks pretty interesting and certainly the best looking coaster to come to the UK in years. I'm really loving the layout.

Blackpool deserve a lot of credit for going ahead with this.
 
Oh my god that rollercoaster looks bloody good!

The video got me rather excited :)


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Can't wait for this, the UK has been in need of something like this for a while.

If Helix and Blue Fire are anything to go by, this will be fantastic and hopefully put Blackpool back on the map.
 
Can we not just be excited that we're getting a Mack Mega Coaster in the UK? A custom layout with 2 launches at that. I'm not sure what everyone was expecting but from first impressions, the layout looks pretty decent to me. It's fast paced and low to the ground with some interesting transitions and lots of potential airtime moments. There's a good amount of interaction with other rides around the park too. I'm honestly not sure what some people are whinging about.

In any case, there's no way to accurately judge a ride based on its computer renders. Particularly not with Mack Mega Coasters which have a habit of producing bizarre, unexpected forces in unlikely places. Who would have thought that the heartline roll would be the highlight of Blue Fire? Who expected Helix to have such powerful airtime?

I think there's every chance that this coaster could be up there with Helix. And if it isn't, it will still be a great addition for Pleasure Beach and the most exciting addition we've seen in the UK for years.
 
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As a big BPB fan already, I am extremely happy that this decision has been taken. It's unique to the UK and will be a really good solid coaster. Who cares that these coasters already exist in Europe? How many BPB visitors will have been on any of its European counterparts? A fraction I would say.

My only concern with this is that it will inevitably bring vast numbers of guests to BPB and they simply CAN'T continue to operate the way they do at the moment with a higher volume of people. Things such as opening 11-5, running rides at low capacity, allowing speedy pass to take seats off those already in the air gates, only using one entrance. Operations need to drastically improve in time for this coaster. At the moment they can cope running the park the way they do.... just! But with all the extra people this ride will bring in, not a chance.
 
In the word of john wardley

"With nemesis we didnt want to build the biggest, the fastest just the best"

We rip merlin apart for having a usp on each ride now we have a park that has designed a coaster that looks good.

Taron, helix any ride looks drab on POV's i will wait and see :)
 
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This literally means nothing.
 
This looks like a great ride. I haven't been on Helix or Blue Fire, so I have no comparisons to make there, although for the UK industry this is certainly exciting. As mentioned it's also very long overdue for BPB. Hopefully this project also proves that you don't need a gimmick or ridiculous marketing spiel to gain interest, you just need a good solid coaster.

I bet Merlin will really ramp up SW8's marketing when it faces this in 2018, because this looks miles better.
 
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