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{{Short description|Steel dive roller coaster}} |
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{{About|the roller coaster in England| the roller coaster in Italy|Oblivion: The Black Hole}} |
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{{good article}} |
{{good article}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} |
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{{Use British English|date=November 2013}} |
{{Use British English|date=November 2013}} |
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{{Infobox roller coaster |
{{Infobox roller coaster |
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|name=Oblivion |
| name = Oblivion |
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| logo =Oblivion rollercoaster logo.png |
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|image=AltonTowers-Oblivion.JPG |
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| logodimensions = 150px |
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|caption=Oblivion's vertical drop. |
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| image = AltonTowers-Oblivion.JPG |
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|location=Alton Towers |
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| caption = Oblivion's near vertical drop |
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|section=X-Sector |
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| location = Alton Towers |
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|sponsor=[[Fanta]] |
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| section = X-Sector |
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|type=Steel |
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| coordinates = {{Coord|52.986575|-1.896498|display=title,inline}} |
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|type2=Dive Coaster |
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| status = Operating |
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|type3= |
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| opened = {{Start date|1998|3|14|df=yes}} |
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|status= Operating |
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| soft_opened = <!--Use {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> |
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|opened=14 March 1998 |
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| closed = <!--Use {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> |
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|manufacturer=Bolliger & Mabillard |
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| cost = [[£]]12 million |
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|designer=[[John Wardley]] |
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| type = Steel |
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|model=[[Dive Coaster]] |
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| type2 = Dive Coaster |
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|lift=Chain [[lift hill]] |
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| manufacturer = Bolliger & Mabillard |
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|height_ft=65 |
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| designer = <!-- Per RCDB.com -->[[Werner Stengel]]<!-- Do NOT add John Wardley without discussing on talk --> |
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|drop_ft=180 |
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| model = Dive Coaster |
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|inversions=0 |
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| track = |
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|length_ft=1223 |
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| lift = Chain [[lift hill]] |
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|speed_mph=68.4 |
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| height_m = 19.8 |
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|duration=1:15 |
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| drop_m = 54.9 |
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|angle=87 |
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| length_m = 372.5 |
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|capacity=1,920 |
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| speed_km/h = 109.4 |
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|cost=[[£]]12,000,000<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20080311171949/http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/sw5/confirmed.htm|archivedate=11 March 2008|url=http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/sw5/confirmed.htm |title=Specifications |work=TowersTimes |date= |accessdate=26 September 2011}}</ref> |
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| sigfig_length = 4 |
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|acceleration= |
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| inversions = 0 |
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|gforce=4.5 |
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| duration = 1:15 |
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|restriction_cm=140 |
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| angle = 87.5 |
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|single_rider=available |
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| capacity = 1,700 |
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|rcdb_number=777 |
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| acceleration_from = <!--Initial speed in mph or km/h defaults to zero, only numeric characters--> |
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|coordinates={{coord|52|59|12|N|1|53|47|W|display=title,inline|region:GB-STS_type:landmark_source:dewiki}} |
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| acceleration_km/h = <!--Final speed in km/h may contain only numeric characters--> |
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| acceleration_in = <!--Number of seconds may contain words --> |
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| gforce = 4.5 |
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| restriction_cm = 140 |
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| trains = 7 |
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| carspertrain = 1 |
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| rowspercar = 2 |
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| ridersperrow = 8 |
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| virtual_queue_name = Fastrack |
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| virtual_queue_image = AltonTowersFastTrack.svg |
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| virtual_queue_status = available |
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| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> |
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| accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> |
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| transfer_accessible = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> |
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| assistive_listening = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> |
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| cc = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> |
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| website = {{Official website|https://www.altontowers.com/theme-park/oblivion/}} |
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| rcdb_number = 777 |
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| custom_label_1 =Slogan |
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| custom_value_1 ="Don't Look Down" |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Oblivion''' is a [[steel |
'''Oblivion''' is a [[steel roller coaster]] located at [[Alton Towers]] in [[Staffordshire]], [[England]]. The prototype [[Dive Coaster]] model from [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] opened to the public on 14 March 1998 and was marketed as the "world's first vertical drop roller coaster". With a maximum speed of {{convert|68|mph|km/h|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}, it is the fourth fastest roller coaster in the UK, behind [[The Big One (roller coaster)|The Big One]] at [[Blackpool Pleasure Beach]], [[Stealth (roller coaster)|Stealth]] at [[Thorpe Park]], and [[Hyperia (roller coaster)|Hyperia]] at [[Thorpe Park]]. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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In [[Robb Alvey|Theme Park Review]]'s YouTube video of the [[IAAPA]] 2011 trade show, Walter Bolliger stated that development of the Dive Coaster model began between 1994 and 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBQ7tfjlMfE&feature=relmfu |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/aBQ7tfjlMfE |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=IAAPA 2011 Trade Show Part 4 Theme Park Review Fishpipe Water Ride B&M Zamperla |work=[[Robb Alvey|Theme Park Review]]|publisher=YouTube |date=16 November 2012 |access-date=2 June 2023}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Throughout 1997, the Alton Towers park's 'Fantasy World' area was closed and all its former rides removed, except the [[Black Hole (roller coaster)|Black Hole]]. The closure led to it being used for secretly constructing a new attraction known as "SW4" (a codename that stood for "Secret Weapon 4", after [[Nemesis Reborn|Nemesis Reborn (formerly Nemesis)]]' codename, "SW3"). The attraction's construction site was surrounded by a patrol guard who kept it hidden, and the park initially did not reveal much information about it to the general public.<ref name="SW4" /> A fence was inserted into the area along with the sign announcing that a "world first ride opens [in] March 1998". Many people did not know of the then-upcoming ride other than that its building stage involved making a hole that gradually increased in size. When new parts of track appeared on the site, some grew suspicious about the project. Details about SW4 were not revealed until March 1998, including its name Oblivion and its status as the "worlds first vertical drop roller coaster".<ref name="oblivntt">{{cite web |url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/oblivion.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105052123/http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/oblivion.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2010 |title=Oblivion |work=TowersTimes |date=14 March 1998 |access-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> Oblivion was given a secret military theme, which was previously used for the park's earlier SW1 and SW2 coaster projects.<ref name="SW4">{{cite web |url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/secretweapons.htm |title=The Secret Weapons – Developing the Magic |work=TowersTimes |access-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131104102401/http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/secretweapons.htm |archive-date=4 November 2013}}</ref> |
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Oblivion's opening was accompanied by a large promotional campaign, including appearances on ''[[Blue Peter]]'', news channels and [[Corn Flakes]] cereal box packets.<ref name="SW4" /><ref name="oblivntt" /> Prior to its opening, memorabilia including its own brand of [[deodorant]] was available to purchase.<ref name="SW4" /> The total cost to construct the ride was estimated at £12 million.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311171949/http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/sw5/confirmed.htm|archive-date=11 March 2008|url=http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/sw5/confirmed.htm |title=Specifications |work=TowersTimes |access-date=26 September 2011}}</ref> |
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=== Construction === |
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During 1997, Fantasy World (the area of Alton Towers in which Oblivion was eventually situated) was closed off and all the old fantasy-themed rides were removed except the [[Black Hole (roller coaster)|Black Hole]].<ref name="SW4" /> Details about Oblivion were not revealed until March 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/oblivion.htm |title=Oblivion |work=TowersTimes |date=14 March 1998 |accessdate=23 September 2013}}</ref> |
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The park area containing Oblivion was redesigned as 'X Sector'.<ref name="SW4" /> The only surviving ride from the former area was the Black Hole roller coaster, which was externally redesigned to suit the new theme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/construction/oblivion/oblivion.htm |title=Oblivion Construction Archive |work=TowersTimes |access-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105094635/http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/construction/oblivion/oblivion.htm |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alton Towers moved and rethemed two existing rides from other areas of the park to open with X-Sector, Energizer and [[Enterprise (Alton Towers)|Enterprise]].<ref name="Enterprise and Energizer">{{cite web | url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/xsector.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806085521/http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/xsector.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 August 2010 | title=X Sector | work=TowersTimes | access-date=2 November 2013 }}</ref> <ref name="Thrillride">{{cite web | url=http://www.thrillride.com/Oblivion/Oblivion.html | title=Oblivion | work=ThrillRide! | access-date=2 November 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103180231/http://www.thrillride.com/Oblivion/Oblivion.html | archive-date=3 November 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The "SW4" codename stood for "Secret Weapon 4". SW3 was [[Nemesis (roller coaster)|Nemesis]], and SW 1 and 2 were unbuilt roller coasters originally intended for the Nemesis site.<ref name="SW4">{{cite web|url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/secretweapons.htm |title=The Secret Weapons – Developing the Magic |work=TowersTimes |date= |accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> |
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Despite advertising the ride as the "worlds first vertical drop rollercoaster", Oblivion's vertical drop is slightly less than 90 degrees, at 87.5 degrees. This is due to the trains lacking sprung wheel assemblies which would mean the transition from vertical to horizontal would be uncomfortable.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Guinness book of records 1999|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rdU1xtIWJz0C|year=1998|publisher=Guinness|isbn=978-0-85112-070-6|page=185}}</ref> |
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Oblivion's opening was accompanied by a massive publicity drive, including appearances on ''[[Blue Peter]]'', ''[[The Gadget Show]]'', news channels and cereal boxes.<ref name="Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.tpark.co.uk/Rides_and_Attractions.php?RideID=6 |title=Oblivion at Alton Towers Review |work=T-Park |date= |accessdate=23 September 2013}}</ref> In 1997, before Oblivion opened, some marketing memorabilia was released, including its own brand of [[deodorant]].<ref name=Review /> |
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For a brief period in April 2011, the ride was sponsored by [[Fanta]]. The Fanta company also had put the Oblivion rollercoaster into one of their adverts to show that the brand was being sponsored there. However, much of the [[Fanta]] branding was removed after only a few months "following numerous complaints about the obtrusive nature of the brand".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towersstreet.com/theme-park/ride/oblivion/ |title=Oblivion|work=TowersStreet|date=14 March 1998|access-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> |
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=== Opening === |
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When Oblivion did open, the area was re-themed to look like a sinister government facility, unlike Fantasy World's fairground theme, and renamed X-Sector.<ref name="Review" /> The only surviving ride from Fantasy World, the Black Hole roller coaster, was also changed; the large tent that it was situated in was repainted to blue and silver instead of green and yellow stripes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/history/construction/oblivion/oblivion.htm |title=Oblivion Construction Archive |work=TowersTimes |date= |accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> To make the new X-Sector a major ride area, Alton Towers added two old rides from other parts of the park: Energizer and Enterprise (both from Festival Park, now Dark Forest).<ref name="Enterprise and Energizer">{{cite web | url=http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/xs/xsector.htm | title=X Sector | work=TowersTimes| accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> Both rides were repainted to fit to the new theme.<ref name="Thrillride">{{cite web | url=http://www.thrillride.com/Oblivion/Oblivion.html | title=Oblivion | work=ThrillRide! | accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> |
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On 8 May 2012, a reportedly suicidal 20-year-old man climbed over tall safety fencing and managed to access the underground ride area.<ref name="Ride rater">{{cite web | url=http://riderater.co.uk/?p=1758 | title=Stray guest causes safety incident on Oblivion | work=Ride Rater | date=8 May 2012| access-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> He reportedly entered via the tunnel exit portal and walked underground, emerging on a ledge around the entrance portal.<ref name="Ride rater" /> Neither he nor any guests on the ride were harmed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-17999937 |work=[[BBC News]] |title= Man rescued from Oblivion ride at Alton Towers |date=8 May 2012|access-date=23 September 2013}}</ref> He was arrested for a public order offence and the ride returned to normal operation the following day.<ref name="Ride rater" /> |
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===Theming=== |
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The original theming of the ride was mainly centred around the fear of heights and falling,as riders were prepared for the ride by a fictional dark clothed psychopath, who was called The Lord of Darkness during filming. He says things like "The choice to come here was not your own" after which he talks about human autonomy e.g. how much g-force we can experience before reassuring that riders would only experience 4.5 G's (the ride's maximum g-force). The dark lord made his last appearance in 2012. Before the ride was taken over by the ministry of joy. |
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== Ride experience == |
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In 2011 the area around Oblivion was given a slight revamp to incorporate promotion for [[Fanta]], the ride's new sponsor. The sponsorship included posters saying '15,000 ft drop, bring it on', despite the fact that the drop is actually 180 ft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukparknews.co.uk/entry/cms/oblivion-receives-fanta-sponsorship/ |first=Mat |last=South|title=Oblivion Receives Fanta Sponsorship|publisher=UK Park News |date=18 April 2011 |accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="sponsership">{{cite web|url=http://riderater.co.uk/2011/oblivion-lord-of-darkness-has-no-issue-with-fanta-sponsorship/|title=Oblivion 'Lord of Darkness' on Fanta sponsorship |work=Ride Rater |date=11 May 2011|accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> However, these were later removed after complaints from riders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towersstreet.com/theme-park/ride/oblivion/ |title=Oblivion|work=TowersStreet|date=14 March 1998|accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> |
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The queue line spirals upward counterclockwise around a mound and passes through abstract buildings at various levels. Through the buildings, an unnamed man stood in darkness (played by actor Renny Krupinski) briefs riders from overhead television screens. In the heavily stylised videos, the sinister figure explains at length the supposed physical and psychological effects of riding on Oblivion. Although adapted from scientific fact, his monologues are deliberately exaggerated with hyperbole and dry humour. The third queueline video features an alter-ego character (who appears glowing white) arguing with his counterpart as to whether Oblivion is truly safe for riders. This was removed in 2015 after [[The Smiler]] crash. |
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=== 2012 incident === |
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On 8 May 2012, a 20-year-old man climbed over safety fences and accessed the underground ride area.<ref name="Ride rater">{{cite web | url=http://riderater.co.uk/?p=1758 | title=Stray guest causes safety incident on Oblivion | work=Ride Rater | date=8 May 2012| accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref> He reportedly dropped into the hole from which the roller coaster track re-emerges from the underground tunnel, walked through the underground section and emerged on a ledge where the track enters the ground.<ref name="Ride rater" /> Neither he nor guests on the ride were harmed following the ride cars being held at the boarding station.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-17999937 |work=[[BBC News]] |title= Man rescued from Oblivion ride at Alton Towers |date=8 May 2012|accessdate=23 September 2013}}</ref> He was arrested for a public order offence, and the ride returned to normal operation the following day.<ref name="Ride rater" /> |
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The queue then splits and crosses caged bridges into the station building. Here riders are batched into rows and board the ride cars. Technical graphics are displayed on overhead screens, which change to play a final monologue upon dispatch. |
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=== 2013 === |
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[[File:Oblivion.JPG|thumb|right|alt=Oblivion|A picture of Oblivion's drop taken from the guest observation area.]] |
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With the new roller coaster [[The Smiler (roller coaster)|The Smiler]] opening in 2013, Oblivion is no longer the only coaster in X Sector, as it had been since Black Hole's closure in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towersnerd.com/history/retired/blackhole/ |title=Alton Towers : Black Hole |work=Towers Nerd |date=5 March 2005 |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref> In late January/early February 2013, Alton Towers began a process of repainting Oblivion's fading grey track, which had become very worn since opening in 1998. |
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The cars accommodate sixteen passengers in two rows of eight with a tiered seating arrangement. The roller coaster has a simple layout with a 180 ft drop at 87.5 degrees and reaches 68 mph.<ref name="777!">{{cite web|url=http://rcdb.com/777.htm |title=Oblivion – Alton Towers|work=Rollercoaster Database |access-date=2 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="ultOblvn">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/oblivion_altontowers |title=Oblivion|work=Ultimate Rollercoaster |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref> The car slowly ascends 60 feet at a 45-degree angle to build tension, then levels out and travels slowly through a turn towards the drop. The turn uses a horizontal chain mechanism not used on any other B&M dive coaster. |
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The repaint took over 6 weeks to complete, with some cosmetic upgrades also being made to the station building and queue line structures. The coaster is now the same dark grey colour as its neighbour The Smiler.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.towersstreet.com/news/2013/x-sector-due-for-makeover-and-sanctuary-to-return/|title=X-Sector due for makeover and Sanctuary to return!|work=TowersStreet|date=4 July 2013|accessdate=5 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.towersstreet.com/news/2013/april-news-round-up/|work=TowersStreet|title=April News Round up|accessdate=5 April 2013}}</ref> |
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The car reaches the drop and pauses facing over the edge for a moment. The car is then released, free-falling into the underground tunnel. Upon exiting the other side, a high-banked turn takes riders around into the brake run.<ref name="Thrillride" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastersandmore.de/rides/oblivion/oblivionmaine.shtml |title=In to Oblivion|work=Coasters and more |access-date=3 November 2013}}</ref> There are two on-ride photos; one at the start of the drop and the other at the end of the high-banked turn. |
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In June, Oblivion suffered downtime owing to a gearbox component failing. The ride remained closed for a few weeks while a replacement part was manufactured. The ride re-opened on 25 June.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riderater.co.uk/2013/oblivion-remains-closed-at-alton-towers/ |title=Oblivion remains closed at Alton Towers |work=Ride Rater |date=17 June 2013 |accessdate=23 September 2013}}</ref> |
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The theme music which accompanies the ride is "Stressed Out" by [[Dominic Glynn]] from the album "Strictly Drum & Bass". |
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== Ride experience == |
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While riders queue they are shown three briefing videos featuring actor Renny Krupinski as a sinister man surrounded in darkness, who explains at length the physical and psychological effects of riding on Oblivion. Although based on scientific facts, his speeches are deliberately exaggerated with hyperbole and dark humour to give riders a sense of intimidation while preparing for Oblivion. The man remains unnamed throughout the videos, although the character was originally referred to as the Lord of Darkness during production.<ref name="sponsership" /> The final preshow video features a second character whose image appears inverted and therefore glowing white, who argues with the Lord of Darkness as to whether Oblivion is really safe for riders to experience; to which he is repeatedly ignored. The Lord of Darkness maintains that the ride is safe, before the video ends with the sound of his ominous laughter.<ref name="thrillride1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thrillride.com/Oblivion/Oblivion.html |title=ThrillRide! |work=ThrillRide! |date= |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref> |
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The queue line takes riders through a large, drawn out upwards helix, repeatedly passing under, through and over various buildings of abstract architecture, before traversing metal bridges into the elevated station building. Here they are batched into rows and board their ride cars, while various technical graphics are displayed on overhead screens. As the cars dispatch, the screens play an automated video featuring the Lord of Darkness in his final appearance as he recites the following monologue:<blockquote>For some things, there is no rational explanation. There is no way out. There is no happy ending to the story. Welcome to the unknown; welcome to eternal darkness; welcome...to Oblivion.<ref name="sponsership" /></blockquote> |
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[[File:Oblivion.JPG|thumb|Oblivion|thumb|right|A picture of Oblivion's drop, taken from the guest observation area.]] |
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The roller coaster has a simple layout with a 180 ft drop at 87° degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rcdb.com/777.htm |title=Oblivion – Alton Towers|work=Rollercoaster Database |date= |accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/oblivion_altontowers |title=Oblivion|work=Ultimate Rollercoaster |date= |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> The car slowly ascends 60 feet at a 45 degree angle to build tension, then levels out, slowly travelling around a curve as the cars approach the drop. As each car reaches the drop it is held by a holding brake for a maximum of 3 seconds, giving the rider a clear view of the long drop, before a btake is released allowing the car to drop into the tunnel. This is followed by a highly banked turn that climbs up and makes the train lie on its side as it goes through. Then after dropping out of the turn the train climbs over a small rise in the track to the brakes, slowing down, and then pulls around back to the station.<ref name="thrillride1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastersandmore.de/rides/oblivion/oblivionmaine.shtml |title=In to Oblivion|work=Coasters and more |date= |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref> The open design cars accommodate sixteen passengers in two rows of eight. The back row is slightly raised to give passengers a clear view of the drop. A pre-recorded and disembodied voice saying 'don't look down' was played just before release. In 2004, this sound effect was removed due to sound restriction on the park and the words "Don't look down" have instead been painted on the floor of the guest observation area which is visible to riders when the train is hanging over the edge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.towersalmanac.com/areas/rides.php?id=16 |title=Oblivion |work=TowersAlmanac |date= |accessdate=23 September 2013}}</ref> |
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== Reception == |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! Source !! Rating |
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|- |
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| [https://backseatblackout.wordpress.com/alton-towers/oblivion/ Backseat Blackout] || {{Rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Oblivion Review|url=https://backseatblackout.wordpress.com|website=Backseat Blackout}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [http://www.s104638357.websitehome.co.uk/html/oblivion_main.htm Coaster Kingdom] || {{Rating|3|5}} |
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<ref>{{cite web|title=Oblivion Review|url=http://www.s104638357.websitehome.co.uk|website=Coaster Kingdom}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [http://www.coastergrotto.com/review.jsp? Coaster Grotto] || {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Oblivion Review|url=http://www.coastergrotto.com|website=Coaster Grotto}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/alton_towers/oblivion/ Theme Park Insider] || {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Oblivion Review|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com|website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [http://coastermadmatt.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/oblivion- CoasterMadMatt] || {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Oblivion Review|url=http://coastermadmatt.blogspot.co.uk|website=CoasterMadMatt}}</ref> |
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|} |
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When Oblivion opened, it was very well received, partly due to a massive advertising campaign by Alton towers <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tpark.co.uk/Rides_and_Attractions.php?Name=Oblivion&RideID=6 |title=Oblivion at Alton Towers Review |work=T-Park |date= |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref> However, it never appeared in the top 25 list of the [[Golden Ticket Awards]]. |
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In Mitch Hawker's worldwide Best Roller Coaster Poll, it peaked at number 43 in 1999, and has had a mixed performance since <ref name="ushsho1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ushsho.com/steelpoll12yeartable2012.htm |title=Steel Roller Coaster Poll 12 Year Results Table (1999–2012) |work=High School Hockey Online |date= |accessdate=14 October 2013}}</ref> |
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{{Mitch Hawker Poll table |
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| type = steel |
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| accessdate = January 13, 2015 |
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| 1999 = 43 |
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| 2000 = – |
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| 2001 = 49 |
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| 2002 = 82 |
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| 2003 = 104 |
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| 2004 = 108 |
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| 2005 = 74 |
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| 2006 = 73 |
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| 2007 = 80 |
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| 2008 = 87 |
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| 2009 = 84 |
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| 2010 = 86 |
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| 2011 = – |
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| 2012 = 119 |
|||
| 2013 = 144 |
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}} |
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== |
== Legacy == |
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Oblivion is classified as the first Dive Coaster, a model from Bolliger & Mabillard with a vertical angle of around 87.5 degrees.<ref name="777!"/><ref name="ultOblvn"/> The second Dive Coaster, [[Diving Machine G5]], opened at [[Janfusun Fancyworld]] in 2000 with an 87.5 degree angle, a 179 ft drop, and a g-force of 5.0; it also featured a mirror of the layout of Oblivion.<ref name=DivingMachineG5>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Diving Machine G5 |location=Janfusun Fancyworld |rcdb_number=1417 |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref> Five years later, [[SheiKra]] opened at [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] as the first Dive Coaster with a 90 degree vertical drop and a splashdown element.<ref name=SheiKra>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=SheiKra |location=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |rcdb_number=2662 |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Duane|last=Marden|url=http://www.rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&nm=na&el=9342&co=6831&page=1&order=10 |website=Roller Coaster DataBase |title=Splashdown Bolliger & Mabillard |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref> In 2015, a ride named [[Oblivion: The Black Hole]] opened at [[Gardaland]], becoming the first vertical drop roller coaster in Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanityfair.it/lifestyle/tempo-libero/15/03/31/oblivion-the-black-hole-gardaland-video|title=Oblivion - The Black Hole: ecco cosa si prova a cadere in picchiata verticale|work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|language=Italian|date=31 March 2015|access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref> |
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{{Reflist|group=nb}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{reflist |
{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{commons category}} |
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* [http://www.altontowers.com/rides-and-attractions/thrill-rides/oblivion/ Oblivion at the official Alton Towers website] |
* [http://www.altontowers.com/rides-and-attractions/thrill-rides/oblivion/ Oblivion at the official Alton Towers website] |
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* {{RCDB|777}} |
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* [http://www.rcdb.com/777.htm Oblivion at RCDB] |
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* [http://tpark.co.uk/Rides_and_Attractions.php?RideID=6 Oblivion review and photos on T-Park] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131015035444/http://www.tpark.co.uk/Rides_and_Attractions.php?RideID=6 Oblivion review and photos on T-Park] |
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{{Alton Towers}} |
{{Alton Towers}} |
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[[Category:Alton Towers]] |
[[Category:Alton Towers]] |
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[[Category:Rides designed by John Wardley]] |
[[Category:Rides designed by John Wardley]] |
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[[Category:Dive Coasters manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard]] |
Latest revision as of 00:00, 14 June 2024
Oblivion | |
---|---|
Alton Towers | |
Location | Alton Towers |
Park section | X-Sector |
Coordinates | 52°59′12″N 1°53′47″W / 52.986575°N 1.896498°W |
Status | Operating |
Opening date | 14 March 1998 |
Cost | £12 million |
General statistics | |
Type | Steel – Dive Coaster |
Manufacturer | Bolliger & Mabillard |
Designer | Werner Stengel |
Model | Dive Coaster |
Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
Height | 19.8 m (65 ft) |
Drop | 54.9 m (180 ft) |
Length | 372.5 m (1,222 ft) |
Speed | 109.4 km/h (68.0 mph) |
Inversions | 0 |
Duration | 1:15 |
Max vertical angle | 87.5° |
Capacity | 1,700 riders per hour |
G-force | 4.5 |
Height restriction | 140 cm (4 ft 7 in) |
Trains | 7 trains with a single car. Riders are arranged 8 across in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders per train. |
Website | Official website |
Slogan | "Don't Look Down" |
Fastrack available | |
Oblivion at RCDB |
Oblivion is a steel roller coaster located at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England. The prototype Dive Coaster model from Bolliger & Mabillard opened to the public on 14 March 1998 and was marketed as the "world's first vertical drop roller coaster". With a maximum speed of 68 mph (109.4 km/h), it is the fourth fastest roller coaster in the UK, behind The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Stealth at Thorpe Park, and Hyperia at Thorpe Park.
History
In Theme Park Review's YouTube video of the IAAPA 2011 trade show, Walter Bolliger stated that development of the Dive Coaster model began between 1994 and 1995.[1] Throughout 1997, the Alton Towers park's 'Fantasy World' area was closed and all its former rides removed, except the Black Hole. The closure led to it being used for secretly constructing a new attraction known as "SW4" (a codename that stood for "Secret Weapon 4", after Nemesis Reborn (formerly Nemesis)' codename, "SW3"). The attraction's construction site was surrounded by a patrol guard who kept it hidden, and the park initially did not reveal much information about it to the general public.[2] A fence was inserted into the area along with the sign announcing that a "world first ride opens [in] March 1998". Many people did not know of the then-upcoming ride other than that its building stage involved making a hole that gradually increased in size. When new parts of track appeared on the site, some grew suspicious about the project. Details about SW4 were not revealed until March 1998, including its name Oblivion and its status as the "worlds first vertical drop roller coaster".[3] Oblivion was given a secret military theme, which was previously used for the park's earlier SW1 and SW2 coaster projects.[2]
Oblivion's opening was accompanied by a large promotional campaign, including appearances on Blue Peter, news channels and Corn Flakes cereal box packets.[2][3] Prior to its opening, memorabilia including its own brand of deodorant was available to purchase.[2] The total cost to construct the ride was estimated at £12 million.[4]
The park area containing Oblivion was redesigned as 'X Sector'.[2] The only surviving ride from the former area was the Black Hole roller coaster, which was externally redesigned to suit the new theme.[5] Alton Towers moved and rethemed two existing rides from other areas of the park to open with X-Sector, Energizer and Enterprise.[6] [7]
Despite advertising the ride as the "worlds first vertical drop rollercoaster", Oblivion's vertical drop is slightly less than 90 degrees, at 87.5 degrees. This is due to the trains lacking sprung wheel assemblies which would mean the transition from vertical to horizontal would be uncomfortable.[8]
For a brief period in April 2011, the ride was sponsored by Fanta. The Fanta company also had put the Oblivion rollercoaster into one of their adverts to show that the brand was being sponsored there. However, much of the Fanta branding was removed after only a few months "following numerous complaints about the obtrusive nature of the brand".[9]
On 8 May 2012, a reportedly suicidal 20-year-old man climbed over tall safety fencing and managed to access the underground ride area.[10] He reportedly entered via the tunnel exit portal and walked underground, emerging on a ledge around the entrance portal.[10] Neither he nor any guests on the ride were harmed.[11] He was arrested for a public order offence and the ride returned to normal operation the following day.[10]
Ride experience
The queue line spirals upward counterclockwise around a mound and passes through abstract buildings at various levels. Through the buildings, an unnamed man stood in darkness (played by actor Renny Krupinski) briefs riders from overhead television screens. In the heavily stylised videos, the sinister figure explains at length the supposed physical and psychological effects of riding on Oblivion. Although adapted from scientific fact, his monologues are deliberately exaggerated with hyperbole and dry humour. The third queueline video features an alter-ego character (who appears glowing white) arguing with his counterpart as to whether Oblivion is truly safe for riders. This was removed in 2015 after The Smiler crash.
The queue then splits and crosses caged bridges into the station building. Here riders are batched into rows and board the ride cars. Technical graphics are displayed on overhead screens, which change to play a final monologue upon dispatch.
The cars accommodate sixteen passengers in two rows of eight with a tiered seating arrangement. The roller coaster has a simple layout with a 180 ft drop at 87.5 degrees and reaches 68 mph.[12][13] The car slowly ascends 60 feet at a 45-degree angle to build tension, then levels out and travels slowly through a turn towards the drop. The turn uses a horizontal chain mechanism not used on any other B&M dive coaster.
The car reaches the drop and pauses facing over the edge for a moment. The car is then released, free-falling into the underground tunnel. Upon exiting the other side, a high-banked turn takes riders around into the brake run.[7][14] There are two on-ride photos; one at the start of the drop and the other at the end of the high-banked turn.
The theme music which accompanies the ride is "Stressed Out" by Dominic Glynn from the album "Strictly Drum & Bass".
Legacy
Oblivion is classified as the first Dive Coaster, a model from Bolliger & Mabillard with a vertical angle of around 87.5 degrees.[12][13] The second Dive Coaster, Diving Machine G5, opened at Janfusun Fancyworld in 2000 with an 87.5 degree angle, a 179 ft drop, and a g-force of 5.0; it also featured a mirror of the layout of Oblivion.[15] Five years later, SheiKra opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the first Dive Coaster with a 90 degree vertical drop and a splashdown element.[16][17] In 2015, a ride named Oblivion: The Black Hole opened at Gardaland, becoming the first vertical drop roller coaster in Italy.[18]
References
- ^ "IAAPA 2011 Trade Show Part 4 Theme Park Review Fishpipe Water Ride B&M Zamperla". Theme Park Review. YouTube. 16 November 2012. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "The Secret Weapons – Developing the Magic". TowersTimes. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Oblivion". TowersTimes. 14 March 1998. Archived from the original on 5 November 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
- ^ "Specifications". TowersTimes. Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
- ^ "Oblivion Construction Archive". TowersTimes. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ "X Sector". TowersTimes. Archived from the original on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Oblivion". ThrillRide!. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ The Guinness book of records 1999. Guinness. 1998. p. 185. ISBN 978-0-85112-070-6.
- ^ "Oblivion". TowersStreet. 14 March 1998. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ a b c "Stray guest causes safety incident on Oblivion". Ride Rater. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
- ^ "Man rescued from Oblivion ride at Alton Towers". BBC News. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2013.
- ^ a b "Oblivion – Alton Towers". Rollercoaster Database. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Oblivion". Ultimate Rollercoaster. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "In to Oblivion". Coasters and more. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Diving Machine G5 (Janfusun Fancyworld)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "SheiKra (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Splashdown Bolliger & Mabillard". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Oblivion - The Black Hole: ecco cosa si prova a cadere in picchiata verticale". Vanity Fair (in Italian). 31 March 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2023.