The "Oblivion" at "Alton Towers" is the world's first and Europe’s only
vertical-drop rollercoaster. A short time ago in Taiwan "g5" was opened.
"g5" is another vertical-drop rollercoaster. A vertical-drop rollercoaster
is a ride concept that focuses the whole ride especially on the first
and only drop. The drop is high and vertical, it goes nearly 90 degrees
straight into the ground.
design and theme
The coaster features special trains that are carrying eight people in the
front and another eight people in the back row, so that the train takes a
total of 16 people. The ride is themed.
After a long way from the entrance
door up to the station, you are welcomed by several video screens that are
playing a trailer that shows what you will soon experience. An unreal mad
person appears on the screen and introduces himself as the owner of
"Oblivion", welcomes you and tells you that there is no way to get out of
here. Further he talks about the physical and psychological effect of the
drop.
the ride
When you have taken place in the train he once again appears on the
screens above the train and then the ride starts and guides you into the
lift section. The track is impressive and higher than it appears from the
ground, because it is oversized in compare to the normal B&M coaster track.
Before the train drops it is stopped by a brake directly on top of the drop
and everybody gets a good view into the black hole at the ground. Here you
see the track disappearing in the darkness and the steam of the water that
surrounds the wall of the tunnel. A voice comes over some loudspeakers and
says the words "don’t look down"...
Then the train is pulled over the edge
and drops. No way... You must scream! Here you experience nearly a total
free-fall. What a feeling! No other rollercoaster gives this feeling in the same
way!
And after falling into complete darkness through the water steam the
track guides you back to light and you leave the tunnel with an enormous
speed. With this it drives through a massive curve and into the brake
section.
"Oblivion" is very smooth, but very fast. The ride is very short,
but a true special and unique experience. The freefall is absolutely great
and a wild drop. Without long waiting times, this rollercoaster is the
ultimate fun!
Bolliger & Mabillard created a new great way
of total adrenaline entertainment that is combined with the highest
standards in security, coaster design and technology.
They created a
wonderful rollercoaster.
built by
Bolliger & Mabillard
speciality
first and only drop with a total height
of 54 m and an 87.5 degree angle (near to vertical) that
guides you straight into the ground
year
1998
number of trains / cars
7 trains (one dropped every 23 seconds)
and 2 cars per train with a total of 16 passengers per
train.
