Blade
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| Manufacturer | HUSS Park Attractions | ||||||||||||||||
| Product | Pirat | ||||||||||||||||
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The Blade is a Pirate Ship ride located in the Forbidden Valley section of Alton Towers, England, UK.
History
The ride opened in 1980 and was called "Pirate Ship". It was situated in the Springfield Centre area, which became Fantasy World for the 1984 season.[1] For the 1997 season, Pirate Ship was moved to the Forbidden Valley area and renamed Blade. Fantasy World was replaced by X-Sector to coincide with the opening of Oblivion in 1998.[2]
Blade did not appear on 2015 park maps, leading to speculation that it would be removed. Alton Towers confirmed that the ride was due to be leaving but would continue to operate for the first half of the season. Plans to close the ride were subsequently shelved, possibly due to the Smiler crash.[3]
In December 2024, the park announced that The Blade would not be returning for the 2025 season. At the time of removal, it was the oldest ride operating at the park.[4]
Design
Blade is situated in a trench previously occupied by the Thunderlooper roller coaster, which closed in 1996. Large blades adorn either side of the swinging ship. Rust effects and hazard stripes are painted on the supports.
References
- ↑ http://www.adips.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/huss-pirate-ship-axle-defect-2017.pdf
- ↑ RCCGB AIRtime issue 4
- ↑ The Blade - TowersStreet
- ↑ "Winter Update". Alton Towers Resort. Retrieved 2024-12-03.