The Big One is Back in Action with a New 103M Track Bent by Barnshaws Section Benders
The Big One is Back in Action with a New 103M Track Bent by Barnshaws Section Benders
The iconic roller coaster that has provided adrenaline to Blackpool visitors for years underwent a partial re-tracking during the 2020-2021 off-season.
The UK’s tallest rollercoaster, formerly known as the Pepsi Max Big One, designed by Ron Toomer was constructed in 1994. Standing 235 ft above Blackpool Pleasure Beach it was then not only the highest roller coaster, but also the largest and fastest in the World.
After nearly three decades and millions of rides, the time has come to refresh this popular attraction. Barnshaws Section Benders were contracted by Taziker Industrial Ltd to undertake the bending of almost 120 curved tubes for the track and the cross member tie bars on which the actual track sits since the refurbishment started.
Barnshaws offered the use of its highly specialised steel bending machines to carry out the work, which helped to complete such a comprehensive project.
Greg North, Commercial Director at Barnshaws, expands: “At Barnshaws, we have many years of experience in complex large-scale projects. For us, it was important to deliver high quality service which will last for many years. The biggest challenge in this project was the bending of the tie bars. Tight tolerances had to be maintained as this determined the constant width of the track. However together with our dedicated team, we were able to deliver the required parts on time and to project specification, which enabled subsequent renovation work to be completed.”
Barnshaws is the UK’s most capable metal bending company, with a proven track record in the construction, civil, sculpture and transport sectors. Over the years of activity, they have worked on such projects as Armadillo Landmark, Wimbledon No.1 Court, Spitfire Island, Manchester Victoria station, and many more.
Barnshaw’s have partnered with Taziker from day one on this project and have offered effective solutions to complex problems. The technical collaboration has been invaluable with a high level of quality and service which has allowed us to successfully meet the project requirements for the past three years.
Michael Bent, Planning Manager