Infusion (roller coaster)
Infusion is an inverted steel roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire, England. It is a 689m standard "Mark 3" model Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster (SLC) and the first to be suspended entirely over water.[1][2][3][4]
| Infusion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Blackpool Pleasure Beach | |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 2 May 2007 |
| Cost | £8 million |
| Infusion at Blackpool Pleasure Beach at RCDB | |
| Pleasureland Southport | |
| Name | Traumatizer |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 1999 |
| Closing date | 2006 |
| Traumatizer at Pleasureland Southport at RCDB | |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Inverted |
| Manufacturer | Vekoma |
| Designer | Vekoma |
| Model | Suspended Looping Coaster |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 109 ft (33 m) |
| Length | 2,260 ft (690 m) |
| Speed | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Inversions | 5 |
| Duration | 1:48(running slow) 1:42 (running fast) |
| Capacity | 832 riders per hour |
| G-force | 3.4 |
| Height restriction | 52–78 in (132–198 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders per train. |
History
Infusion was relocated from Pleasureland Southport, Blackpool Pleasure Beach's sister park, where it was known as "Traumatizer" and sponsored by the soft drink "Tizer". The attraction first opened at its original location in Southport in 1999. When Pleasureland closed in 2006, the ride was moved to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where it has operated since 2007. The original ride featured a red track with teal supports; however, the track has since been repainted blue. The ride cost a total of £8 million to construct.[1][3][5][6][7]
Characteristics
Infusion operates two seating trains. Each train has eight cars that seat two passengers, allowing a maximum capacity of 16 people per train. The track is approximately 2,260 feet long and the lift is 109 feet high. Infusion's maximum capacity is 832 passengers per hour.[1][3][8]
Design & Layout
The ride begins with the train climbing a 109-foot (33 m) lift hill before arching into a steep curved incline. The train rises up into a butterfly loop- two half loops connected by a corkscrew - before pulling upwards into a banked apex. From here the train drops sharply into a sidewinder - a loop that transitions into a corkscrew. A tight helix follows, providing a near miss with the Big Dipper, before the train straightens itself and pulls into a double inline twist. From here the train rolls into a 90 degree turn before pulling downwards and ascending into the brakes. Two 90 degree turns return the train to the station.
Marketing & Reception
The ride was the subject of a large marketing campaign and featured on BBC Newsround, the Daily Star and Daily Express newspapers and GMTV.
The ride has been used in television shows and advertisements. The ride was featured in a Specsavers advertisement when two elderly people rode the ride after mistaking the ride's seats for a park bench.
References
- "Infusion - Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom)". RCDB. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "2017_EducationInfoPack.pdf" (PDF). Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "Rollercoaster is a world first". CBBC Newsround. 19 April 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "Infusion". Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- Mackinlay, Catherine. "Iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach rollercoasters over the years". LancsLive. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "Pleasure Beach's new thrill ride". BBC News. 19 April 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "Infusion". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- "689m Standard". RCDB. Retrieved 16 July 2021.