Ripsaw (Alton Towers) Explained

Ripsaw
Location:Alton Towers
Section:Forbidden Valley
Type:Top Spin
Status:Removed
Opened:15 March 1997
Closed:8 November 2015
Manufacturer:Huss Rides
Model:Top Spin
Restriction In:55
Replacement:Forbidden Sweep (2016 only)
Funk'N'Fly (2021 – 2023)
Custom Label 1:Restraint style
Custom Value 1:Over the shoulders

Ripsaw was a Top Spin ride at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England. It opened in 1997 and closed at the end of 2015.[1]

History

The ride opened on 15 March, 1997 alongside The Blade (originally the pirate ship), which replaced Thunder Looper - a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop. The theming installed on and around the ride resembled that of heavy duty machinery, with the main centerpiece of a ride being a large twist drill bit located above the riders.[2]

Ripsaw was closed in the 2015 season due to the park's long-term plan. It was replaced by Forbidden Sweep, a small carnival game, for the 2016 season and then was replaced by the temporary ride, Funk ‘n’ Fly.[3]

In February 2024, Alton Towers submitted a planning application for a new tall ride in the Forbidden Valley, dubbed 'Project Ocean', on the site previously occupied by Funk ‘n’ Fly (originally occupied by Ripsaw).[4] This prompted speculation from enthusiasts about this new ride being a 'revival' of Ripsaw.[5] Planning permission was approved in April 2024,[6] and construction began in May 2024.[7]

Ride experience

Riders sat in a 20 seat wide, two tier gondola rotated by a pair of robotic arms and allowed to freely pivot. Riders were also suspended above jets of water at one point and were lowered towards it, similar to Rameses Revenge located in Chessington World of Adventures Resort. The ride was located in the Forbidden Valley section of the park adjacent to Nemesis. [8]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alton Towers 'set to close SIX rides next year as Smiler crash due to "human error"'. . 24 November 2015 .
  2. Web site: Ripsaw - The Park of the Past - Your premier Alton Towers guide . 2024-06-05 . towersstreet.com.
  3. Web site: Ripsaw - The Park of the Past - Your premier Alton Towers guide . 2024-06-05 . towersstreet.com.
  4. Web site: Parker . Hayley . Ashdown . Kerry . 2024-02-15 . Alton Towers unveils secretive plans for new towering 60ft attraction . 2024-06-05 . Stoke on Trent Live . en.
  5. Web site: Alton Towers Submit Plans For New Forbidden Valley Flat Ride Theme Park Guide . 2024-06-05 . themeparkguide.co.uk . en.
  6. Web site: Project Ocean Plans Approved New Flat Ride Coming Soon Theme Park Guide . 2024-06-05 . themeparkguide.co.uk . en.
  7. Web site: Project Ocean Construction Works Begins Theme Park Guide . 2024-06-05 . themeparkguide.co.uk . en.
  8. Web site: Ripsaw.