Following the permanent closure of the former record-holder, a beloved Norfolk attraction now holds the title of the nation’s oldest – and last standing – traditional scenic roller coaster.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach’s coaster, completed in 1928, is a Grade II scenic roller coaster, and is now the only operational ride of its kind in the UK where a seated operator manually controls the train’s speed using a lever.
In January, the iconic Scenic Railway, based in Dreamland Margate, Kent, took a ‘well-earned retirement from operation as a ride’ following safety concerns linked to its age and condition.
Up until its closure, the wooden roller coaster, built in 1920, was officially the oldest in Britain, and has long been one of the amusement park’s most beloved attractions.
Dreamland said an ‘extensive process of consultations and inspections’ had concluded that ‘the ride has come to the end of its current life’.
Thankfully, Albert Jones, who manages Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach’s coaster, reassured that the attraction will not suffer the same fate any time soon.
He told the BBC: ‘It’s disappointing that unfortunately another coaster is closing… we’re the only one that will be left running using a brake man.’
The scenic railway officially opened the public in 1932, after it was transported to Great Yarmouth from the Colonial Exhibition in Paris, France.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach’s coaster (pictured) now holds the title of the nation’s oldest – and last standing – scenic roller coaster
The 106-year old Scenic Railway (pictured) – formerly the oldest rollercoaster in Britain – permanently closed in January
Built in 1928, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach’s attraction is a Grade II scenic roller coaster, and is now the only ride of its kind in the UK where a seated operator controls the train’s speed using a lever
Though the ride is said to be in ‘very good’ condition, much of the original material has been replaced over its 132-year-old lifespan.
According to Jones, the ride is inspected up to three times a day, with engineers and carpenters carrying out daily checks – a preservation process Jones describes as a ‘maintenance headache’.
He added: ‘It’s not that you can budget for it. You have to do the work. We’re fortunate to say that we’ve kept it in a very good condition.’
Today, the coaster stands as the UK’s only operating scenic railway – a ride that offers breathtaking views of diverse landscapes.
According to Jones, the Great Yarmouth Scenic Railway initially featured an Alpine backdrop.
However, after the original artist died, the scene was eventually replaced because no one could be found to match his specific style.
Currently featuring an American-themed design, the venue is undergoing a number of small renovations for its March season opening.
The ride also saw a major change a decade ago, when women were appointed as operators of the ride’s manual controls for the first time – a job that was typically assigned to men due to the strength needed to pull the brake.
The scenic railway opened to the public in 1932 after it was shipped to Great Yarmouth from the Colonial Exhibition in Paris
The Great Yarmouth Scenic Railway initially featured an Alpine backdrop, but now sports an American theme
The Norfolk venue is undergoing a number of small renovations for its March season opening
For roller coasters of this sort, there are no brakes fitted to the track, meaning gravity is the only force regulating the speed.
As for the future of the Great Yarmouth Scenic Railway, Jones notes that whatever happens, the ride will be left in very good hands.
He added: ‘I hand the baton over to the next generation, but you know we’ve got a very dedicated team, everybody loves the ride. I still ride on it now, and you still get that thrill.’
It comes as Welsh theme park, Oakwood Theme Park closed its doors for good – after plans to breathe new life into it were shelved.
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