I did a sponsored ride on the Grand National back in 1988 and managed 95 circuits in one day. Luckily, it was back in the days of the single buzz-bar that locked horizontally across both seats, allowing you to move around including up and down - so much better than the later lap bars that rested on your thighs. As others have mentioned, the change of sides happens right at the start as the trains leave the station. The station has a single, central platform with separate unloading and loading areas. Both trains unload onto the central platform and riders from both trains go down the same staircase to the exit tunnel that passes under the loading area of the platform. The trains then roll down to the air gates on either side of the loading area. The train on the left-hand side of the platform (as you’re sitting in the train) does a U-turn to the left and the train on the right-hand side platform does a U-turn to the right. The tracks then join up for the lift hill and remain side-by-side for the rest of the ride, right back to the station. If you got on the left-hand train and sat on the left, you’d be the furthest away from the other train in the station, but after the U-turn, you end up right next to the other train. Something to bear in mind if you’re doing “hands across” on the lift hill with friends in the other train. Take two strips of paper. With the first, bring the ends together and stick them together to make an ordinary loop. Two separate sides - inside and outside. If you want to make a Mobius loop, take the second strip of paper and bring the ends together to make a standard loop as before, but then turn one end through a half turn before you stick the ends together. The single, unmatched turn is what does it.
It’s because they start by travelling away from each other and lopping around in opposite directions. So as you start your on the right but as you go up the first lift hill your now on the left. Love this rollercoaster, probably the best of the old wooden ones in the park.
I have been lucky enough to be on this ride on a day where there was next to no one in the park where the operators let everyone stay on a set us through again.
This has got me thinking of how it works, got one thing it’s one complete track with two platforms so the trains on the inside go to the outside or there is a crossover point but that sounds unlikely. Please do a second video on how it works
I’ve rode this beauty for over 50 years and that’s the first time it’s ever been explained to me! It has always baffled me how and why I would end up on the other side! Thanks for solving one of life’s great mysteries!!
I did a sponsored ride on the Grand National back in 1988 and managed 95 circuits in one day. Luckily, it was back in the days of the single buzz-bar that locked horizontally across both seats, allowing you to move around including up and down - so much better than the later lap bars that rested on your thighs. As others have mentioned, the change of sides happens right at the start as the trains leave the station. The station has a single, central platform with separate unloading and loading areas. Both trains unload onto the central platform and riders from both trains go down the same staircase to the exit tunnel that passes under the loading area of the platform. The trains then roll down to the air gates on either side of the loading area. The train on the left-hand side of the platform (as you’re sitting in the train) does a U-turn to the left and the train on the right-hand side platform does a U-turn to the right. The tracks then join up for the lift hill and remain side-by-side for the rest of the ride, right back to the station. If you got on the left-hand train and sat on the left, you’d be the furthest away from the other train in the station, but after the U-turn, you end up right next to the other train. Something to bear in mind if you’re doing “hands across” on the lift hill with friends in the other train.
Take two strips of paper. With the first, bring the ends together and stick them together to make an ordinary loop. Two separate sides - inside and outside. If you want to make a Mobius loop, take the second strip of paper and bring the ends together to make a standard loop as before, but then turn one end through a half turn before you stick the ends together. The single, unmatched turn is what does it.
Awesome response - very detailed. Thanks!
The grand nationals two tracks technically cross just before the lift hill after that first turn out of the station, allowing for a mobius loop design
🧐
It’s because they start by travelling away from each other and lopping around in opposite directions. So as you start your on the right but as you go up the first lift hill your now on the left. Love this rollercoaster, probably the best of the old wooden ones in the park.
I like starting on the right the most and I like the purple train, nice and fast.
Only way to describe that ride is death trap could barely walk after
Haha it’s a bit rough, yes. 🤣
I have been lucky enough to be on this ride on a day where there was next to no one in the park where the operators let everyone stay on a set us through again.
Lucky! Or did it hurt? 😂
Knowing what a Mobius loop is I still found it hard to picture this in my mind great stuff I will repeat your words on my next visit thanks.
I’ll do a 2nd video next week explaining it fully 😊
This has got me thinking of how it works, got one thing it’s one complete track with two platforms so the trains on the inside go to the outside or there is a crossover point but that sounds unlikely. Please do a second video on how it works
I may well do. ☺️
Very interesting! I've never been to Blackpool, so I never rode it.
Definitely worth a trip, if you can make it.
And you only have half a spine after it too.
I’ve rode this beauty for over 50 years and that’s the first time it’s ever been explained to me! It has always baffled me how and why I would end up on the other side! Thanks for solving one of life’s great mysteries!!
Thanks Mick - but I don't think I actually gave the answer away in the video, did I? Either way I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 😁
Isn't The Smiler also a mobius coaster?
No, but it does have a lot of loops. 🤣
How is it not a mobius coaster?@@themeparkgo
The trains don’t race, and there’s only a single station. They do/can duel though if despatched correctly.
Oh ok.@@themeparkgo