The Big Dipper

Aug. 23, 2023 /technology/ — The Big Dipper is a wooden roller coaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England. It was built in 1921 and is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world. The ride is known for its bone-shaking experience, which is due to its unique structural engineering.

The Big Dipper is made up of a series of wooden supports that are connected by steel beams. The supports are spaced closer together than on most modern roller coasters, which makes the ride feel more jarring. The steel beams help to keep the supports from flexing too much, but they also transfer a lot of the force of the ride to the riders.

Another factor that contributes to the bone-shaking experience of the Big Dipper is its layout. The ride has a lot of sharp turns and drops, which put a lot of stress on the riders’ bodies. The combination of the close spacing of the supports, the steel beams, and the sharp turns makes the Big Dipper one of the most physically demanding roller coasters in the world.

Despite its age and bone-shaking experience, the Big Dipper remains a popular attraction at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It is a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its designers that the ride has been able to withstand the test of time and still provide riders with an exciting and memorable experience.

Here are some additional details about the structural engineering of the Big Dipper:

The supports are made of Douglas fir, a strong and flexible wood that is well-suited for use in roller coasters.

The steel beams are embedded in the supports to help prevent them from flexing too much.

The track is made of wooden planks that are held in place by steel bolts.

The cars are made of wood and steel and are suspended from the track by chains.

The Big Dipper is a complex and well-engineered structure that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and the durability of its materials.

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