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

Ripsaw
Alton Towers
AreaForbidden Valley
Coordinates52°59′26″N 1°53′33″W / 52.99056°N 1.89250°W / 52.99056; -1.89250
StatusRemoved
Opening date15 March 1997
Closing date8 November 2015
Replaced byForbidden Sweep (2016 only)
Funk'N'Fly (2021 – 2023)
Ride statistics
Attraction typeTop Spin
ManufacturerHuss Rides
ModelTop Spin
Height restriction55 in (140 cm)
Restraint styleOver the shoulders

History edit

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 resembles that of heavy duty machinery, with the main centerpiece of a ride being a large twist drill bit located above the riders.

However, 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.

Ripsaw is rumoured to reopen under the name 'Ripsaws Revenge' for the 2025 season, following the Nemesis Reborn name theme. Planning permission was approved in 2024.


Ride experience edit

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. [2]

References edit

  1. ^ "Alton Towers 'set to close SIX rides next year as Smiler crash due to "human error"'". Daily Mirror. 24 November 2015.
  2. ^ "Ripsaw".

External links edit