The Audio Long Read The rollercoaster king: the man behind the UK’s fastest thrill-ride
Dec 30, 2024
Discover the remarkable journey of John Burton, who defied his childhood fears to design the UK's fastest roller coaster, Hyperia. Learn about the intricate process of roller coaster design that blends art, technology, and collaboration. Uncover the whimsical challenges of naming rides while navigating trademarks and branding. Experience the emotional roller coaster of constructing Hyperia, from the technical hurdles of assembly to the thrilling moments of its launch. Join the adventure of transforming a vision into an exhilarating reality!
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Rollercoaster Creation Advice
- To create rollercoasters, be a jack-of-all-trades, managing specialists like a conductor.
- Consider physicality, sensuality, limitations, speed, G-forces, aesthetics, and market demands.
The Toll of Creation
- Rollercoaster creation deadlines are demanding with no room for error.
- Jeff Pike humorously attributes his aging to the intense pressure of this work.
Rollercoaster Physics
- Early rollercoasters used simple energy balance principles, relying on gravity.
- Modern designs utilize magnetics and hydraulics, but gravity remains central.