The reel at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was demolished in 1982 (and built in 1922!). 10 years later the managing director regretted his decision in an interview in a rollercoaster magazine. I'm lucky enough to have had a few years riding the reel before it was removed and I'll never forget that final, steep, banked curve into the dark tunnel before returning to the station.



The cars were circular, very heavy and held 8 people with no safety restraints. There was a bar around the rim of the car and to hold this meant riding with your arms around the shoulders of your companions (very cosy).



Steel spinning coasters are quite common now and The Reel was the Grandaddy to todays youngsters. In this clip (30 seconds and courtesy of the BBC) there is rare colour footage of The Reel in action before WWII.



Fascinating 12 page history of The Reel and an interview with one of the engineers who worked on the ride.

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Anyone else having trouble getting into the Clap Your hands And Say Yeah album?