Corkscrew, Steel roller coaster at Alton Towers Resort, United Kingdom
Corkscrew was a steel roller coaster at Alton Towers that featured two consecutive inversions across 750 meters of yellow track. The ride reached 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour) and passed through two metal helix elements.
The coaster opened in April 1980 and drew 30,000 visitors on its first day of operation. Attendance at the park doubled within the first year, confirming the success of the new ride.
The name refers to the double helix section where riders twisted upside down during the circuit. The structure featured in British pop culture, appearing as cover art for a single and as the filming location for a music video.
The coaster transported up to 1400 riders per hour using two trains that each seated 24 people. Those who chose the rear cars experienced a more intense rotation through the helix sections.
After closing in 2008, the double helix section was installed at the park entrance. The metal structure remains there today as a reminder of the first major roller coaster at the resort.
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