Take a look behind the scenes of Colossus at Thorpe Park, a coaster which features what was a world record breaking 10 inversions when it opened in 2002. These images were taken as part of a Colossus Coaster Climb during the early part of the 2024 season, which was a VIP experience offered by the park.
Ride Station
Here is an up-close look at train two for Colossus, which was parked in the station with its restraints open. The two final photos in this section were taken in 2023 prior to the 2024 refresh of the station. Can you spot what changes were made to the station during the park’s Sparkle Project?
Lift Hill
Colossus features a traditional chain lift hill which takes riders up to 98ft / 30m – the tallest point of the coaster. At the bottom of the lift hill, you can spot a custom extension to the exterior of the Colossus station which covers the final drive tyre and sensor from the elements to improve the reliability of the attraction. Also to the right hand side of the lift are the rails which are used as part of a ride evacuation.
Vertical Loop
Check out these images of Colossus’ first inversion, the vertical loop, which were taken from the lift hill and ride area. From this view you can also see that the theming pillars on the guest facing sides received a fresh coat of blue paint.
Cobra Roll
Check out these images of Colossus’ second and third inversions, the cobra roll, which were taken from the lift hill. This element was fully re-painted for the 2024 season as part of the park-wide Sparkle Project.
Corkscrews
Check out these images of Colossus’ fourth and fifth inversions, the two corkscrews, which were taken from the lift hill. Can you spot where the fresh coat of paint stopped during the 2024 season?
Brake Run and Transfer Track
Check out the final inversion, brake run and transfer track for Colossus. If the engineers wish to move a train on Colossus into the maintenance shed, one train must be in the station and the other needs to be held on the brake run prior to the transfer track. The transfer track then can move across and the train in the station can be reversed into the maintenance area.
Park Views from the Lift Hill
Here are some additional views and angles of the rest of Thorpe Park from above. Photos include Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, which opened less than a month after this lift hill walk took place, along with Slammer which closed in 2017 but remained in-situ at the time of the lift hill walk.
