<P> The ride is the second Megacoaster to be built by Arrow Dynamics, the first being Magnum XL - 200 at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio . At its highest point, the ride reaches 235 feet (72 m) above sea level, but only stands 213 feet (65 m) above the ground with the first drop measuring 205 feet (62 m). These numbers were later confirmed by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics . The first drop has an incline angle of 65 degrees and the usual maximum speed for the ride is 74 miles per hour (119 km / h). The ride lasts approximately three minutes and during this time riders normally experience positive g - forces of up to 3.5 g and negative g - forces of up to 0.5 g . Blackpool Pleasure Beach advertises the ride as rising 235 feet (72 m), but that is above sea level and not the actual height of the ride . </P> <P> The ride is capable of running three trains at any one time . Each train has five cars with six passengers to a car, enabling each train to carry 30 riders two - abreast in total . This gives Big One a capacity of 1,800 people per hour . The colour scheme for each train is the same: a blue base with two coloured bands around the side and front (red and white) showing the Union Jack logo . Each train is numbered at the back of the fifth car, and each car is numbered according to the back of each section . During testing, sand bags are used to weigh the train down . This is a safety mechanism and is common practice on roller coasters of a certain height . Before the ride was granted a certificate to operate, Blackpool Pleasure Beach had to appeal to Blackpool Airport which is one mile from the park . Due to the ride's height, warning beacons had to be installed on the peaks of the first two hills, including the main drop, before the ride was given the all clear to operate . </P> <P> When it opened on 28 May 1994, Big One was both the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world . It was also one of the longest out - and - back roller coasters, measuring 5,497 feet (1,675 m). With a 205 - foot drop and 74 mph top speed, it was second only to Steel Phantom at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania in speed, but it was the fastest coaster in Europe . The Big One lost its height record to Fujiyama in Japan in 1996, though it remained the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe until 2002, when Silver Star opened at Europa - Park in Germany . The ride still remains the tallest in the United Kingdom, although Stealth in Thorpe Park is the fastest . It is also the second longest in the UK, losing only to Lightwater Valley's Ultimate . </P> <P> Richard Rodriguez completed a 112 - day endurance record on the roller coaster in 2012 . This broke the world record for the most consecutive days on a rollercoaster . This attempt was only during operating hours (approximately six hours a day) as opposed to 24 hours a day . He also had his own row of seating assigned only for him during the record . </P>

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