UK-based dynamic ride maker Simworx worked with famed illusionist Derren Brown on a record-breaking new ride that opened at Thorpe Park this season.

The 13-minute dark ride features a range of industry technologies, from virtual reality to Pepper’s Ghosts, as well as multiple live actors, grand illusion, next-generation technology, 4D special effects and physical transit. The ride marks Thorpe Park’s largest single investment to date.
Merlin Entertainments approached Simworx to oversee the provision of the ride systems and various ride elements. The company worked with Severn Lamb, Figment and HTC on the project, delivering three, 58-seat motion-based passenger train carriages and 110 metres of train track. Each train carriage is fitted with 58 HTC Vive headsets, an array of special effects and a vibrating floor. In the pre-ride area of the attraction, Simworx supplied effects like smoke, sound, AV projection, and a groundbreaking motion base capable of a 35-ton lift.

“This is a very different attraction to anything people will have experienced before and is truly a Ghost Train for the 21st century,” said Simworx managing director Terry Monkton. “This was probably our most challenging project to date, with many bespoke elements designed and created specifically for this unique attraction. The technology involved has taken this form of entertainment to a completely new level and we are absolutely thrilled with the end result.”