The Swarm (roller coaster): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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{{Short description|Roller coaster at Thorpe Park}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 20172024}}
{{Infobox roller coaster
|name=The Swarm
|custom_label_3= The SWARM POV
|custom_value_3= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2FxyIaEqYY Full HD POV]
|logo= The swarm, sign.jpg
|logodimensions=250px
|image=ViewThe ofSwarm firestruck2024-05-08 theming01.jpgpng
|imagedimensions=250px
|caption=The off-ridedive viewdrop of The Swarm at Thorpe Park
|previousnames=
|location=[[Thorpe Park Resort]]
|section= Swarm Island
|subsection= <!--Should be linked.-->
|coordinates={{coord|51|24|20|N|0|30|55.5|W|region:GB|display=inline, title}}
|type=Steel
|type2=Wing Coaster
|type3= <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
|status=Operating
|opened={{Start date|df=yes|2012|03|15}}
Line 26 ⟶ 25:
|model=Custom
|track=
|lift=Chain [[Chain lift hill]]
|height_m=38.6
|drop_m= <!--Must beRequires expresseda insource. metresNot andlisted mayat containRCDB. only numeric characters.-->
|length_m=775
|speed_mph=59
|inversions=54
|duration=<!-- Requires a source. Not listed at RCDB. -->
|duration=1:15
|capacity=<!-- Requires a source. Not listed at RCDB. -->
|angle= <!--Do not include "degrees", it is added automatically.-->
|cost=£20 million<ref>[https://www.topdogdays.com/attraction/theme-park/thorpe-park/thorpe-park-the-swarmnew-ride-area/ Thorpe Park & The Swarm; New Ride Area]. ''TopDogDays''. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2023.</ref><ref>[https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/2012-02-23-thorpe-parks-new-ride-the-swarm-terrifies-red-arrows-pilot.html Thorpe Park's new ride The Swarm terrifies Red Arrows pilot]. ''AOL''. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2023.</ref>
|capacity=1,100
|gforce= 4.5▼
|cost=£18,000,000<ref name="Test Incident - Thorpe Park" />
|acceleration= <!--Expression in full form e.g. "X to Y mph (? to ? km/h) in Z seconds". -->
|acceleration_from=<!--Initial speed in mph or km/h defaults to zero, only numeric characters-->
|acceleration_mph= 57
|acceleration_km/h=<!--Final speed in km/h may contain only numeric characters-->
|acceleration_in= <!--Number of seconds may contain words -->
▲|gforce= 4.5
|restriction_ft= <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
|restriction_in= <!--Must be expressed in inches and may contain only numeric characters.-->
|restriction_cm= 140 - 196
|trains=<!-- Requires a source. Not listed at RCDB. -->
|trains=2
|carspertrain=7
|rowspercar=1
|ridersperrow=4
|virtual_queue_name=Fastrack
|virtual_queue_image= Merlin Entertainment Fastrack availability.svg
|virtual_queue_status= available
|single_rider= <!--Not available-->
|custom_label_1website= {{Official website|http://www.thorpepark.com/rides/the-swarm.aspx}}
|custom_label_1=
|custom_value_1= {{URL|http://www.thorpepark.com/rides/the-swarm.aspx}}
|custom_value_1=
|custom_label_4=
|accessible=available
|custom_value_4=
|accessible= <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
|transfer_accessible= <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
|rcdb_number=9820
}}
'''The Swarm''' is a [[steel roller coaster|steel]] [[Wing Coaster]]located at [[Thorpe Park]], a theme park in the United Kingdom.<ref name=RCDB /> The Swarm was the world's second [[Wing Coaster]] model designed by [[Switzerland|Swiss]] roller coaster manufacturer [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] and the first one located in the [[United Kingdom]]'s first and only Wing Coaster.<ref name="New coaster crashes into Thorpe Park!">{{cite journal|title=New coaster crashes into Thorpe Park!|journal=Park World Magazine|date=15 March 2012|url=http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2187/New_coaster_crashes_into_Thorpe_Park!.html|accessdateaccess-date=21 May 2013|publisher=Datateam Business Media Limited|url-status=dead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110123647/http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2187/New_coaster_crashes_into_Thorpe_Park!.html|archivedatearchive-date=10 November 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Construction commenced in May 2011, and the coaster opened on 15 March 2012.<ref name="Thorpe Park's New £20m Development Is No April Fools">{{cite web|title=Thorpe Park's New £20m Development Is No April Fools|url=http://www.thorpepark.com/press/releases/2011/31-03-11-2012-Coaster-Approved.doc|url-status=dead|publisher=Thorpe Park|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|date=31 March 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727215705/http://thorpepark.com/press/releases/2011/31-03-11-2012-Coaster-Approved.doc|archivedatearchive-date=27 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> From 2013 tountil 2015, the last two rows of each train facedused to be facing backwards, while the first five rows faced forward. This was removedrestored into 2016,the withoriginal allconfiguration ridersin facing forward once again2016.
The {{Convert|2543|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} ride stands {{Convert|127|ft|m}} tall and features fivefour inversions andalong with a heavily -banked left-hand turn. On the one-minute twenty-five second ride, ridersRiders experience speeds of up to {{Convert|5759|mph|abbr=on}} and 4.5 times the [[G-force|force of gravity]]. A marketing campaign for the ride dubbed ''LC12 - The End is Coming'' began 11eleven months before The Swarm was opened to the public. The rideIt has generally been well -received, ranking highly amongst other winged roller coasters of itscoaster typedesigns.
==History==
In 2010, planning for ''The Swarm'' began behind closed doors. The ride was codenamed '''Project LC12''' in the early process of its planning and construction.<ref name="DA Single Plan 1">{{cite web|title=Fencing Plan & Details Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.001.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930031955/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.001.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="DA Single Plan 2">{{cite web|title=Toilet Block Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.002.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032052/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.002.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> On 31 January 2011, Thorpe Park submitted a planning application for their 2012 ride to the [[Runnymede (borough)|Runnymede]] Borough Council.<ref name="DA Application Form">{{cite web|title=Application for Planning Permission|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCAPPINFX.001.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|date=31 January 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032145/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCAPPINFX.001.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="DA">{{cite web|title=Weekly notice of applications registered by Runnymede Borough Council for the period ending: 09/02/2011|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/Plan_lst.htm|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|date=9 February 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211221514/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/Plan_lst.htm|archivedatearchive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The website gave further information about the new ride's theme, that of an apocalyptic battle.<ref name="Official">{{cite web|title=Thorpe Park – THE SWARM|url=http://www.theswarm.co.uk/|publisher=The Swarm|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=1 August 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808075440/http://www.theswarm.co.uk/|archivedatearchive-date=8 August 2011}}</ref>▼
===Planning and announcement===
▲In 2010, planning for ''The Swarm'' began behind closed doors. The ride was codenamed '''Project LC12''' in the early process of its planning and construction.<ref name="DA Single Plan 1">{{cite web|title=Fencing Plan & Details Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.001.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930031955/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.001.pdf|archivedate=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="DA Single Plan 2">{{cite web|title=Toilet Block Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.002.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032052/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.002.pdf|archivedate=30 September 2011}}</ref> On 31 January 2011, Thorpe Park submitted a planning application for their 2012 ride to the [[Runnymede (borough)|Runnymede]] Borough Council.<ref name="DA Application Form">{{cite web|title=Application for Planning Permission|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCAPPINFX.001.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|date=31 January 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032145/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCAPPINFX.001.pdf|archivedate=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="DA">{{cite web|title=Weekly notice of applications registered by Runnymede Borough Council for the period ending: 09/02/2011|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/Plan_lst.htm|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|date=9 February 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211221514/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/Plan_lst.htm|archivedate=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The website gave further information about the new ride's theme, that of an apocalyptic battle.<ref name="Official">{{cite web|title=Thorpe Park – THE SWARM|url=http://www.theswarm.co.uk/|publisher=The Swarm|accessdate=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=1 August 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808075440/http://www.theswarm.co.uk/|archivedate=8 August 2011}}</ref>
At the time of the ride's announcement construction was already underway. The track for ''The Swarm'' was complete by 18 November 2011.<ref name="Track complete">{{cite web|title=Track is complete...let the theming...|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=139804699456273&id=115673268536083|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdateaccess-date=23 May 2013|date=18 November 2011}}</ref> Clearance testing started almost immediately; the first operational test run was completed on 17 January 2012.<ref name="Clearance testing">{{cite web|title=Now that the track...|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=141830232587053&set=a.115674095202667.11343.115673268536083&type=1|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdateaccess-date=23 May 2013|date=23 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="The Swarm 1st test run!">{{cite web|title=The Swarm 1st test run!|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150702617094815|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdateaccess-date=23 May 2013|date=17 January 2012}}</ref>▼
===Construction and opening===
▲At the time of the ride's announcement construction was already underway. The track for ''The Swarm'' was complete by 18 November 2011.<ref name="Track complete">{{cite web|title=Track is complete...let the theming...|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=139804699456273&id=115673268536083|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=23 May 2013|date=18 November 2011}}</ref> Clearance testing started almost immediately; the first operational test run was completed on 17 January 2012.<ref name="Clearance testing">{{cite web|title=Now that the track...|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=141830232587053&set=a.115674095202667.11343.115673268536083&type=1|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=23 May 2013|date=23 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="The Swarm 1st test run!">{{cite web|title=The Swarm 1st test run!|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150702617094815|work=The Swarm - Developer Diary|author=Thorpe Park|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=23 May 2013|date=17 January 2012}}</ref>
On 15 March 2012, ''The Swarm'' officially opened to the public.<ref name=RCDB /> In January 2013, Thorpe Park announced that the last two rows on ''The Swarm'' would be rotated to face backwards for 2013, a first for a Wing Coaster. The park's tag line for this experience is 'THE SWARM- Brave It Backwards'. The park additionally announced that they were adding a damaged, mangled billboard, which the train travels through.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20130122/12408/confirmed-thorpe-park-reverse-seats-swarm-roller-coaster-2013-season |title=Confirmed: Thorpe Park to reverse seats on each train of The Swarm roller coaster for 2013 season |first=Nick |last=Sim |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |date=22 January 2013 |accessdateaccess-date=22 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thorpepark.com/rides/the-swarm.aspx |title=The Swarm |publisher=Thorpe Park |accessdateaccess-date=22 January 2013}}</ref> In 2016, the seats were returned to all facing forwards.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
==Characteristics==
===Location===
The Swarm is located on a reclaimed island adjacent to the [[Stealth (roller coaster)|Stealth]] roller coaster,<ref name="PR planning">{{cite web|title=Thorpe Park – Developing the Thrills|url=http://www.thorpepark.com/press/releases/2011/04-02-11-New-Development.doc|work=Press Release|publisher=Thorpe Park|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|date=4 February 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004030501/http://www.thorpepark.com/press/releases/2011/04-02-11-New-Development.doc|archivedatearchive-date=4 October 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> with parts of the ride being built over water.<ref name="DA Site Plan 3">{{cite web|title=Block Plan as Proposed|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCSITEPLN.003.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|author2=Webber Nichols Brown |date=2 August 2010|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032236/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCSITEPLN.003.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> A bridge links the core of Thorpe Park to an island which hosts the roller coaster station, merchandise outlet, a games zone and toilet buildings.<ref name="DA Single Plan 2" /><ref name="DA Single Plan 5">{{cite web|title=Bridge Planning Drawings|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.005.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|author2=Webber, Nichols Brown |date=29 November 2010|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032349/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.005.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref>
===Trains===
The Swarm features two 28-seat Bolliger & Mabillard Wing Coaster [[Train (roller coaster)|trains]].<ref name="Thorpe Park's New £20m Development Is No April Fools" /> Each train is made up of seven rows of four seats each. One pair of seats in each row is located on either side of the ride's track and slightly lower than the track, as with all Wing Coasters.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Raptor|location=Gardaland|metric=m|rcdb_number=9309|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011}}</ref> The trains are themed to resemble alien-like drones (the ride's eponymous "Swarm"), with a number of red [[LED]] lights placed across the train.
===Theme===
The area is designed to appear as if it has been partially destroyed by explosions associated with a majorthe disasterSwarm. The ride recreates the experience of flying through a crash scene and features a partially destroyed church, crashed aeroplane, upturned ambulance, half-submerged fire engine and a damaged helicopter. This is due to a swarm of semi-organic machines, mechanical creatures which you are invited to ride the wings of.<ref name="DA Single Plan 3">{{cite web|title=Theming Feature C – Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.003.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032503/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.003.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="DA Single Plan 4">{{cite web|title=Features A&B, Queue Line Kiosk & Entrance Feature – Plan & Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.004.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032618/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCONEPLAN.004.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><gallery heights="120" mode="packed">
File:Part of the swarms destroyed church.jpg|Part of The Swarm's destroyed church
File:View of firestruck theming.jpg|A partially submerged fire engine in the area surrounding the ride
File:The swarm, crashed plane, thorpe park, england.jpg|The crashed plane crash featured in the ride
File:The swarm station with overturned police van.jpg|The overturned police major incident control van (also the ride's control centre).
</gallery>
==Ride experience==
[[File:The Swarm layout.png|leftright|thumb|268x268px|Track layout]]
[[File:The swarm loop and corkscrew, thorpe park, england.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Roller coaster elements#Inclined loop|inclined loop]] and [[Roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|corkscrew]] featured in the ride]]
The roller coaster begins in the [[Station (roller coaster)|station]], which is built to look like a partially destroyed church,<ref name="DA Elevations 2">{{cite web|title=Station Building – Plan & Colour Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.002.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032712/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.002.pdf|archivedate=30 September 2011}}</ref> and climbs up a {{convert|38.7|m|adj=on}} [[chain lift hill]].<ref name="Thorpe Park's New £20m Development Is No April Fools" /><ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Swarm|location=Thorpe Park|metric=m|rcdb_number=9820|accessdate=2 August 2011}}</ref> Upon reaching the top of the lift hill, the track twists 180 degrees anticlockwise, so that riders are upside down, before plunging down the world's first [[dive drop]] element. The train then proceeds to dive under the wing of a wrecked plane and into a [[zero-g roll]] {{Convert|30.6|m}} above the ground before passing through a billboard, immediately following which the [[on-ride photo]] is taken. It then enters an [[Roller coaster elements#Inclined loop|inclined loop]] {{Convert|23|m}} in height.<ref name="DA Elevations 7">{{cite web|title=Site Sections BB CC|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.007.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdate=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|author2=Webber, Nichols Brown |date=2 August 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032804/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.007.pdf|archivedate=30 September 2011}}</ref> It then enters a turnaround with a wrecked helicopter with slow-spinning rotor blades in the centre. This is followed by a [[Corkscrew (roller coaster element)|corkscrew]], which passes through the inclined loop.<ref name="DA Single Plan 4" /><ref name="DA Elevations 7" /> Upon leaving the corkscrew, the train curves past a crashed fire engine with water and fire effects and proceeds through a [[Keyhole (roller coaster element)|keyhole]]: a partly destroyed church tower.<ref name="DA Single Plan 4" /><ref name="DA Elevations 7" /> The ride then flies over the station and enters into a last [[inline twist]] before a mid-course brake run. Following this, the train makes a banked left-hand turn into the final [[Brake run|brakes]]. The train then goes back into the station.<ref name="DA Site Plan 3" /> The ride previously featured an on-ride video camera, filming riders and allowing the purchase of a DVD afterwards; this was removed sometime in 2016.[[File:The swarm loop and corkscrew, thorpe park, england.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Roller coaster elements#Inclined loop|inclined loop]] and [[Roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|corkscrew]] featured in the ride]]▼
[[File:The swarm drop, thorpe park, england.jpg|thumb|right|The ride's first drop]]
[[File:The Swarm 2024-05-08 02.png|thumb|right|A Swarm train going through a [[headchopper]] element]]
▲The roller coaster begins in the [[Station (roller coaster)|station]], which is built to look like a partially destroyed church with an upturned police trailer housing the ride operators,<ref name="DA Elevations 2">{{cite web|title=Station Building – Plan & Colour Elevations|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.002.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=27 January 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032712/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.002.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> and climbs up a {{convert|38.7|m|adj=on}} [[chain lift hill]].<ref name="Thorpe Park's New £20m Development Is No April Fools" /><ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Swarm|location=Thorpe Park|metric=m|rcdb_number=9820|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011}}</ref> Upon reaching the top of the lift hill, the track twists 180 degrees anticlockwise, so that riders are upside down, before plunging down the world's first [[dive drop]] element. The train then proceeds to dive under the wing of a wrecked plane and into a [[zero-g roll]] {{Convert|30.6|m}} above the ground before passing narrowly through a themed billboard, immediately following which the [[on-ride photo]] is taken. It then enters an [[Roller coaster elements#Inclined loop|inclined loop]] {{Convert|23|m}} in height.<ref name="DA Elevations 7">{{cite web|title=Site Sections BB CC|url=http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.007.pdf|publisher=Runnymede Borough Council|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|author2=Webber, Nichols Brown |date=2 August 2010|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032804/http://ww2.runnymede.gov.uk/home/latest/wklyplanapps/2011/wk06/RU11-0101.DCELEVXXX.007.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> ItThe thenride enterscontinues into a turnaround withfeaturing a wrecked helicopter with slow-spinning rotor blades in the centre. At this point riders on the right hand side of the train experience a near miss with the water surrounding the helicopter. This is followed by a [[Corkscrew (roller coaster element)|corkscrew]], which passes through the inclined loop.<ref name="DA Single Plan 4" /><ref name="DA Elevations 7" /> Upon leaving the corkscrew, the train curves past a crashed fire engine with water and fire effects and proceeds through a [[Keyhole (roller coaster element)|keyhole]]: a partly destroyed church tower.<ref name="DA Single Plan 4" /><ref name="DA Elevations 7" /> The ride then flies over the station and enters into a last [[inline twist]] before a mid-course brake run. Following this, the train makes a banked left-hand turn (which despite being directly after a brake run, can generate strong forces for riders on the rear-right of the train) into the final [[Brake run|brakes]]. The train then goes back into the station.<ref name="DA Site Plan 3" /> The ride previously featured an on-ride video camera, filming riders and allowing the purchase of a DVD afterwards; this was removed sometime in 2016.[[File:The{{citation swarm loop and corkscrew, thorpe park, england.jpgneeded|thumb|right|Thedate=October [[Roller coaster elements#Inclined loop|inclined loop]] and [[Roller coaster elements#Corkscrew|corkscrew]] featured in the ride]]2024}}
==Marketing==
In late April 2011, Thorpe Park began an advertising campaign for LC12 consisting of "The end is coming" posters in the park and a teaser website, LC12.net. The LC12.net website featured a brief description hinting at the possible theme of the ride alongside a countdown until 1 August 2011.<ref name="LC12 official (pre-Swarm announcement)">{{cite web|title=LC12|url=http://www.lc12.net|publisher=LC12|accessdateaccess-date=31 July 2011|author=Thorpe Park|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510072431/http://lc12.net/|archivedatearchive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref> As the date of the ride's announcement approached, Thorpe Park released a video via [[Facebook]] stating that "WAR is coming".<ref name="VIDEO War is coming... teaser">{{cite web|title=War is coming...|url=http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=171304192938034|publisher=Facebook|accessdateaccess-date=2 August 2011|author=Thorpe Park|date=25 July 2011}}</ref>
On 25 January 2012, it was reported that an incident occurred when testing ''The Swarm''.<ref>{{cite news|title=UK amusement park redesigns roller coaster after dummy passengers lose limbs|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/uk-amusement-park-redesigns-roller-coaster-after-dummy-passengers-lose-limbs/story-e6frfku0-1226253504864|accessdateaccess-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=NewsCore|date=25 January 2012}}</ref> Limbs of test dummies were broken off when the ride passed an object that was located too close to the track.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe Park rollercoaster crash test dummies lose LIMBSlimbs during test run|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2012/01/24/thorpe-park-rollercoaster-crash-test-dummies-lose-limbs-during-test-run-115875-23715373/|accessdateaccess-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=Mirror|date=24 January 2012}}</ref> The ''[[Daily Mail]]'' suggested that the incident might have been a publicity stunt.<ref name="Test Incident - Thorpe Park">{{cite news|last=Walford|first=Charles|title=The rollercoaster that costs an arm and a leg: Thorpe Park's new £20m ride The Swarm has urgent redesign after dummies return from test run with limbs snapped off|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2091480/Thorpe-Park-The-Swarm-ride-test-run-sees-dummies-return-limbs-snapped-off.html?ito=feeds-newsxml|accessdate=26 January 2012|newspaper=Daily Mail|date=25 January 2012}}</ref>
In March 2012, Thorpe Park announced it had contracted the band [[You Me at Six]] to create the world's first roller coaster single for the launch of ''The Swarm''. The song, "[[The Swarm (song)|The Swarm]]", was released on [[iTunes]] on 18 March 2012, a few days after the opening of the roller coaster.<ref>{{cite web|title=You Me At Six Write Official Single For The Swarm At Thorpe Park|url=http://www.thorpepark.com/you-me-at-six/|publisher=Thorpe Park|accessdateaccess-date=21 May 2013}}</ref> The song entered the UK Singles Charts at number 23.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20120325/7501/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|accessdateaccess-date=21 May 2013|date=31 March 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
''The Swarm'' received mixed responses in its opening season. The park declared the attraction a commercial disappointment in its following years, after disappointing guest attendance to the park; this partially led to the brief "Brave it backwards" feature in 2013. Blogger Nick Sim of "''Theme Park Tourist"'' praised the attraction, saying that it packs "a number of incredible elements into its compact circuit". Sim stated the ride had "fallen just short of our sky-high expectations" mainly because of "its short ride time". He rated the ride 4 out of 5.<ref name="Review: The Swarm Roller Coaster at Thorpe Park">{{cite web|last=Sim|first=Nick|title=Review: The Swarm Roller Coaster at Thorpe Park|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20120318/6271/review-swarm-roller-coaster-thorpe-park|publisher=Theme Park Tourist|accessdateaccess-date=23 May 2013|date=18 March 2012}}</ref> Joanna Churchill of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' gave a review of the backwards ride, stating that it is "a whole new adrenaline-pumped experience that is simply not for the faint-hearted". Churchill stated that her "blood pressure and heart rate went through the roof", but "there was barely time to process what was happening before we were back on terra firma".<ref name="The Swarm: Thorpe Park ride's got a sting in its tail for thrill seekers">{{cite news|last=Churchill|first=Joanna|title=The Swarm: Thorpe Park ride's got a sting in its tail for thrill seekers|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/british-breaks/swarm-thorpe-park-ride-sends-1835313|accessdateaccess-date=23 May 2013|newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=16 April 2013|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]}}</ref>
In Mitch Hawker's worldwide Best Roller Coaster Poll, ''The Swarm'' debuted at position 68 out of the 365 roller coasters in the poll. When compared with other Wing Coasters debuting in the 2012 poll, ''The Swarm'' performed fairly well; ''[[X-Flight (Six Flags Great America)|X-Flight]]'' at [[Six Flags Great America]] ranked 58, ''[[Wild Eagle]]'' at [[Dollywood]] ranked 87, and ''[[Raptor (Gardaland)|Raptor]]'' at [[Gardaland]] ranked 113.<ref name=HawkerPoll>{{cite web|url=http://www.ushsho.com/steelpoll12yeartable2012.htm |title=Steel Roller Coaster Poll 12 Year Results Table (1999–2012)|publisher=Best Roller Coaster Poll |first=Mitch |last=Hawker |accessdateaccess-date=27 April 2013}}</ref> It did not place in ''[[Amusement Today]]'s'' [[Golden Ticket Awards]] in 2012, 2013 and 2014, but made its first appearance in 2015 ranked at 30.<ref>{{cite web|title=Issue Archive|url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/winners/issue-archive|work=[[Golden Ticket Awards]]|publisher=[[Amusement Today]]|accessdateaccess-date=11 September 2013}}</ref>
{{GTA table
| df = dmy
| type = steel
| accessdateaccess-date = 14 September 2015
| 2012 = NR
| 2013 = NR
Line 116 ⟶ 108:
}}
Despite the positive reviews, however, The Swarm failed to increase attendance. Park gate figures fell by 200,000 following the addition of the coaster. The park itself, as well as many others, have blamed the park's branding from 2009 to 2012 as the issue.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
==See also==