Skytrak: The 'flying' rollercoaster that let you 'fly like Superman' over Manchester that was scrapped after a year

A lost Manchester rollercoaster was the first of its kind but was scrapped after just one year. Based in the old Granada Studios Tour theme park in Castlefield, the rollercoaster finally opened to a huge fanfare in 1997 after months of delays. Known as Skytrak, the thrill ride was the first 'flying' rollercoaster in the world.

A flying rollercoaster simulates the sensations of flight by harnessing riders in a lying, face down position during the ride. The rollercoaster cars are suspended from the track, as riders are secured in place with their backs parallel to the track.

Read More:Loved and lost Greater Manchester family fun centre had 'everything under one roof'

Read More:Fascinating photos show how Manchester's streets have changed since the Queen's reign began in 1952

Skytrak was also a 'solo coaster' meaning riders would experience the ride with only one person per car. The single-passenger design kept the ride's capacity low, at only 200 riders per hour.

At a length of 1,282ft and 50ft high, passengers would fly around the track at a speed of 28mph and experience a G-force of 2.5. Photographs taken by roller coaster enthusiast David Ellis in 1998 show the track snaking around the main building at the old Granada Studios in a series of death-defying twists and loops.

Some of the images show the unique prone position the riders were harnessed into the cars before they were elevated and the ride took off. There's also video footage of the ride in full flow which can be viewed on David's YouTube channel here.

The Granada Studios tour was a popular visitor attraction between 1988 and 1999. Visitors could enjoy a Robocop simulator, House of Commons mock up and a backstage tour.

Love Greater Manchester's past? Sign