The making of Air - An interview with John Wardley

[@smith9808]

Really hope after they’re done with Nemesis, they take the effort to repaint and re-theme it with the key elements that are missing. John deserves to see his vision fulfilled.

[@Scetchygamez]

Yes like a intergalactic space war

[@mattball7362]

The Air soundtrack was awesome as well! Hearing that and the gentle sound of the coaster going over your head is the best.

[@thebenjyman253]

Just hearing John talk so brilliantly about Air being the hero makes me want it to go back to its original themeing. Such a simple and fantastic name. I never got to ride Galatica with the VR but it feels like a missed opportunity. I hope the Towers eventually change the name back and give this icon the love it deserves

[@joshslater2426]

Air’s original aesthetic is honestly so relaxing. The aqua blue tracks combined with the silver panelling just make it look like a utopia. There’s no complex story, just you flying. Maybe if the park plan to re-theme the ride again they could do something akin to John’s original vision that couldn’t fully be realised.

[@Rose_19911]

the internet can be a great place at times… this is a wonderful video

[@TheGamingCucumber]

I wish they would go back and make this original version complete. e.g. the themed tunnel. Make Air Great again.

[@GenGamesUniverse]

They have. The VR headsets failed miserably and they changed it from whatever it was back to Air.

[@donwackyaids1771]

XTheVideoGamerGirlX no it’s still galactica

[@Archman155]

@@donwackyaids1771 Yes but the concept is now back to air. It is still called Galactica but there's no VR

[@donwackyaids1771]

Archman 155 all the galactica themeing is still there exceptfor the vr it’s not air

[@caitlinhunter4900]

Archman 155 it’s still got the whole galactica theme

[@SergieRachmaninoff]

This was a fantastic watch. Thanks for creating it!

[@justbob4646]

Regardless, nemesis, Oblivion and Air (Galatica) set a new standard and pushed forward engineering for us all to enjoy. Alton Towers, John Wardley and the Manufacturers changed the game!

[@user-in8ih5sc8d]

I felt sorry for him when he said he never got to finish the theming and now he can't do that anymore

[@abdielstephen3780]

i know it's kind of randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to stream new tv shows online ?

[@landryderrick6851]

@Abdiel Stephen I watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

[@irajose5253]

@Landry Derrick yea, been watching on Flixzone for since march myself :D

[@dwayneissac2302]

@Landry Derrick Yup, I've been watching on Flixzone for months myself =)

[@ramonjason2479]

@Landry Derrick Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !

[@InsaneCoaster]

Wow.. this video was incredible! Such a shame Air was re-themed to Galactica - it would have been so much better if Merlin did what was meant to be done in the first place - complete the amazing scenery and special FX that were never finished originally.

[@Callumss17]

It was tussauds then

[@InsaneCoaster]

Sportsgamer 123 I know, sorry what I was trying to say was that Merlin should’ve finished what was meant to be built in the first place when they took over.

[@Balootoyoutoo]

Funny thing is, merlin probably spent more than the theming would have cost on the bloody VR retrofit. They’re clueless

[@shotty2447]

The theming of galactica is better and sos the name and those are the only differences

[@stevenmaloney3787]

Well said and it's never to late to allow John Wardely to fully finish and furnish the ride to its original planned status and give back its name Air. Alton Towers ruined Air when giving it a change of Name to Galactica as its since proven to have been a total Flop. Welcome back John Wardely I'd say is what's needed here.

[@johnm400uk]

Thank you for making this video, air has a special place in my heart since i had only just started to get into theme parks in 2001 and watched them build it. The hype around this coaster was huge, there where people hiding in the bushes whilst the trains where being delivered so they could get photos to post online. In the early days air was a real troublesome coaster with technical problems after almost every train had completed the circuit. Within a few weeks of opening one of the steel rails that tilt the cars in the station actually bent badly and the ride was closed for a few days. I spent many hours queuing for it in the first few weeks. I remember my first ride in the first week of opening, my girlfriend at the time did not enjoy it so much as the rubber vest that holds your upper body released above the shoulders plunging her forward so she was almost hanging out of the train. I have the picture from that particular ride somewhere. At no point was she in danger, it was just an uncomfortable ride.

[@kiiabby]

There were coasters i went on befoe air. But that was the one that made me fall in love with them. It was so beautiful and graceful, and the feeling of flying was just incredible. It was so smooth (well, back the year it opened anyway!). I will always have a soft spot for it.

[@louiswright8282]

Wonderful Documentary!! It's really interesting to see the ride from Johns perspective. It makes me sadder though now knowing what they had originally planned, and now seeing it in such a sad state. John deserves to see his original vision finally become a reality. I love the old theme so much!

[@juliedavies6173]

First time I ever went on this attraction..... Never have I felt a smoother ride than this. This is a dream to fly. Yes I agree shame they didn't complete the tunnel and other fly throughs. But still an amazing ride

[@PixPete]

Absolutely outstanding short documentary! Bravo!!! In my opinion, Air is the underdog of modern coasters - not just at Towers - and it has a great deal of significance and importance in the theme park industry. Don't worry about Galactica, that fad will pass, although admittedly it is a great brand and perhaps stronger than Air's brand. But, the original coaster itself will be around for a long time and hopefully one day, maybe with the next revamp, the original concept will be fully realised.

[@anger57289]

We owe so so much to John Wardley in this country - a genuine unsung hero and very much deserving of a knighthood

[@AttractionStories]

Incredible documentary with a beautiful edit!

[@Bex_1997]

Aw such a shame the theming of the ride wasn’t complete but it was one of my favourite AT rides. My mum loved Air and said it was her favourite. Just imagine what the ride would be like if they finished the theming as planned...

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

GREAT video , love that man 🤩. I remember Air being opened by Mark N Lard off Radio 1 . Mark nearly threw up I seem to remember 🤢🤮😂😂👍🏼🧱

[@gavla-82]

Wonderful video. Shame they run out time and money to theme the bits John had visions for. It's the only rollercoaster I have been on that I called "beautiful". From the ground it looks quite scary, but once you are released from the lift hill and are then sent flying, the sensation was just amazing. It is shame they rebranded it and from what I read, they give up with the VR now. Personally if they hadn't, I wouldn't of bothered with it. I loved the sights of seeing the sky on the barrel roll at the start. I haven't been to AT since it's rebranded - before Wickerman in fact, but I am hoping to go this year. Love Alton Towers, hold a special place in my heart. Mainly as it was where I rode the first roller coaster back in the 90's and Corkscrew holds that place too for being the first one to go upside down, so glad they kept the corkscrew section at the start of the park too. I often pat it before going in as a sort of homage to the great park that is Alton Towers. 💙

[@mattball7362]

I hope AT will look at giving Air a new lease of life. Especially after Nemesis’s re-tracking and theme! Still one of my favourite rides though 🩵

[@FamilyDayTrippersUk]

Wow! beautifully put together interview/documentary. Would love Towers/Merlin to re-visit Airs original theming especially now they've seen what impact it has with the wicker man and now they are on the cycle of smaller investment for the next few years it would be the perfect time to do it.

[@stevenmaloney3787]

Absolutely agreed, Merlin should re-visit Airs original theming particularly now Nemesis is having a Re-track throughout the year 2023 😉👍

[@ianelliott1965]

Such a great coaster and created by a amazing man I love this coaster

[@StolenOxygen]

This man is a legend! I still believe air is the most fun ride in the UK because of how well it replicates the idea of flying. You can still experience it by choosing not to wear the headset with Galactica 😊

[@TheCodeMaster]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@vimes1003]

This material and footage is absolutely fantastic! Keep these up!

[@SpringyTales]

Really interesting video and very nicely put together! Air was a great concept and groundbreaking at the time, but to be honest I wouldn't be sad to see it go now. It's funny that even John doesn't like the nauseating 'lying on your back' bit, haha.

[@SpringyTales]

Thanks very much, appreciate the kind words. I do agree it'd be a shame to lose what is still a unique type of coaster for the UK. Maybe my feelings towards it will warm again if they remove the VR altogether and improve the loading times. Yeah let us know if you're interested in a collab of some kind at some point, we're at Alton Towers very often so could make something happen pretty easily.

[@doyoulikebeetroot]

I prefer air as it is now as Galactica, I love the vr experience, I've ridden on air many times before conversion though I wouldn't mind too much if it was returned to as air was but I would be really disappointed if it was gone altogether, To me it's the number one ride I go for, I visit twice a year.

[@pooey]

I would miss it. Its still a great ride, and is always a must when i go to alton with mates.

[@stevenmaloney3787]

Still is today a great concept by far. Just needs finishing of properly to its pre-planned status with the awaiting tunnels. Who knows we will all just have to wait and see what happens now in this area of Alton Towers now Nemesis is having a complete re-track 🤗🤗. Theres still a ride missing in this area since the removal of Ripsaw.

[@_burnso_3099]

John, you made my favourite ride

[@petermc7098]

Hello There, great interview and it was fantastic to see John Wardley's perspective on the whole ride. Cheers Peter :)

[@nolimiters]

Really really awesome documentary! Very interesting to hear how John Wardley came up with the ride. Wished Air had all it's originally theming. I'm actually pretty curious what John Wardley thinks of the current theming...

[@CoasterHipster]

Fantastic interview, very interesting and well edited. Thanks for this contribution!

[@paulcooper8265]

Fantastic video. It will always be air to me and on my last several visits more people rode it without the new vr than with ! The way it should be.

[@Discoretrox]

Fantastic ride, still one of my favourites at the park.

[@moddrawsltd.6002]

After the nemesis retrack AT should defo consider doing the themeing it once was going to

[@stevenmaloney3787]

Yes yes yes-Bring it on 👏👏👏👏

[@TheAndroidvsapple]

I have seen this video already 4 times, love it! Air is a way better name than Galatica.

[@CoasterConnection]

Incredible video 👍🏻

[@johnweir8936]

Great video 👍🏻 I think they should drop the galactica name and name it Air again, finish the theaming as John intended years ago .Still a good coaster ,like the way it swoops round the walking area,.My daughter can’t wait to go on this when she is tall enough .

[@stevenmaloney3787]

Well said, I couldn't agree more 👍👍👍👍

[@martingibbons2488]

Great documentary. Well put together and lovely sound track too. More than happy with the ride as either air or galactica. Do t forget you can ride VR or non VR to best of both worlds.

[@oliverdobson5199]

Brilliant. A lovely insight. Honestly it’s sad that the new theming takes so much away from the ride compared to what it added. It’s really surprising that a ride as sensual as air was even considered for VR, something which wholly detracts from the experience of flight the ride provides so well. I compare it to adding a floor to a floorless coaster. Regardless air will remain at heart as a ride so special. Nothing can provide the same feeling it continues to.

[@agnesbagnes1777]

Such a good editing. We need more of these high-end productions of Themeparks and rides! Well done!

[@jasminehawkins1507]

I’ve always wanted to meet John Wardley he’s my idol he’s amazing

[@sophielou63]

thank you for uploading this!! air/galactica is my favourite ride at towers :’)

[@calum9250]

I know I’m quite a few years old to commenting on this however Air will always be Air to me. Galactica wasn’t something I enjoyed due to suffering from motion sickness with VR headsets and all of this “worlds first” that the parks keep going for doesn’t really bother me. I know people say they wouldn’t be sad to see the ride go but I would - Rita is the one I’m not overly bothered about missing sadly as it’s just Stealth but without the top hat. Air was and still remains a great ride in my opinion

[@UncommonManFromEarth]

Magnificent! Thank you!

[@CalMusicCovers]

Rip Air, fantastic ride, Proud for AT to be the first to have a flying coaster. :) Great video as well!

[@danielledewitt1]

Callum C It’s still there.

[@albomusicman85]

This is the dream!! A talk with the master!

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

excellent slow mo shots...! almost makes one wonder why the coaster isn't as slow IRL

[@Ethan-ey4jx]

Alton Towers, please keep Air’s identity into what it used to be. Changing the theming and name into Galatica gives it such a loss of identity.

[@MattFromWiiSportsResort]

3:22 EXACTLY So all you people saying 'OoH rOlLeRcOaStErS aReN't SaFe' can go to buggery

[@clowesaviation5443]

I never rode Galactica but from what I've seen I like the Air theme better

[@albomusicman85]

loved every second of this video!

[@officialabdul345]

This video is great, loved it!!

[@Stevenspielburger]

Stunning video. Love it

[@matthewburke5241]

This is awesome! Can we get one about Vampire please?

[@mariokart6216]

I'm Very Interested In Rollercoasters And Such So This Was Very Interesting! I Look Up To John And His Great Ideas! I'm Also Very Confused Why Did They Rename It Galactica I Know It Fits For The G In STRONG For Big 6 And All But Still!

[@galrides934]

I believe it was Rethemed for modern purpose. Either to get the ground breaking title, "World's first rollercoaster dedicated to VR"; or Bring further attention and visits to the park.

[@paulhazlewood5977]

I've always defended this ride because some riders hate the fact that it's slow but people sometimes think that speed is everything but I tell them that if superman or supergirl came up to you and said get on my back and let's go for a flight.......would you want to woosh around the world at high speed and seeing nothing and your ride is quickly over? Or would you prefer to go around the world at a nice smooth flight taking in the scenary and having a lot longer flight with the Kryptonians? They soon think twice lol but I also tell them about the physics of a roller coaster and I then say..........with the position your in and you want to go around a turn point at high speed! There is nothing in the front of your body to stop your vital organs being pushed out your chest and that would cause blackouts and possibly fatalities. Air is an awesome marvel of coaster engineering and I'm glad the VR is gone as VR is not ready for coasters if at all but VR does have a promising future, I'm currently designing a ride that will use VR but not in coasters and I've given you some clues in this message of what I'm doing. Great video and Mr wardley is a big miss for British theme parks.

[@roller1235]

The only thing I would keep from galactica is the soundtrack but everything else get rethemed back to air with additional bits of theming to have the complete package

[@alexuk2000]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@jaybacon3738]

What a great video

[@dotypixie]

I love Air, my favourite ride

[@PlatinumEagleStudios]

John Wardley is also a cheat code in RCT3. And its also the name of a guy who designed a coaster. Coincidence? Maybe..................

[@Archman155]

John made many roller coasters, and he is famous for making great coasters. These include Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, The Swarm, (partly) The Smiler and (partly) Wicker Man.

[@danielledewitt1]

@@Archman155 You forgot thirteen.

[@jakesmyth]

Ashamed to say I’ve never ridden it either as Air or Galactica but that changes next month. So I’ll be the best person to compare the two as I’ll do VR first not knowing the sensation and visuals of each movement then non VR straight after. That way I’ll be be able to compare both concepts completely fresh without any preconceptions other people had having ridden Air in the past. Should be interesting.

[@Looneluxxe]

Will you post a comment here after comparing them? I have to say I’m interested becuase I can’t test air against galactica unbiased.

[@leesmith4734]

I love air my favourite ride 💕 😍

[@stephenendean8077]

Simply use the VR to simulate the original theming to replicate the tunnel and scenic landscape

[@dannyj.246]

Brilliant ! Just wish merlin spent the money on finishing the concept rather than turning it into galatica :(

[@stevenmaloney3787]

👍👍👍👍

[@unusedsn]

If this guy asked me to go to one of his garden barbecues, I could die happy.

[@coastermadab]

He’s amazing!!

[@owenc6961]

Great video!

[@TheSchemer1]

12:23 I mean you can always take the goggles off XD

[@johnmelling9950]

I wonder if the train still relays back data from the restraint sensors to the station whilst its mid ride? There does not appear to be any kind of electrical circuit on the track outside station for it do this, and I dont think we had the likes of wifi or even bluetooth back when air was in development. You can clearly see the train runs into a set of electrical contacts as it enters the station and leaves them as it exits. I agree with John about the bit on your back, I dont really like it either, it seems a bit pointless as birds dont fly upside down although at the time the ride was built, I understand that it was limited as to what the coaster could do and they needed to more than just a barrel roll in the ride.

[@Coastography]

what camera did you use for the videos, the quality is amazing

[@djd711]

SONY RX100 MK5 sorry for the late response

[@Coastography]

@@djd711 no problem thanks

[@jackbluepirate87]

By the way. You could've placed the Theming elements overtime Like for example: 2003 = Retheme Tunnel 2004 = Theming Phase 1 2005 = Theming Phase 2

[@Oliver_T_03]

Mind you they installed Spinball Whizzer and Rita in 2004 and 2005. There would've been less money left for those two additions if Air was fully themed accordingly to the plans and concepts

[@jackbluepirate87]

XplosiveGamer105 Or maybe retheme it to a "reborn" version of air

[@JetstreamAviation747]

Does anyone know how I could send John an E-Mail as I have a question to ask him?

[@bbg4566]

I wonder how he feels now that they made it galactica

[@Archman155]

He actually wasn't sure of it at first but when he tested the prototype he loved it. He likes Galactica, maybe even more so then Air.

[@evanhearsey4001]

When they get the money sod an SW 9 add the original concepts to Galactica and change the name back to air

[@lovelifeandothers6784]

Does John Wardley still consult for Alton Towers?

[@louiswright8282]

He did help consult Nemesis Reborn I think.

[@krisheathmusic]

This guy played RCT in real life

[@djboss302]

music at the end?

[@Harrythepot]

Air was a great coaster concept but there have been better uses of the flying coaster all around the world. It's a shame that AT ran out of money. I love manta at SeaWorld Orlando and thanks to B&M and JW we have many more flyers. When Airs time is up I think AT should preserve one of the trains at the entrance plaza.

[@lewis9s]

Hey do people complain about the headsets? You don't need them to ride. I guess you could argue that air was just removed from the face of the earth in theming but I still love Galactica / Air ether way.

[@Fred-ct7tl]

Don’t look down!

[@TheBroz]

Fantastic documentary but it doesn’t cover the insane amount of issues Air had at opening. It clearly was a prototype and the poor weather at opening in March really affected the ride. The systems John mentions had scores of issues getting people in and out of the prone position. People got trapped on the ride on the break run and the actuating bar in the station snapped at one point.

[@ovobegzinoii51]

Didnt know Jigsaw liked rollercoasters.

[@CobiesKingdom]

Omg look nemesis might get a re track

[@trololololtube]

Who else hopes that John Wardley’s gunna be involved in Thorpe Park’s 2020 project 🤞?

[@trololololtube]

Coaster Productions I know it’s a shame, but he did design the two main drops on wicker man though and tried to do more but he couldn’t. Just hoping he’ll get in early enough for 2020

[@Uniqetz]

John wardley aren’t you amazing !!!

[@Properbellend]

Could they not plant some higher trees?

[@jackbluepirate87]

Another BAKER, Battered with his own LLOOCCKKIINNGG PIIIIN!!!! XD

[@DigitalDan]

Jack BluePirate 87 *there are many sensors on this locking pin..*

[@heathalexander9460]

Bring back air towers

[@carmenparker1880]

cool

[@Bxn320]

You sound like the charity shop sue guy

[@matt_clay]

So many dislikes?

[@rohan1497]

I miss air I don’t like vr that much and galactica what does that even mean this ride it supposed to feel like your flying not going to spa e

[@danielledewitt1]

Galactica is air. There is no VR.

[@sammymac9]

Wardley never designed Nemesis...

[@sammymac9]

David Ainsworth rcdb.com/776.htm

[@sammymac9]

Stengel I'm afraid...

[@matt_clay]

Wardley came up with the rough path the layout would take, Stengel perfected it and made it physically possible. Don’t listen to everything Moss Machine says (and I work in an industry that calls John a fraud so I’m not being biased!)

[@sammymac9]

Matt Clay not listening to moss machine although he is correct...its on the rcdb for all to see...he came up with the name and the theming...end of

[@matt_clay]

RCDB have to stick to their formula, they can't (and won't) include every specific detail

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

It's too short and too slow, 😪

[@oneplusfourfourteen]

shouldve done it instead of galactica duh

[@Steven.Cartwright]

This ride is crap i always give it a miss . Thats my personal opinion . They should remove it and build a better rollercoaster to replace it.

[@imansfield]

I remember being so disappointed when I first rode it. Even to this day I couldn’t care less if I ever rode it again. Tatsu at magic mountain tho, now that’s how a flying coaster should be! I do understand that AIR was the first of its type and has all those horrid Alton towers restrictions but I still find the ride dull. Painfully slow loading and a painfully dull ride. I can’t be the only one with this opinion surely?

[@Rose_19911]

a strange comment from an equally strange looking man

[@billyjesus5442]

terrible ride.

[@jeunevoyageur]

Personally for me. The uk theme parks are just shite compared to parks I Europe such as six flags. No comparison. You could pay the same amount of money. 2 hour queue for a 30 second drop. What a waste of sodding money. No thanks. Waste of money. For the convenience I get it being in the uk but to call alton towers the best theme park in the uk. No chance. There is no ultimate theme park in the uk. PERIOD. Go to the states.

[@Jack-om8ms]

Great video!!