Brooks Forgings Ltd is proud to announce the successful manufacture and supply of bespoke tension system components to support our client’s restoration of the iconic Vampire rollercoaster at Chessington World of Adventures.

As one of the UK’s best-known suspended coasters, Vampire is widely regarded as one of only a small number of Arrow Dynamics suspended swinging coasters still operating worldwide.

For this project, we supplied 50 tension rod sets, manufactured in varying lengths to suit different structural spans within the ride’s framework, particularly along the lift hills.

Each set includes one long and one short M20 threaded tie rod with a forged clevis at each end, along with a forged open-body hexagon turnbuckle and lock nuts. This configuration allows precise tension adjustment during installation and supports future maintenance. Spacer washers were also provided to reduce the clevis jaw opening, ensuring a secure fit to existing mounting plates.

Forged clevis ends were supplied to replace the fabricated ends previously used on the coaster, and forged turnbuckles and lock nuts formed part of the overall package.

To respect Vampire’s distinctive gothic-industrial appearance, almost all components were supplied in a self-colour finish, helping the new parts blend seamlessly with the existing structure.

By combining British manufacturing heritage with modern quality standards, Brooks Forgings continues to be a trusted partner for engineering firms across the leisure and infrastructure sectors worldwide.

If you need tension system components for your next project, please get in touch.