Hi Fatboy,
I should be able to answer all your questions as I remember Oscars from its first year to its last. One of its last nights was just after the Harrison’s took over ownership, I am sure you will know that by then it was totally into the rave scene, a little bit different to its first year when smart dress was essential to get in and definitely no trainers allowed.
Yes the Ghost train does cover the whole floor area of what was the original Oscars nightclub, but Oscars only covered 50% of the original Blue Lagoon dance floor, the pub and scruples cover the rest. The Ghost train runs on the original sprung dance floor, but of course over the years various holes and sections have been cut out. The whole dance floor sits on hundreds of coil springs and must have been a huge undertaking when it was originally fitted. Scruples is just about still there but not for much longer as the long term plan is to open that corner of the building back onto the Pier. All that remains of Oscars is the bridge that took you over to the first floor toilets and most of the lighting frames hung from the roof, I will see if I can grab a couple of photographs as well as see if there is any other relics around.
I know you’re a Whirlwind lover Fatboy, but here is a lovely close up colour picture of the coaster that the Whirlwind tried to fill its footprint. The Steel Stella was the first coaster I rode, so has pride of place on top of my list of favourite coasters.
Not sure of the date on this picture, but working on it!
CE