Thorpe Park: General Discussion

[Call_um]

Bunker door was open today so likely a hydraulic related issue.

Interestingly didn't see any action on Zodiac today even though its been continuously testing and added back on the app.

Seems they've gone back to not sending empty trains on Hyperia again. Was on the last train and spent what felt like forever on the breakrun whilst they filled the 3 front rows dummies with water

 

[Joel3]

Bunker door was open today so likely a hydraulic related issue.

Interestingly didn't see any action on Zodiac today even though its been continuously testing and added back on the app.

Seems they've gone back to not sending empty trains on Hyperia again. Was on the last train and spent what felt like forever on the breakrun whilst they filled the 3 front rows dummies with water

I saw Zodiac’s main arm up this morning, but not spinning. So looks like they’re still doing something, wonder what they’re doing before being able to get it open again?

Noticed the bunkers doors open as well today! No activity on the ride platform however.

 

[Secret Weapon]

Bunker door was open today so likely a hydraulic related issue.

Interestingly didn't see any action on Zodiac today even though its been continuously testing and added back on the app.

Seems they've gone back to not sending empty trains on Hyperia again. Was on the last train and spent what felt like forever on the breakrun whilst they filled the 3 front rows dummies with water

Serious question: why do they use water-filled dummies instead of real people (e.g. staff)?

Are there just not enough staff available?

Surely it would be easier than having to fill the dummies up each time?

I remember seeing a staff member ride Shockwave before Drayton Manor opened for the day during the mid-1990s; I assumed at the time that he wanted a free ride, but maybe he was taking the part of a dummy? (Maybe the awkward restraints made it difficult to fit a dummy inside?)

 

[LPW]

Serious question: why do they use water-filled dummies instead of real people (e.g. staff)?

couple reasons - staffing will be one of them, because the likelihood is that most park staff have left by the time hyperia is sending its last cycles (and keeping staff longer than required means paying them more - obviously not the Merlin way). water dummies are also more reliable for this purpose since you're able to control the desired weight necessary for the train to complete the track reliably - I would hazard a guess it also helps speed up the maintenance period each morning if a train already is filled with water dummies as opposed to the tech team having to start from the top

this is different to ridechecking (likely what you saw on shockwave) which is mostly for noticing any abnormalities or hazards that could threaten the safety of the ride before it opens - this could be clearance with trees/bushes, noises, etc. obviously a water dummy cannot do those things