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First SW to be Removed?

JB1985

TS Member
Favourite Ride
Oblivion
I was just thinking, in the next 10 years I feel we will see one of the SW’s close - what do you think will go first and why?

In my view AIR will be the first to go/ it seems Galactica has only hastened it’s demose as this must be costly to operate and has been a failure. I give it 3 years tops. The land behind is already earmarked for expansion and I see this ride being in the way
 
I'd actually say either Thirteen if the drop mechanism breaks and they don't want to repair it, or The Smiler as it gets rougher with age. Maybe I'm just biased thinking that Intamin and Gerst don't age anywhere near as well as B&M though.
 
I think either Thirteen or Rita (sorry I realise one of them isn't a SW, but can't remember which).
 
The Smiler. It may or may not be by choice as the ground is very likely to swallow it at any second.


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I think Air/Galactica will be the first SW to be removed. Not for at least 10 years though. Possibly The Smiler also.

I know its not a SW, but I think Rita's days are numbered. It's kind of in the way of everything in the Dark Forest, removing it is easy as its not adapted to the terrain at all and it would really open up that area for new developments. Also it's rubbish. :p
 
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Rita is long overdue it’s departure in my eyes. It should never have been built in the first place.interesting on Thirteen ultimately after its initial success has it been that good an investment? There is a lot of land in that area
 
The Smiler will be the first SW to be removed. I'd imagine it will reach a point in the next 10 years where the cost of maintenance becomes too large.

:)
 
Holy heart attack batman! Couldn't pop a question mark at the end of the subject next time, I thought we were trading SW8 in for an older SW :p

It could be any apart from Nemesis. I'd say Galactica is probably the prime candidate, especially if it loses its VR and has any more extended downtime.

Rob makes a great point about Smiler and it's costs . The only thing for me is that people would want/demand a decent replacement whilst it's still a record holder and Merlin still have a USP for it. That would probably give it a stay of execution until the next due Capex for AT.
 
The Smiler will be the first SW to be removed. I'd imagine it will reach a point in the next 10 years where the cost of maintenance becomes too large.

:)

Smiler ? Really? It’s the only one left with a genuine USP. All the others have been beaten or matched.
 
I’m thinking the only one that’s safe is Nemmy, what else would you do with the ride area if it was demolished. All the others are fair game.
My moneys on Galactica for the big chop
 
I would expect to see Rita to be removed, due to its costly and inefficient launch mechanism, particularly if a huge component fails.

I doubt that The Smiler will be going anywhere soon - it is far too popular and given its one of the newest additions to the park. Further to this, I think a lot of people are overstating its structural problems. Yes - the foundations were not what you expect, however I am lead to believe they are being monitored regularly, hence the laser and numbering on the ride's supports, with remedial action being taken as and when required.

:)
 
If rita was to go what would replace it?
What about Galactica's replacement, I think maybe a single rail coaster, if they do well, elsewhere.
 
The Smiler is still a massive draw to the park, so I think it's got another decade, despite it's attempts to unroot itself from the land it's built on, and the fact it has a reputation for permanently disabling people. I think Rita will head to Coaster Heaven (or an obscure, South American park) first. Towers have fortunately never installed a truly bad landmark coaster, ala Flashback at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Winjammer Surf Racers at Knotts, or Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
 
I doubt that The Smiler will be going anywhere soon - it is far too popular and given its one of the newest additions to the park. Further to this, I think a lot of people are overstating its structural problems. Yes - the foundations were not what you expect, however I am lead to believe they are being monitored regularly, hence the laser and numbering on the ride's supports, with remedial action being taken as and when required.

That is indeed true about the foundations being monitored. But then that is part of the reason as to why I think it will be the first SW to go; eventually it could/will reach a point that the remedial work required is simply not worth the cost involved. Yes it will take a lot to get to this point but the coaster must put so much strain on the foundations. At times to does feel like it's trying to rip itself out of the ground!

:)
 
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