AIUI the only integration is that the power for the guns, displays etc. is drawn from the on board power supply. That's it.
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tech
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Universe of Energy - Epcot (RIP)
Any time. Been a few years since I worked at AT but still do bits of attraction AV work as a freelancer so I love a natter about it.
Trooper Looper
TS Member
I'm curious if any of the current props will be staying since Electric Bill was fixed a month back. At the start of the season it wasn't working, well the arm didn't move to be specific and the breaker did still light up.
If they're not intending to keep those props, then why repair it? Why waste that money if its only going to operate for a couple months before its closure?
Also, I've noticed that the Grand Hall demon has had 3 coats of paint over its life. Maybe this could explain why it's a lot slower since opening day, as the new costs of paint has added Weight to the prop and the mechanical swinging arm wasn't made for that.
First coat is the original one prior opening day. Then some years later when it was still the HH it had a new cost, making it look more darker, then we have The Current Green skin, goofy eyed Duel coat. Of they're keeping it, will they add a coat, or remove all of the old ones and start from scratch?
First photo is the original look. Seconds is the new coat in the later years when it was the HH. And the final one is the current coat.
If they're not intending to keep those props, then why repair it? Why waste that money if its only going to operate for a couple months before its closure?
Also, I've noticed that the Grand Hall demon has had 3 coats of paint over its life. Maybe this could explain why it's a lot slower since opening day, as the new costs of paint has added Weight to the prop and the mechanical swinging arm wasn't made for that.
First coat is the original one prior opening day. Then some years later when it was still the HH it had a new cost, making it look more darker, then we have The Current Green skin, goofy eyed Duel coat. Of they're keeping it, will they add a coat, or remove all of the old ones and start from scratch?
First photo is the original look. Seconds is the new coat in the later years when it was the HH. And the final one is the current coat.
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AT86
TS Member
Because thousands of paying guests will be experiencing the attraction before it closes?
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Trooper Looper
TS Member
I know, but will people outside of enthusiasts really notice that a skeletons arm isn't moving when it's supposed to? It's a small effect, I still don't get why repair it when the rides closing very soon, if they're getting rid of it or not that is.
evilcod
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Paris
Yes well the ride system runs on PLCs which are super reliable though getting a little old in this case. Last thing I knew the gun system was running on a desktop PC using Windows ME.... I honestly don't know how it's lasted this long
tech
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Universe of Energy - Epcot (RIP)
Yes well the ride system runs on PLCs which are super reliable though getting a little old in this case. Last thing I knew the gun system was running on a desktop PC using Windows ME.... I honestly don't know how it's lasted this long
It’s amazing how long even the simplest of systems will last if they’re not connected to the internet and only ever used for one thing.
Not saying it won’t have had new parts over the years but I’ll bet the same backup is still restored each time.
Trooper Looper
TS Member
Isn't The original Haunted House audio box still inside the attraction but hasn't been used since it became Duel?
evilcod
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Paris
Probably, there are remainders of alot of the old props in there, if it's difficult to move and can't be seen there is no reason to spend money removing it.
More likely that it's simply knackered from ~50,000 hours of constant repetitive use over 30 years.
Nothing mechanical has an unlimited design life.
It's possible that the fix was as simple as someone giving it a wiggle during some routine maintenance or a walk through of some kind.
Trooper Looper
TS Member
Yeah, and that as well, ha! I think both reasons are responsible though in some linked way. I know how heavy a bucket of paint can be, and undoubtedly the Props has recieves quite a few. So it's easy to see why the extra weight can put some stress on the Mechanic.
Trooper Looper
TS Member
Double upload, but I wanted to upload a couple of interesting photos from TowersLovingCare Twitter of Duels refurb. These photos were taken during the 2017-2018 closed season pre 2018. One is of the Crypts roof taken off, presumably to access the zombie under the crypt they replaced with a new prop, and the signage was taken for a fresh coat of paint.
And it looks like the ride was given a new coat of the cheap UV paint in some places, with this puc taken in the Sinister Garden.
I won't lie though, the picture with the Hall of Spiders done up actually looks really good! Though it's probably because the targets weren't switched on during the TLC.
And it looks like the ride was given a new coat of the cheap UV paint in some places, with this puc taken in the Sinister Garden.
I won't lie though, the picture with the Hall of Spiders done up actually looks really good! Though it's probably because the targets weren't switched on during the TLC.
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Considering the age of the ride, unless it’s been done already, I would of thought the control system will be well due an upgrade after 20+ years. Depending on if any improvements are being made to the software, swapping out some safety PLCs for new like on duel would be £500k+
But then again as anyone who works in controls knows, you can swap the brains out but if the underlying sensor/device/comms issues resolved you’re in a similar situation. Also, drives on the cars may also need replacing, it all depends how much AT want to spend and how much time they have.
I would think work like this is being done by either Garmendale, Attraction engineering, possibly In house or Mack themselves. Although there’s plenty of other companies in the UK capable of this kind of work.
Also if something like this is being done, good luck to them getting parts , as it’s a nightmare out there…
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TroySmith1
TS Member
Or maybe we have just experienced better quality rides? The great British (paying) public deserve better, you don’t need to be experts to understand top quality or the feeling of being immersed to a high standard. I think some people hold on to do you nostalgia, which can sometimes override there judgment on what is expectable and impressive on today standards. Also you can easily create the effect of being outside with quality designers.
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TroySmith1
TS Member
I think the spiders would look a lot better if they got rid of the UV paint all together, for a more realistic animatronic spiders with fake fur. Similar to the forbidden forest at Harry Potter studios London. With maybe use of projections behind them showing crawling spiders with slight spray of water or air blasters above, to create the illusion there falling.
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TroySmith1
TS Member
This is why I wished it was a secret weapon and closed for 2 years, then maybe we could of got close to Disney/universal standards.
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Trooper Looper
TS Member
I've always found Disney standards pretty boring, especially their newer attractions, where Europe's rides are imperfect, but are full of character and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Like, why do people want a trackless dark ride system when we already have an incredibly rare one of a kind and unique ride system that CAN preform just as well as one. The system just needs to be fixed and given new parts for the long term.
All I'm expecting is a few lick's of paint, fixed currently existing props and mechanics, a new scene or 2, some different music and sfx, better lighting, and a fixed ride system. THATS IT!
We will never get anything like Mystic Manor, and i know a lot won't be happy to hear that. But I'm certain we'll be getting something that I'll be better than what currently stands there, and we should appreciate that and be excited nevertheless.
Also, I like the idea @TroySmith1 said about the spider being a little fuzzy, but then a coat of proper UV paint can't be put on, so it'll look really off.
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Imagination
TS Member
I’ve read a few comments on here about the wild wishes for the Haunted House but also, Disney standards are boring?! I’d have to disagree. European standards are far far better than UK ones too.
Focusing on Duel, the system needs work. It really is well past it. I know people are hoping for a brilliant dark ride on the scale of Pirates in Shanghai Disney but let’s step back a minute and reassess…I mean, really reassess.
Towers are aware of the history and the love that this ride has. They also do have some passionate people behind it and it’s amazing what you can actually do with a much smaller budget but big passions for the project. A fair amount of the money will go on details not really seen or known about.
Focusing on Duel, the system needs work. It really is well past it. I know people are hoping for a brilliant dark ride on the scale of Pirates in Shanghai Disney but let’s step back a minute and reassess…I mean, really reassess.
Towers are aware of the history and the love that this ride has. They also do have some passionate people behind it and it’s amazing what you can actually do with a much smaller budget but big passions for the project. A fair amount of the money will go on details not really seen or known about.
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