All I know is that a Project Wasp rumour was started on TikTok relating to a Smiler retheme and a few people have expanded on this rumour. Sorry but that’s all I know, maybe others can shed more light on it. I don’t think it has much substance though.
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The Smiler - General Discussion
No problem. Yes, I don’t think it means anything at all, if it does then we can eat our words together
flyingguitar
TS Member
AT would be stupid to get rid of the smiler brand, it is very distinct and very well known.
I could see it being a Refurbishment, sort out and improve the queue, add some theming elements, improve the up keep, retrack that section near the gift shop, new less crowd inducing entrance, etc
I could see it being a Refurbishment, sort out and improve the queue, add some theming elements, improve the up keep, retrack that section near the gift shop, new less crowd inducing entrance, etc
flyingguitar
TS Member
what makes you say that.
these are business relations, not many (if any) people outside enthusiast circles knows who Gerst are, let alone the fact they built the smiler.
there would have been a hit to the relationship, however it is a business-business relationship, people who hate the other business at both have left, and the rest have moved on (it has been 10 years) Gerst aren't going to stop selling parts, shorten its shelf life, nor would they not be up for retracking, it makes them a lot of money and will impact their relationships with other parks,
consistency is very important for businesses, other parks will see Gerst not offering parts or retracking because of the perceived negative relationship and that will be taken into account when they are looking for their next coaster. It could be a massive risk that you are spending multi millions and if you fall out with the manufacture they just says NO to giving you parts or longer term support leaving you with a ride that can't operate or has a reduced life.
There is a reason Intamin, RMC, etc still offer parts and bids to cedar point, even though that is very clearly a negetive relationship. it is because other businesses are watching and if they refuse to work with cedar, then they may turn down offers as there is a risk you fall out with them and your multi million pound investment is now a fancy structure.
WickerWonder18
TS Member
Tbf I don't see the Smiler lasting much longer now, maybe another 10 years? The ride hasn't aged well at all, don't think the ride type has helped, like Saw at Thorpe. See when then that goes I guess.
Unless they get new trains and retrack certain areas that's needed.
Unless they get new trains and retrack certain areas that's needed.
I don't think The Smiler will be removed it has the most inversions on a rollercoaster and its still one of the most popular coasters at Alton Towers
Now if our Matt has no faith, I think we can kill this one off right now.
And The Ladybird instead of "The Nemesis", oh yes, that gets my vote.
flyingguitar
TS Member
it is important to remember that the smiler runs with very hard wheel compounds to prevent stalling, making it feel rougher than other rides, it is hard to get a good gauge as a result of this it may be that the ride has settled a bit in its current kind of rough (as a whole it isn't that rough, although there are areas (like near the shop) that need work)
It is very popular with the general public, probably one of the most popular rides.