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The Smiler - General Discussion

As the train pulls in to the station look at the front of the train and in the middle at the bottom (near the track) there is a number, eg 1.1, 2.1. 3.1 (first number is the train number). There is also a number on each row of the train, but these are harder to see from the airgates, eg 1.2, 2.2, 3.2.
 
The easiest way is on the new conduit boxes PicSolve have stuck on the back of each row for the cameras. You can see them pretty easily (Unless you're on the front, where obviously there isn't one!). It just shows a two figure number like Mike's said about, with the first being the train and the second being the row.
 
I'm having a thick moment (I know about the numbers on the front) are the PicSolve boxes the black one with the red LEDs on the top?
 
I'm 99% sure they are the ones with LEDs on... I only noticed them as they weren't there last season.

There's some plain silver ones with numbers on them, but I'm sure they're part of the trains which have always been there (You can see similar ones on the brake runs and catwalks).
 
Seen a lot of people complaining about Car number 5. Went on it today, sounded completely fine and while it was 'rougher' than another car I went on (car 2) it wasn't rough in general. Just more vibrations in my opinion.
 
There is one train that is so rough on the back but I keep forgetting to get the number (I think it's 5). What up with train 3 or is the ride run like Oblivion and Spinba11 (one train always not used)?
 
It can run 5 and regularly did last season, but from a practical point of view there's no real benefit in running 5 rather than 4 as it doesn't increase the throughput*. I've not visited many times this season, and I'm not sure how often it's run 5 trains, or even if it has at all.

*In theory, 5 trains should probably give a slightly higher throughput than 4, but it requires every train to be dispatched as early as the ride system will allow. In reality this isn't achievable, and even on 4 trains there will almost always be a train waiting in the brakes by the time the station block is clear. Personally, I'd rather take a very slight reduction in throughput if it means I'm not going to be sat waiting on the brake run for ages (I'm looking at you Oblivion...)
 
So as many of you all know i am going to Alton owers next Saturday because I won a competition. I was wondering so many people were telling me that The Smiler is the best ride ever. I was wondering is it really all that or is it a ride that you go on just once and think "meh this is ok but i wouldn't go on it again. What do you all think?

Love
Bex
 
In my opinion it's a really good roller coaster that is a lot of fun and certainly was the most interesting coaster for me in the UK since Stealth.

HOWEVER: it's getting rough very quickly so how long it will remain so is a big question.
 
It certainly isn't the best ride ever. But if you do get a smooth ride then it is a good coaster. It's just so inconsistent. It's all down to personal opinion and preference though.

:)
 
The ride design itself....... you cant fault the track. Not uncomfortable. wasn't as severe as I thought it would be, but it didn't loose anything being so.

My main problem with it was the horrific queue line. I don't suffer from claustrophobia im a glad I didn't down. To feel that trapped and caged in is not comfortable for anybody. At first it was good seeing the ride from that point of you but after 2 hours. I was ready to get out there and then.
 
I prefer Nemesis, but it really depends what you like. If you like feeling out of control and going upside down lots of times, then its definitely The Smiler for you, then if you like positive g-force and having your legs ripped off, then Nemesis win's hands down. Nemesis' layout is, quite frankly, a masterpiece; combining all of the best elements in the best way, but then The Smiler provides (dare I say) a more fun experience, and of course, is a much longer ride/experience.
 
I really like The Smiler. It's a fun ride, not intense, but can leave you dizzy (depends what you're like with coasters)! Although the rattling, vibrations and some shoulder banging leaves it a step behind Nemesis. I'd say without those issues The Smiler would probably be on par with Nemesis (for me), if not my favourite ride on park. Best ride ever? Not quite, but it's by far the best coaster to have been built in the UK for a very very long time.
 
I enjoyed the Smiler more than I thought I would - but, in terms of re-ridability and the euphoric feeling you get - you just cannot beat Nemesis.
 
I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned but I went a few weeks ago with my friends, was quiet nervous I was going to get the rough ride train but was no where as rough as I thought on both times I went on, the only scary thing was the staff, they were creepy and scary but I loved the character acting they do especially in the dark places and I went the other day with my mum and sister and was hoping for acting because I knew how terrified my mum got on sub terra and nothing the staff are just acting like normal ride staff no creepiness or anything slightly disappointed, however it is still a good ride and is up with blivs and nemmy
 
The staff seem to live getting up in my face and talking in a very high pitched voice/laughing at me. If this happens, just put your thumb up and say "Smile always!". They then know you're on their side, and are more likely than not, an enthusiast!
 
The Smiler is great, but is let down by the restraints- which are far too tight, reducing the out of control feeling that the ride would have with lap-bars. If this coaster had lap-bars, then not only would it be more comfortable, but would accentuate each of the inversions and the air-time on the hills. But, even then, it's a great ride, and possibly the best use of the space possible.
 
Nick said:
and possibly the best use of the space possible.
Click to expand...

I think that is hard to argue with. I will always be cheesed off they didn't take the final few steps to make this world class. Stupidity from Merlin in my view (admittedly without knowing exactly what's gone wrong - but go wrong it has).

However in terms of cramming something on the site of the Black Hole let's not forget, it's quite the accomplishment!

Never thought they would replace that ride with something I love more. I do still miss the Black Hole though, I definitely preferred the atmosphere of the station.
 
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