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2017/18: SW8 Speculation

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im going to stick my neck out and say prepare for disappointment. I hope not but i feel we will all be left wanting
 
I'm saying it now, it will be at least partly in the valley. No way are they building a woodie of the same height as Nemesis without significant elevation changes below ground level, there just wouldn't be enough speed. There are several hints in the document (which can be found here) that the development will cross into currently unused woodland area at the Northern end of the site, which I can only deduce means the valley or possibly the wooded area between FV and Gloomy Wood.

The only thing making me slightly cautious is the fact that the Screening Opinion concluded that no Environmental Impact Assessment will be needed. It would seem that if it did cross into the valley, one of those would be required. A full planning application is surely imminent though now, given that this has been approved.
 
http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/AttachmentShowServlet?ImageName=101930

Is the direct link to the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Document. Some interesting points:
  • Proposal: Demolition and removal of existing structures, construction of new ride including tunnels, ground level changes, maintenance building, station, shop and pre-show building (1130m2), a 1 story building and a further 2 story building.
  • Height of 14.5m above existing ground level.
  • Loss of 127 trees
  • Total development of 1.7Ha (17000metres squared)
  • 120'000 more visitors per year (5% traffic increase)
  • The ride will extend into the 'surrounding woodland areas'
  • 'Wooden Truss Construction'
  • 3x high points, 1 or more of which in 'sound tunnels' to minimise visual/sound impact
So - wooden construction, extending into surrounding area and looks to be place near/on the Blade site. I was worried about the total development size but if it is to extend into the surrounding woodland, as the document alludes to, this could actually be a cross valley!

It's nice to see that the conclusion that an EIA isn't needed. Would that aid the approval?
 
Alastair said:
There are several hints in the document (which can be found here) that the development will cross into currently unused woodland area at the Northern end of the site, which I can only deduce means the valley or possibly the wooded area between FV and Gloomy Wood.
Click to expand...
That could potentially tie up with the larger-than-usual tree clearance over the closed season between FV and Gloomy Wood. It's possible, but I'm not sure.
 
If it happens, please for the love of god, don't let TG Cruise be responsible for the groundwork.

That would be absolutely fatal...
 
Stevie said:
If it happens, please for the love of god, don't let TG Cruise be responsible for the groundwork.

That would be absolutely fatal...
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I very much doubt that Merlin will be using TG Cruse for any theme park projects again after the issues with The Smiler!
 
How does the tree loss compare with the previously shelved plans? I know comparison with previous plans is a poor way to extrapolate current plans but if over analysis is going to start, I might as well!

I don't expect a cross-valley coaster, but a wooden addition would add nicely to the park. If it is cross valley then I will be pleasantly surprised!
 
Well it sounds like we may finally be getting what we've always wanted. We only had to wait 12 years for it too!

Interesting completely unrelated fact: Grona Lund's Twister has a minimum height restriction of 1.2m.

Edit: So does Wodan

Edit 2: Outlaw run has a minimum height restriction of 48 inches or 121.92cm

That doesn't narrow anything down at all!
 
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this certainly goes into abbey wood or they wouldn't have requested the EIA. Whether it's cross valley we can only hope :)
 
What I posted on Towers Times in December:
"Alton Towers 2017
Max Height: 20 m (I believe this means from lowest to highest point, not highest section of the structure)
Launch Velocity: 68 kmph
Launch Angle: 20 degrees
Max Velocity: 80 kmph (I am not sure what part of the layout this speed is reached, possibly following the first drop from the launch?)
Total Length: 885 m
Inversions: 2
"Barrel Roll"
"Zero G Roll"
Total Ride Time: 90 sec
Capacity: 1080 pph
Other interesting features:
Elements include: "Wave Turn" "120 degree Overbank" "S turns" "Corkscrew Float" (twisty airtime hill, doesn't invert)
2 tunnels underneath pathways. (One after the wave turn and near the station, the other further along the layout on the other side of the station.)
14 moments of airtime."

Do you guys want to reconsider what I told you in December? I still stand by my claim. Notice how I mentioned a low maximum height and two tunnels? The coaster won't extend far, just up a hill and back, certainly not cross-valley. Get excited, people!
 
Karnan said:
What I posted on Towers Times in December:
"Alton Towers 2017
Max Height: 20 m (I believe this means from lowest to highest point, not highest section of the structure)
Launch Velocity: 68 kmph
Launch Angle: 20 degrees
Max Velocity: 80 kmph (I am not sure what part of the layout this speed is reached, possibly following the first drop from the launch?)
Total Length: 885 m
Inversions: 2
"Barrel Roll"
"Zero G Roll"
Total Ride Time: 90 sec
Capacity: 1080 pph
Other interesting features:
Elements include: "Wave Turn" "120 degree Overbank" "S turns" "Corkscrew Float" (twisty airtime hill, doesn't invert)
2 tunnels underneath pathways. (One after the wave turn and near the station, the other further along the layout on the other side of the station.)
14 moments of airtime."

Do you guys want to reconsider what I told you in December? I still stand by my claim. Notice how I mentioned a low maximum height and two tunnels? The coaster won't extend far, just up a hill and back, certainly not cross-valley. Get excited, people!
Click to expand...
I have to give it to you, of course, only time will tell, BUT .....
 
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