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2017/18: SW8 Speculation

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Just had a thought about if Alton get a woodie with a launch, could it not be a cross valley as planned before but have a launch in replacement for the second lift hill?
By the sound of what they have submitted so far the station maybe have swapped sides of the valley, if the do create a launch it would mean there would be no loss of pace (rolling launch).

I do think we may need to wait for what Dollywood announce for their new coaster (if Alton go for RMC), but I would not be surprised if we see a hybrid instead of topper track. I would love think it would more on the traditional type of wooden coaster, but the issues with sound etc, makes me feel that hybrid may be the way Alton will go. RMC have shown that they are happy to paint their track different colours so maybe to lessen the impact they may choose a track colour that would blend into the woods? Just a thought.
 
They are covered sections of track, bit like ghost riders first drop at knots berry farm. I can imagine they could be used towards the gardens or towards the dark Forrest ( if the coaster takes a cross valley route).
 
For whatever reason I don't think the towers will go for a woodie. I would prefer to see a B&M giga do the valley but that's just me.

Wouldn't building a roller coaster in the valley be an engineering and logistical nightmare? I can't see Merlin opting for that (unless it was a last resort?). Could be wrong.
 
AirFAN said:
For whatever reason I don't think the towers will go for a woodie. I would prefer to see a B&M giga do the valley but that's just me.

Wouldn't building a roller coaster in the valley be an engineering and logistical nightmare? I can't see Merlin opting for that (unless it was a last resort?). Could be wrong.
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It wouldn't be a nightmare for a company who know anything about groundwork. Which obviously could be a problem for Towers, but isn't a problem for any other parks who build coasters on equally if not more difficult terrain.
 
AirFAN said:
For whatever reason I don't think the towers will go for a woodie. I would prefer to see a B&M giga do the valley but that's just me.

Wouldn't building a roller coaster in the valley be an engineering and logistical nightmare? I can't see Merlin opting for that (unless it was a last resort?). Could be wrong.
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Unless plans have dramatically changed in the last few weeks (very unlikely and would result in another rushed Smiler-esque coaster) then it will be a woodie.

Building a coaster in the valley would certainly be a huge challenge, but a challenge that Towers would be prepared to take on. However I do not think it would be a challenge accepted by the council. I also think it would result in a poor layout, I'd like more than just two big drops.

:)
 
Rob said:
Unless plans have dramatically changed in the last few weeks (very unlikely and would result in another rushed Smiler-esque coaster) then it will be a woodie.

Building a coaster in the valley would certainly be a huge challenge, but a challenge that Towers would be prepared to take on. However I do not think it would be a challenge accepted by the council. I also think it would result in a poor layout, I'd like more than just two big drops.

:)
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Sorry what do you mean by "unless plans have changed dramatically". Am I missing something?
 
AirFAN said:
Sorry what do you mean by "unless plans have changed dramatically". Am I missing something?
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The EIA scoping report which was clearly prepared for SW8. Confirmed that the coaster would be made of a "wood truss structure".

:)
 
Pre Smiler, Alton Towers has always been great at getting the groundworks done in challenging circumstances. This is the same park that built the Nemesis pit to house the ride.

A challenge yes, but not impossible.
 
There has only been one coaster with troublesome ground works out of nine. Of those 4 have had significant ground works and only one was buggered up.

You actually need a pattern to make a prediction.
 
Dave said:
There has only been one coaster with troublesome ground works out of nine. Of those 4 have had significant ground works and only one was buggered up.

You actually need a pattern to make a prediction.
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Yes but two of the past three coasters installed by TG Cruise at Merlin parks have had issues (SAW and The Smiler). Not a good track record given the size and cost of these projects.
 
They should have dropped TG Cruise post Saw. I know I wasn't the only one that was concerned when we first discovered they were behind The Smiler. Most who had experienced Gerstlaure rides abroad said the UK versions were far rougher (due to a few jerky moments) and the ground work seemed like the obvious fault.

Of course no one foresaw the disaster of The Smiler.
 
Dave said:
I can 100% guarantee they won't use TG Cruise again :)
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But they might use TG Cruse?

I do wonder how other companies would have managed though, I do not know much about other projects and the land they the coasters have been built on, but if you look at the land they have built the Swarm and Saw on, it is all reclaimed land. As for the Smiler the issues with the ground work could of just as easily caught other companies out.

TG Cruse should have the most experience when doing the Ground Works at Merlin parks because they have been doing it for so long now, and should have a lot of knowledge about the land the parks are built on, and how to do the job right.

Its also only Gerstlaure rides that they have done the ground work for that has had issues, Th13teen, Swarm, and Storm Surge have not any issue as far as I am aware. You can also look at projects where TG Cruse were not involved for the ground work, and Gerstlaure have still had issues, Karnan, Hansa-park, for example.

I still feel, that the blame lies with all three parties involved, and is equally shared.

Ian
 
Been a bit of a lurker over the years on here, mainly to keep an eye on Altons next big thing, thought I'd sign up and give an opinion for a change

Having been Europa Park, in last 12 months I just feel a wooden coaster will as Nick says be hard to market to the British youth and increase those visitor numbers. As much as Woodan is epic.. Silver star is something else shame we have that height restriction.
 
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