On the one hand I would have thought that if they were aiming for 2017, they would have started dismantling The Flume by now, but on the other hand, SW posters have never gone up 2 years before.
The Black Hole tent had started to come down around this length of time before the opening of the smiler which didn't seem a huge job, but then the ground excavation work was enormous as they removed tens of thousands of tons of earth to create the basin in which The Smiler sits.
I suppose it is possible, that far less earth needs to be removed on The Flume site, if they are keeping the ground broadly level with its current position, though I suspect SW8 may have tunnel sections which could be a smaller job than excavating the entire Smiler area.
AT are really sensing out mixed messages at the moment.
Secret Weapon 8 is for now at least living up to its code name.
My best guess is huge excavation and ground level changes would mean 2018. Building largely on the current level could mean 2017.
After what happened last year AT could go for THE premium coaster manufacturer with an impeccable safety record which would mean a B and M, but unless they have a new concept, I don't think they have anything original or different enough for towers. I love B and M though and the build quality is entirely unrivalled.
An RMC or GG woody on a smaller scale than the cross valley is a possibility, but as Merlin think the public perceive them as dangerous, I think this could reduce the chances in the current climate.
A Mack water ride is also a possibility.
Anyway this is as much guesswork as anything, but I've got the odds as follows.
B and M Wingrider - unlikely - not suitable for towers. Too wide.
B and M sit down - unlikely - height restrictions would limit the scope and AT will want something truly world class for a SW. They will not want to play second fiddle to existing designs elsewhere.
B and M new concept. Possible if they have a new concept we don't know about.
Possible B and M junior inverted coaster.
Gerstlauer - Virtually no chance.
Intanim - Unlikely for a thrill coaster due to height restrictions Possible for a long family coaster along the lines of Firechaser Express (I know this is manufactured by Gerstlauer). Several launches required for a decent length. I don't think a Megalight is SW calibre.
Mack - if it's a Mack, I think some kind or semi indoor water ride along the lines of Valhallla are more likely than a coaster.
So my predictions...
An SW suitable for both thrillseakers and families to appeal to the largest possible demographic.
Possible RMC or GG woody, utilising multiple launches. Family demographic
Possible concept B and M, but nothing too scary. Less likely than a woody or water ride.
Possible Mack water ride similar in concept to Valhalla with a lower and smaller building but a long outside section.
My best guess us something similar in length and intensity to Firechaser Express, but not from G and possibly with a splashdown.
No doubt I will be wrong in every respect, despite having more guesses than there are lives in the entire cast of Top Cat.
