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ℹ️ Heads up...
This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks. - Thread starter themeparkfan
- Start date
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
- Favourite Ride
- Crux
- Favourite Ride
- Crux
- I've heard that that area of the park is prone to electrical issues (often suffers power cuts), resulting in both rides closing down.
- Cost cutting. They must be quite expensive rides to run and maintain.
- Both rides suffering from intamin's crap reliability record.
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Broken rides!
Skyscraper
TS Member
it depends on how steep the helix is if it's very shallow, then the train probably would get stuck on it which, (as you said) depends on what speed the switch track is geared to operate at.I doubt it would reach the drop. Remember that it's launched backwards after the drop so I doubt the switch track has enough power to send it all the way back. Don't belive it anyway.
Can believe that the switch track failed though. Doesn't sound too unlikely.
If it was true that the train was sent back into the tunnel, then this would be a serious safety concern that will need addressing.
The Helix back to the vault will be down hill, so it could be possible that the train would potentially make it back to the vault. If so what damage has this caused to the ride.
It could have been worse, a train entering the vault the correct way from the top when the track is in the drop position
The Helix back to the vault will be down hill, so it could be possible that the train would potentially make it back to the vault. If so what damage has this caused to the ride.
It could have been worse, a train entering the vault the correct way from the top when the track is in the drop position
MaxPower
TS Member
Surely the ride would need to see the switch track in the correct position before sending the train forwards? I would hope so anyway...
The technology behind Thirteen has always impressed me, but I'm always that bit more nervous when riding due to fact there's more to go wrong!
The technology behind Thirteen has always impressed me, but I'm always that bit more nervous when riding due to fact there's more to go wrong!
yes, it was closed when I went on Saturday (2nd July). I was wondering why it was closed. I really don't think the system would send the train back in to the tunnel, because wouldn't the drop track section have already been reset? they don't want another accident!
If true, that's a scary failiure! I would hope that the train at least would not have enough speed to make it as far as the drop track, since as you say, it would have already reset.
.... If true.
Yeah, doesn't sound right to me. If the switch-track fails, it's unlikely the ride system would allow the car to move. Also I'm sure there is a system in place to stop the car coming off the track if it does happen to make it back to the drop section. Although the backwards part is slightly down hill so there's every chance the car wouldn't even get back to that stage, depending on speed of course.
There are usually sensors around the track which detects where the car is and stops it from going any further. It is my understanding that these 'sensors' were partly to blame for the Smiler incident in that the system was telling the control board that a car was stuck on the track and the operators overrode this system and allowed another car to depart. Not to mention it's rumoured that the Smiler is flawed by design and Alton Towers were told not to build it but were more interested in breaking the world record ASAP.
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Sm1lingAdvocate
TS Member
Could it be possibly that it was either windy outdoors or the indoor launch didn't have enough power and it rolled back.
For those wondering what the ride is like indoors, Alex on TT posted this picture. Somehow doubt it could have got back up, and the train would be a nightmare to get out I guess.
For those wondering what the ride is like indoors, Alex on TT posted this picture. Somehow doubt it could have got back up, and the train would be a nightmare to get out I guess.

Skyscraper
TS Member
actually, it wasn't the sensor's fault, they were working fine and doing their job. it was the operator/mechanic's fault for not realizing that there was a valleyed train and overriding the safety system.It is my understanding that these 'sensors' were partly to blame for the Smiler incident in that the system was telling the control board that a car was stuck on the track and the operators overrode this system and allowed another car to depart.
Rick
TS Member
It's open.It should be open later today with any luck.
When I went on Galactica one craft was in station 2 with the back off on row 1 with techs doing stuff to it, Why was it being worked on in the station and not in the maintenance shed? I don't think the issue was with tiling locks as the lower back was off (behind the seats).
Rick
TS Member
If it's out of service, it'll be homed in the unused station and one of the serviceable trains will be homed in the shed at the send of the day (or just kept on the brakes, on occasion.)When I went on Galactica one craft was in station 2 with the back off on row 1 with techs doing stuff to it, Why was it being worked on in the station and not in the maintenance shed? I don't think the issue was with tiling locks as the lower back was off (behind the seats).
If the train is serviceable but there are problems with the VR, it makes sense to have it in a location where you can test it.
themeparkfan
TS Member
Th13teen and Rita broken again today on vist. Whats happening???
I have three theories on why th13teen and rita always seem to be downTh13teen and Rita broken again today on vist. Whats happening???
I'm going to say option 3.
themeparkfan
TS Member
Th13teen closed AGAIN yesterday!!!!! WHY??????
Sm1lingAdvocate
TS Member
I know Rita and Stealth aren't very reliable in the heat, not too sure about thirteen though. Other Intamins seem fine in warm places.