Well of course they'd need replacingThe real controversial opinion here is that you've suggested removal without replacement.
I'm not sure how that would address your concerns in your other post this morning....
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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 WickerwomanH
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- Initial Cost: The electrical and control hardware for modern magnetic launch systems (LSMs) can be expensive upfront compared to the "older school" technology in a hydraulic launch.
- Maintenance & Reliability: This is where magnetic launches have a clear advantage.
- Hydraulic systems are massive, complex, and require intensive, specialised maintenance due to the high wear and tear on numerous moving parts and the need for a dedicated maintenance crew. Sourcing spare parts for ageing hydraulic systems can also become difficult and expensive.
- Magnetic launch systems, like LSMs, have very few moving parts (aside from standard coaster elements like brakes and bearings) and are generally more reliable, resulting in less downtime and lower maintenance costs over the coaster's lifespan.
- Operational Costs: The "cost per launch" for LSMs is generally considered cheaper when the overall maintenance is factored in. While one source suggests hydraulic systems are cheaper to run on power consumption alone, most sources indicate that the high maintenance burden makes LSMs more cost-effective in the long run.
- Technological Shift: The trend in the industry is a move away from hydraulic launches towards magnetic launch systems, largely due to the improved reliability, flexibility in launch profiles (e.g., swing launches), and better overall cost-efficiency over the lifetime of the ride.
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Controversial Alton Towers Opinions
Why do they need to go? They’re all popular coasters that could likely operate for many more years, even decades.
If the issue is reliability then they need fixing, be it new trains for Galactica or whatever is needed.
Or is the issue space? I believe the park still has room to add major attractions without needing to remove existing ones first, especially with the impact that would have on capacity.
Oblivion turns 28 next year, Thats the same age Corkscrew was when it got removed!
Rita is probably expensive as hell to run, Launched Roller Coasters have changed so much since it opened and plus it's had it's fair share of issues this year already, AT can do so much better! Just look at ICON at Blackpool, it's 10x the ride Rita is
Galactica is the one out the 3 that could stay, But it really needs a lot of work and even Galactica turns 24 next year...
Poisson
TS Member
Just look at ICON at Blackpool, it's 10x the ride Rita is
A properly controversial opinion right there.
Steve74
TS Member
I always maintain that the launch-that-isn't-a-launch on Thirteen from the switch track into the station is more powerful and impressive than the "launches" on Icon! The launches on Icon could be so much more than they are.A properly controversial opinion right there.
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Different Coaster model, B&Ms are built to last a long time.Oblivion turns 28 next year, Thats the same age Corkscrew was when it got removed!
Rita is a great ride with a far superior launch to Icon also do you know if it is expensive as he'll to run do you have concrete running costs and if we are talking running costs wouldn't logic dictate Congo River Rapids have far higher running costs so wouldn't that go before Rita?.Rita is probably expensive as hell to run, Launched Roller Coasters have changed so much since it opened and plus it's had it's fair share of issues this year already, AT can do so much better! Just look at ICON at Blackpool, it's 10x the ride Rita is
Galactica granted does need some TLC but is still fine at the park.Galactica is the one out the 3 that could stay, But it really needs a lot of work and even Galactica turns 24 next year...
I want the park to be adding more rides before it even thinks about removing rides
But ICON is still a much better roller coaster! A multi launch coaster at Alton Towers would be absolutely amazing!Rita is a great ride with a far superior launch to Icon also do you know if it is expensive as he'll to run do you have concrete running costs and if we are talking running costs wouldn't logic dictate Congo River Rapids have far higher running costs so wouldn't that go before Rita?.
And regarding running costs... ( got this from Gemini)
'While the initial setup cost for a hydraulic launch system might be similar to or even potentially less than new magnetic launch coaster (LSM/LIM) systems, the total life-cycle cost (including maintenance and repairs) of a hydraulic launch system makes it significantly more expensive over time.
Here is a breakdown of the cost comparison:
That i agree with, But sooner or later one of AT's roller coasters will be on the chopping blockI want the park to be adding more rides before it even thinks about removing rides
I didn't know how to separate the quotes in one reply^ Double post, whip those bones.
And just for entertainment...
Large rural firework displays.
Ban 'em.
On environmental health and wildlife grounds.
Very toxic to the atmosphere, not very kind to the local wildlife.
Especially over three nights.
Benzin
TS Member
^ Double post, whip those bones.
And just for entertainment...
Large rural firework displays.
Ban 'em.
On environmental health and wildlife grounds.
Very toxic to the atmosphere, not very kind to the local wildlife.
Especially over three nights.
Rather ban people having them at home first.
