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Goodbye Blade…

I don't think there's any conspiracy about the removal of The Blade. Some rides will last longer, some won't, lots of variables will effect the lifespan.

The wording of their statement tells us the ride is being retired after reaching the end of its technical life, not being sold or relocated. 44 years is a good innings by all accounts and it's not really a surprise in the grand scheme of things.

It is of course rather poor they didn't announce it whilst it was operating for the public but that seems to be the way Six Flags Alton Towers are doing things this year.
 
It's yet another indication of their long-term strategy for the park. If they cared enough, they could easily have purchased another Prirate Ship, even if second hand. They chose not to. They chose not to buy another Enterprise, purchase a Sizzler, fix the Spa, kit out the Dungeons, fix the Skyride, and fix Hex on time.

These decisions aren't baffling at all. Merlin has been private for years, and other than a brief investment in events and bolstering capacity, they've sat on these problems and have been unwilling to invest. They couldn't have said it any louder or clearer for the past 2 years. This is not a surprise.
 
Correct to all of the above but they didn't chose not to fix Skyride and Hex on time. They thought they were both going to be operating at the start of 2024 before the season started, until further issues cropped up.
 
Danscott22 said:
Correct to all of the above but they didn't chose not to fix Skyride and Hex on time. They thought they were both going to be operating at the start of 2024 before the season started, until further issues cropped up.
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I disagree.
I was advised pre season that the skyride would probably not be opening with the start of the season.
Further issues didn't crop up, did they?
They chose not to do a thorough initial inspection, in my humble, jaded eyes.
Zero guarantees for next year either.
Wrong topic, same drum.
 
Bowser said:
I know it’s a business and this is a sentimental view but you can just feel the love isn’t there anymore compared to places like Efteling or Europa where there’s a real pride in the parks.
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For sure on this, I think there are some within the company who do but they fight an impossible battle and the top of Merlin don’t give two figgs.
 
Genuine question...

Did any of you ride Blade this season?

It didn't seem very well.

That said, it's one of the simplest rides to replace and should have been.
 
Danscott22 said:
Correct to all of the above but they didn't chose not to fix Skyride and Hex on time. They thought they were both going to be operating at the start of 2024 before the season started, until further issues cropped up.
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It's true that they intended to open both. I also intend to win the lottery.

But they did choose not to fix them on time, just crossing their fingers and hoping that their under invested ageing hardware will last for another season or two without a plan.

They could have built a new Madhouse and Skyride in the time it's taken to fix them, but clearly didn't see them as important enough to put the money in to get them up and running as quickly as possible. They'll be well aware that the clock is ticking on many of their attractions, as it has been for years before Enterprise, The Spa, and now Blade bit the dust without replacements.

Issues cropping up shouldn't be surprises if there's a robust long-term plan. So they either don't care, or are incompetent. I bet you it's the former, this is intentional. The resort is limping on, on a wing and prayer, with no plan.
 
I see The Blade's closure has even made the BBC

Alton Towers' Pirate Ship to shut after 40 years

The white-knuckle riders came in their thousands inspired to hold cheering competitions as the Pirate Ship swung into action.

Time has been called on Alton Towers' oldest current ride, now known as The Blade, which is closing for good after 44 years.

Park bosses said the ride's closure comes at the end of an "unforgettable 2024 season", which also included the return of Nemesis, with its Reborn tag added after an extensive refurbishment.

...

Full article here:
www.bbc.co.uk

Alton Towers' Pirate Ship ride to shut after 40 years

Also known as The Blade the ride is closing at the end of the 2024 season, say Alton Towers bosses.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
Me, @Poisson and @Jonathan rode it quite a few times over fireworks weekend - honestly it was running absolutely fine the whole time.

You have to bear in mind it (was) basically Trigger’s Pirate Ship; I don’t think there was an original part left on it. Which is why the decision to remove it is all the more perplexing.
 
Leigh said:
Me, @Poisson and @Jonathan rode it quite a few times over fireworks weekend - honestly it was running absolutely fine the whole time.

You have to bear in mind it (was) basically Trigger’s Pirate Ship; I don’t think there was an original part left on it. Which is why the decision to remove it is all the more perplexing.
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It was creaking all over the place! I'd be surprised if the actual support structure had been replaced over the years so a simple hairline crack or metal fatigue could be responsible for its demise.
 
Stuie said:
Genuine question...

Did any of you ride Blade this season?

It didn't seem very well.

That said, it's one of the simplest rides to replace and should have been.
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Ride availability was so bad when I last went, that in 12 hours on park we only managed 6 rides. Somehow, Blade was not a priority for us that day.
 
Stuie said:
It was creaking all over the place! I'd be surprised if the actual support structure had been replaced over the years so a simple hairline crack or metal fatigue could be responsible for its demise.
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To be fair, most pirate ships creak to a degree. It’s a tyre (or in the case of Blade and other older ones 2 tyres) attached to a motor, that make direct contact with the underside of the gondola.

If you want to hear odd noises, try some SBF Visa special jobs - they make some very… interesting sounds
 
Stuie said:
It was creaking all over the place! I'd be surprised if the actual support structure had been replaced over the years so a simple hairline crack or metal fatigue could be responsible for its demise.
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Would be one of the easiest parts to replace considering they take it down anyway most end of seasons and it's in parts you can separate. Anything is repairable if you're willing to put the time, money and effort into it.
 
RIPCorky said:
Would be one of the easiest parts to replace considering they take it down anyway most end of seasons and it's in parts you can separate. Anything is repairable if you're willing to put the time, money and effort into it.
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Easiest?? Lol.

Anyway, ease of disassembly aside, any idea what the cost of such large pieces of custom-manufactured steel-work is?
 
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