-
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.
Oakwood Discussion
- Thread starter Rob
- Start date
smudge
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
I've always been amazed at how relatively simple the 4D coasters are. I used to assume the seats were span by some sort of drive, making them programmable, but alas, the real design is much simpler and much more reliable. That being what Benzin has said above. There is no way to change the rotations barring new track.
From Coasterpedia:
From Coasterpedia:
Ian
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Dizz, Bobby’s Yarn Land
Yep, it's a really simple idea! I believe that Arrow/S&S patented the idea to hell too, which is probably why we haven't seen others really jumping on the bandwagon and creating their own version.
The issue with relying on motors and computers is that they are really quite susceptible to faults when compared to a physical system. Imagine if midway around the motor experienced loss of power or a burn out, and for the remainder of the ride a seat remained locked in one awkward position. Could prove very uncomfortable and dangerous for the rider
I really do hope someone like B&M is able to make their own spin on the Arrow/S&S system and make it a success. It would be great to see then take off big time, and it seems the next logical step forward from the current Wing Rider
The issue with relying on motors and computers is that they are really quite susceptible to faults when compared to a physical system. Imagine if midway around the motor experienced loss of power or a burn out, and for the remainder of the ride a seat remained locked in one awkward position. Could prove very uncomfortable and dangerous for the rider
I really do hope someone like B&M is able to make their own spin on the Arrow/S&S system and make it a success. It would be great to see then take off big time, and it seems the next logical step forward from the current Wing Rider
smudge
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Sorry for going off topic slightly, but I have tried to think of ways that B&M could re-invent their wingrider to become 4d, and can see flaws in all of them.
Rotation being taken from main wheels - high speed sections would be too intense and would take too much momentum from the train.
Rotation from drives - unreliable as above.
Or, B&M, just buy out S&S - they must have a clause somewhere
Rotation being taken from main wheels - high speed sections would be too intense and would take too much momentum from the train.
Rotation from drives - unreliable as above.
Or, B&M, just buy out S&S - they must have a clause somewhere
Nick
TS Member
PeteA said:
Here, for the lazy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2chGrSXCw0#ws
Looks very promising.
And is it a coincidence, or what, with this video being posted on the same day as the Facebook post?
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
I really don't think Oakwood are getting a 4D coaster. they're slogan is now "wales' Biggest Family Adventure" A spinning coaster certainly doesn't fit with that, also they're now more in the business of buying rides second hand and then re-theming them to look new, ie, everything in Neverland.
Unless they've found a second hand 4D coaster, I can't see it happening. Even then I think it's unlikely. Sorry to seem negative but I'm just trying to think realistically and I can't see it happening.
Unless they've found a second hand 4D coaster, I can't see it happening. Even then I think it's unlikely. Sorry to seem negative but I'm just trying to think realistically and I can't see it happening.
BigAl
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Forbidden Journey
Family parks don't necessarily entail no white knuckle attractions. Though with many parks it's used as an excuse to not have to bother with larger, more costly attractions (often white knuckle coasters and dark rides), 'family' can also mean something for everyone (and does, in many cases).
They'd also be wise to continue to add something a little more thrilling every now and then anyway, as they don't want to do what Drayton did and begin to lose thrill seekers, and those which want something more substantial (possibly why they're now adding an Air Race and are still looking at a coaster for the near future).
Saying all that, what the park has pulled off recently looks really nice, so continuing at that level isn't a bad thing.
They'd also be wise to continue to add something a little more thrilling every now and then anyway, as they don't want to do what Drayton did and begin to lose thrill seekers, and those which want something more substantial (possibly why they're now adding an Air Race and are still looking at a coaster for the near future).
Saying all that, what the park has pulled off recently looks really nice, so continuing at that level isn't a bad thing.
Rob
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
Indeed, family is not an excuse to just stop any form of thrill additions. Unfortunately some parks seem to think it is though.
I can't see Oakwood getting any sort of major new coaster any time soon, I just can't imagine that they have the funds to do so. It's a shame that no UK parks bar Towers and Thorpe seem able to add exciting new coasters.
I can't see Oakwood getting any sort of major new coaster any time soon, I just can't imagine that they have the funds to do so. It's a shame that no UK parks bar Towers and Thorpe seem able to add exciting new coasters.
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
True. But I do think Oakwood are more likely to spend the next few years concentraing on the non thrill market. If you look at the park in 2012, what was on offer for families was dire. Neverland was the first step in improving things for families and was a huge success. Attendance was up 40% last year, I still think they need to get a few more new family projects and there are very shabby looking areas of the park which need attention. After doing that for the next few years, I think they will then start to think about putting a new thrill ride in.
To cut a long story short, I don't think Oakwood will get a 4D coaster this year or a major thrill ride. A spinning coaster or Wild Mouse- quite possibly!
To cut a long story short, I don't think Oakwood will get a 4D coaster this year or a major thrill ride. A spinning coaster or Wild Mouse- quite possibly!
James
TS Founding Member
Oakwood are starting their recruitment for the 2014 season. Press release below - confirms there will be something new in 2014. Hmmm...
Oakwood Theme Park said:THEME PARK EMBARKS ON BIGGEST
EVER RECRUITMENT DRIVE
Oakwood Theme Park is launching its biggest ever recruitment drive in preparation for the 2014 season.
The Pembrokeshire park enjoyed its busiest season in more than a decade last year following a £4m investment in a series of new features and the opening of its Peter Pan-themed Neverland area.
As a result visitor numbers were 40 per cent up on the previous year and now bosses are looking to recruit extra staff to continue to develop the park over the coming years.
Oakwood Theme Park’s Dominic Jones said: “We are aiming to employ around 35 per cent more staff than we did last year.
“The success of last year has enabled us to recruit for more key positions at all levels of the business. We’re looking for a high calibre of staff that will also help us to deliver our ongoing investment programme for 2014.
“We plan to open a series of new attractions as well as continuing to improve and add to our existing facilities to deliver a high level of customer service across the park.
“This will not only require extra rides, catering and retail staff but also additional support staff in everything from cleaning and admissions to marketing and finance,” he added.
Detailed plans of the proposed new attractions will be released in the coming weeks.
The park, which re-opens to the public on April 11th, is also planning to continue developing its close links to the local community and work together with other attractions and tourism groups to encourage more people to visit the area.
“Once again we plan to further strengthen our links with other tourism organisations to help promote this amazing part of Wales to a wider audience,” he added.
Set in 80 acres of spectacular countryside Oakwood is Wales’ biggest family adventure with more than 30 exhilarating rides and amazing experiences to discover.
A unique combination of attractions includes world-class roller, tower and sky coasters, spectacular family rides, children’s themed play areas and so much more.
James
TS Founding Member
Regarding Oakwood and thrill rides... I certainly think they will concentrate on 'family' rides for now. However I think give it a good 5+ years and we could see a third roller coaster become reality! For the time being they could easily afford a small coaster, like a spinning coaster or Wild Mouse as mentioned above - it's no where near the next Speed, but it does offer something different and is within Oakwood's reach.
The increase in guests in 2013 will certainly result in more investments in future. I think The Aspro Group will start to see a lot of potential in the park.
The increase in guests in 2013 will certainly result in more investments in future. I think The Aspro Group will start to see a lot of potential in the park.
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
That press release seems to suggest several small attractions, possibly tea cups and dodgems from Camelot, rather than one big new ride.
Changing the subject slightly, has anyone ever visited Oakwood on the fireworks nights in August? I'm interested to know what Oakwood are like for throughputs. I've only ever been at quiet times when there have been no queues. I'd like to visit on a late night but am worried that, like many smaller UK parks, they will continue to run rides at lower capacity and be slow in terms of getting the rides dispatched. Has anyone been in August who knows what they're like for throughputs?
Changing the subject slightly, has anyone ever visited Oakwood on the fireworks nights in August? I'm interested to know what Oakwood are like for throughputs. I've only ever been at quiet times when there have been no queues. I'd like to visit on a late night but am worried that, like many smaller UK parks, they will continue to run rides at lower capacity and be slow in terms of getting the rides dispatched. Has anyone been in August who knows what they're like for throughputs?
They're ace at them - last time I went mega was on 2 trains and they were going insanely quick. Queue took 20mins from the 45min point sign.
Equally, when I've previously visited in August Speed was on 2 cars and also took 20mins at the hour queue point. They are very quick when it's busy.
Equally, when I've previously visited in August Speed was on 2 cars and also took 20mins at the hour queue point. They are very quick when it's busy.
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
That's good to hear then. There is a certain UK park where they never use two trains even with an hour and a half queue and it seems like the staff are competing with each other to see who can go the slowest.
Glad to hear Oakwood's not the same.
Glad to hear Oakwood's not the same.
AstroDan
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance, Cedar Point
Great news. They really did try their best with Neverland and I am glad it has reaped rewards for them.
They need to try and make other attractions into experiences, too. Speed, Bounce and the like are all just too basic in terms of their appearance to really leave a lasting memory.
They need to try and make other attractions into experiences, too. Speed, Bounce and the like are all just too basic in terms of their appearance to really leave a lasting memory.
TheMan
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- NemiLerVion
AstroDan said:
If you ever needed proof that a good theme can attract visitors, I think Oakwood proved this beyond any doubt last year, and well done to them for it.
I really want to visit this little park at some point, if they built something unique and thrilling, and marketed it well, there is no reason at all that it couldn't be a success for them.
Merlin are relentless in their quest to make you realise you are in a Merlin park. You are certainly left in no doubt about this, and as such it robs each park of its individuality and a bit of its soul. Independent groups or parks are now more important than ever.
If Alton Towers was not a Merlin park, I would not consider a MAP, it just happens they got their talons into my spiritual home and the commercialisation to the degree it is happening now is just not right.
I hope the likes of Oakwood etc can continue to buck this trend, and be successful in their own rights. The industry needs one of them to get something truly unique (for the UK at least) and if possible, world class, to really shake things up.
I wish either these or Lightwater (or even DMP!) would partner up with Mack and become the UKs Europa Park ;D
