Re: [The Smiler] Construction Updates and Ride Speculation Part 2
Really pleased with some of the detailing on the both the train carriages and the ride now that we the ride is nearing completion.
Particularly like the "Smiler" on the headrests of the back of the train, at least its something to look at whilst you wait on the break-run. In addition, the detailing of dots on the wheel guards is a level I didn't think that they would go to.
The painted black footers are another surprise as well - there seems to be a great deal of thought going into this coaster, more so than we have seen for a long time at Alton Towers. Thirteen is a fun little coaster but in the end I thought that some aspects were rushed. This *thus far* doesn't seem to suffer the same problems - the arrows in the pre lift room give me hope that we will see a heavily themed interior. There is still a lot to see and judge (that huge queue building for example...) but it looks good!
With regards to the planting - I do think we will see some, though it is going to take a lot of time to bed in. Oblivion manages to maintain a sparse, industrial feel despite the area being relatively well vegetated these days, so I don't see why Alton wouldn't attempt the same here. It will, however, look very bare for a long time. Look at Nemesis when it opened, and pre Katanga Canyon Congo River Rapids.