• 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.

The Smiler - General Discussion

Danny said:
Interestingly, witnessed a maintenance worker in a cherry picker inspecting the track on one of the air time hills earlier; could have been doing something to the trims?

We shall see.
Click to expand...
Maybe that’s the supposed brake sensor the ride needed being installed?
 
I had forgotten until reading Screamscape just now that Hangtime at Knott's has also been closed, but in this case for over two months.

Not suggesting it's related, but it's interesting to contrast.
 
Rick said:
I had forgotten until reading Screamscape just now that Hangtime at Knott's has also been closed, but in this case for over two months.

Not suggesting it's related, but it's interesting to contrast.
Click to expand...
Interesting, perhaps gerstlaur are struggling to dispatch parts to customers.
 
God. Hopefully smiler doesn't break down often or have any problems next season bcus as soon as it requires a part it'll be down for 1-2 months again
 
Someone who works at towers told me that he can't tell me about why the smiler has been down but its not to do with a part. Given that there has been no confirmation from towers about anything I'm not sure why the whole enthusiast community assumed it needed a part but I guess that's just the fun of speculation
 
Ethan said:
Someone who works at towers told me that he can't tell me about why the smiler has been down but its not to do with a part. Given that there has been no confirmation from towers about anything I'm not sure why the whole enthusiast community assumed it needed a part but I guess that's just the fun of speculation
Click to expand...

It's apparently something to do with the support foundations, from what I've heard. Initially it was a software problem that was solved by Gerstlauer pretty much instantly when they got on site, but the more serious problem was found in the interim whilst it was closed. It will need much bigger work done to it over the closed season before it can open again next year.

Seeing as though the construction in 2012/13 was plagued with problems due to the unsuitability of the groundwork, I find this credible.
 
Ethan said:
Someone who works at towers told me that he can't tell me about why the smiler has been down but its not to do with a part. Given that there has been no confirmation from towers about anything I'm not sure why the whole enthusiast community assumed it needed a part but I guess that's just the fun of speculation
Click to expand...

He can't tell you but he can tell you it's not to do with a part. Sounds about right!

Towers are never going to give a reason as to why it is down, but there are people on here who have better sources than some random person who works at Towers.

Either way, it hardly matters now, as it does not need to be operatational again for a few months.
 
Rob said:
He can't tell you but he can tell you it's not to do with a part. Sounds about right!

Towers are never going to give a reason as to why it is down, but there are people on here who have better sources than some random person who works at Towers.

Either way, it hardly matters now, as it does not need to be operatational again for a few months.
Click to expand...


That being said if foundation’s are indeed an issue then depending on which foundations need work it may be a big job ..
 
Rob F said:
That being said if foundation’s are indeed an issue then depending on which foundations need work it may be a big job ..
Click to expand...

The foundations have been an issue since construction, it's one of the primary reasons I said after The Smiler opened that it won't last long (relatively speaking) at Alton Towers. As far as I am aware, the foundations are not the reason for the closure at the end of this season.
 
We’re in the midst of an electrocompent shortage

it’s could be anything simple but if you can’t get the part then you can’t open the ride. Basic components are being quoted with 6 months lead times currently
 
I’ve just seen that TPW has posted a photo of a huge crane towering over The Smiler today. I wonder what work it could be having done o_O
 
If they're replacing track then I hope to god its that last few sections before the brake run. That bit of the ride for me takes it down from being a world class attraction to just a very good one.
 
That’s interesting. When we were all saying it was waiting for a part, I assumed it was a small bit of kit in a box. Never crossed my mind that the part could be a piece of track…
 
Gerst-ache is definitely a 'thing'. I suspect they will have to continue to replace bits of track quite frequently with the Smiler as it ages. It hasn't aged that well so far from my own experience. Back row rides are almost unbearable through certain elements.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top