MattyMoo

I do remember the groundworkers being completely shocked when I told them that the countdown website to a March 2013 opening had gone live.

That's abandoned "Old Town" themeing, how very dare you.

I think you are right - like I just edited my post to say, if you look back at Smiler construction, it's shocking how little was done until Winter 2012 - the first track was in place at the end of October 2012! I appreciate woodies are a whole different kettle of fish, but still...

I'm sure Smiler PR was far more advanced at this stage of construction, from memory...? One would assume a start of the season opening considering how quickly construction is progressing... I think that would do Merlin a lot of favours if that was the case. EDIT: Looking back - the Smiler site had no vertical construction whatsoever at this stage (Aug 2012), track arrived middle of September...! At least that implies SW8 is porgressing nicely.

"World class experience" is an interesting term.... sounds a bit half-arsed to me (hashtag pessimist) Looking at the coding for the page - the background is called "wood1.jpg" so that implies to me that the coaster is going to be made of wood Agree on the branding iron vibe, I was thinking that too.

Am definitely VIP-ing it this year for the sake of £60 - regretted not doing that last year at my first visit to Tulleys

Looks like two shipping containers stuck together with a yellow slide to get out, hope this helps? Surprised it's not an upsell attraction tbh.

This does tickle me Next time I go to Thorpe I'm going to wear an empty Kellogs box round my neck so people know I paid "half price" to get in.

Heyyyy - I like the Swarm! Whether the preshow isn't perhaps that impressive - you can't deny that the Swarm island is pretty damn impressive looking theming wise - it puts the most of the "island like no other" to shame really.

Hey you gotta have a hobby m8!

Amazing graphic design work lads, 9/10 - only way it could be improved is if they used Comic Sans.

Two things: 1. I don't really get the hYpE behind pop badges, soz 2. Someone on the MAP Facebook page congratulated Merlin on getting some listings on eBay removed selling pop badges - I don't see the problem, sure it's not with the "spirit" of pop badges swapping etc. but it's not as if it's against any laws as such? They're just plastic discs given away free... 3. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Merlin-Pop-Badge-myfirstcoaster-Thorpe-park-/222593949077?hash=item33d3a21d95:g:xbYAAOSwReBZc4h~ - if you pay for £45 for a small plastic disc with a sticker on it, you are an absolute idiot.

Dropping = drop tower = finally the second duelling Detty tower, REJOICE!

Details details...! Are the queue line TV's working again does anyone know? Be a shame for all that production of a rolling news channel - which was genuinely impressive - go to waste.

Yep - the safety alert from KMG specified particular model numbers/makes - this just confirms the fact.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40788040 This article details KMG Afterburners that are closed in the UK - as mentioned, Vortex does not appear affected or under scrutiny.

Yep I agree Hellements will go - that was by far the weakest maze last year. The novelty just didn't work.

I am actually genuinely impressed. If this works

Vortex's reference is KMG-2001-FRB-32-033-01 so is not affected it seems.

The footage of the accident on a top-spin type ride in China from earlier in the year was also incredibly chilling - the difference was there, that China's "knock off" rides aren't renowned for their safety whereas this is an established and trusted manufacturer - one would assume that an error has been made in construction as it's a mobile version but who knows

Is there any difference to the travelling type of Afterburner to Vortex at Thorpe, or is that simply a travelling model that's permanently in the ground?

What's up with our bae, planenut? Essential maintenance?

Shocking stuff The Telegraph cut the video - but a whole pod comes away from it's arm Is this a KMG Afterburner?

World's First 1-person Top Spin inside a portakabin

Has Vicky Balch commented on this yet? Am waiting for a tabloid article that somehow links this incident to The Smiler.