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Doc

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Everything posted by Doc

  1. Tricky one for me as I can't do any of the May dates and I am not sure whether or not I will be working across the summer or not yet. Nevertheless, I would hate to miss out on it so providing it's not May or early June, I should be up for going.
  2. Will be able to come if it is the 2nd or 3rd. Haven't made an official Chessington meet yet and feel like I am missing out.
  3. Been completely distant from forums lately due to work so have just seen this but would once again love to attend providing it is the 20th. Look forward to seeing everyone again after so long,
  4. That was a test train which contained the basic chassis. They were likely there to ensure a train could make it around the track in the first place.
  5. Bear in mind we went on what was one the hottest days of the year but from what I could tell the place was doing pretty well for itself. When it opened at 10.00 it was fairly dead with few people wandering about compared to say Thorpe Park however by 11:30 crowds started emerging. After midday the carpark was over maximum capacity which included a bay of coaches and cars basically parking in front of one another. While the park was never completely packed, you could tell it was doing good trade. Honestly, I think it needs a while to reestablish itself fully but weather permitting, I think it is likely to succeed.
  6. Revisited Dreamland the other week for the first time since it reopened. I have plenty of pictures though unsure whether or not I will have the time to post them in a trip report. Thoughts and notable points from my visit The park itself looks great, bursting with colour and activity, especially when compared with previous eras. I felt there could have been more soft landscaping but I guess in these early years, flexibility is key as who knows what kind of rides will show up. The ride lineup still needs some work with the Scenic still down, and the teacups and Chairswing yet to make an appearance. Having said that the introduction of new hired rides like the Rotor, Topspin and vintage speedway really brings the ride count up and ensures you get your moneys worth. The arcade and mall that connects the park with the beach both look great. From pinball machines to a roller rink, the place really has a lot going for it. In the now modernized mall area where the Dreamland Emporium is, work is underway on one of the event venues that will be known as the Ballroom. I imagine this will open soon. It seems a similar situation is emerging with the 1930s buffet building on the other side of the park. Generally speaking, throughput seemed quite slow with some operators taking over several minutes to check restraints etc. Having said this, a lot of these were older rides and the amount of actual ride time you get on them really makes up for it. Next year with the arrival of a vintage Caterpillar ride, a vintage Ghost Train, the Scenic and hopefully the Teacups and Chairswing that were promised this year, it looks like the park will really start to take shape.
  7. Despite the railway not reportedly opening till October, I might try and make the trip up there before the end of summer to check out the new rides before they leave for the Autumn. I know they are now hosting the Barrel of Laughs rotor, a skyflyer, a topspin, a vintage speedway and mirror maze.
  8. http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/screamland-comes-to-margate-41525/ Sounds pretty sound to be fair. Hope someone on here can make the trip to give a review.
  9. Thanks for an awesome meet guys. Was great meeting new peeps as well as having a laugh with the ones I already knew. It was a solid night; from what I can remember. Praise be the T5 buffet breakfast!
  10. Its the media, it's what they do. It isn't nice but its always been that way and it sure as hell ain't changing just because we think it's unfair.
  11. The park is trending on facebook for the above incidents. On the somewhat brighter side, a lot of comments I have been reading seem to be asking how this is news seeing as it happens all the time. Ah British media..
  12. Good topic. Seeing as my childhood wish to buy a shed is now complete, I thought now would be a good time to make a proper bucketlist. Go to Vegas See Avicii (festival) Go to Paramount Park Learn to drive Get a job/placement Donate to a good cause Get with a girl in a club Go to the top of the Shard Visit re-imagined Dreamland Join a society (uni) Meet special someone Undertake a property development Night in London with friends Go on holiday with my bestmate Finish my RCT career Go inside Battersea Power Station Ride a strata coaster Do someone a good service Visit Florida (American theme parks) Stand up for myself Stay in a high class hotel Take chances That will start her off. If there is a 23, it will be to avoid any place that is cold.
  13. Shame a few of the rides couldn't open on time. I know they have brought in temporary replacements for a few such as the Helter Skelter, Twister, Chair swing and Teacups though I know many people were looking forward to the Caterpillar attraction which judging by news reports, was not ready. Regardless, the place still looks like a fantastic start and the general consensus seems to be positive which is good. I myself will be coming back when all the rides including the Scenic are in full swing.
  14. According to a post on Coasterforce much of the Wooden Wild Mouse (King Solomons ) would need to be rebuilt from scratch. Restoration sure doesn't come cheap these days.
  15. The former owners scrapped parts of the wooden wild mouse making it unusable. In order to make it economically viable and sustainable the park is no longer purely heritage based. It is designed to be a reflection of rides from every decade from the 1920s to now hence why we are seeing many 80s/90s rides pop up. Hardly ideal but at the end of the day they need to draw in the numbers to keep the place going and restoring old heritage rides does not come cheap at all. Something I don't think alot of non enthusiasts realise and appreciate. BPB Whip ride will come at a later date along with the Corbiere Wheel. If it doesn't deterorate on Ramsgate docks first.
  16. Providing I can get there I should be able to attend this. Not sure if I can afford both days but we will see how that goes.
  17. Doc

    Legoland

    Noo not the Orient Expedition. Swine..
  18. Whip is coming at a later stage. The Wild Mouse would require a fair bit of money spending on it and according to the trust is now missing components making a rebuild difficult.
  19. The Jets restored by Littleboy are looking great and actually seem pretty intense. Hopefully they ride as awesome as they look. I know an original caterpillar ride (of a similar age and history to Dreamland's old one) is planned for 2016 but we have to see what else is planned. Such a shame the old owners spite allowed several key rides/components to be scrapped. The opening lineup could have been vastly more exciting.
  20. Jack owning that slide! Good to see everyone enjoying themselves Wish I could make it to more of these meets..
  21. A few of the dates actually fall under the time I am back in Kent (to my surprise). The 3rd 4th and 6th. It seems likely the provisional date will be chosen however if it does fall under one of the earlier ones, it would be great to attend; especially now I have an annual pass.
  22. They recently submitted a further batch of planning applications that cover external details around the cinema building such as signage. The document also includes the installation of two Hollywood style 'Dreamland' signs, one made out of the old Scenic timbers as well as a prefab workshop and the erection of a 'Big Wheel'. A recent news article also mentions the possibility of a vintage driving school type attractions; seemingly similar to the ones located at Legoland and Alton. Little is mentioned on other rides and the general layout of the park as it all falls under permitted development.
  23. Unfortunately only date I could have made is the 28th as it coincided with my early Easter break. Such a shame I am missing all these promising meets, though hopefully by May/June I will be back on the ball.
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