planenut

I understand that due to the water table in that area, they will not be incorporating service tunnels, which means that all staff and services will all be served at ground level. It is going to be interesting to watch progression and see what Merlin may have to do.

So true, but it annoys me that Merlin does not appear to pick up on the difference. How can they not assess their operations.

Sadly, there are some very optimistic visitor figures being bandied about. TP and AT get about 2.5 million annually, yet the PR for Universal are talking of 8.5 million which is a massive figure in comparison. There is a limit to the potential visitor market, though their plans appear to include larger entertainment venues and accomodation than Orlando to serve more, but to me, the more hype, the more doubt for longevity. The Government refer to the numbers employed to "build" but no mention of their future employment. It is a massive project and I do hope that it goes ahead. However, logically, it would deplete the number of visitors attending venues that exist now.

Happy Birthday Grand National, 90 years old today, a "cracking" ride!

Quite, that on Stealth is actually, well, not on again. There's more smoke from vapers in the queue sucking their dummies than the machine.

It's an interesting question. I have spent too much of my life waiting so I don't like queuing and when it comes to riding, I do take it into account. It depends also on the people around you, and any themeing, this particularly relates to whether one is alone. The chatter amongst a group can be enjoyable, if you're included. The atmosphere can be affected, especially if the Park is "dead".

It's true, really. Sat on Stealth today, waiting for launch, person next to me (adult).... "What's that wire going to the top?" Me: "That's so if the train gets stuck at the top , they pull that cable which pulls out a valve at the top causing the whole frame to deflate, lowering everybody safely to the ground!" My co-rider looked up to the top and declared, "makes sense"!

Thank you very much, that's useful.

Sounds promising Dan, Thanks.

Sorry to ask gang, has anybody seen how Stealth is operating within the last three days?

Hurrah, ah, oh, hurry.

Enjoy your day, and hope you can get some useful info?

Thanks for the encouraging comments folks.........I am suffering withdrawal symptoms, so keeping a close eye on things.

Thank you Josh.

There's no problem with that, luckily.

As Josh alludes to, TP is not likely to get more than 2.5 million, but not due to the needs of those visitors but the limit on capacity. As much as I like TP, it will always be a gravel pit. Alton Towers was a stately home and grounds, created originally, for one family. The Universal has a blank canvas, with access already being to it's advantage. It seems I am painting it up, but the better it is, more people will go there and leave Stealth at TP to me.

Great ride, which can induce great cramps, then you cannot relieve that until off the ride. Luckily, I've given up wearing earings.

Some parts have to be made, some decisions too. If the parts are very expensive it will not be paid for from the standard budget. The fix is getting closer, no doubt.

That's Thursday onwards then, I too am hopeful.

Todays BBC article has some interesting info on this, "only Universal park to be in Europe", talking with local educational establishments, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yrg95rp5wo The site is far more suited as a "brownfield site", which will help with planning/development, and lack of massive industrial employers suggests more potential workforce.

Much more chance of going ahead though I can't imagine many folks aiming to use Luton Airport to get there. Though this is not a Governmental project, their employment figures are a bit far-fetched. It will be interesting as to the source of the bricks.

Sad news, and as has been said, such a shame for those relying on it for employment, though seasonal From where I am in West London, such a long way over there. Though the park was appearing run down over the last four years, after "Meggies" refurb there was hope. With neighbouring entertainments, ironically created by the same original owner, for some that would be a better location. Megafobia is a great coaster.

First run yesterday..........the only coaster to have run this year.

Someone told me on Friday that the SRQ took an hour, good luck if intending to ride it.