planenut

Happy New Year to all, may we have many Happy Returns!

No surprise there, and no need to lambast the ride or equipment. Safety procedures are there for a reason.

Sorry I didn't see you. I wasn't originally going but chanced it. Due to the dank weather, daft queues on Colossus and Swarm I left mid afternoon. Chatting to engineers, the Manufacturers engiineers called the shots on the servicing and are not "season" aware it seems.

In this environment, I believe that it is more a case of them not taking on next season. Merlin are in a different position financially, and doesn't look too promising for those hoping for a half term opening.

I rode it yesterday, with a whole train waiting for me, the single rider to step on the platform, as I announced to all "it's okay, I'm here, we can go now!" crackers.

What amazed me was how quiet audibly the queues were, noticeably so.

Cannot see where to post this, so , it's here. My visit to TP today 4th November Went to TP today knowing that my favourite ride has been "taken out", but suspecting that will be my last chance to get there this year, and with the weather being okay. Stealth is ten years old next year and because of that, they have started servicing it now, in the season, doh! They are in fact working on it as the accumulators are in pieces and it is all fenced off. Supposedly that means it will be ready for the half term in February? (watch that space, seriously!) The park was really low on visitors, so I got that bit right, as all rides were virtually walk-on. Met a load of familiar staff on Nemesis Inferno and had many rides on that, and several other people were allowed to re-ride. Samurai was working.(I don't do that) Saw still a bit rough, re-rode. Swarm, still too smooth for me, but no queue. Colossus performing well, not too rough, and no queue, so allowed to stay on, for a few spins. I quite like Vortex, though not enough swings, and only four people on it.

That has to be one of the most stupid comments I have ever read on this site.

Still would prefer five revolutions!

Good to see you again Whiteknuckle, not sure if you came back to Stealth later, it was difficult spotting people in the dark. The dispatch message was okay, I'm not sure about the arrival on the return though. (Say "Hi" to your Mum)

Went to Thorpe Park yesterday, Friday, and it was a "fright night" event, which meant that for an extra £5 I got an evenings riding as well, as I don't do mazes etc.. First thing in the morning it was foggy and fantastic to ride Stealth up into the "clouds", I imagine like being on the outside of an aeroplane in cloud. As the fog dispersed, one could see the bank of it, yet see over it. The day was pretty sunny, yet cool in the shade. In the evening session, I noticed that as it became just very slightly misty, the shadow of Stealth was cast by the flood lights on that mist, weird, and could only be seen when going over the top-hat. Then spotted the space station going over and able to point that out to people around me, who like most others, are oblivious to it's existence. Oh, the park, yes well during the day, not too busy; in the evening it did become busier which was not helped by SWARM going down for most of the evening, and they had tested five trains by the time the park closed at 10p.m., and I think Nemesis Inferno had some down time too.

Well they haven't opened it yet; staff were there in training and it was being tested late on Saturday. The Merlin rep. stated that Smiler still has not been given it's certificate.

Will do!

I'm there on Saturday and things are looking very promising.

The park is certainly leaning more towards the youngsters now, with less movement on the apparent coaster direction. Logically, if it's making money there is no need to move away from the current theme.

If it is human error, and the ride is not at fault, then they are accountable, and it be will the Judicial System that deals with them, and not Merlin. Merlin are in business to make money for share holders and to entertain, in that order. They have suffered terribly on the first count, and have already proved they are not out for "scalps".

It's so easy to criticize, so this is a great post, and if I can, I always thank and praise the staff, it is only right.

Your lucky, if you'd had a blow-out in it you could have been off the path in a heap!

Where did that come from ? "Typing things like "Less queues for us then" or things like that is insensitive as this is a death after all"

Second try at this posting - Until the cause is officially announced I cannot add further to that conjecture - sad to say, people have been injured, their lives have been changed, and some people are worried about their job security. Reports by major Departments are often unduly delayed, my own employer is awaiting a report of an inspection from over seven months ago; the Smiler incident is of major public interest and should be competently hurried along.

The cause was pretty obvious; Merlin need to get this sorted as the longer it remains closed without obvious remedial action will arouse more suspicion. We are all guilty of some conjecture, but if a head is to roll, then let it, and get on.

Most times one just gets given a "fast track for a lesser ride" but kick up about it and you would gain from that. I think you'll find that the ticket is valid for several months.

I doubt very much that his friends or family will be on this forum; sad for them, horrible for those affected by it at the park, he was an idiot. If you don't feel you could call him that, then you must be lonely on your planet.

Considering what they're going to get today, it's probably a good thing.

I didn't see the point of collecting them, but I got one!