Vinlarr89

They need to develop a system that is on the zero car that in the event of a valley can be hooked up to a power supply (battery) and power the train to the top of the outerbank, it should make it back from there even from a standing start

Seen someone on X earlier suggesting that the issue is a faulty motor on one of the drive wheels just before the lift which is causing it to trip out. If true at least that would be a relatively routine fix

Why not go the whole hog, take the lift hill down increase the angle by a couple of degrees and add 5-8 ft to the top of it. Should do the trick 😉 All seriousness though, a zero car with a ballast tank built in? Fill it during downtime then empty it before sending first riders around. Seems the cheapest solution.

I very much would have thought the demolition of two big structures for a rollercoaster would only be done when all other available land has been utilised for ride construction. To recap there is the land behind swarm which is large, and if the hotel ever gets built where the planning permission was applied for there is another prime real estate plot at the front of the park which was identified for a coaster. One day I’d like to see the pyramid come down and a brand new show building constructed there to house a new modern dark coaster. However there are many many other issues to resolve first at the park

To be honest whatever happens to ghost train, flattening the building after 10-15 years of operation would be ridiculous quite frankly. Can see the building being repurposed for a complete new ride system one day. Even the possibility of combining it with the area of the walking dead when that goes. All that being said, the walking dead ride building also has solar panels adorning it, I don’t foresee that being there for another 10 years, however I’ll caveat all of that by saying this is Merlin, and there are far more areas requiring attention before removal and replacement of rides, including new areas ready for development.

So frustrating that Merlin financials have put them in this position, honesty felt the last couple of years that things were moving in the right direction, and the beach felt like a really positive move for the park, that could open up late night events etc throughout the season. Sadly it feels like if this is postponed or cancelled then it’s a step backwards

Fond memories of Hydro as a kid. What a ride it was!! Unfortunately the accident was the end of it

I live in hope that an investor comes in for Thorpe / Chessie and Towers. My biggest concern is the level of investment towers and Thorpe are going to need over the coming years with the aging profile of their rides.

This Merlin saga just couldn’t have come at a worse time for Thorpe. Just as they’re finally on the up and need more investment to stay on that trajectory.

Totally agree with the multi launch coaster. So many options in the market today, and it really feels like a gap in the lineup. Intamin multi launch would probably be my preference, but a Mack Stryker would be a great addition. Wouldn’t even need a top hat IMO, keep it low and snappy! RMC- would need to be a good one or not bother at all IMO. 170-180ft range, great first drop etc etc. not sure it’s needed because of the range of rides already available, but I have no doubt it would draw crowds! Vekoma flyer. Something outside the box. Feels like it could work especially if it was launched instead of having lift hills.

Just go all out and bring a fury 325 regen 😂

Out of interest for the next major investment. What would people’s top 3 be?

Agree, personally think they will target their 50th anniversary, which is 2029?!?? Would make sense as the next major attraction for the park. What that is… or where it goes who knows. I think your point in relation to the anticipation or reaction to universal is really valid. Hard to know what timescales universal assuming it goes ahead would work to, but can’t see it being prior to 2030 as it’s a whole resort from scratch. It would then also work for Thorpe to go for a major attraction in 2029 prior to universal, then aim to target circa 2032/33 once the universal buzz starts to calm down. in addition to this, Thorpe Chessington and Legoland all stand to profit from Universal, as it draws people in to visit from afar. Hence why I think all 3 will invest in more accommodation as part of this. Just my take on it

My understanding is from last year during Hyperia build a significant amount of material was placed on this island. I thought back then that it was probably a sign that it would be for future development. Still think this is probably 2030 ish tbh 🤔

Got to agree with Mark here. For me it’s a top top ride and would love to see one at Thorpe one day (hopefully to replace Saw). I will caveat it by saying that personally I think it does require a strong theme, and this isn’t Thorpes strongpoint, so maybe a better fit as a RITA replacement at AT