September 26, 20159 yr comment_218920 While this might seem insignificant, the smiler has been added back to http://ridetimes.co.uk, perhaps another indication that it will be opening soon?
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218922 I swear its always been on ridetimes?It was removed shortly after the accident.
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218925 It was removed shortly after the accident. Maybe it was removed shortly after the accident, I can't remember. It's defiantly been on there for the last 2 months or so though.
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218928 It was there when we went the weekend of the TPM meet, but after I couldn't tell you.
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218947 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3250358/Alton-Towers-boss-tells-Smiler-victim-ve-lost-lot-money.html If true, Varney is an idiot.
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218948 After not even putting a toenail out of line during this whole thing, I'd be surprised if Varney really did say it in the manner that the Fail are describing it. Then again, the victims have been very reasonable and understanding when it comes to the public speaking about the event. So it's hard to tell really. Maybe there was a misunderstanding when a question was asked or something? Whatever it was, I just can't see Varney or anyone from Merlin saying to a victim 'We're losing money because of the crash and we want to reopen the ride as quickly as possible', as is being described in the article.
September 26, 20159 yr comment_218949 The Fail would take something so simple into a huge headlining story. The best thing to do is just ignore these stories & look forward to Smiler opening... There's been ALOT of site activity the past couple of weeks... it's coming back!
September 27, 20159 yr comment_218951 Just read the article and, well it's The Daily Mail soooo you have to take what they say which a pinch of salt (or bag full). It would make sense for him to speak to the victims before reopening The Smiler out of respect - however after the way he conducted himself with that awful interview with Kay Burley, and even just after the incident he seems to be very diplomatic. If (and it's a big if) he did explain the situation in the way it's described I would be very surprised. I for one hope that The Smiler reopens soon and that Merlin pick up business at Alton Towers but at the same time I can see why the young lady would feel angry at them - all the victims have been extremely dignified following the accident and their bravery has been outstanding - they probably hoped it would never reopen again and if it does then maybe it's too soon for them to mentally absorb (if that makes sense) - in less that a 4 month period so much has happened to them - yes they will be compensated and have already had payments but perhaps it feels like a kick in the teeth to reopen a ride that they thought was going to kill them. Of course we all know that they wouldn't open it if it was unsafe but none of us were there on that ride during the terrible accident or could comprehend how it has affected the people involved emotionallt
September 27, 20159 yr comment_218954 I call bull**** on this story. Neither Varney or Balch have acted in this way through the entire thing and I suspect every quote is being taken completely out of context.
October 13, 20159 yr comment_220763 http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/469711/The-Smiler-Alton-Towers-use-park-employess-ride-safe Guinea pigs?
October 13, 20159 yr comment_220764 http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/469711/The-Smiler-Alton-Towers-use-park-employess-ride-safe Guinea pigs? It's okay, no one reads the Daily Star.
November 5, 20159 yr comment_222711 Just stumbled upon this pic on google can we take a moment to appreciate how great that looks
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223861 Already mentioned in the other thread but the ride is now confirmed to be returning for the 2016 season according to the BBC News Twitter
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223862 I expect if Feb half term happens... Smiler and oblivion in place of nemesis and air...
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223863 Well the outcome of the investigation does not surprise me one bit and am glad the ride will be reopening again next year regardless of the press's ignorant views. That being said, this accident should have never happened in the first place and I am sure it was unavoidable, which as a result we are set for a dark age for the forseable future at our Merlin parks as a result.
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223864 Well the outcome of the investigation does not surprise me one bit and am glad the ride will be reopening again next year regardless of the press's ignorant views. That being said, this accident should have never happened in the first place and I am sure it was unavoidable, which as a result we are set for a dark age for the forseable future at our Merlin parks as a result. It was very avoidable...
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223865 Maybe Towers shouldn't buy the Tesco Value version of coasters in future.
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223867 Interesting comment seeing as the ride operated as it should have. This was down to human error, not the ride. Gerst and intamin are the only really possible manufactures for the smiler anyway. Intamin would have had throughput issues so Gerst were pretty much the only option.
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223868 Interesting comment seeing as the ride operated as it should have. This was down to human error, not the ride. Gerst and intamin are the only really possible manufactures for the smiler anyway. Intamin would have had throughput issues so Gerst were pretty much the only option. It's quite obvious that The Smiler has a problem with stalling, that is not "operating as it should have".
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223869 Lots of rides have problems with stalling. That is not the ride manufactures fault that is the track layout.
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223870 Lots of rides have problems with stalling. That is not the ride manufactures fault that is the track layout. I didn't mention the manufacturer, let alone say it was the fault of them.
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223871 Tesco Value version of coasters Then what did you mean by that then?
November 24, 20159 yr comment_223872 Then what did you mean by that then? Cheap, poorly put together and lesser quality of product (the ride as a whole - track layout etc).
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