The Smiler - Construction Discussion

[Themeparksandy1981]

I guess it's the footers that take the longest to do as they have to be set bang on.

[ReZourceman]

Oh god this is too good. Will definitely hit up Alton Towers at Halloween, and will be massively excited to check this out. Will a lot of track work happen over closed period, likely, or will some be done before closing? Apart from Thirteen what were the other recent rides/coasters construction periods like?

[MatthewR1990]

Oh god this is too good. Will definitely hit up Alton Towers at Halloween, and will be massively excited to check this out. Will a lot of track work happen over closed period, likely, or will some be done before closing? Apart from Thirteen what were the other recent rides/coasters construction periods like?

You will find that they will attempt to do as much as possible through closed season. But you have to remember that there also the worst seasons for work. So they will compromise by also doing as much as possible before hand. It takes a lot of time and effort planning to build things to a schedule and even worse when trying to keep things secret.

[Nightfall]

From memory I think the track is nearly always complete before closed season. Th13teen's outdoor section definitely was because the only remaining track piece (the freefall drop) was lowered into position 2 days after the season ended. Saw's track was completed early October. The Swarm was the latest (if Wikipedia is to be believed), completed on the 23rd of November but I seem to recall most the visible track was in place when the park closed.

[stretchy]

Photos from today

Site overview


This is an area that has been cleared at the back towards the access road, There looks like a small building being built back there but you cant see it on any of the photos, just occasionaly through the trees.


View from the bottom of the site (by the gates)


view from the bottom looking parrallel to the gates


View towards the back of the old queue line


And finally a view from the other end

[PeteB]

Excellent pics! Really exciting to see progress!

[SwEDEN]

What is that last picture of?

[Rob]

Looks like an old tunnel you used to walk though or something like that.

[The Terminator]

I think that's the back of the Blackhole entrance, but could be wrong.

[PeteMadden]

Looks like the early signs of SW7 are finally starting to be seen judging by stretchy's photos. I'll try and get you all some pictures when I'm up there in about a month

[stretchy]

The last pic is taken from the spitball side of the toilets by the gents entrance. So basically the opposite of pic 1. It is of the other side of the entrance to the BH. The cylindrical section is all that's left of the the start of the bridge.

[Chubba]

In the last pic, is that the "secret weapon inside" banner from SW6??

[Chaz]

In the last pic, is that the "secret weapon inside" banner from SW6??

Good spot! I believe it is.


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[Adam]

Hmm that is indeed a good spot! I wonder if they are planning to use that at some point...?

To refresh memories, we mean this right...?

[Rob]

Yes that would be correct. Maybe they will use it on site to cover / promote the new ride.

[Boz]

In the last pic, is that the "secret weapon inside" banner from SW6??

HA! damn you've got good eyes.
i wonder when and where this will be put up?

[sixstringhotshot88]

maybe the banner will be placed on the station building.

[Chubba]

Surley they wont use it again!? If they do then thats a whole new level of lazyness from Merlin!

[meames]

I wouldn't say lazy, its not like it says Th13teen on it or owt - and 99% of people seeing it will not realise anyway - better than paying £50 and getting another one which will only be used for 6 months or so.

[Chubba]

Fair play!  so when do we think footers will start to be poured?