11 Comments:

I'm not sure I'd agree with you that Nemesis is "a textbook example of how statistics and unassuming layout can often amount to nothing" - however impressive the likes of RITA and the Thorpe S&S Twins look - I think 2005 is going to be relatively low-key - certainly in the UK.

Roll on 2006!

Tom Marshall

Author: Tom Marshall on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Sorry, what I meant was Nemesis has fairly unamazing statistics and a fairly unassuming layout, yet that doesn't amount to a poor ride. As I say, while it doesn't look good on paper, it's a great ride.

Author: MS on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I think the sentence is worded awkwardly! What I think it means is that the expected outcome of low statistics and unexciting layout is often different from what actually turns out to be. The expectations are worthless, not the end product.

Also, in the section on Rita, I thought the Stengel Dive was the overbanked corner like on Goliath and emulated on Silver Bullet, not the twisty-apex manoeuvre as suggested??

But great article as usual, filled with lots of humor.

I'm secretly looking forward to Rita. The launch should be pretty intense, with some nice helixes and an airtime bunny hop, although it appears very short. It's also intriguing as to how they will fit a leather-clad female racer into UG Land!

Author: Chris Simon on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

You're right about the Stengal dive - that term was used incorrectly. Lots of people call that sharp turn an Expedition Ge-Force turn after the element on (shock horror...) Expedition Ge-Force.

Thanks for the comments.

Author: MS on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I disagree that 2005 will be low key, I think it looks like one of the best years for a long time.

Firstly we have Rita. This ride is looking absolutely wonderful and should be everything that Air wasn't in my opinion.

Then we have Barnstorm. WOW. This looks absolutely amazing and should be one of th emost unique coasters in the world.

And finally we have Booster Biker at Flamingo Land. Booster Bike at Toverland is such good fun and Flamingo Lands should be even better and faster.

And then you have the new rides at Thorpe too which look like they should be a laugh.

2006 should be OK but not much better than 2005? New one at Oakwood, new Thorpe Park ride and probably another new ride at Flamingo Land. Have I forgotten something?

Si

Author: Simon on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I'm with Si here.

I'd say 2005 is an exceptional year for the UK. 3 new styles of coaster and not one an 'off the shelf' creation.

Roll on 2005

Greg

Author: Greg on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Rita looks *amazing* and I am also looking forward to Barnstormer at Drayton Manor. Also I will be doing Magnum Force for the first time this year and check out Coastersandmore.de for photos of their new Super Splash. Looks good fun!

Author: Michael on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Whilst reading the alphabet article, I was torn between sobs of laughter, joy, and pure unadaultered woe. For one thing, I can't believe that the Whip is going, to be replaced by a sure-to-be-crap rocket coaster [not to be pessimistic, but I am fed to the teeth with speed and height statistics, both of which I could care less about], as is Black Hole, and Bullet. And then there were the double-entendres with Rita and, of course [the one that had me doubled over]...

Here is a handy side view of the layout:

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Author: Sourcerer on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Thank you kindly for the feedback.

Well, I have good news with regards to the rocket coaster at Blackpool - it's been pushed back to at least 2009 according to the 235 club website (http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach235club.com) and another ride will frog hop it in the meantime.

I'm really upset to see the passing of the Whip, too, especially that it isn't really being replaced by anything other than relocated dogems. I know a lot of people have been quick to get the pitch forks out and start blaming Amanda Thompson, which I don't think is fair, but it is a shame nevertheless.

Since the article was written, Atlantica has opened at Europa Park. It looks really good, and has some great theming. Go to http://www.coastersandmore.de for an excellent photographic tour of the ride.

Slammer has yet to open at Thorpe Park. There have been quite a few technical problems, but it should hopefully be opening soon.

It's certainly a mixed season already. Thorpe Park looks great this year - they've been really busy with the paint brush (Vortex, Depth Charge, entrance area etc all painted), although Chessington was a real dissapointment - Peeking Heights looks awful, Dragon Falls has had the rockwork removed so now looks very sterile and characterless and Rodeo and Canopy Capers are both standing but not operational. Park looks quite worn in places too. Not a good start to the season.

Really looking forward to Barnstorm too. Hard to have expectations having not ridden a looping Maurer coaster before. The new cars are comfortable, so it will be interesting to see how the ride performs. Good luck to Drayton Manor for such an adventurous ride, too.

Author: MS on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I have ridden:

Slammer Good ride although a bit too much of a head rush for me. I don't really like that feeling although can see why people do.
Rita Really fun ride, very fast although am not keen on the name. Only got on it once though

I am really looking forward to Drayton Manors new coaster though. There are pictures on screamscape.com although it isn't called Barnstorm any more. The two main loops are up and look amazing! This should be the real surprise in 2005.

Apparently BPB are getting a big new ride next year too now.

Author: mikeb on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I'm a member of ride staff at drayton manor and can tell you 'project x' will either be Barn Storm, Barn Stormer or G-Force which is a rumour flying around because the opening is expected to be done by G4.

Author: Faith on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

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