Alton Towers - SW7 - "The Smiler"

[gouldy]

Dat transformation.

[coolbeans326]

So it's 12 inversions right? Looks great! Alton Towers consistently puts the most into every attraction. I'm always impressed by what they do.

[gouldy]

14 Inversions, in total!


Video of them testing the LEDs on The Marmaliser:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151364713136050


It seems that there is one screen not working and they've got the bottom half of the image going to the top row of screens and the top half of the image going to the bottom row of screens But I'm sure they'll work all that out!

Yeah, 14 inversions, but they're definitely going to try and claim 15 using that "disorientator" it seems.

[gouldy]

We'll have to see what happens, but I'm pretty sure there's no way for them to claim another inversion at this point. We saw the entire track going in, from start to finish, completely uncovered, and at no point was there any piece of track that would be capable of rotation.

[Coasterkidmwm]

The transfer track goes upsidedown for easier maintenance.

[TheArchitect]

Clearly showed that its going to have a disorientator.

[gouldy]

I know, it has a few of us confused; like I say, we saw the entire track going in, and none of it has any potential for any kind of rotational movement.

So for me it seems like it's just marketing terms. The track itself could be referred to as "The Disorientator", and the rotations in degrees to which it refers could just be the inversions on the track. Literally no idea at this point what they're referring to, but... to sound like a broken record... we saw every piece of track go in.

[GRIM.657]

I think the washing machine element has to be there somewhere, they wouldn't be calling the whole ride The Disorientator, and the way the train rotates in that clip... it has to be it.

[gouldy]

We'll have to see. Like I say, we saw all the track go in, however: The area after in the indoor barrel roll and before the first chainlift has been completely covered over for what seems like 2 months now - it's not beyond the realms of plausibility that the track inside that cover has been phsycially change during that time, but it would be highly unusual.


Edit:

Rollercoasters4life on Towerstimes.co.uk, said this, which seems to make sense:


"The screen goes up from 0 to 360 - I'm guessing that is the number it stops at and restarts from 0. The word below it is 'Rotation' (meaning one) not 'Rotations' (meaning multiple rotations). So a 360 rotation (complete circle) is a Barrel roll like we have indoors. Then the word Strobes is on the screen meaning strobe lighting.

So basically, to me it just means strobe lighting while going down the first drop and through the first barrel roll indoors and they have named that section 'The Disorientator'. None of this 'washing machine' element.

I do believe however, there will be a little pre-show on the straight track after the first barrel roll and before the first lift hill."


That sounds like he's hit the nail on the head to me, but again... it's going to be one of those things where we have to just wait and see. Well done to Alton Towers, to be fair, for allowing it to get to within weeks of the opening date and still even the coaster enthusiast community hasn't got a clue what's going on for sure

[Metazoanhaddock]

but this IS Merlin we're talking about...

[gouldy]

From Merlin's magazine:

"Projection video mapping - a technology which creates 2D or 3D objects in a virtual environment. Using this technique we can add extra dimensions, optical illusions and notions of movement onto previously static objects. We are already about to trial this technique at Alton Towers where we will play with peoples' minds in the ride pre-show for the new Smiler ride".

So there will be a pre show in that area before the lift, and this technique will be used during that pre-show. This, again, could very well be "The Disorientator"...

Has anyone else heard rumors of the 4D trains? Sorry If I'm behind

[Coasterkidmwm]

We've seen pictures of the trains. They're just long (car numbers) Eurofighter trains

Yeah I know that.. I'm talking about special effects in the seats. Apparently they'll buzz in the pre-show

[gouldy]

I will be really disappointed if the seats buzz, or there are prodders or ticklers in the car; that would be a bit rubbish. But it is a possibility, of course

[Coasterkidmwm]

[TheArchitect]

well, they could use projections and screens to give the illusion of a washing machine effect.

[gouldy]

Haha! This seems to ruin the atmoshpere of the ride, a little.

[Turbo]

Originally posted by gouldy

Haha! This seems to ruin the atmoshpere of the ride, a little.

Are you kidding me?!? I think it adds to the ride! lol

[TheArchitect]

at least they weren't looking at porn.

[gouldy]

Testing the Inoculator:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152772035370364

That looks a bit overboard, I pity anyone sitting in the seat that gets hit.

If I had to guess they will spray the water before the car passes, and right as the car gets there the jets will turn off and you'll get misted.

[Coasterkidmwm]

And it'll break and have no timing in 3 months.