Black Hole (Alton Towers)

Hi and sorry to coaster crazy. I made a bit of a mess earlier.

Anyway I would like to ask what other people think to the closure of the Black Hole at Alton Towers. The reason I ask is because I am trying to make a web-site all about the old coaster. Adding to this if there is anyone with and video of photos of the ride then please,please could you send me a link. I am really desperate to get the site moving a bit!

[8)]

Hi coasterboaster,


Why not have a look at my report from the closing event here:

http://www.coastercrazy.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7603

It has lots of links to media from the event of the ride etc, videos of onride with lights on for example.




It was a shame that Black Hole had to close, but I can see the reasoning and obviously the area can be invested in for the future.

However, (and I'm being careful what I say here), I believe that it was also foolish to not renew its operating license, and at least keep it open at least long enough for Rita's appeal to fade. The reason for this is that it was a great coaster to soak up queues, and aurely it can never do harm to have another coaster!?

It seems silly to me that with Rita they are bringing increased traffic to the UgLand/X-Sector areas, and yet have less rides than they did the year before!

E.g. Look at the queues:

(2004 = With Black Hole)
(2005 = Without Black Hole)

2004: Oblivion - Avg. 60mins
2005: Oblivion - Avg. 80mins

2004: Corkscrew - Avg. 15mins
2005: Corkscrew - Avg. 35mins

2004: [Predicted Rita - Avg. 60mins]
2005: Rita - Avg. 90mins


More reasons why it should of been kept in operation?

Well just look at it now - sat there, perfectly safe to ride, perfectly ready [if you dont mind using a ladder for evac.] for the public to ride, but closed.
The only thing stopping it from running to the public is that its 'MOT' certificate has run out...

Nobody has bought it either, so its unlikely that anything will happen to the site for 2006. 2007? Major coaster? If so, will anything be done then either?

It's an all too similar story for Tussauds this year, what with The Flying Fish [Thorpe Park] having been removed, dumped in the storage yard, waiting for a buyer to no avail. Do we want this to happen to Black Hole?


Anyway, I feel that the situation is just weird right now concerning Black Hole, it really bridged the gap between the major thrill coasters, and kiddie coasters - the perfect family ride...and the worst thing is that it was always popular, with queues to prove it, right until the end.
It was also one of the easier rides to operate. Albeit with high maintenance


Anyway [conclusion attempt No.2!], I feel that:

1. My post has gone on for long enough.

2. That the first day off I get next will be spent at Blackpool - where I can actually ride some [open!] classic coasters.

3. That to lighten my moany mood throughout this post, its in need of a smiley.

4. Here is that smiley ----> [dorkhat]


Phew...Glad I got that off my chest...

dragon2000 [pshades]


p.s. Good Luck with yor project!

Hmm average queue to Oblivion 1 hour? I have never ever had to queue more than 30 minutes of all the times i've been

Originally posted by Edge

Hmm average queue to Oblivion 1 hour? I have never ever had to queue more than 30 minutes of all the times i've been

Going off-topic but anyway:

Basically there's been a huge amount of fiascos with SRQ's/Priority Q's taking up 1 out of 2 main queue lines for Oblivion, causing Q's of over 1.5 hours in the earlier season. Nightmare for all, guests, staff.

It's also taking account the average of all queue times so far in the season, including the dreaded school holiday/school trip season!


Hang on a second...why am I explaining myself [:p] !?

[gouldy]

hmmm, I'm not really bothered either way on this subject, I didn't ride the Black Hole on any the last 5 occasions that i was at Alton Towers, it was a crappy ride that did nothing other than crush your guts at the brakes at the end, especially when you have my dad sitting behind you (all 20 stone of him) ..... stupid two in a row seats. Actually, the quicker they can rip it out and shove a decent ride in there the better IMO ........ not that they will of course, they'll probably just leave it for a few years [;)]