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!