Bye bye Slammer?

[AeRo]

Amid much speculation surrounding the future of Slammer, we can exclusively reveal that a decision will be made soon whether to replace a structural part at significant cost, or simply scrap the trouble gripped ride.

What would you do?

Personally, I think that Slammer it's an exceptional ride, but was never suited to Thorpe 'poor ride uptime' Park. From day one, they have failed to keep the ride running consistently. So I think that they should cut their loses and use the space for a decent, high capacity, low maintenance, flat ride.

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[monsterdan5]

Hmm, whilst its a great ride - it probably is best if it is replaced... along with X:NWO.

[Swift747]

Although Slammer gives rides a unique experience, I think it is a terrible ride. The seats are uncomfy, it hurts a heck of a lot when riding it and my neck always feels broken after riding it. I Haven't been on Slammer in maybe 3 years now despite over 20 visits to thorpe park since then simply because its a crap ride, replace it and get rid of NWO too, then you can fit 2 flat rides or one rollercoaster in the vacant space

[monsterdan5]

Yeah it can be quite painful if you don't get the restraints just right, I don't really think its the best of rides for most people. Its a unique experience, but it can't be this unreliable.

Welcome to the forums though

[sparky]

Never been on Slammer as it's not my type of enjoyable flat ride, also flatten X:NWO the combined area is perfect for a medium size "woodie" which TP needs to complete it's line-up.

Maybe a 200ft "Star Flyer" can be added in "Slammers" place.

TP should consider a couple of these flat rides in the X:NWO building if they want to go "Extreme":

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[monsterdan5]

The effects on that flat in the second video are pretty cool

You see I still think X has potential if they actually themed it well. Perhaps something like the above could go where Hellgate is/was as that is actually quite a large space.

But yes, a woodie at Thorpe would be nice - not sure if the Slammer area would be a good place though. Speaking of Slammer, the problem we have is if Slammer is removed its very likely nothing will replace it - at least for a few years anyway.

So I think the best option (unless Thorpe are willing to get a replacement for next year) is to ensure it is kept up and running - until a replacement is found and then it can be removed and replaced seamlessly I would hate it to be SBNO for a long time.

[sparky]

I'm sure Merlin Group can afford a few million to purchase a new ride to replace "slammer" within a few months if needed without it SBNO for years.

[monsterdan5]

Of course they can afford it, its whether they would bother or not. Recent cutback's suggest that would be a big no.

[AeRo]

Surely 'cutbacks' implies that they can't afford investment?

[monsterdan5]

Yes it does, thats what these supposedly are. They are probably better described as cost saving or something.

[DoubleL]

I quite like Slammer, and I'd prefer to see Colossus go, that hurts me more than Slammer does. Plus it's noisy.
And you could fit a decent coaster in Colossus's space whereas Slammer doesn't take up much room.

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[ormerod]

My experiences of Slammer were surprisingly good. I thought it was an enjoyable, thrilling ride experience. Obviously, with it being high maintenance, the removal of Slammer will be a good chance for Thorpe to now provide something of equal measure with lower maintenance.

I don't think Thorpe need to replace Slammer/X:NWO with a new coaster at this time. They are already well equipped.

[VELOCITY RULES]

I think it should go, even though I only rode it once a couple of years back. It was painful and uncomfortable, not what a ride should be.

[sparky]

In a small space you can build a woodie like this one:

Boardwalk Bullet - http://rcdb.com/3757.htm?p=18309

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPCGFWnRAMc

[JoshC.]

Simply put, Slammer just isn't worth the trouble.

There's only so far you can say 'Well, this ride is unique' and put up with the constant issues it has in my opinion. The ride seemingly isn't that popular and is down almost as much as it is up. I just feel as though it is a burden on the park's costs and engineering team.

However, what could be done to it to if the park call it quits? Should it just be left SBNO and just left there until natural development occurs? Or leave it SBNO and reopen it at a later date after it's had a good rejuvination (of it's possible of course)? Tear it down ASAP and replace it with nothing? Hold up other development plans and replace it? No idea seems particularly great in my eyes, even if the end of Slammer is the best option.

I've been lead to believe that the park are planning on reopening Slammer, whenever that may be, however and will continue to put their efforts into it. If that is the case, then fair play to the park; great to see them putting in so much effort into a ride. Nonetheless, I cannot help but feel that by the end of the decade, that area, along with X and Storm Surge should be crying out for removal and for a major development...