RIP Corkscrew at Alton Towers 1980 - 2008

[KingVeveraine]

Alton Towers have finally taken the decision to remove the oh so famous Corkscrew coaster from it's lineup. I am personally very sad to see it go but am excited to see that they replace it with!

Full Story Here! (http://www.altontowers.com/pages/theme-park/thrills/goodbye-to-the-corkscrew)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1414/963050980_5303cce32b.jpg?v=0
RIP!

[Small Print]

Can't say that I'm really going to miss it. Incredibly rough, over after the corkscrews, I have no nostalgia or sentiment towards it.

[thetrooper]

Aww...that's a shame but a new thrill ride will be good, they're spending too much on family things imo. It was rough but I still liked going on it a couple of times and there weren't big queues for it...especially after Rita arrived.

I thought they were going to leave it standing somewhere even if it wasn't operating just because it was the first coaster...guess not.

[gavt1976]

I was only 10 when i went on the corkscrew at alton towers and it was amazing but now i am glad that it is going because everything was going wrong with it so really i am happy.

[Harpo]

That's too bad. I always hate to see old coasters fade into the sunset. Admittedly, Alton Towers' Corkscrew gave me a nasty crack on the jaw that was still hurting more than a week later, but, other than that crack on the jaw, I enjoyed the ride.

[Cyberleader]

WELLL, in Corkscrew terms, it was pretty atrocious. Compared to Flamingoland's Corkscrew, it's horrifically painful. Whereas Flamingoland's is lovely and smooth!

[eot1]

:O

Which coaster will take its place? Im kinda happy for this to go because of the roughness.. Also is this gonna be the last of the oldest coasters in Alton? Actually I guess not because of Beastie.. Bon voyage Corkscrew!

[elljhitch]

This ride hurt like a mother, but I love it, I'm sure going to miss it.:(.

[Cyberleader]

Cyber wants a woodie now. :)

[SnooSnoo]

^Look at girly magazines.. unless.. you are batting for the other team..

[sr3d]

When I first saw the topic title I wasn't that not bothered but looking at the pics now, makes me wish it'd stay, gotta ride it a few more times before it goes.

:( I actually am gonna miss it now.

[Cyberleader]

^Look at girly magazines.. unless.. you are batting for the other team..

Oh, you! :)

[woodmchelancote]

I am really going miss the corkscrew, i know its old but its a good ride and there was never really a queue. I think they are planning a wooden rollercoaster to take its place because they are also moving ug swinger, so it is going to be something big.
They put in a planning application for wooden coaster a coulpe of years ago but it got turned and there were told to make changes to the plans and they do but it got turned down again. Don't hear the rest of it, so i think they got the application to build.

[Westcot]

I wouldn't count on a wooden coaster. The Ropers' are still complaining about the noise issues, and wooden coasters make a lot of noise. Plus, I believe that I've heard rumors about a re-themeing of Ug Land to either a "racing," "creatures," "dark forest," or "rock blasters" theme complete with a new robo-coaster.

[sr3d]

I wouldn't count on a wooden coaster. The Ropers' are still complaining about the noise issues, and wooden coasters make a lot of noise. Plus, I believe that I've heard rumors about a re-themeing of Ug Land to either a "racing," "creatures," "dark forest," or "rock blasters" theme complete with a new robo-coaster.
Not all woodies are loud now though supposedly.

I hope ugland doesn't lose any more theming, I love it as it is.

[Westcot]

^ That is true. It would be interesting to see how Alton Towers would build a wooden coaster, though. I could imagine a lot of ravines and terrain-following elements.

They could make a hybrid, too. A wooden structure with a steel track would be pretty cool, and would definitely be easier to maintain... not to mention quieter than a coaster with a wooden track.

[CoasterJoe]

I never rode it but have never like corkcrews..... hehe, watch as it breaks down on the last day.

~Joe

[zackness5]

its always sad to see an old rollercoaster die:(

[TheFreshEffect]

Good bloody riddance.

[abcde...]

^ I agree. I hated this ride to be honest. It was way to rough for my likings.

[woodmchelancote]

I wouldn't count on a wooden coaster. The Ropers' are still complaining about the noise issues, and wooden coasters make a lot of noise. Plus, I believe that I've heard rumors about a re-themeing of Ug Land to either a "racing," "creatures," "dark forest," or "rock blasters" theme complete with a new robo-coaster.

The only area being rethemed is cred street (kids area)
Woodmchelancote

[supermarioman]

Are they planning to move It to another park?
I'd love to have a classic Arrow at SFOG.

[woodmchelancote]

Are they planning to move It to another park?
I'd love to have a classic Arrow at SFOG.

I don't think another park would want it because it is so old.

Woodmchelancote

[eot1]

Recycled?

[sr3d]

Personally I'm still hoping they move it to where the black hole was, even if it's not running.

[thetrooper]

Inside the tent?
It would look awful in the x-sector...the oldest ride in the most futuristic area?

[Xcelerate]

I suppose I can take this chance to say RIP to the Texas Cyclone then :p; the first and best woodie I have ever been on.

[woodmchelancote]

These are things that are happening at Alton Towers:

Confirmed 2008
Corkscrew closing

Confirmed 2009
Area retheme (presumably cred street)
Skyride refurbishment
New shows and entertainment

Rumoured 2009
Ug swinger relocation/retheme
Sea life aquarium

Rumoured 2010
Major multi-million pound investment

Woodmchelancote

[simtanic8]

^ I swear if they get rid of Ug swinger for good I am going to be really mad. That ride is awesome! :D:up:


I hope Corkscrew gets a new home. It was one of my favoritest coasters there. It might have been rough and made me teeth feel weird afterward but it was fun.


~Simtanic8

[Rupeeman]

Maybe the company will recycle it at another of their parks?:)

[Nethero]

Can't say I feel bad that a corkscrew is gonna be removed, and that's not just cause I'm no where near Alton Towers. Would it be a big deal if a park were to remove a wild mouse coaster?

[thetrooper]

It's not that it was a good coaster...it was just the first.

[KingVeveraine]

And pretty much brought the major rollercoaster industry to the UK.

[RCTfangirl]

I heard it was a pretty rough ride anyways. Not that i've ridden it, but I rode a similar one. Typical older generation vekoma headbanging...I kinda wanna see the one in playland gone too and replaced with something bigger and better...

[Swordsman_02]

Does Alton Towers look like the park in RCT 1?

[sr3d]

Muuuuuuuuuuuch better than the park in RCT1.. omg >.<

RCTFanGirl: Yea, but when it's the first it has a reason, and a reason why it should stay =/

[willo22sly]

RIP corkscrew. Even though it was my least favourite ride at alton towers cos it bangs youre head sooo much. It's still sad to see it go.:(

[RCTfangirl]

It seems like so many rollercoasters named "corkscrew" bang your head...

[thetrooper]

Nevermind...

[fredward]

i believe alton towers are leaving the double corkscrews somewhere in the park as a memorial, i would be very sad to see it go, i found it great fun at the front i just tried to ignore the head hurting,

RIP :(

[tycooner55]

I think keeping the double corkscrew as a landscape item and giving it a new coat of paint and a proper location would be really cool.

[KingVeveraine]

What about as an entrance arch! When you drive into the park past the sign with the squiggly pipes. Thorpe have a rollercoaster track entrance, so it would look cool at Alton too!

[sr3d]

What about as an entrance arch! When you drive into the park past the sign with the squiggly pipes. Thorpe have a rollercoaster track entrance, so it would look cool at Alton too!
Keep anything similar to thorpe away from AT, seriously :bulb:

[Doffy]

Record braking coasters? ^

[Jonnyears]

Keep anything similar to thorpe away from AT, seriously :bulb:

I don't think Aidan has the power to keep Thorpe Park related things away from Alton Towers... he's not a good person to ask.

[Harpo]

Record braking coasters? ^

Would a record braking coaster be a coaster that stops faster than any other coaster?

Sorry, couldn't help myself! ;)

[Nethero]

Would a record braking coaster be a coaster that stops faster than any other coaster?

Sorry, couldn't help myself! ;)

From 599 mph to -11 in less than half a second.

I've seen that ride before. It's called "Free Organs"

[simtanic8]

How would it go to -11? is that even possible? :confused:

~SImtanic8

[Westcot]

Maybe if you went backwards at 11 mph... but it still doesn't make sense. Anyone out there involved in Physics? :bulb:

[tycooner55]

Yep, -11 mph would imply a reverse in direction. Who knew my physics class would come in handy on an RCT forum. :bulb:

[KingVeveraine]

Keep anything similar to thorpe away from AT, seriously :bulb:

You and your silly Colossuphobia.

But still, it would be quite cool, you could have signes show casing the new attractions and an entrance sign at the top. It could be painted to the same copper pipe gold they are using now and stuff. But I am babbling now.

[sr3d]

Yep, -11 mph would imply a reverse in direction. Who knew my physics class would come in handy on an RCT forum. :bulb:
The coaster aspect should have said it might, thinking coasters use physics :p

Aidan: it's just thorpe lacks theming from what I can see, Colossus looks pretty darn dull compared to Dragon khan, and I've been on DK in the day and night.........

Only thing thorpe has is stealth and possibly that eurofighter.

[sykesie-92]

when i heard about the removal of the corkscrew... mixed emotions
this is seroiusly a complete legend in towers
however....SECRET WEAPON 6:heart:
its definalty guna be spectacular...

[baz6174]

^ I swear if they get rid of Ug swinger for good I am going to be really mad. That ride is awesome! :D:up:
~Simtanic8

Ug swinger is being moved to the charlie end of Cred street, where the bouncing bugs are now. The bouncing bugs are going bye-bye.

[Doffy]

Not the Bouncing Bugs!

[abcde...]

/\ I know, it's so sad:(

Anyway, I can't wait to see the corkscrew removed! I really hated that ride!

[03gibbss]

Corkscrew was the first coaster I ever went on so it will be sad to see it go! :(

[Westcot]

Does anyone else think that they might re-theme Cred Street to a Roald Dahl-themed area this winter? They already have Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it seems that Merlin has been liking franchises lately.

[baz6174]

/\ I really hope not. For a couple of reasons: Using a well known franchise is good in context, but using it because they can just shows a lack of imagination on merlins part. I am pretty sure that the contract they have with dahl and dahl limited wont extend to the whole of cred street, an extension or upgrade to the contract will cost a lot more than simply building from someones imagination. I would like to see Cred Street redone in the same style as the theming of Driving School, that would make it fun and kid friendly without costing the earth for licenses.

[03gibbss]

^^ Please no! The ride was one thing (a carp disappointment imo) so I would hate to see the whole area themed around it!

In other news it seems Rita is going to be rather lonely next year...

[Jonnyears]

I would like to see Cred Street redone in the same style as the theming of Driving School, that would make it fun and kid friendly without costing the earth for licenses.

Yeah, in the Driving School in Legoland, the licenses must have costed them the earth! They were printed on nice card which is expensive! SEE WHAT I DID?!11!!one!!1!

[baz6174]

[Ignores Jonny completely :p]

While we are on the subject of Altons 2010 coaster, its a safe bet that it will be a euro fighter. Just look at the history of the two parks in question: 1994 - Nemesis, 2003 - Nemesis Inferno, both B&M inverted. 2005 - Rita, 2006 - Stealth, both Intamin Accelerators. 2009 - Saw, 2010 - ???. Chances are it will be the same too. I really hope i am wrong.

[03gibbss]

^ I hope your wrong too! :p

I want them to go for some unique like they did with air! I want a different ride experience! ;D

[baz6174]

/\ Me too! That is why i hope they are going down the wooden path. It's unlikely but i can dream.

[03gibbss]

^ I really want a woodie but i just don't think its going to happen... :( Damn those complaining people!

[sykesie-92]

Alton Towers!, i feel i am in my element
Okay, i think, we can rule out a eurofighter thank god, there was plans a few seasons ago for a eurofighter to replace the black hole tent but they have been shelved.
Apparently, Russell Barnes was on the radio yesterday, sometime in the afternoon, can't be more specific than that unfortunately. He said they wanted to do something dramatic in Corky's place and that it would be a "worlds-first" for 2010. When pushed he refused to give out any more information.- Taken from tower times
Alton Towers like there prototypes for secret weapons so i believe a worlds first is on the cards.and, according to a few reliable sources both suited men from intamin and vekoma have been spotted in UG Land. This makes me, unfortunatly believe, thats is going to be manufacturead by vekoma as intamin could be present as we know Rita is going to be tweaked in some way (probably the trains to fit a new theme)And what do I think?- Due to the images released by alton towers would suggest that the ride would be a mine ride like expedition everest, utlising a tilt mechanism
But who knows, its Alton Towers and John Wardleys involved so its guna be pretty special i think.
-Brad

[03gibbss]

^ Ooh now that I would love! ;D

[Doffy]

I think the Bouncing Bugs should repace Corkscrew.

[willo22sly]

Alton Towers!, i feel i am in my element
Okay, i think, we can rule out a eurofighter thank god, there was plans a few seasons ago for a eurofighter to replace the black hole tent but they have been shelved.
Apparently, Russell Barnes was on the radio yesterday, sometime in the afternoon, can't be more specific than that unfortunately. He said they wanted to do something dramatic in Corky's place and that it would be a "worlds-first" for 2010. When pushed he refused to give out any more information.- Taken from tower times
Alton Towers like there prototypes for secret weapons so i believe a worlds first is on the cards.and, according to a few reliable sources both suited men from intamin and vekoma have been spotted in UG Land. This makes me, unfortunatly believe, thats is going to be manufacturead by vekoma as intamin could be present as we know Rita is going to be tweaked in some way (probably the trains to fit a new theme)And what do I think?- Due to the images released by alton towers would suggest that the ride would be a mine ride like expedition everest, utlising a tilt mechanism
But who knows, its Alton Towers and John Wardleys involved so its guna be pretty special i think.
-Brad
Sounds exactly the sort of think that the UK needs, can't wait for more info!!

[BoRJoYZeE]

Is it a Wacky Worm?

[sr3d]

Wacky worm for 2010! :p

Whatever it is i hope it's good, they REALLY need to get something in replace of black hole...or rebuild it.

[sykesie-92]

^ i think there gunna clean up X-Sector this closed season, but i cant see them doing anything with the black hole for a while. Well I think that something like a roboarm or a Pandoras box would go nicely in the black hole but i cant see towers doing that until after the the large investment in 2010
I could see it being used as some family entertainment thing next season

[Westcot]

B&M has been rumored to have a new prototype coming out soon, but since Vekoma was spotted, there's more of a chance that it'll be by them.

An idea for the Black Hole tent (which was brought up) would be to bring in a refurbished Jet Star 2 or 3, or have another company "recreate" a similar design to what it was before. Alton Towers needs an inclosed roller coaster, and to bring back Black Hole would be an excellent idea... at least I think.

[KingVeveraine]

Vekoma are a great company, and it only makes sense to replace a Vekoma with a Vekoma :)!
Their new rides are really nice and smooth. I wonder if it will be an elevator twist arm tilt thing! You know, the same as the weird elevator lift on the tilt coaster in RCT3. I know they are real because they were on Vekomas old website.

[Westcot]

It would be interesting to see them use the same kind of track and system that they used for Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest. I could picture them building the whole coaster into the terrain (sort of like Nemesis) instead of a "mountain," and using different forward and backward switching elements like they did with EE.

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

[sykesie-92]

Who knows?
Personally i thinks its going to be Vekoma, Alton Towers would have made the right choice for the ride and i thinks its theming is going to be exceptional
A B&M prototype has been rumored but i think only because the trend of secret weapons
Time will tell

[Westcot]

It would be interesting to see them use the same kind of track and system that they used for Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest. I could picture them building the whole coaster into the terrain (sort of like Nemesis) instead of a "mountain," and using different forward and backward switching elements like they did with EE.

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

[sykesie-92]

Ye, what i can see is the coaster utilizing the space in the valley?

Well, the speculation is hotting up
Men from intamin have ben seen, possible manufacture or involve in a sevice to rita?
Changes to rita have been confirmed i think, its cars could be changed to fit a new theme for 2010
Also its had alot of downtime they could be fixing the problem
or the optimist are hoping for a layout change, utiling the space where corky was slighty?-- Very optimstic

Vekoma have been seen- Manufacturer or involved in the corkys removal?

And rumour is that B&M are in fact ready to announce a new prototype... Towers love there B&M prototypes;)

I suppose we wont know until we see some track next year
and its a secret weapon, there bound to leak things for thr big build up
-Intresting stuff
-Brad

[abcde...]

/\ I can't wait!!!

[sr3d]

I'd personally love to see B&M making 4d coasters....... interesting stuff though :) might be going sunday so I'll let everyone know if it happens, if I see anything.

[mini_shima]

Rode it on the last day of the season 2nd Nov.

Hardly any que and they had 2 trains on for once. Heard they have something planned for 2010

Its known as SW6 (secret weapon 6)... This is going to be big because Nemesis was SW3, Oblivion SW4 and Air SW5.

Work is due to start after the season close.

[sykesie-92]

mini_shima- Ye its planned for 2010, works already started
Alton Almanac has said that flags marking out the ride's layout have been planted in the wooded area behind the ride

Read the rest of this page for the basic summary of what know so far about secret weapon 6

Haha and ive booked my tickets for a last ride of corky on the 9th;)

[willo22sly]

mini_shima- Ye its planned for 2010, works already started
Alton Almanac has said that flags marking out the ride's layout have been planted in the wooded area behind the ride

Read the rest of this page for the basic summary of what know so far about secret weapon 6

Haha and ive booked my tickets for a last ride of corky on the 9th;)
Lucky!!

[Hyde244]

Here's a PTR of the Goodbye to Corkscrew event, you can probably be spotted sykesie-92! :P

http://www.coasterforce.com/home/p2_articleid/632

[sykesie-92]

Nooo!!
Im not there, and it claims every enthusiast worth there salt!!
im worth double my salt man!

Hmmm, probably because i went by myself rather than with any of the enthusiast groups like coasterforce or tower times
It was a good day, although, i gave the big 4 more attention than good old corky ;)
towers will never be the same again

[meme5053]

I'm in the middle of writing a parody of "Rock Star" ATM for corky,
Hope to have it up soon!

[abcde...]

I am quite happy to see corkscrews last riders, just because it was so painful!! I really can't wait for the new ride!!!!!

[sr3d]

Found this: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Xatd1ddFm6I

[meme5053]

Who wants to see what i have so far?




I'd trade this life for yellow pain,
I'd even go on once more and then again,
Cause we all wanna be CORKSCREW stars,
With an inch between the weels and the coaster track bars,
The pain comes easy and the lines come cheap,
There was even a prothstetic at the bottom of the heap.

[tycooner55]

Wow, sounds very promising. I wonder what they're up to? :p

[meme5053]

You know,
Alot of people would say "Why the **** are you getting so emotional over a heap of metal?! It's old outdated and NEEDS to go!"
Well i say it's not just a piece of metal, It's a memory, A park treasure, Many peoples first ever rollercoaster, And it adds character, Not only to the area, But to the WHOLE PARK.

[KingVeveraine]

I don't get why you would honestly want this, but some one must! (http://www.altontowers.com/pages/theme-park/thrills/goodbye-to-the-corkscrew)

[abcde...]

^Lol, who would want that!?

[Harpo]

I think that'd be pretty cool to have. It'd be a great conversation piece in a recreation room, or, perhaps, it could be a unique planter for a backyard patio or deck. But, it's already out of my price range, and shipping from the U.K. to the U.S. would probably be quite expensive!

[sr3d]

^Lol, who would want that!?
Me, and I'd buy it if I could afford it.

[meme5053]

^ You are NOT alone chris! I said to my mother "I NEED £640"!

[03gibbss]

I'd love to have this, it'd be awesome! ;D Too bad I don't have enough monies! :0

[sr3d]

^ You are NOT alone chris! I said to my mother "I NEED £640"!
Crazy, it's £820 now :bulb: