Sheikra Refurbishment (January 2013)
- Thread starter Tbad556
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- Mar 18, 2009
- 85
- 1
Sheikra's second drop is 138 feet, whereas Oblivion's is about 196ft (with just under 100ft being underground), so we have a higher drop than your 2nd drop. However, Sheikra has 90 degree drops. Back in 1998 (when Oblivion first opened), spring-loaded wheels hadn't been designed or patented so we have a 88.8 degree drop, not much difference but it was still seen as the world first verticle drop coaster.
Spot on with the drops and height :thumbs: didn't know about the wheels and the angel of drop, good knowledge thanks for sharing:thumbs:
Sheikra looks far sexier though, that red is stunning.
- Mar 16, 2010
- 11,087
- 2,883
- Mar 18, 2009
- 85
- 1
I know but I remember it like it was yesterday. No aerials or daily updates back in those days :smiley:
Sheikra's drop feels so much bigger than oblivions, and going straight into the loop is awesome.
Seems like we always only ever get half a coaster over in the UK.
Seems like we always only ever get half a coaster over in the UK.
- Mar 16, 2010
- 11,087
- 2,883
It's because of all those homeowners who complain about anything they can to keep the noise down.
It's because of all those homeowners who complain about anything they can to keep the noise down.
Yep, bloody the Ropers are forever dragging the park through the courts, mainly for noise. They only live there half the year and it has cost them millions yet still they fight AT
.Oblivion used to have speakers up by the top of the drop, DONT LOOK DOWN they would play as you teetered over the edge, they were made to take them out as the Ropers complained that they induced screaming.
The majority of folk around the towers are OK, they understand how much AT does for the area and local business. Unfortunately a few decide to constantly kick up a fuss. We currently have one regarding the proposed new lodges due to begin construction soon.
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We are like a testing ground for the manufactures at AT, especially B&M. That has what has got us all those worlds firsts. Expect another one soon with The Smiler although it is Gerst this time. :thumbs:. UK parks only have a fraction of the money the big players in the US have, we do OK. Nemesis is still one of the best around in my eyes, can't wait to ride her on Saturday :happy:
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Im down in essex and havnt managed to get up to Alton towers since just before 13 opened.
Try to get down to Thorpe park as much as I can thoug, riding Saw and Swarm are the closest im going to get to a thrill ride any time soon
Try to get down to Thorpe park as much as I can thoug, riding Saw and Swarm are the closest im going to get to a thrill ride any time soon
I actually really like swarm and will be down that way in April to try it backwards. Not so keen on Saw though as I find it a rough uncomfortable ride, worrying as this is the same company (Gerstlaur) and style (Eurofighter) that The Smiler is based on. Time will tell. Nemesis Inferno, Stealth and Colossus are all worth a spin down at Thorpe too.
I think the tried to put Saw intoo small a footprint, it feels cramped.
I still think its one of the better coasters we have in the UK though.
It would've made since for them to go ahead and tattoo on the new logos on the cars while they were doing the refurb...
