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SW6 news round up

Park News
Thursday, 21st May 2009 By Dan Ketteringham

Here we bring you the latest news and rumours from the construction site.

First of all, we can confirm that the manufacturer of the new-for-2010 roller coaster will be Intamin.

Alton Towers and Intamin have worked together several times in the past, most recently with Rita - Queen of Speed but also with the Congo River Rapids and the now-retired Swan Boats.

This means a break in tradition for the park, for the other three "Secret Weapon" coasters - Nemesis, Oblivion and Air - were manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.

It is believed that construction on the new ride will begin in mid-June, with the station building being the first part of the ride to appear. No track is expected to be arriving on-site until at least a few months later.

As to what marks this coaster out as a world's first, it is rumoured to involve a backwards launch section part-way around the ride circuit.

The theme is still unknown, although the banner next to Rita's queue advertising the new ride seems to point towards a 'dark forest' theme. If true, then hopefully the park will re-theme Rita to match, as the current 'Thunder Rock Rally' theme is already a hybrid of drag racing/prehistoric era.

As ever, the park themselves are giving nothing away, so it remains to be seen how things will pan out.


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If you need to return to your vehicle, make sure you get your hand stamped on hard as you leave the park.