RCCGB FORUM Message Board for Members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain to discuss club events and all things theme park related.    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Join! (free) >   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Loopathon 2009 Page 1, 2  Next          RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> UK Trips View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message Jackie Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 29 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:57 pm    Post subject: Loopathon 2009 We are thinking of missing out on Alton Towers and doing two days at Drayton Manor.  Has anyone ever stayed at the campsite in Drayton?  Anyone staying this year? Back to top RobinA Kiddie Poster Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Addlestone, Surrey Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:20 pm    Post subject: Hi, I stayed in July. Ground a bit unlevel but I did find somewhere reasonable. I think they have showers, but I am not sure, usual toilet, water, waste water and Elson. No electric. Nice and close to entrance to park. I hope to stop on the Saturday night ready for the Sunday. You are not able to book and I am not sure if there is a latest time to arrive so will need to find out. Robin Back to top Jackie Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 29 Location: Hampshire Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:49 pm    Post subject: thank you! Back to top Bonsai Warrior Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 21 Location: Reading Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:05 pm    Post subject: We stayed there for one night last August, the showers aren't too bad and you get a discount on park entry if you are staying in the campsite. _________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other, screaming, " WOO HOO - What a Ride!" - Unknown Back to top Dr Cat Kiddie Poster Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24 Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:45 am    Post subject: Where to stay for Loopathon? Hi guys, I'm planning to fully immerse myself in Loops and do both days. Hence i was wondering where people tend to spend the Saturday night? B&Bs in Alton or nearer to Drayton? I'm not really fancying camping out in October that's for sure. Be good fun if we could have some kind of hotel take-over, especially if they've got a bar!   Cheers, Cat Back to top Nemesis Nick Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 158 Location: Bath Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:41 pm    Post subject: Re: Where to stay for Loopathon? Dr Cat wrote: Hi guys, I'm planning to fully immerse myself in Loops and do both days. Hence i was wondering where people tend to spend the Saturday night? B&Bs in Alton or nearer to Drayton? I'm not really fancying camping out in October that's for sure. Be good fun if we could have some kind of hotel take-over, especially if they've got a bar!   Cheers, Cat Nev once told me that some stay in Alton Saturday night, and travel Sunday morning, whereas some stay near Drayton Manor Saturday night to be conveniently located of Drayton Manor Park. To-date, I've only ever done Loopathon day 1 (Alton Towers) in 2005 and 2006.  Both those years I travelled from Bath to Alton Friday, stayed Friday and Saturday night in Alton village, attended Loopathon at Alton Towers Saturday daytime, and after breakfast Sunday morning caught the bus to Stoke-on-Trent, whereupon I went to Waterworld as something extra to do (you see, I also like water slide complexes) before beginning my train journey from Stoke to Bath mid afternoon. From my experience of Loopathon day 1 in 2005 and 2006, we have an evening ERS circa 6pm to 7pm, and obviously being early October, it gradually gets dark during the course of our booked session.  Thus people leave the park after 7pm (actually in 2005 it was more like 7:30 or later).  There's no evening do anywhere Saturday night, unlike the Coaster Crazy Show / After Show Party Saturday evening of the Blackpool Bash, sorry to disappoint you if that's what you hoped might happen. I was going to do Drayton Manor only in 2007, but for various reasons abandoned the plan come August that year, and ended up not booking to attend either day of Loopathon that year.  For various reasons I've never contemplated doing both days. Back to top STEALTHYBUTBAD Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 191 Location: bishops stortford hertfordshire Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:27 pm    Post subject: I'll be doing both days of the trip as usual. Ill be staying at the alverton motel which is down the road from alton towers on the friday night and will be travelling to a B&B near to drayton manor on the saturday night after the alton towers part of the trip. _________________ Fan of all things fast : Roller Coasters , cars including the lovely Audi R8 ! Also on youtube as : coasterlover20000 Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:11 am    Post subject: Hail all! After missing out last years due to a cash crisis, I've already booked my B&B for the trip and will definitely be there! Despite the number of times that I've gone up to the area for AT though, I've foolishly never taken the time out to explore the other wonders that abound in the Staffordshire Moorlands. As a result, I'm making a whole week of it, and going up to the Farley area on the Monday so that I can spend a few days exploring the hills and valleys of that most wondrous land, and also get my riding quota in on some of the weekdays when the park isn't so busy! Talking of plans for Loopathon: I can't remember his surname alas, thus I can't locate him on FaceBook...But if Dave from Derby (Who I got a lift with at Oakwood) could PM or e-mail me at some point soon, then I'd be most greatful! _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top Rogue Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865 Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:23 am    Post subject: Death wrote: Hail all! Talking of plans for Loopathon: I can't remember his surname alas, thus I can't locate him on FaceBook...But if Dave from Derby (Who I got a lift with at Oakwood) could PM or e-mail me at some point soon, then I'd be most greatful! His surname is Bebbington   _________________ Rachel Membership Number 2210a "Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time" Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:56 am    Post subject: Bunnie wrote: Death wrote: Hail all! Talking of plans for Loopathon: I can't remember his surname alas, thus I can't locate him on FaceBook...But if Dave from Derby (Who I got a lift with at Oakwood) could PM or e-mail me at some point soon, then I'd be most greatful! His surname is Bebbington   . . . and its his deck chair i tried to karate kick to pieces sunday morning at Oaky . . . Ooops, sorry about that,   BUT it was really old and we did all did think it had been left behind because it looked so old   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top Steven Burns Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1777 Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 5:08 pm    Post subject: nemesis scribe wrote: Bunnie wrote: Death wrote: Hail all! Talking of plans for Loopathon: I can't remember his surname alas, thus I can't locate him on FaceBook...But if Dave from Derby (Who I got a lift with at Oakwood) could PM or e-mail me at some point soon, then I'd be most greatful! His surname is Bebbington   . . . and its his deck chair i tried to karate kick to pieces sunday morning at Oaky . . . Ooops, sorry about that,   BUT it was really old and we did all did think it had been left behind because it looked so old   That was so funny   _________________ My Site www.freewebs.com/big-Stevie-b/ Photo Site www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/ RCCGB No. 2293 Back to top Spanners Junior Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 67 Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:26 pm    Post subject: I just found an interesting paragraph on the Alton Towers website and was first wondering, does this apply to our dark ERS on Nemesis? Secondly is it true that they wont close a ride until everyone has finished riding it??? Quote: ɯǝɥʇ ǝpıɹ oʇ buıʇuɐʍ ǝ|doǝd ǝɹoɯ ou ǝɹɐ ǝɹǝɥʇ uǝɥʍ ǝso|ɔ ʎ|uo sǝpıɹ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʇ sı ʞɹɐd ǝɯǝɥʇ sɹǝʍoʇ uoʇ|ɐ ǝɥʇ ʇnoqɐ ʍouʞ ʇ’uop sʇsǝnb ʇsoɯ ʇɐɥʇ ʇɔɐɟ buısıɹdɹns ɐ Sorry, thought I was on a loop.... "• A surprising fact that most guests don’t know about the Alton Towers Theme Park is that the rides only close when there are no more people wanting to ride them!" Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 4:44 pm    Post subject: Spanners wrote: "A surprising fact that most guests don’t know about the Alton Towers Theme Park is that the rides only close when there are no more people wanting to ride them!" If RCCGB members were in attendance, Nemesis and other rides would stay open till the early hours of the morning _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 12:42 pm    Post subject: Hail all! I've just dropped my Loopathon invite & cheque in the post - Should hopefully be in the Club mailbox by Wednesday. Bunnie wrote: His surname is Bebbington   Cheers for the info, Bunnie! I managed to find and add him on FB a few days ago. Will have to message him about Loopathon shortly. Spanners wrote: "A surprising fact that most guests don’t know about the Alton Towers Theme Park is that the rides only close when there are no more people wanting to ride them!" frosty wrote: If RCCGB members were in attendance, Nemesis and other rides would stay open till the early hours of the morning Hmmm...Alton might want to consider changing that paragraph, otherwise a lot of guests might just try pulling the old "It's like that on your website" trick... Hope that the crew on Nemesis are ready for a long shift...I could ride that beast all thro' the night! (Although if they dug out the RC panel and let me take seat 1D, then I could do it all by myself. ) _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top ucozade6 Kiddie Poster Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 16 Location: Derby Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 3:09 pm    Post subject: My Deck Chair There are rummours I was born on that thing. It is true that it is older than me and such a classic model. Sorry I have been out of touch, I had an operation last week that was a little un-expected. I will be back for loopy though. On that note, I live in Derby just down the road from Alton, so if anyone is on the train and need a lift let me know and I can pick you up from Derby. Kind Regards David _________________ When someone said there had been a fire, I was thinking toasted marshmellows, not that the whole station had gone. Worst thing is, I have been three times since it has happened and only noticed today. Back to top RobinA Kiddie Poster Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Addlestone, Surrey Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:25 pm    Post subject: I have just rang Drayton Manor and their recorded message says that the latest arrival time for the camp site is 10.00 pm so plenty of time to get there from Alton Towers on the Saturday night. Back to top The Judge Kiddie Poster Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 29 Location: North East Lincs Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:47 pm    Post subject: digs Was wandering where the place to stay is when doing both days of this trip, previously we stayed in Burton Travelodge but it still seemed a fair way off. Dont want to spend too much as a family of four it can get a bit pricey. Oh and so sorry to hear Nemisis Nick is not attending i will miss his unique style of reporting. I dont think the broadband in our area could take another jolt of data that big again!!!. _________________ life moves too fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you just might miss it. Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:08 am    Post subject: Re: digs The Judge wrote: Was wandering where the place to stay is when doing both days of this trip, previously we stayed in Burton Travelodge but it still seemed a fair way off. Dont want to spend too much as a family of four it can get a bit pricey. Camping at Drayton could be a good idea, if ye have enough tents and are already experienced enough in their use to be able to erect them in the dark! Failing that though, there's a Travelodge in Tamworth just down the road, and - Assuming their rooms are a bit like Etaps' - A family of four should be able to fit into two rooms fairly easily. Indeed, take two sleeping bags for the kids, and ye could get that down to ONE room! The Judge wrote: Oh and so sorry to hear Nemisis Nick is not attending i will miss his unique style of reporting. I dont think the broadband in our area could take another jolt of data that big again!!!. Ahh...But don't forget that I am coming, and I can generate just as much froth over a trip as NN can! The only real difference in our reports tends to be where detail is focused, and how and when non-trip related stuff is included! _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top RobinA Kiddie Poster Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Addlestone, Surrey Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 6:14 pm    Post subject: When I went to Alton Towers back in July I found the car parks a total nightmare. There did not appear to be any signs pointing in the direction of the main entrance or even the Monorail station. Last time I went in 1985 you were able to park near the main entrance, admitted that was just a little while ago. What I would like to know is what car park I should head for when I arrive for the Loopathon. Ideally close to the main entrance or where there are signs to the main entrance. Does anyone know whether the Monorail will be running at 8.15 or do we need to walk to the main entrance? Back to top STEALTHYBUTBAD Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 191 Location: bishops stortford hertfordshire Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:06 pm    Post subject: In the many past times i have been to AT with the club we have all walked to the main entrance from the car park (The itinery says park up near air and nemesis but when ive been there with the club other members and me always get told to park at the other end of the car park near the monorail entrance). Last year a few of us did get the monorail as it was open as to save us a long walk from the cars to the main entrance. _________________ Fan of all things fast : Roller Coasters , cars including the lovely Audi R8 ! Also on youtube as : coasterlover20000 Back to top RobinA Kiddie Poster Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Addlestone, Surrey Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:34 pm    Post subject: If the Monorail is closed does anyone have any idea to get from the carpark to the main entrance and how far is it? What the best car park to park up in? Are they numbered or do they have letters? Back to top STEALTHYBUTBAD Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 191 Location: bishops stortford hertfordshire Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:46 pm    Post subject: If the monorail is closed (which it normally isnt as they use it for staff to use to get the main entrance). Each car park has a letter. One good thing about the club trip to AT is that on a normal day it will cost £5 for a token to get out of the car park but as we stay late the barriers are left up for us so it doesnt cost us a thing to get out of the car park. One thing i forgot to say it that if u have an annual pass it doesnt cost anything to get out of the car park - just show the pass and the staff open the barrier for you on a normal day that is.    I forgot to mention its about a 10 minute walk to the main entrance from the car park (if that depending whre in the car park you are parked). _________________ Fan of all things fast : Roller Coasters , cars including the lovely Audi R8 ! Also on youtube as : coasterlover20000 Back to top Bonsai Warrior Kiddie Poster Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 21 Location: Reading Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:02 pm    Post subject: The only people in the car park will be RCCGB members and there will be lots of us.  Every year that I have been I have just parked where all the other cars are and followed a stream of people who know where they are going.  It is about a 10 min walk (depending on how fast you go) _________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other, screaming, " WOO HOO - What a Ride!" - Unknown Back to top RobinA Kiddie Poster Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Addlestone, Surrey Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:08 pm    Post subject: Thanks for that. Looking forward to the Loopathon I wish I had known about showing my Merlin card for free parking. I went in about 3.00 on the Wednesday and Thursday on my holiday and paid £5 each day. Back to top STEALTHYBUTBAD Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 191 Location: bishops stortford hertfordshire Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:13 pm    Post subject: The best way to do it is to go out of the barrier nearest to the hut where the staff sit in as its quicker for them to get to you than if you use one of the other barriers. _________________ Fan of all things fast : Roller Coasters , cars including the lovely Audi R8 ! Also on youtube as : coasterlover20000 Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:01 am    Post subject: RobinA wrote: When I went to Alton Towers back in July I found the car parks a total nightmare. There did not appear to be any signs pointing in the direction of the main entrance or even the Monorail station. Last time I went in 1985 you were able to park near the main entrance, admitted that was just a little while ago. Last time I went to AT (Back in 2007CE) ye could still park in the car-parks next to the main entrance, but that was termed "VIP Parking", and it cost about a tenner to park there IIRC. Like others have said though, it's better to use the main car park for Loopathon...After the ERS on Nemesis, we'll be allowed to exit via the service entrance to Forbidden Valley, thus we'll actually be leaving the park about as far away from the main entrance as ye can get! Farewell, and hope this helps a bit more! >> Death << _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top bradpeet Hyper Poster Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 223 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 1:05 pm    Post subject: Bonsai Warrior wrote: The only people in the car park will be RCCGB members and there will be lots of us.  Every year that I have been I have just parked where all the other cars are and followed a stream of people who know where they are going.  It is about a 10 min walk (depending on how fast you go) This will be my third loopathon - and I hope I park in the right place this time lol.  It is true that only RCCGB members are likely to be there at that time, but there seem to be 2 places where people park and I always seem to pick the wrong one.  You only know for sure when leaving the park after the evening ERS - when some people are walking to their cars a few yards away, and others are parked round the corner. _________________ Now counting my coasters at http://www.coastercounter.com/bradpeet - which even has the snails Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:10 pm    Post subject: I have always previously parked in the lowest car park, right next to the exit gates we'll come out of after the nemesis ERS. To get there, just follow the road into the normal car park. As you drive in, you'll see like an underbridge type bit of road that goes under the monorail track. Go through there and the big wooden gates are on your right - that's where i'll be parking. It's a longer walk to the main entrance in the morning - but it's a shorter walk to the car in the dark after the ERS _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top bradpeet Hyper Poster Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 223 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:48 pm    Post subject: Thanks for that Matt. Hopefully that's where I will park this year. _________________ Now counting my coasters at http://www.coastercounter.com/bradpeet - which even has the snails Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:04 am    Post subject: Due to the ongoing postal strike can I ask anyone wanting to attend Loopathon sends their booking form back as soon as possible as I can't extend the deadline (as the deadline is only a few days before the event!). Thanks _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:47 pm    Post subject: Hail Nev! Andy Hine MBE wrote: Due to the ongoing postal strike can I ask anyone wanting to attend Loopathon sends their booking form back as soon as possible as I can't extend the deadline. I must admit I wasn't aware that a postal strike was on. That said though, it has been taking a few days for my e-mails to reach their intended destinations recently... Joking aside though, it's just occurred to me that I might miss my trip badge and itinerary. As I mentioned above, I sent my booking form and payment in last week, but I'm actually setting off for the Alton area a bit before Loopathon as I'm having a hiking holiday through the Moorlands just before the event! Nev: I've replied to the confirmation that ye sent me earlier stating this in more detail. Will the trip badges etc. for forms already received be mailed out soon? Farewell for now, and thanks in advance for any info! >> Death << _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top bradpeet Hyper Poster Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 223 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:07 pm    Post subject: Well I've posted the booking form today.  And the one for the USA 2010 trip.  Both first class, before the final collection at 6:30 this evening. So, fingers crossed that everything gets there in time. (But Nev - are you trying to depress us all?  Over 6 months to the Blackpool Bash       ) _________________ Now counting my coasters at http://www.coastercounter.com/bradpeet - which even has the snails Back to top bradpeet Hyper Poster Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 223 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:38 pm    Post subject: Well my tickets arrived this morning - great       But I notice the instructions just say to park in the main car park, and there is no reference to being allowed out through the gates near Nemesis this year     Does this mean that we have to walk through the park after the dark ERS to the main entrance, and then walk back to the car park?  I hope they are going to keep the lights on for us if it does. (Memory says that the car park is pretty dark usually when we leave) _________________ Now counting my coasters at http://www.coastercounter.com/bradpeet - which even has the snails Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:18 pm    Post subject: Hail again! My trip badge and itinerary also arrived here safely today, well in time for my early departure next week. Cheers for posting them out so soon, Nev! The only thing that throws me admittedly is the assembly time at AT...07:45 on the Saturday morning! Hopefully that won't be a problem for me at all, but it will mean an 07:00 start from the B&B that I'm staying at! Should be fun though...And a 45 minute walk is an excellent substitute for breakfast, IMO! Farewell for now, and be seeing ye all at Loopy! >> Death << _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top Coaster Toaster Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 258 Location: Near Swindon Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:31 pm    Post subject: Mines arrived and decortaed now _________________ Dan Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:57 pm    Post subject: Hi everyone, You can arrive from 7.45am, but be sure to be there by 8.15am. And sadly, the bosses at Alton Towers feel that it spoils the magic if we see 'behind the scenes' (and the mess there!) so they we can not use the "back" gate anymore and will have to walk back to the main gate!     I did argue that as enthusiasts everyone thinks of it as a special treat to see back stage and don't mind about the mess - but they wouldn't budge!! _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top Rogue Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865 Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:34 pm    Post subject: Hope you all have a great time   _________________ Rachel Membership Number 2210a "Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time" Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 706 Location: Hampshire Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:36 pm    Post subject: Surely given how little lighting there is around the park, only those who eat a lot of carrots will see the magic through the gloomy night. Oh hang on don't they do a behind the scenes tour that people have to pay for. Could it be they don't want to give people a freebie look behind the scenes. After all they need to top up the bank account after buying Busch Entertainment. Or am I just being too sceptical. _________________ RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. http://vimeo.com/channels/coastertouring NEW VIDEO: September 2009 Prater Park Back to top Boozytwin1 Junior Poster Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 76 Location: Wigan Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:43 pm    Post subject: All you see when you leave through that gate is a hut that the staff sit in...!   Maybe the new coaster parts are being stored down in that corner, they are in the car park somewhere, maybe they don't want us going near...! _________________ RCCGB Member 392 Back to top Coaster Clare Junior Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 89 Location: Crick Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:22 pm    Post subject: Andy Hine MBE wrote: Due to the ongoing postal strike can I ask anyone wanting to attend Loopathon sends their booking form back as soon as possible as I can't extend the deadline (as the deadline is only a few days before the event!). Thanks Hi Andy We ave sent ours back but no tickets yet, if u haven't receved itet can u pm me soi can let u know the details! Cheers _________________ Coaster Clare Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 7:18 pm    Post subject: Clare, yours came this morning and I sent your badges this afternoon (1st class). Andy _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top Nimmykins Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 841 Location: Brighton Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 7:19 pm    Post subject: I sent off for our tickets today. My American friend Trish is coming. Now... who is having the Alton buffet this year? _________________ Sarah RCCGB member - 2132 Plus four travelling coasters including Olympia Looping and Eurostar. Back to top Coaster Clare Junior Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 89 Location: Crick Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:07 pm    Post subject: Andy Hine MBE wrote: Clare, yours came this morning and I sent your badges this afternoon (1st class). Andy cheers nev pity we will only b able to do one day each this year! Not long till thomas will b big enough to ride nemesis and won't b asking to ride it with his car seat! _________________ Coaster Clare Back to top Geek Kiddie Poster Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Swindon Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:08 pm    Post subject: WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! My loopy tickets arrived this morning, as you can tell I'm super excited!! Looking forward to seeing you all again and meeting more new peeps too! see ya next weekend!!! Geek! Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:54 am    Post subject: Andy Hine MBE wrote: And sadly, the bosses at Alton Towers feel that it spoils the magic if we see 'behind the scenes' (and the mess there!) so they we can not use the "back" gate anymore and will have to walk back to the main gate!     I did argue that as enthusiasts everyone thinks of it as a special treat to see back stage and don't mind about the mess - but they wouldn't budge!! Nev: Given that it's about a 2.25 mile return walk from FV to the main car-park via Towers St and will probabally prove a bit of a PITA for security to ensure that we're all accounted for on such a walk after hours, wouldn't it be better for us to use the visitors car-park ("Visitors" as in "Corporate guests") that lies between the main and service entrances to the park? Given that we'll be using the hospitality marquee and other corporate party facilities on the day, it's unlikely that there'll be any other sizeable parties that we'd be clashing with...And as it'll be a Saturday, I doubt there'll be much in the way of boardroom activity going on that day. Ergo, that car-park probabally won't be in use anyway. It's just a suggestion, and in the end it'd be up to AT...But from what I can recall of that car-park, it should be big enough for most of the members cars to fit into there fine. Any overspill could go to the back of the coach or VIP car-parks. Boozytwin1 wrote: Maybe the new coaster parts are being stored down in that corner, they are in the car park somewhere, maybe they don't want us going near...! Alton normally store new coaster parts in the car park behind FV as the service gate that we normally pass through is also the heavy freight entrance for the eastern and southern parts of the park, and trying to get a low-loader with track and whatnot through the service gate by X-Sector and/or round the back of the Towers would be almost impossible, given how tight many of AT's service roads would be for an HGV. If any of ye are staying in the AT hotels though, keep an eye out over the car-park whilst using the monorail and maybe take a wander over to that part of the car-park if ye fancy a sneak-peek at the new "permanent way"... Farewell... >> Death << _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top Coaster Toaster Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 258 Location: Near Swindon Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:12 am    Post subject: Can confirm the coaster track is not in any of the car parks near air or around that part but are located very out of view in a remote car park _________________ Dan Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:39 pm    Post subject: Coaster Toaster wrote: Can confirm the coaster track is not in any of the car parks near air or around that part but are located very out of view in a remote car park Not the lesser spotted overflow car-park stuck on the North-eastern corner of AT's estate, I presume? Given that thy part photos could only have been taken in that particular corner of that particular car-park, I've added the parts holding area to This Map so that everyone else can find it and 'ave a peek as well. _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 706 Location: Hampshire Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:02 pm    Post subject: Just looked at the satellite photo but can't see the parts. Are you sure they're there.   _________________ RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. http://vimeo.com/channels/coastertouring NEW VIDEO: September 2009 Prater Park Back to top Nemesis Nick Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 158 Location: Bath Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 7:14 am    Post subject: Re: digs The Judge wrote: Oh and so sorry to hear Nemisis Nick is not attending i will miss his unique style of reporting. Correct, as you say, I won't be attending either day of Loopathon 2009 for various reasons.  For those of you who are attending, have a mega fun time at Alton Towers next Saturday and/or Drayton Manor next Sunday, as the case may be.  I hope you'll have gorgeous sunny days for both days of Loopathon, just like I experienced at SAW-Ted, Blackpool Bash, Summer Bash (Flamingo Land) and Famiy Funday (Hayling Island).  I was led to believe you had sunshine for Mega-GLOW-Mania in August too (correct me if I'm wrong) which I didn't attend, so wouldn't it be lovely to have a full house of sunny days for all the 2009 UK RCCGB trips for once. However tomorrow morning I'm off to Cornwall, and returning home to Bath Thursday evening.  I've deliberately chosen this week so that my holiday will span my birthday: Wednesday 30 September, and I hope to go to Flambards that day.  The other days I hope to have lots of fun too, including Cornwall's Crealy, and water sliding in Newquay.  I hope the weather stays fine.  I may well write a report in the members' own trips section of this messageboard.  Also for the first time, I'll e-mail AIRtime to have my birthday mentioned in the Members Moments column of the September/October 2009 issue. During October I'm hoping to visit Splashdown water park at Tower Park Poole, and Paultons Park, so they too will be worth writing about in the members' own trips. The last Saturday in March last year, I went to Basingstoke Leisure Park to go water sliding at The Lagoon Aquadrome in the morning and ice skating at Planet Ice (next door) in the afternoon.  I hope to repeat that one Saturday late October / during November (well before Xmas). Anyway, as far as RCCGB trips go, if I don't see you before, see you at next year's Blackpool Bash.  Hopefully I'll be a bit luckier with getting advance train tickets this time.  It's way too early to say yet whether or not I'll stretch it into 3 nights to give me time to do Blackpool Water Park on the seafront as well as the Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool. _________________ Check out my coaster count at coaster-count.com Back to top smiler Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 672 Location: Cheltenham Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 9:32 pm    Post subject: The monarail dont open till 8:30 every morning so it will be walking there. The only other best place to park is by the exit barriers really thats the closet youll egt unless you pay VIP parking etc. _________________ Naked roller coaster world record holder 2004 Biggest ghost hunter record holder 2006 Photos updated (14/12/09) Winter wounderland and the O2 fair Flicr photos update (14/12/09) Video update (03/11/09) Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> UK Trips All times are GMT Page 1, 2  Next Page 1 of 2   Jump to: Select a forum RCCGB News and Information----------------Welcome to the RCCGB members' message boardRCCGB NewsMessage Board NewsRCCGB website updatesMerchandiseAIRtime MagazineNew Members RCCGB Trips----------------UK TripsUSA TripsEurope TripsClub Trip Reports Theme Park News and Rumours----------------UK Park NewsWorldwide Park NewsFun Fair and Travelling Ride NewsPark and Ride pollsTelevision and Radio AlertsTheme Park Discounts Members' Trips----------------Trip PlanningTrip Reports Off Topic----------------Anything GoesMembers AnnouncementsFun and GamesPolls for whateverJokesWeblinksGeneral Freebies and Special Offers  You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum Card File  Gallery  Forum Archive Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group