LC12

This blog is written in chronological order. The most recent update will be at the bottom of the page.

You can discuss Thorpe Parks new coaster for 2012, LC12, on our forums.

"In line with THORPE PARK’s Medium Term Development Plan, application for full planning permission for a new rollercoaster in 2012 has been submitted to Runnymede Borough Council. This can be viewed on the Runnymede Borough Council website, www.runnymede.gov.uk (ref: RU.11/0101).

The German manufacturer Bolliger and Mabillard have been commissioned to build the unique new rollercoaster due to their consistent record of delivering extreme rides of the highest quality. Subject to planning permission, the ride will open in Spring 2012 and will be located on one of the new development islands adjacent to Stealth, measuring just under 40 metres in height.

Mike Vallis, Divisional Director, comments:
“THORPE PARK has developed significantly over the last decade to create the ‘must do’ destination for thrill seekers in the UK. We have focussed our investment on delivering exciting new rides and attractions including SAW – The Ride: the world’s first horror movie themed rollercoaster, Stealth: one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters, Colossus: the world’s first 10 looping rollercoaster and Nemesis Inferno the 4.5 G-force experience.

This new development for 2012 will further add to the Park’s impressive ride portfolio and firmly establish the THORPE PARK as the nation’s Thrill Capital with a wide range of adrenaline pumping rides. ”

Source: http://www.thorpepark.com/press/releases/default.aspx

Project Name: LC12
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
Coaster type: Wing Rider
Height: 38.6m / 127ft
Inversions: 4
Investment cost: £18m
Trains / seats: 2 / 28
Length of track: approx. 775m / 2543ft

Official micro-site for LC12.

The ride will be themed to a post-apocalyptic disaster. The theme will include partly destroyed buildings, a full scale wreckage of a plane crash and other annihilated vehicles.

It is estimated that LC12 will open in late March.

Birdseye view showing the location of the ride. It will be situated on it's own man-made island between Stealth and the old farm. The images below show the layout, side profile, station building and fast-food unit.

The plans can be viewed in full on Runnymede Council's website. Planning permission was granted on 30th March 2011.

Please note this video was not produced by CoasterForce.

Several posters are on display throughout the park declaring that the "end is coming."

A tramp like character called Les Coogan frequently parades around the park wearing a sandwich board and shouting about impending doom.

These images, which were posted on Screamscape could possibly show LC12's track. The track was spotted at the B&M factory in Ohio, USA. The track type is the same style as Gardaland's Raptor, a recently opened Wing Rider.

Not much to report. The site appears to be fully cleared. Marker poles and a couple of tripods, presumably for surveying equipment such as theodolites, can be seen. Massive piles of rubble are present. They may be awaiting removal, or they could be reused for theme. Park sources inform us that the track is due to arrive in September.

Viral Campaign - 19 June 2011

The viral campaign for LC12 stepped up a gear. The Les Coogan character has been asking regular questions on his Facebook page. Some of the people who correctly answered the questions have become members of a "Crack Squad". There are five Crack Squads in total. Each Squad is made up of four people. Their job is to promote the ride. Each week a Squad will be eliminated.

Two CoasterForce members are part of Crack Squad Charlie. Please show your support by "liking" their page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrackSquadCharlie

Construction update - 26 June 2011

Still nothing terribly exciting to report. There's a new fence and a couple of diggers on site. The most interesting thing is that they've appeared to dig out a small lake, which can be seen in the foreground of the second and third images. Looking back at the other photos, there wasn't any water there last time and the pile of MUD is a lot larger.

Construction update - 29th July 2011

Still nothing terribly exciting to report. Though there are at least signs of things moving on. We have drills/pile-drivers and concrete reinforcing sheets. There are also circular concrete sections that are probably either drains or potential footers. Still, everyone is getting excited for the "big event" on August 1st.

Photos donated by CF Member "Beans"

Named "The Swarm" - 1st August 2011

The park also unveiled a microsite complete with a short description and trailer video. 

http://www.theswarm.co.uk

The park have placed a large fence next to the entrance of Stealth which barricades off the Sunken Garden (a good place to get construction photos!). The fence is topped with faux barbed wire and "the UK first winged coaster" is advertised on it. There are also security cameras, sirens and "industrial" music. Les Coogan and other characters continue to warn guests of the impending doom. A "Policeman" keeps an eye on everything. Brilliant in-park marketing. Behind the fence sits a filing cabinet!

Video by Tina "Beans" Hills.

Construction wise, the ground is now clear. The foundations for the station building are in place; the outline of which can clearly be seen from Stealth. Diggers and cranes are on site although there is little sign of track footers or the track itself.

A better No Limits recreation of Swarm - 9th August 2011

This video was not produced by CoasterForce.

Track arrives on site! - 11th August 2011

Nearly hidden from public view...but that'll never stop an enthusiast!

More in-park marketing - 2nd September 2011

A billboard, a tank and more Les Coogan. What more could a Thorpe fanboy/girl want?

Construction update - 2nd September 2011

More work has taken place on the foundations, piles and ironworks. Still no vertical construction though. Soon...

Construction update - 8th September 2011

Work has begun on the station/maintenance shed. Metal framework is going up and supports have been spotted nearby. No sign of any track work yet, although the footers have just been laid and they need time to settle. Next week, perhaps?

Images courtesy of Theme Park Guide.

Construction update - End September 2011

More work on the station and surrounding building has taken place. You should be able to spot the frame work for the church!

Finally! Major track work has begun. Forget those grainy photos of some resting track in the station, here are some proper track construction images!

Construction update - 18th October 2011

Track is going up at swift pace! The lift hill has been topped off and the first drop is taking shape!

Images from Thorpe Park website and ThemeUK.

Official Testing Video - 17th January 2012

Thorpe Park have released an official testing video of the ride on their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150702617094815