Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

The Save Dreamland Campaign was launched by Joyland Books in January 2003 and is now supported by several thousand people. This is the place to discuss all aspects of saving Margate's famous amusement park and its iconic , Grade II listed Scenic Railway, Britain's oldest roller coaster.

Moderators: dave771, porf, Sarah

Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby porf » 04 Jun 2015, 23:22

Pretty bad news if true.

@margatearchi RT @bbcsoutheast: We understand that the Scenic Railway at Dreamland in #Margate will not be ready for the official opening day later this …

Link to Tweet: https://twitter.com/margatearchi/status ... 6450957312

If true it makes a mockery of the opening weekend where I have a hotel booked. Without the scenic I wouldn't have booked this and consider the offering to fail to meet that detailed. Likewise the preview day.

Not a great start if true.
Paul Freeman
User avatar
porf
Site Admin
 
Posts: 504
Joined: 04 Jun 2003, 20:35
Location: London

Re: BBC Se reporting scenic railway not ready for opening da

Postby Phillerz » 04 Jun 2015, 23:53

porf wrote:Pretty bad news if true.

@margatearchi RT @bbcsoutheast: We understand that the Scenic Railway at Dreamland in #Margate will not be ready for the official opening day later this …

Link to Tweet: https://twitter.com/margatearchi/status ... 6450957312

If true it makes a mockery of the opening weekend where I have a hotel booked. Without the scenic I wouldn't have booked this and consider the offering to fail to meet that detailed. Likewise the preview day.

Not a great start if true.


First i have heard of this. I was under the impression the trains were coming this week and it was simply a case of sticking them on the tracks and hey presto....

The BBC are known for their often inaccuracies. I wouldnt be surprised if gossip has become news. Im confident in everyone behind dreamlands reopening.
Phillerz
 
Posts: 61
Joined: 02 Dec 2012, 09:38

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby porf » 05 Jun 2015, 07:18

Dreamland’s Scenic Railway Delayed

Thanet District Council The Thanet Magazine Press releases 2015 June Dreamland’s Scenic Railway Delayed
Dreamland Margate, the UK’s original pleasure park will re-open its doors at 10am Friday 19 June 2015, marking phase one of the redevelopment of the park.

Although work to the timber-framed structure is near completion, the Scenic Railway will not open on 19 June due to continuing restoration to the trains.

All other rides and attractions due for phase one will be open as planned.

Existing ticket holders to Dreamland have been informed about the Scenic Railway and offered a free return visit to the Park at a date of their choosing.

The timber-framed Scenic Railway first opened in the 1920’s. It is the UK’s oldest rollercoaster and the only Grade ll* listed rollercoaster in the world. Thanet District Council has contracted some of the UK’s leading specialists to oversee its restoration – their task is to protect the valuable heritage of the ride whilst bringing this up to the modern day.

Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Chris Wells said: “Meticulous efforts are being made to create an authentic experience for visitors, in keeping with the original 1920’s design of the ride.

“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of contractors, the finishing touches are now being made to the timber framed structure and restoration of the trains is now well underway. We recognise that this is no easy task and appreciate delays can be unforeseeable with this type of project.

“I know it is disappointing the Scenic Railway will not be opening for rides on 19 June, we are confident that our commitment to the protection of its heritage will offer the best possible experience for visitors.”

CEO of Dreamland Eddie Kemsley, said: “All other attractions due to open as part of phase one, are on track for 19 June. This launch represents a considerable achievement in bringing Dreamland to life once again and everyone in Margate and involved in the project should be very proud. The opening night Hullabaloo party with special guest performances from Marina and the Diamonds and Chas and Dave is going to be fantastic and a great way to mark the start of Dreamland’s new future. Tickets to the opening night are almost sold out.”

Phase one includes 17 restored rides, as well as the roller disco, pleasure gardens, restaurants, food stalls, arcades and amusements from the golden age of the British seaside. The second phase, scheduled for later in 2015 will include the Ballroom, outdoor event space, restaurant café, and dance studio. In 2016 the Hall By The Sea and the Buffet Building will be opened.

Dreamland’s phase one opening will create over 200 jobs to the local economy.

The reopening has been made possible by the work of the Dreamland Trust and investment from Thanet District Council, Sands Heritage LTD, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Department for Culture Media and Sport and many local benefactors.

Full information about Dreamland including its opening night can be found on its website www.dreamland.co.uk.



Press Office

E-Mail: press.office@thanet.gov.uk

Phone: 01843 577034 or 01843 577120


Tdcwebsitelogo2014footerfw portoframsgate.co.uk visitthanet.co.uk thanetcoast.org.uk
Cookies © Thanet District Council
GOV.UK Thanet Gateway Plus
Paul Freeman
User avatar
porf
Site Admin
 
Posts: 504
Joined: 04 Jun 2003, 20:35
Location: London

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby kevin » 05 Jun 2015, 07:48

Well, there's a surprise...
kevin
 
Posts: 135
Joined: 16 Mar 2006, 17:55
Location: essex

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby Susan » 05 Jun 2015, 10:07

Sadly the news about the Scenic trains has come late in the day but everything possible is being done to speed matters up, hopefully it wont be long before everything is complete.
In the meantime the operators are offering a free ticket to anyone who has already bought one, for them to return after the Scenic is complete.
Susan
 
Posts: 118
Joined: 07 Jul 2004, 21:20
Location: Manchester

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby SuburbanHomeboy » 05 Jun 2015, 11:41

I'll still be there for opening day! Can't wait to see all the Littleboy restorations - especially the Jets!

This is effectively a new attraction, despite its history. These things take time - and having Dreamland open again was always my wish!

See you there on 19th June!

Rob
SuburbanHomeboy
 
Posts: 129
Joined: 28 Mar 2012, 20:07

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby kevin » 05 Jun 2015, 12:15

Susan wrote:Sadly the news about the Scenic trains has come late in the day but everything possible is being done to speed matters up, hopefully it wont be long before everything is complete.
In the meantime the operators are offering a free ticket to anyone who has already bought one, for them to return after the Scenic is complete.


Are they offering refunds?
kevin
 
Posts: 135
Joined: 16 Mar 2006, 17:55
Location: essex

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby Susan » 05 Jun 2015, 12:21

Kevin this is in the hands of the operator, they have emailed everyone who has bought a ticket on line with the replacement ticket option & asked local people who called in an bought one to contact them.
You need to talk to them or you can go on their facebook page.
Susan
 
Posts: 118
Joined: 07 Jul 2004, 21:20
Location: Manchester

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby Bob » 05 Jun 2015, 17:19

It may never operate. As a result of the accident at Alton towers much more stringent safety regulations are likely to be bought in and this ride would be unable to meet them, Even without that insurance cover would be difficult to obtain now
Bob
 
Posts: 509
Joined: 30 Nov 2003, 21:21

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby sparky230 » 05 Jun 2015, 18:14

Bob stop talking out of your backside, the alton towers accident has zero to do with why the scenic wont be ready, I know the reasons, but legally I cant devolge the reasons. All I can say is it will run.
sparky230
 
Posts: 49
Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 20:13

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby Vince, Charlie and Sam » 05 Jun 2015, 18:56

Bob wrote:It may never operate. As a result of the accident at Alton towers much more stringent safety regulations are likely to be bought in and this ride would be unable to meet them, Even without that insurance cover would be difficult to obtain now


Do you have any evidence to back up those statements Bob?

There's very little similarity between Alton Tower's Smiler and the Scenic Railway, other than that both are fairground rides which run on tracks. Are you suggesting that all fairground rides which run on tracks will be unable to meet the ADIPS regulations as a result of this incident?
User avatar
Vince, Charlie and Sam
 
Posts: 922
Joined: 25 Aug 2003, 12:56
Location: Ramsgate.

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby sparky230 » 05 Jun 2015, 20:40

Right lets put Bobs theories to bed once and for all, I have friends to do with ADIPS I used to do wiring inspections for Burea Veritas for ADIPS, Nothing that happened at Alton Towers will affect the Scenic, It's a Complete different kettle of fish, as it relies on a Manual Brakeman to control the trains, 2 Trains would never crash into each other in the way that happened.
sparky230
 
Posts: 49
Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 20:13

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby porf » 05 Jun 2015, 22:42

Kevin - From the operating companies FAQ (http://www.dreamland.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions) - No refunds, No Discounts due to the Scenic not operating. Those booking before 9am on the 5th June get a free return ticket, those booking after are presumably assumed to be aware that the main ride isn't available.

Can I have a refund?
I’m afraid we are not giving out refunds. However, anyone who has bought tickets up until 9am on 5th June, is being offered a free ticket to come back once the Scenic Railway is up and running. You will get to be one of the first and come back for a second visit and have twice the fun!


As the Scenic Railway will not be open, will you be discounting tickets?
There will no reduction in ticket prices. As important as the Scenic Railway is to Dreamland, we have 17 other beautifully restored and re-awesomed rides which will be up and running. On top of that there will be the Roller Room, the Arcade, and all of the other amusements throughout the park such as the Circus, live acts on the Bandstands, the Wall of Death and so much more...
Paul Freeman
User avatar
porf
Site Admin
 
Posts: 504
Joined: 04 Jun 2003, 20:35
Location: London

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby Phillerz » 06 Jun 2015, 10:52

Bob wrote:It may never operate. As a result of the accident at Alton towers much more stringent safety regulations are likely to be bought in and this ride would be unable to meet them, Even without that insurance cover would be difficult to obtain now


If the smiler had a brakeman.... the ride wouldnt have crashed. It was the computers fault.
Phillerz
 
Posts: 61
Joined: 02 Dec 2012, 09:38

Re: Confirmed - Scenic Railway not ready for opening day

Postby kevin » 06 Jun 2015, 12:55

porf wrote:Kevin - From the operating companies FAQ (http://www.dreamland.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions) - No refunds, No Discounts due to the Scenic not operating. Those booking before 9am on the 5th June get a free return ticket, those booking after are presumably assumed to be aware that the main ride isn't available.

Can I have a refund?
I’m afraid we are not giving out refunds. However, anyone who has bought tickets up until 9am on 5th June, is being offered a free ticket to come back once the Scenic Railway is up and running. You will get to be one of the first and come back for a second visit and have twice the fun!


-Not great customer service, if I was in this position I wouldn't be too pleased.


As the Scenic Railway will not be open, will you be discounting tickets?
There will no reduction in ticket prices. As important as the Scenic Railway is to Dreamland, we have 17 other beautifully restored and re-awesomed rides which will be up and running. On top of that there will be the Roller Room, the Arcade, and all of the other amusements throughout the park such as the Circus, live acts on the Bandstands, the Wall of Death and so much more...


-"re-awesomed"? I wish these people could use correct English!
kevin
 
Posts: 135
Joined: 16 Mar 2006, 17:55
Location: essex

Next

Return to Save Dreamland Campaign Forum

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 31 guests

cron