The Abandoned History of Slammer - The Last Sky Swatter | Expedition Thorpe Park

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
  • Thorpe Park has been home to many different flat rides over the years. One unique attraction known as the Slammer was one of only two ever built in the world. After years of technical issues the ride was eventually closed and sits abandoned.
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ความคิดเห็น • 891

  • @ExpeditionThemePark
    @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    What is your number one flat ride?

    • @thameslinkrail4038
      @thameslinkrail4038 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Time Machine, Adventure Island. The sustained G forces are incredible!

    • @wolfie1179
      @wolfie1179 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Definetly Supreeme Scream at Knotts

    • @Coolharry64
      @Coolharry64 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Without a doubt, Maelstrom/Axis/any frisbee ride.

    • @vd8642
      @vd8642 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Dice shaker

    • @Georgie94
      @Georgie94 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I quite liked Nemesis: Sub-terra

  • @shinjiikari4780
    @shinjiikari4780 4 ปีที่แล้ว +423

    The Slammer sounds like a nickname for a ride at Action Park.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      could be!

    • @lmaoitsharrison
      @lmaoitsharrison 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      omg yes lol i have actually been to action park

    • @alibob1986
      @alibob1986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@lmaoitsharrison recently, or when it was BAD?

    • @brogaming7393
      @brogaming7393 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@lmaoitsharrison stop the cap bro

    • @FilmCriticAidan
      @FilmCriticAidan ปีที่แล้ว +1

      LMAO😂😂

  • @CraigAndrews666
    @CraigAndrews666 4 ปีที่แล้ว +285

    Space shot, sky swing, screaming squirrel, screaming swing, sky swat.
    Really took the S & S branding seriously.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Ha yes!

    • @JustinCoasters
      @JustinCoasters 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      They also did a Snow Shot

    • @rjkral
      @rjkral 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hard Sell heck I didn’t notice till you mentioned it! Awesome!

    • @CC_Reads
      @CC_Reads 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      swing shot

    • @realGeorgelucas18563
      @realGeorgelucas18563 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      You can read the first four items in that list to the tune of We Didn't Start The Fire.

  • @spaghetticoconut658
    @spaghetticoconut658 4 ปีที่แล้ว +223

    Seeing footage from a park that is completely closed down or a ride that no longer exists gives me the chills.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Right!

    • @leeowen4989
      @leeowen4989 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      It's worse when it's a ride you used to work on, and then you smile when you realise that even though you gave it nothing but your best, the ride still gave you the finger on a daily basis....

    • @alibob1986
      @alibob1986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Abandoned theme parks are one of ly favourite youtube video binges

    • @reteledman
      @reteledman ปีที่แล้ว

      both of those are in this video

  • @Relinscar
    @Relinscar 4 ปีที่แล้ว +130

    I don't remember the restraints being uncomfortable but I've never been on any other ride that pushed so much blood to my head than Slammer did

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Submission ha

    • @m4gn5g62
      @m4gn5g62 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Expedition Theme Park yes I agree
      I rode both and they hurt very much

  • @jacko7771
    @jacko7771 4 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    Seeing Loggers Leap abandoned still hurts me, I grew up with that ride. A huge part of Thorpe Park's legacy

    • @duranduran20133
      @duranduran20133 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Worse thing they did letting it rot

    • @LeoElso
      @LeoElso 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Did they ever come up with a logical explanation for closing it? It was a cracking ride and is really sorely missed, the double down finale was always so much fun

    • @insanelewis21
      @insanelewis21 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LeoElso I belive something to do with the lift being unstable? That's what I had heard. Got pics of me on it as a kid.

    • @GK-fy9dd
      @GK-fy9dd 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Loggers leap was such a good ride, glad i got to go on it and get a pic

    • @rampager1990
      @rampager1990 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, but when that new coaster gets built I think I can accept it being gone 😅

  • @SuV33358
    @SuV33358 4 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    When you ride these rides, your body LITERALLY feels and reacts as though it's about to die, even though you feel you are having fun.....that swatter one? Oh hell no

    • @KirstenMarie_MS3
      @KirstenMarie_MS3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Where did you hear that?

    • @carolync5900
      @carolync5900 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That's how I feel on all extreme rides. Even though I mentally understand I am ok and the physics will keep me alive my body thinks death is near lol

    • @SuV33358
      @SuV33358 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KirstenMarie_MS3 it's common sense

    • @SuV33358
      @SuV33358 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@carolync5900 right, your body thinks you just drove your car off a cliff. But the logical brain is saying, you'll be safe. Lol

  • @so-calseany1176
    @so-calseany1176 4 ปีที่แล้ว +164

    * Sees “The Slammer” in description *
    Not sure if talking about a flat ride or prison...

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      ha

    • @svis6888
      @svis6888 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@ExpeditionThemePark ho

    • @Katrina_Helena
      @Katrina_Helena 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I wondered why the theme has been stuck in my head for the last day!

  • @RolyWestYT
    @RolyWestYT 4 ปีที่แล้ว +149

    Ended up getting bruises on my shoulders after going on this and was like no never again

    • @TheMarcelinee
      @TheMarcelinee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Roly! i love your vids

    • @laurs5551
      @laurs5551 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol same the worst

    • @mjyg3058
      @mjyg3058 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow really ouch

    • @Givenofficial
      @Givenofficial 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      OMG ROLY HI

    • @mistywindy
      @mistywindy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They should put memory foam on those rides xD

  • @JCook6788
    @JCook6788 4 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    “Your fray with slammer has now come to an end” - Best words ever. Never have I felt so unsafe and uncomfortable on a ride.. Great video, Thanks!

  • @morzee94
    @morzee94 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Slammer is easily the best flat ride I’ve ever been on. I remember the first time I went on it, I was so shocked by how intense it was. Such a gem in the park with hardly any queues!

  • @sirenlover100
    @sirenlover100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    "Sky Swat 1 looks too intense for me!"

    • @nickyblue4866
      @nickyblue4866 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      "I want to get off Sky Swat 1!!!"

    • @tillybug_pug4180
      @tillybug_pug4180 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      “I haven’t finished my tentacle yet!”

    • @emmalondon4066
      @emmalondon4066 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      "Just looking at sky swat 1 makes me feel sick"

    • @ComediansCentre
      @ComediansCentre 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Is someone watching me? 🙂

    • @RF1RS
      @RF1RS 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      “Sky Swat 1 is a really good value!”

  • @SeanFlaharty
    @SeanFlaharty 4 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    I was never able to ride either version of this ride. I never even got to see them operate. Thanks for another informative video!

    • @seanthebandgeek5040
      @seanthebandgeek5040 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Look! Another verified account making a pointless comment so we will look at his profile!!!!!

    • @SeanFlaharty
      @SeanFlaharty 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@seanthebandgeek5040 Ha ha. Either that or I actually love Sam's work and have a long history of allowing Sam to use my footage in his videos. Thanks for playing.

  • @prentisroberson2305
    @prentisroberson2305 4 ปีที่แล้ว +137

    Wow. Would you make the Abandoned History of Schlitterbahn Kansas City?

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      yes

    • @Syclone0044
      @Syclone0044 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Prentis Roberson It’s abandoned?? 😵 I wrote a HUUUGE comment on the fatal ride on Verrückt that got over 3,000 Likes on The Atlantic TH-cam channel.

    • @patrickomeara3700
      @patrickomeara3700 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Syclone0044 yeah they’re talking about making it a swimming pool complex/baseball fields. Don’t know that they even fully reopened after that tragic day.

    • @TGOPoma
      @TGOPoma 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Patrick O’Meara They did and didn’t. The area of Verrukt was closed off after the accident but the rest of the park was open for a while until the lack of ticket sales buried them for good.

    • @Petsrme307
      @Petsrme307 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's a shame. Went there every year with family.

  • @TheFreshSpam
    @TheFreshSpam 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Just want to add I used to go on this ride all the time with my cousin and we were young enough to pop the ride harnesses off our shoulders and push it around us and stand up when it was flat and then pop ourselves back in when it started moving.
    Very stupid and rather dangerous looking back. Great times

  • @FoolishMortalLife
    @FoolishMortalLife 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I went on this ride for my 16th birthday and the ride operator sang happy birthday to me over the tannoy whilst I was on the ride and got guests to join in. Definitely one of my favourite theme park memories and it was so sad when I went back years later and saw Slammer was no long in operation

  • @hayleymsiebert7526
    @hayleymsiebert7526 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Remember going on this back in sep 2016 with my then boyfriend and niece. Didn’t know what it did and was wanting to be the caring and protective auntie for my niece and she loved it while I was praying to the gods to end the ride! What a crazy experience!

  • @bamm3707
    @bamm3707 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I remember seeing this at six flags and thought it was a really terrible idea for a ride.. Riding it was just as I had expected. Going forward is great but the upsidedown pulling force is the worst type of forces you can get on any ride.

  • @somethingsmart510
    @somethingsmart510 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I rode the one at Astroworld a couple of times. It was uncomfortable when you were going upside down with the shoulder restraints. The workers always made sure to push it down on to your shoulders when they were checking it. That, and Looping Starship, had the most uncomfortable restraints at Astroworld.

  • @kylebicker7649
    @kylebicker7649 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Well, if they haven't scrapped it, and said "who said it was getting scrapped", I hope they and S&S are working a solution for this due to popularity

  • @schwarzerregen9338
    @schwarzerregen9338 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I rember going on the Slammer, it was an absolutely insane experience, never knew it closed and went extinct, guess I have a unique memory :)

  • @C1000-c7b
    @C1000-c7b 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love Thorpe Park, was there with my son on Saturday, 1st night of Fright Nights. So different from when I visited as a teenager in the early 90s.
    We rode Rush a few times at the weekend, in the dark too.
    The Slammer looks nuts, I would've gone on that, as my son's almost tall enough to get on the major thrill rides now, it'll open up a whole new level of excitement hopefully before the season is out.

  • @deejams18
    @deejams18 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I miss this ride so much... I only got to go on it once but I remember it so fondly...

  • @insanelewis21
    @insanelewis21 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video, I too have been going to Thorpe literally all my life. I have pictures of me in a buggy, I am now just turning 34 lol. So have also seen thorpe, chessington and windsor safari *cough* I mean legoland go through their many stages. But I have to say slammer was one of my all time favourite flat rides. An experience and feeling I have only come across while flying aerobatics. I have many happy memories from thorpe, x no way out opening was a massive deal and one of the best new ride experiences I've ever had. Queueing for Colossus, Nemesis and Saw when they first opened. When fright nights first started and when they were at their best, Asylum still remains the best horror maze ever. Derren brown when it first opened was an amazing experience, that you have to throw yourself into to get the best out of it, and the tech is fantastic. But, and its a big BUT. I hate seeing the park the way it is now. It truly saddens me that I don't feel safe there with my children. The amount of chavs causing problems I have seen, the constant smell of weed, the dirt and horrifically rude staff has killed the park for me and my family. I hope this issue gets sorted, but while they aren't appealing to families I doubt it. I hope to see some new investment taking place soon, I think an RMC is way off, but perhaps a decent GCI would be nice following around where loggers is. Who knows, there's soo much the park has got right but there's soo much it gets wrong too. I do hope the park has a bright future.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that is me as a kid in the video!@

    • @insanelewis21
      @insanelewis21 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ExpeditionThemePark nice, I did wonder :-)

  • @XxTokyoMewMewFreakxX
    @XxTokyoMewMewFreakxX 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I still remember when I was having second thoughts on getting on Sky Swat . I'm glad I rode it now with my dad because now it is a unique memory . I loved it.

  • @BuriedAudioUK
    @BuriedAudioUK 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    As a thorpe park local it's such a shame that I missed riding this one

  • @msjibberjabberhodge
    @msjibberjabberhodge 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I totally forgot about this ride. I rode this in Thorpe Park in 2006. I remember not enjoying the experience because of how disorienting it was (and not in a good way like Eejaniaka). I remember feeling like my head was going to explode. Thanks for the video and the trip down memory lane :)

  • @olimara1647
    @olimara1647 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I love rollercoasters, but I have never felt like I trusted one of these tall arm based rides. Just tracks for me please.

  • @cam3033
    @cam3033 4 ปีที่แล้ว +82

    What if an S&S sky Swatter was placed next to F.L.Y 🤔 would it be called F.L.Y swatter

  • @asterisks3062
    @asterisks3062 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    That ending sentence is so true, its just that merlin arnt willing to invest so sadly rides are just sat their not giving a good impression. Hopefully things will change soon and merlin can stop neglecting Thorpe. :)

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I hope so

    • @thecinematicmind
      @thecinematicmind 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Merlin are treating Thorpe like it’s an abandoned seaside pier.

    • @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20
      @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I really want them to get a giga

    • @asterisks3062
      @asterisks3062 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20 they won't, they have a height limit of around 225ft around saw and loggers i think, but over by the swarm is closer to Heathrow, so the limit is 205ft

    • @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20
      @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@asterisks3062 oh that sucks well they could get a hyper

  • @patrickwagner98
    @patrickwagner98 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Rode the one at Six Flags New England. It was intense, but those restraints, especially the lap bar, would non-stop tighten on you the entire ride. Couldn't wait to get off, although the gforces were great.

  • @DIDCOTTWIST
    @DIDCOTTWIST 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I absolutely loved the Slammer at Thorpe park always went on it when it was open.Always went around with arms in the air which was fun especially at the back most of my family hated it 😲

  • @yes-pn1gm
    @yes-pn1gm 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I visited last Tuesday for the first time in 7 years and wondered what happened to Slammer. I only rode it once, I am quite tall and remember receiving a big bruise to my right shoulder. I bruise fairly easily, so it's not uncommon for me to bruise at theme parks, It could have been any ride in all honesty, but I haven't had a bruise that bad in repeat visits.

  • @DrLexieHarris
    @DrLexieHarris 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Interesting that you have a soft spot for Thorpe park but haven’t done Stealth yet. Arguably the best rollercoaster in the UK!

  • @Marhelorpe
    @Marhelorpe 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had the pleasure of being able to ride Slammer from the very beginning of its life in 2005 when I was just 10 years old right up until 2016. I remember queueing nearly 1.5 hours when it was brand new and being absolutely terrified of the lack of restraints at the time. However, I still dearly miss this thing as whilst it might have been an uncomfortable experience, the sheer power, sound and dominance it had at Thorpe Park was unmatched to anything else I had ever experienced and was incredibly unique. Was a great ride!

  • @christiancarr1704
    @christiancarr1704 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I used to ride SWAT at AstroWorld and this just makes me think about what a unique ride collection we lost in that park.

  • @BellePullman
    @BellePullman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I've never been much of a fan of flat rides - I love the journey and "round and round" isn't much of a story! I think they made a big mistake when they decided to make Thorpe Park all thrills and Chessington all kiddy rides, cut off all the families and groups of mixed levels of thrill-seeking. Am I showing my age by fondly remembering the train that took you across to the farm? Thrill rides all morning, lunch then an hour seeing cute animals, then back to the rides once you're less likely to feel sick!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree i also think it was a mistake. I love the train and heading to the farm

    • @booth2710
      @booth2710 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Chessington has restrictions imposed on them by Surrey County Council. as to how high they can have constructions This is one of the reasons they have difficulty having high white knuckle rides.

  • @Jeronimogrim
    @Jeronimogrim 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I rode the swing at Cedar Point. Omg it must be the best and the most scary flat ride I,ve experienced. I also love launching towers😍 and the noise of S&S rides is just music to my ears.

  • @ReaquireFTW
    @ReaquireFTW 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastic and well put together video/commentary! I rode this was once and wasn't massive fan, I remember my legs hurting after coming off this from restraints being so tight, not quite as tight as submission was at alton towers mind!

    • @ParasocialCatgirl
      @ParasocialCatgirl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had the opposite problem.
      I've always been pretty darn thin, so the restraints were super loose for me.

    • @ReaquireFTW
      @ReaquireFTW 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      3[L] I used to be pretty skinny too but i was around 6 foot, not sure of it was to do with height

  • @TekkenBones
    @TekkenBones 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Man, a ride like this just looks like a fortune to keep running.

  • @deanantony8620
    @deanantony8620 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the best rides Thorpe Park had. I was actually at the front of the queue of the video at 10:52 where it went up to the top as usual, started spinning and then dropped slightly. Took quite a while to start to get everyone off but didn't see it all happen as they evacuated that section of the park.

  • @DiaryofaRollerCoasterGirl
    @DiaryofaRollerCoasterGirl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    I was informed by an "insider" that the real reason they decided to close it was due to a conversation between the guys at Thorpe and S&S which went like this:
    Thorpe: what can we actually do if this gets stuck upside down?
    S&S: haha just hope it doesn't... 👀
    It was around the same era that Merlin went H&S crazy (6ft fences everywhere) after the Smiler accident, and they obviously couldn't afford anymore bad press through Slammer, so it had to go.

    • @leeowen4989
      @leeowen4989 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      It's happened, an external power grid failure coincided with one of Slammers regular hissy fits and the ride coasted to a stop in an almost completely vertical position. Took 2 of us about 45 mins physically pulling the drive motors to get the ride right side up before we could lower it back down....... I suppose it's what happens when you get a BOGOF offer on a bloody prototype.

    • @disownedpear
      @disownedpear 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@leeowen4989 Cool. Did you not have more staff to pull the motor? Seems strange to do it with such a few amount of people if it takes that long. After the accident I understand them not wanting it to be stuck in a fully inverted position if it takes that long to right.

    • @leeowen4989
      @leeowen4989 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@disownedpear There is only enough room on each platform for 2 people, and even if there was room for more, you still wouldn't be able to turn the motor any faster.

    • @disownedpear
      @disownedpear 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@leeowen4989 Fabulous design haha. Thx for the info.

    • @vikingjoebloggs3887
      @vikingjoebloggs3887 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@leeowen4989 Ah a theme park engineer! I almost quit my job to join you. I bet you've some interesting stories

  • @loftus8660
    @loftus8660 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm in the group that loved slammer! I was gutted when both this and loggers leap closed (and the original x no way out for that matter) its weird as i get older to see rides closing that i have great memories of. I always enjoyed slammer, never found it to be too intense or uncomfortable, just a really fun experience, i'd usually spend the whole ride duration laughing 😂
    I remembered a few different times going and it being closed and was quite sad, then found out it had been officially shutdown after the fact. At the time i had no idea it was a unique concept that isnt featured at any other park... real shame to know that theres no way to experience it again now.
    Loving your channel, another great video 👍

  • @ivannat1
    @ivannat1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    One of the most intense flat rides I’ve ever been on. Don’t remember the restraints being bad, but I did only get to go on it once

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It was!

    • @MajinbouuGS
      @MajinbouuGS 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You had to go on it once to understand “ok maybe i dont pull this thing down all the way so im crushing my spine” 🤣

  • @Skett
    @Skett 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I never went on slammer, but I'll always love it for one time. I was at Thorpe park with a group of friends, we stopped for lunch and there was one friend (who lived 5 minutes from Thorpe park and had a season ticket) refused to stop and break into his ride time. When we met up with him after lunch, we found out that he'd left us, got straight on slammer and it broke down with him on it. He'd only just got off again.

  • @kylearias3058
    @kylearias3058 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You so,so,so,Much for producing a video about About Flat-Rides so many channels focus on coasters. So thankful

  • @leslierushforth4572
    @leslierushforth4572 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Didn't realise how lucky I was to ride Slammer?!?! Wow! Only 2 in existence..Thanks again for another informative and entertaining vid 👍🏼

  • @alexonmymind4925
    @alexonmymind4925 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been on this ride. I believe it was in its final year and I'm devastated that it's gone. Before going I remember checking the list of rides that were there and this was on my top 3 of riding. I hope something like this comes back again

  • @kristindemaria2327
    @kristindemaria2327 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Super cute shot of you and Jackie! Another great video. My husband and I are huge theme park lovers and I send him your videos to watch all the time !

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And me as a lil kid too! Thank you guys so much for watching.

  • @DCombz
    @DCombz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I rode Catapult as a kid many times in SF NE and yeah, the shoulder restraints even hurt me then. It still stands as the most intense flat ride I've ever been on and I think Slammer is a better name for the model because it really does feel like you're about to be slammed into the ground.
    I missed it when it stopped working at Six Flags and was eventually removed. Love anything intense, no matter how much it hurts.

    • @timothyfogarty5829
      @timothyfogarty5829 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      This is the only ride I refused to go on because it hurt so bad

  • @nipplesscratchoff1399
    @nipplesscratchoff1399 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This ride was such a unique experience compared to other flat rides. Still my favorite flat ride to date. thanks for covering it

  • @ghostmark2005
    @ghostmark2005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow those clips at the beginning brought back so many memories of early Thorpe park
    That final bit of growing up seeing Thorpe park change really hit home. The Ontario play area etc I had completely forgotten had existed but a of the clips you showed brought back memories I didn't even know I had!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is me as a kid!

    • @emmachapman1179
      @emmachapman1179 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I had the thorpe park mr rabbit. Not many remember that either and the rangers

  • @kimattacks
    @kimattacks 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I rode it once in a trip to uk. Loved it. Didn't know it is no longer operative nowadays :(

  • @OfficialDJWolve
    @OfficialDJWolve 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Brilliant ride this was, I consider myself lucky to have ridden it 🔥

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I enjoyed it!

    • @ParasocialCatgirl
      @ParasocialCatgirl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      But have you ever experienced it breaking down on you?
      I have!

    • @theshevirgo
      @theshevirgo 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cr Cool King 36 Same although only a few times it broke down a lot. I found it to be fun but slightly uncomfortable as I was small and always got stapled in. I loved Diablo Falls, this replaced was either next to Taz’s Texas Tornado which I never got the chance to ride it was always broken I remember we saw it open once ran too it stood in line and it broke again.

    • @SwiftTelly20
      @SwiftTelly20 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was never interested in it. I'm not really a "flat rides" kind of person. It'll be weird once it's removed, whenever that will be, but if it was such a pain to run, it's better off being replaced. I agree that section of the park is kinda dead and boring. I didn't know that 2016 was the last time is operated full time [sort of], I was working at the park then so this is news to me. I guess if I was a ride ops or on another team, I would have heard about it sooner - I was on the hospitality team.

    • @addym45
      @addym45 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This was hands down my favourite flat ride at the park. No other would give you that extreme feeling of impending doom. Brilliant stuff

  • @sofiam8024
    @sofiam8024 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember going on it during Fright Night 2014 and really liking it, happy I got to experience it once.

  • @alicesullivan5387
    @alicesullivan5387 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Once at Thorpe Park, I saw a Dad holding his daughter into Rush (the ride with the big swings). She looked way too small to be on there and we genuinely thought she might fall out. I'm pretty sure part of the ride fell off weeks before we went as well. I also went on The Slammer that day and I just remember it giving me an awful headache

  • @jamesa596
    @jamesa596 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow, that ending gave me chills!!! That was an amazing episode, I wish I could’ve ridden it. Thank you for that episode!

  • @stephenelliott7071
    @stephenelliott7071 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    An incredible, intimidating and mechanical marvel that I rode once as it was always closed on future visits.

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    If about 854K people slammed the sub-button after watching, ETP would reach a million in no time. He deserves it for everything he does!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      aw that would be nice ha! But i am grateful for those who watch and enjoy :)

    • @bjtgaming
      @bjtgaming 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      When you said ETP I for some reason though it said EDP like EDP445

  • @eddybernstone
    @eddybernstone 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I always found this to be the most intense ride at the park. not the most comfortable, but certainly packed a massive punch.

  • @carafry1671
    @carafry1671 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was 100% the scariest ride there, it was never open until like 2014 ish when it opened half days. The restraints not having the full over the shoulder restraints made it terrifying like you’d actually fall out, you’d have to push your feet and tense your body up as you went over. My favourite was going over the top first. I luckily rode it almost every time I went, sometimes twice due to low queue times. I’d love to go on it again

  • @candycorn8750
    @candycorn8750 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Seeing your videos on my feed cures my depression for a while

  • @Pander1985
    @Pander1985 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ah I did love the ride! Left hand side first was good - on a good day you can see so much so far, used to love watching people on the other side watching you

  • @stevenklavins5714
    @stevenklavins5714 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I loved this ride and indeed people found it intimidating, I had friends who would go on every ride in the park apart from Slammer. During uptime, you would get on crazy fast and just last weekend I saw it exactly as described, sadly rotting away.
    However, the floodlights of the ride were oddly in operation all day, but I can only speculate and I would say the most likely reason for this will be to use them as ambient lighting for the fright night season.

  • @Proxinem
    @Proxinem 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That shoulder restraint always killed me. I'm very tall and I ALWAYS pulled it down too far. I once put my back out for a week because of that haha

  • @matthewhook9649
    @matthewhook9649 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hands down the best flat ride in the country when working. Such an awesome, intense experience.
    The only ones to come close to it are Samurai (when on a custom / extreme programme mode), Air - a Zierer Star Shape that travels and a Fabbri Booster.

  • @tsuk2018
    @tsuk2018 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Watching this makes me feel lucky to have experienced this cool ride. I only went on once or twice and it was plagued with issues. Trying to get on was the problem lol. Great video, would love them to hurry up and get Old town regenerated as it's really looking derelict these days.

  • @tierneyvt
    @tierneyvt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is one of the few rides I have been on and absolutely hated. Remember clinging to the handles absolutely terrified, because I felt like I was continuously sliding out of the seat 😂

  • @hollistonpanther67
    @hollistonpanther67 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I loved riding catapult in its short run at Six Flags New England. Weird ride for sure but always enjoyed it. Restraints were weird for sure and the shoulder restraints would often click a few notches down during the ride which didn't feel great..... but I always still loved it lol

  • @TheTjoconnor
    @TheTjoconnor ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, after watching so many videos about failed attractions, I'm really impressed with all the rides that still run.

  • @LukeE94
    @LukeE94 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I rode it but I don’t even remember if I liked it or not 😭 I think it hurt my shoulders but was a fun ride!

  • @IntaminFanboy
    @IntaminFanboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for looking at Slammer and the Sky Swat model in general! I'd love to see a video on the Sky Sling as well, another unique-but-failed ride model from S&S which only saw limited installations in the US and UK.

  • @CivilianSatellite
    @CivilianSatellite 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got many rides on Catapult at SFNE; it wasn't the most comfortable, and it took forever to load, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. After it was unexpectedly retired, I had hoped to get to Thorpe to ride Slammer, but it looks like that window has passed. Thanks for delving into the history of this unique and intense ride.

  • @michaeltaylor1603
    @michaeltaylor1603 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It was a very unique ride to be sure. Yes! AstroWorld had one + Diablo Falls added the same year. AW was getting back to its "roots" when they put those 2 rides in. AW used to do innovative things until it closed in 2005. At 1st appearance the ride doesn't seem like much, until it spins you around & you're 90 ft. up in the air!

  • @jayducharme
    @jayducharme 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I live near Six Flags New England and I remember when that Swatter went in. I never had an interest in riding it, and much of the time the ride was down anyway. But it certainly was eye-catching. Its former location in the park is now the queue line for SkyScreamer.

  • @UKProgRock
    @UKProgRock 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember it breaking down to the next set of riders after me and a friend had just been on, they were stuck up in the air for ages, it started raining as well. They must've been up their for at least an hour, with fire brigade having to attend to assist too.

  • @Mokujo
    @Mokujo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    7:37 "That's what pumps our blujihmehmrd"

    • @melskunk
      @melskunk 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pumps up our adrenaline, but yeah that took me 3 tries to understand

  • @kitk.9433
    @kitk.9433 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i remember i went on my first date ever to thorpe park like 7 years ago, and ended up going straight on slammer - i absolutely loved it!! even got an annual pass the next year to celebrate my gcse's, and used to drag my friends on it absolutely every single time we went. the trick was to put your feet on the seat in front to save your shoulders when going forwards, and to just pray when you went backwards. that was the worst part lmao. i never even realised it closed properly until a good year later... still not as sad as the log flume tho :((

  • @exinobelgonzalez2874
    @exinobelgonzalez2874 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I rode the old Catapult ride when Swat was relocated to Six Flags New England. I don't remember it being too uncomfortable, but I did remember all of its downtime. The only other flat ride that I can think that provides a similar experience, though nowhere as intense, is maybe a Huss Topspin. I must say I miss Catapult, it was a fun ride.

  • @HonorinTreason
    @HonorinTreason 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Sure wish we had the opportunity to ride one of these. Comfortable or not, that's a one of a kind experience.

  • @ellyana5338
    @ellyana5338 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just found your channel a couple weeks ago and I just wanted to say that you are favorite TH-camr to watch. You do a very good job on the videos that you do keep it up!

  • @ThatGuyYouArent2
    @ThatGuyYouArent2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh man, I remember going on slammer a few times. Always seemed to be running when I was I visited the park. I knew sky swats were rare, but not THAT rare! It was intense on the shoulders, but still a fun and unique flat ride experience. I feel lucky now, to have gotten on slammer so many times when it was in service.

  • @KuyaMagik
    @KuyaMagik ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Would love if you could do an episode on chessington world of adventures terror tomb, that was one of the best dark rides ever made.

  • @deanantony8620
    @deanantony8620 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Slammer used to be one of my favourites at Thorpe park along with Rush. The year they were put in was a good one.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, been a long time since two new good rides came together

    • @44bthknuckles
      @44bthknuckles 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll be shocked if rush gets the axe next.

  • @SpikePBB
    @SpikePBB 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Slammer was such a great ride. One of the best flat rides ever in the UK. I never found it uncomfortable but it was a problem child. I hope S&S try it again one day but more reliable.

  • @thecinematicmind
    @thecinematicmind 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Riding this was quite a fun surreal experience even if the queues and the amount of times it takes to get on and off was a nightmare.

  • @SonOfFurzehatt
    @SonOfFurzehatt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Now that I'm finally into thrill rides, I'm sad to have missed Slammer. It looks like the best flat ride at Thorpe Park.

  • @matb9027
    @matb9027 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Managed to get a few rides on this. Loved it. Shame it’s gone.

  • @ScrewyLoops
    @ScrewyLoops 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic video! 🙌 Gotta love a bit of Slammer! RIP 😢

  • @MikeyCline
    @MikeyCline 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Your intro music is so nostalgic . Love it

  • @DiscreetHobo
    @DiscreetHobo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    I got to ride the Slammer about twice a few months before it closed.
    Footage of the ride in operation really does not give off the impression that the ride is enjoyable.
    Wrong this thing was the single most enjoyable flat ride experience I've ever had the joy to ride.
    And I am so saddened that The Slammer is abandoned. I hope at some point in the future it will reopen. Being the last of its kind...

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Unlikely sadly.

    • @klzfc
      @klzfc 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had the chance to ride the version in Six Flags New England a few times. It does get a bit intense at the bottom, but was surprisingly less intense than it looks.

    • @Gabes1321
      @Gabes1321 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Matt Proper-Lee the one over there is a bit smaller I think so it’s less intense

    • @Gabes1321
      @Gabes1321 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      even though it is sad that it lays there abandoned, it looks awesome. However a nice Huss topspin would do well there 👀

  • @alicemay6613
    @alicemay6613 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i used to ride this quite a lot as a kid. it scared the everliving hell out of me.

  • @RClaffieJr
    @RClaffieJr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I rode this *once* at Six Flags New England. It didn't hurt but I could feel G-forces on the back of my neck. The visual was terrifying watching the earth come up real fast to greet me. I had no idea there were just two of them.

  • @angelamarkle7968
    @angelamarkle7968 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m kind of bummed that I never got to ride this. It sounds like a blast! But many flat rides, I believe, have seasons. I’m so glad I got to experience some of the older ones. Thank you for this excellent video!

  • @princesskristan
    @princesskristan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is a interesting flat ride. If I have to pick, my favorite flat ride would have to be la revolucion at knotts. That's what helped me get over my fear of pendulum rides

  • @CanobieCoaster
    @CanobieCoaster 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to love this ride when it was at Six Flags New England. My favorite flat ride though is the top scan I rode at Oktoberfest in Germany. The carnies there showed me what those rides could do at their full potential.

  • @iitzfizz
    @iitzfizz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've only been to thorpe park once as I'm from up North it's quite a drive but it was in 2009 so I got to ride it, I really enjoyed it.

  • @svis6888
    @svis6888 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video! It relieves old forgotten rides like this one!

  • @ed6431
    @ed6431 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved this ride and the little 'oh my god the arm could snap off and we could all die!!!!!!' Bounce it used to do - soooo much fun!

  • @FiFiTheVampBitcxh
    @FiFiTheVampBitcxh 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This took me ages to finally ride it.. it intimidated me at a kid/teen, even thoughi was a big theme park fan and loved all the big rides.
    I finally did it and I'm happy I did now it doesnt exist anymore in the UK.