September Construction Update
Tony Clark
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September is almost coming to a close, and we have some exciting news on the construction progress of Steel Vengeance.
First, you should know that we've been taking a TON of photos since construction started a year ago. You'll see those pop up very soon in a new construction gallery.
Let's bring you up to speed on where we are.
Rocky Mountain Construction is currently laying track, gingerly placing each steel rail into the intricate wood structure.
They're also preparing the highest point of the ride by assembling bents and ledgers on the ground (these are the framed pieces that hold the track in place), and then lifting them up to be attached to the existing structure.
The trackwork is approximately 95% complete - there's just the initial drop and the top part of the lift to finish. The exciting news is that it the topping could happen very soon.
After that, attention shifts to all sorts of other things - catwalks, railings and general "clean up" around the site.
The mechanical components like the brakes, lift chain, sensors, etc. will all come right after we close.
I'm hoping for an early Christmas present (the first ride), but just to set expectations: that's not likely!
So let's share some quick pics with you of things you haven't seen yet. And please, if you'd like to share, link directly to this blog entry.
This is an inside-the-structure look at the overbanked turn just after the 4th inversion on the return back to the station, just before the last bunny hills.
Wow.
And if you look the other way, here's the exit out of the structure into the bunny hills:
This is the third inversion coming out of the section that goes inside the structure near the station:
Finally, a previously-unseen portion of the ride, the final brake run. If you remember, in the past, the brake run came down at an angle, and now, after the bunny hills, it goes up into this straight-ish section of track.
The photo is taken from the station looking back, and if you look realllllly closely, you'll be able to see the train make its final "airtime run" as it approaches the brakes.
There's so much more to show you. Keep it here for more photos, updates and other fun surprises.