Construction Update 11/12/2010

I was at the site yesterday but haven't been able to get around to writing this post yet due to a Destination Imagination event I was working on that took place this morning.  You could say I was inspired by all of the time spent at the Zippin Pippin, teams had to protect eggs from a crash.  A sled rolled down a 24' ramp slamming their creations into a barrier at the bottom, a quick taste is in the video shown below.



Now on to the latest from the Zippin Pippin roller coaster construction site!

The structure for the lift hill is now complete, along with an American flag in the tallest position.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

Here is the view looking straight up the lift hill from the bottom.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

The tallest structural pieces is now in place along with the autographs of everyone who showed  up to sign this piece back on Saturday, October 9th.  It's a bit hard to see much from the ground but I attempted to use my zoom to get a close up, does anyone see their name in the picture below (click on the image for a higher resolution view)?

From Zippin Pippin Construction

This structural steel piece will support an idler gear that will return the chain from the top of the lift hill to the lift motor below.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

A small uphill has been added just before the brake run.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

Now that this is finished crews should be able to start working on the tall sections that will make up turn two.  Although judging by the bents that are on the ground waiting to be set into place they may not be starting on this in the next couple of days.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

The foundation now extends well into zone 3, the out and back lanes are finished which run side by side and will share the same overall structure.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

The lanes veer apart at the end to create the 180° turn that will take you back to the loading station.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

While I was visiting the site utility crews were busy at work bringing power to the Pippin.  This electrical line was being buried brining power from the street to the site.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

From Zippin Pippin Construction

This large junction box is new on the site this week.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

The power then runs from the junction box up to the lift motor.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

From Zippin Pippin Construction

This is the area where you will wait to ride the pippin.  I really like how you are literally inside of the ride while you are waiting to get on.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

No further progress on the decking that makes up the loading platform this week.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

Over by the first drop the track is the furthest along, I was incorrect last week there were still more laminations to add to the track, now there are seven layers. These appear to be the top layers since there are now bolts countersunk into the uppermost layers.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

Straight up the first drop looks like this.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

Turning around and looking up the first uphill after the first drop it looks like this.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

The coaster continues to get more massive every week, here are some shots of the entire standing structure at this point in time.

From Zippin Pippin Construction

From Zippin Pippin Construction

That is the update for this week, thanks for reading!