Testing and Construction Update 4/30/2011

Somewhat of a random post today, I have pictures from last week I haven't gotten around to sharing and there has been another test run with passengers and a POV video to share.

Last week I took some pictures of the cars being prepped and loaded onto the track for the test run. As I arrived cars were being added to the track, prior to be placed on the track the wheels were being spun to loosen them up due to the cool temperatures.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

The cars were then carefully eased into place one at a time through the opening built into the loading platform structure. The cars are then positioned directly above the small notches cut into the track allowing the up stop wheels to clear.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

After all of the cars are in place and joined together to form a train (the number 2 train was being used) ballast was loaded into the seats to provide weight for testing.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

A lubricant was then applied to the easy to reach part of the track.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

Now we have a ready to test train. The video below shows the beginning of the first test run I posted video of last week, the team basically used a push start to get things rolling!



After several successful tests the team decided it was time to have someone ride the coaster. The first ride went to a manager from MVR and the person from MVR who oversaw most of the construction all winter long. Here they are waiting for the first ride.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

The next ride went to the people in Green Bay who will have primary responsibility for the day to day upkeep and maintenance of the ride. Here they are waiting for their ride.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

That wrapped up testing for the day. While on site a couple of other changes to the site were noted. A lot of the concrete in the queue area had been poured.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

The balance of the safety gates on the loading platform were also in place.

From Zippin Pippin Construction Album #2

A few days after that test run there was another test run with passengers including Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt who was instrumental in bringing the Zippin Pippin to Bay Beach. One of the riders shot a point of view video of the ride, you can see it below.



The weather for Green Bay is looking a little better for the next ten days so hopefully work can wrap up and the coaster can be opened to the public. I'll try to make another site visit sometime this week to check out the latest progress.