Vertical Construction Has Begun!

I don't know if anyone has asked this question yet but does anyone know how tall the keyholes are?

It has been asked a few times. The keyholes are each 100 feet tall. They are comprised of a 20 foot base of concrete and 80 feet of steel.

Into the keyhole we go!!!

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/844032_536387419728199_...9414_o.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/812750_536392563061018_...2686_o.jpg

I'm guessing we will see a lot of track go up in the next few days after that delay while waiting for the keyholes.

Heck, they put up the support and those two track segments in like a few short hours.

That's what I'm thinking as well Boss & TTD. Barring no more serious bad weather the keyhole elements looks as though it can be completed tomorrow hopefully. Looking at some other photos, the small supports for the inclined dive loop are already in place so hopefully we can see track go vertical by the end of the work week. Of course all wishful thinking

^^Good call, keyhole element is finished

Hey I figured if Monte stated all track work should be complete by the end of February, then we should see construction moving at a rapid pace but great job today getting that element complete. When this project is finished, it will definitely be one that's talked about for years to come IMO.

The keyhole element isn't complete yet. They still need to put the roof on for the Ticket scanners. On another note though, I love how fast they are moving with this project. It was great to come home from work and see that they threaded the needle. I tip my hat to the construction workers. Let's give them a round of applause. :)

Technically, the first part is done. The next part will be the return track since one part of it is connected to the eastside keyhole tower. The roof, however, isn't crucial to the track work for the keyhole element. It IS crucial for the entrance plaza element though. :P

^ Looking forward to seeing the return part. We start seeing that, that means it won't be long until we see the whole circuit complete.

I have never followed the construction of a new coaster. What are the processes that follow the completion of the track and what order are they completed in?

^I'm no expert in this and don't know the exact order, and I was only 10 when Maverick was under construction. But I know they have to do this test where part of a train is slowly pulled along the track ensuring the entire track is smooth as well as a large board is placed on the train which represents the area possibly encountered by a riders' body to make sure the clearance throughout the ride is all good. Look at some of the construction pics of coasters in the photos section of this site. The Millennium Force construction album has a few pics that show this process. Once this testing has been completed, full circuit testing is started, usually with water filled dummies sitting in the trains. Plus finishing touches are added around the ride area, including the station, entrance plaza, and landscaping. Someone else can probably explain the testing process better but I hope this helped you a little.

^ B&Ms don't do pull throughs with the actual train. They have a clearance frame that goes directly on the track, and is only used in areas that are close.

I've had a question for a little bit. A portion of the ride seems to be built on sand. How could that part of the ride be stable?

I mean the whole park is built on sand, right?

Portions of the ride that are on the beach are just as stable as the portions further inward. The looser soil does require the footers in that area to be designed differently though. A footer in looser soil will normally either be dug deeper or have a larger surface area. A retaining wall to keep the soil in that general area might also be utilized.

The penninsula has a solid bedrock foundation that is covered with sand and gravel. I would assume the footers are down far enough were they would not shift.

Is it sinking already?

Ha no its not, i was just wondering what they were going do to keep the ride stable and safe. Thanks guys!