Vertical Construction Has Begun!

Kiefzo15, besides from wanting to go in the order the ride travels, what was the reason for work on the track to stop before installing the key holes? Couldn't they have worked on the helix or any other part of the ride after the second flyover? Did they even have this section of the track on site?

I know its the angle of the web cam, but thats going to be a great "almost" collision with the keyhole and supports on the return trip!

Kiefz015 said:
Caleb S, Track will be completed at the end of february. This is what todays updated schedule states. Construction is 2 days ahead of schedule. Anyone have anymore questions about construction or anything about the ride in general?

Is there going to be sand under GateKeeper or will they fill that all in with grass? Also will there be brick pavers in that area? Another thing do you know when the chain will go on the hill?

Last question how longer until the electrical is done?

45Wheelgun said:
I'd like to know when the cars are due to arrive.

Cars? Do you mean the trains?

Train components are expected to arrive late february/ the first week in march to the mechanical shop where they will be stored and inspected. Once track is completed and the majority of the electrical work is done they will be brought to the gatekeeper site to be assembled and they will send one car through the circuit to have a clearance check.

Caleb S: They wanted to complete all that is involved with the keyhole towers/ first flyover because they wanted to make sure everything was mechanically ok/ stable. At that point they only had track on site for the dive loop and part of the 2nd flyover. Now since they dealt with the keyhole element its all down hill.

OhioCoasterman18: They are going to keep the area under the lift (the sand) the same because they really want people to appreciate the view of the beach and lake erie. There will be some landscaping though. As far as the entrance plaza is concerned, the park will release artwork soon displaying what everything will look like on may 11th. The chain will be installed when all of the electrical work is nearly complete. I have asked about this before and I was told that it would be installed late march. There is more electrical work that still needs to be completed. You cant imagine how much still needs to be done once the mid course block brakes are put up.

For everyone: Electrical work continues through the majority of march. They still can do a clearance check earlier though.

Thanks for all the info Kiefz!

I feel like they should paint that support the same color as the tower since they are connected.

Kiefz015 said:
For everyone: Electrical work continues through the majority of march. They still can do a clearance check earlier though.

Thanks for all the info!

I know its been said but is it 100% true the gaps in the keyholes are staying? Also when is work going to be done on the station?

The gap will remain for inspection purposes. Work on the station will continue through march and the first part of april. I'm very excited since everything is ahead of schedule.

Maverickoo: The support might be colored the same as the towers. Its still being decided. Either way, when they're done it will look great.

As construction progresses I can give more info about the station and the testing schedule (and any other questions you have now). Unfortunately I cant post pictures. The park will cover that.

For those of us visiting on March 16th, according to the revised schedule, how far along will they be? Track complete? Cars on sight? Ride entrance complete? Front entrance complete? Pull through complete? Tests rides for all who attend? ;-)

Track will be complete, the station structure/ electrical is still going to be incomplete, but close to being in the finalization stage. The main gate plaza will have significant progress. the ride entrance will still be under construction. Depending on how fast electrical work is done you might see some cars on site. I wouldn't bet on seeing them on the 16th though, inspections and deliveries may still be taking place. It ALL depends on electric work. I will post before the 16th if you will see trains or not. I can garuntee that you will be very impressed with the whole site on the 16th.

I know of a guy who has walked up gatekeeper's lift hill a few months ago. His name is Kip. He is good friends with one of the construction workers who is working on the ride site. (I am not sure who the worker is though) He got permission to climb the hill catwalks. He was friends with my sister, and they both worked at the park a few seasons back. He is from Sandusky. I have not actually met him, but my sister told me about him awhile back. I was curious if anyone knew him, as I have no contacts or way of messaging him online. My mom is friends with him on facebook, this is how I knew he climbed the hill. I don't use facebook, however.

I do not know anyone named kip. Sorry. In other news, the mid course block brakes are staged and ready for erection. Also, would anyone like a picture of the construction schedule so that we don't keep asking the same questions?

Might as well post it on up Kiefzo15. You're insight on the project is a real help with everybody's questions and we all appreciate it!

Yes! A construction schedule would be nice.

Schedule will be posted sometime this afternoon!

Kiefzo, thanks for answering my questions.

02-12-13 -- 02-15-13
Completion> Dive Loop/Completion> Zero G/Cont. Station elec./ Season structure

02-16-13 -- 02-23-13
Completion> MC Block/Completion> Station Plat./Cont. all Electric

02-24-13 -- 03-02-13
Completion> Track Circuit/MC Block Electric/Station Continuation

03-03-13 -- 03-09-13
Elec. Cont./Pull assembly/Inspection of Circuit/Plaza Structure

03-11-13 -- 03-18-13
Station Assem./Plaza work/Que. Line.

The schedule updates every month unless weather postpones construction or if there is an issue with construction.