SKY ROCKET
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
MAY 16, 2010 |
| Welcome back to another construction update for Kennywood's newest coaster, Sky Rocket. It's been quite a few days since our last update and we want to thank you all for your patience while we got this new update up. As we near the end of the vertical construction for Sky Rocket, Kennywood Connection will be looking to bring you all the latest news on the coaster as it nears its opening day. Without further ado, let's get on with the update! |
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Today's update will start off with an overview of the construction where you can see several changes that have occured since our last update. |
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As you can see, both the second drop and barrel roll are now complete and only the first hill remains to be installed. Most of the supports (with the exception of one) are now installed for the first hill, so only track needs to be installed for the most part. |
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A closer view of the newly complete barrel roll. This element should offer a very fun senstation to all the riders. |
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Along with the barrel roll, part of the first drop was also installed yesterday. This portion of the drop is where it is vertical directly after the trim break at the apex of the hill. |
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Looking up at the partially complete first hill, you can see the one remaining support column that needs to be installed for this structure. This will also be the very last column installed for Sky Rocket. |
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Another perspective of the barrel roll. You can also vaguely see the second drop in the background. |
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One last look at the barrel roll. This element will be very similar to zero-g rolls that you find on other roller coasters around the world. |
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Looking back towards the inverted top hat, you can see where the train will enter the barrel directly after the exit of the top hat. You can also see that the barrel roll flies directly over top the second drop. This portion of the coaster is pretty high off the ground. |
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Backtracking to the first hill, you can see that the climb up to the apex of the hill still needs to be installed. I would assume that this will be the next piece of track installed once the steel workers return on Monday (weather permitting of course). |
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Another angle of the nearly complete first hill. |
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On a side note, the trim brake for the top of the first hill has been installed. Contrary to popular belief, this brake will not completely stop the train like you see on other coasters out there, but will merely slow the train down to give a sensation of hanging over the 95 foot vertical hill before you plummet down. |
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Additionally, works have began initial prep-work for what looks to be a portion of the queue line or something else requiring a large cement pad. |
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Here's a look at the station building which hasn't changed much since we last saw it. The roof is now complete on it and it now has received its flooring. The control booth also looks to be installed and all the station gates are sitting inside the station waiting to be installed in the coming days. |
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Looking from outside the park, Sky Rocket's first hill now dominates the skyline of where the Turnpike once stood. This thing is sure to look impressive once all the track is in place, hopefully by sometime this week. |
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Here's a nice view of the beginning portion of the ride. This view not only gives you a good idea of how steep the first drop really is and the height difference between the first hill and the inverted top hat. |
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And we'll close out htis update with a look at the new Sky Rocket sitting in Kennywood's skyline. As mentioned before, this thing is going to look awesome once it is open to the public! |
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Thanks for checking out today's Sky Rocket Construction Update brought to you by Kennywood Connection. Stay tuned for another update in the coming days as more work is completed on this new attraction! |
Thank you to KWC member Myself for providing the pictures used in today's construction update! |
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