20 Years of Mamba: Poised to Strike Part II

Welcome Back to 20 Years of Mamba: Poised to Strike Part II.  Starting in September we have been reflecting back 20 years to the day to follow the construction of one of Worlds of Fun's most popular coasters, as well as it's tallest, Mamba.  As of mid-October 1997, 20 years ago, Worlds of Fun had closed for the season.  However, only a few weeks later, when these photos were shot, we can see Mamba's construction was beginning to kick into high gear with actual, tangible signs of the coming African Snake.  

In our next update will we actually see the structure of the ride rising into the air, look for that next month in November!

Authors note: I apologize for the lack of high-resolution images for this round of photos.  As mentioned in the previous post, the original photos are in a storage unit currently.  However, starting with our next update in November we will be able to provide images scanned from the original high-quality prints.

 Looking towards Timberwolf, the concrete supports going out in two single-file lines which will in a matter of weeks support the structure of the lift.

A closer look at the footers, you can see the Oceans of Fun parking lot on the left.

 Grading for Mamba Plaza, you can see the Forum Amphitheater and Detonator in the background.  As of 1998 it was still known as Forum, and would not be renamed to Heart of America Theater until 2000 to "fix" the theming issue of Coasters Diner which would be added also in 1999.

 Footers for Mamba's Station which will rise above it in the next few months as well.  

 Another viewpoint of the footers in the station, you can see where the basement walls will be.  Mamba has quite a massive basement, and I believe is used as a "take cover" location for tornado warnings.

 A footer form, you can see Monsoon and Fury of the Nile in the background.  

 No matter if pouring concrete for a house, or driveway or 10 million+ roller coaster, they all use the same methods.

Rebar, the structural steel support for each footer sits waiting in the Oceans of Fun Parking Lot.