Welcome to the new Dot Org blog. Hopefully Jeff and I will keep this updated once a week with latest info and commentary on the happenings at Worlds of Fun, plus give me a chance to do a retrospective every once in awhile. (of course one of my favorite things).
For the first post of the new Blog its time to take a look at first vertical construction of Worlds of Fun's 7th coaster The Prowler. Jeff headed out Monday evening just as construction was winding down.
Our first look is at the Prowler Helix which is taking shape.
Carpenters bolt together the bents as the Helix is taking shape.
The job is never done, surveying for future structure continues.
More Helix goodness.
The Return run stands ready for the structure to come.
While most footers have been pored there are still a few left to go. This shot also shows the crossover of the inbound/outbound run.
When I first heard that Prowler was to be a terrain coaster, I was very excited to say the least as terrain coasters are a rare breed. This photo of the outbound run really shows how unique Prowler will be.
GCI of late has been using what are termed "slab" footers for their wooden coasters. Though this concept wouldn't work totally with Prowler you can see here how that idea has been modified.
As mentioned Jeff was around during some action shots. Here comes a bent in for some action.
Another angle.
And yet another view!
This is a great shot showing how wooden coasters get put together. The bottom of each bent is bolted to the steel bracket attached to the concrete footer.
This is going to be one BIG retaining wall! For scale see the red dots of men standing at the top of the ravine. This is directly east of the creek, the train tracks are in the back near the tree line.
Another interesting photo. Looking in reverse at the train trestle (on the other side is Zulu). This is where Python Plunge was, and the whole area looks completely different!
An opposite view from the retaining wall,, in foreground is the ravine that the lift will cross, in the background is the train turnaround.
