StealthFan

It actually amazes me that so many people are making a fuss about the chance that B&M may not be involved in this project. Given the fact that still even after all the Potter crap people still always think of Hulk when you mention Universal, they are not going to half arse this project. I look forward to seeing the final result and if it brings the ride back to the awesomeness I heard it ran at years ago then I'm all for it.

Im pretty sure those guys are thinking "One piece down, many many more to go". I wonder how fast this ride will go up especially with the lift being more complicated than normal.

Has any steelwork turned up yet and been placed in a storage area?

This is something Merlin parks have been doing in the UK for several years now. It still causes a few people to complain but I really do think it reduced the amount of people taking advantage of the system which is never a bad thing.

^^I really like the colour of the supports should look fantastic with the track colour. ^That just looks and sounds strange. I wonder if they will replace the scoops in the end with a new shape one to create a different effect in the future.

Wow I totally forgot how big of an area this take up. Does anyone have any idea how much track work is left to do?

That looks really strange without the water behind it. Given that I did notice the water slowing the train down I would really love to be able to ride without just to judge the difference for myself. Am I right in assuming the park have never done this before?

Thats basically Intamins version of threading a needle and its AWESOME!

Can I just say I find it incredibly refreshing to see they they haven't put up a construction wall next to the Log Flume and are relying on the fact that the construction workers won't be stupid enough to go for a swim! I think the whole area should look fantastic when complete, Im sure both rides will compliment each other nicely.

Its a shame that the Starflyer is leaving as I always enjoy riding them. As for El Paso with the way it was being operated during our last visit I have no issues with it leaving at all. There can't be many of those ride left now can there?

Im no expert on scrap metal prices but I'm sure the park will get some reasonable money for the track to help pay for this refurbishment. Im surprised we haven't seen some psychotic fanboys holding a candle light vigil outside the scrap yard to commemorate the final resting place of this track.

What I think looks fantastic about this whole event is that even as someone who is such a picky eater I give Elissa a run for her money, there is still some items on the menus that I would happily eat. Of course if all else fails I could just stop by England and get some Fish and Chips.

I totally have to agree with you. Not that I've been on Iron Wolf but I was not expecting the ride to be anywhere near that rough and after the years of hype I had heard it was quite disappointing for me. This work is about enough to make me want to go back to Universal to try it when it should hopefully be running amazing. I am sorry I had to make you ride it though

^^Well that means Aquatrax right?

Now this part seems pretty crucial to me for anyone who thinks that ride will reopen this week or this season. If the investigation is still on going with the HSE and they are consulting with them with regards to procedures and safe guards they should put in place, the ride shouldn't re open until both the investigation and consultation is complete right? I may be wrong in thinking that but until the investigation is complete you wouldn't re open the ride would you? Also until I see that they have reinstalled the ride information signs at the entrance and staff have been seen training again I just can't see the ride re opening this season, especially considering there is only 1 month of the season left. I know the ride has been testing recently but I personally still don't see it opening this year, but if I'm proved wrong I have no issues with that.

They seem to be working on the logic that if it already works why not stick with it. I do understand that to a point but I would really like to see something with a more fun original theme at somewhere like Chessington or Alton Towers. Also I think the last new dark ride any Merlin attraction got was Atlantis: Submarine Voyage at Legoland or before that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Alton Towers. I think that may actually be the only 2 they have ever done since they purchased Tussauds. Also for those wondering about the video teaser for next years attraction here it is. [youtu_be] [/youtu_be]

^You have to give the park some credit for opening a ride an hour before close. Ive known it when a ride has been down most of the day so staff get sent home, the ride then gets fixed and can't open due to lack of staff.

Is it me or is construction going very slowly on this project? Have they had any issues that we know off or is it just a case of them waiting for the winter to do the majority of the work?

Oh yes, you can. Im pretty sure on the last Scandi trip some people had to ride it multiple times due to it repeatedly over shooting the station. I had the pleasure of watching that happen and laughing hysterically.

I am assuming the train tracks will be re routed under the new ride. If so that could make for some great photo opportunities!

Its strange to me that they are having such issues running 2 trains on Thundercoaster. Didn't Gravity Group also replace the control system?

I really love the colour of the track! Should look fantastic when it goes vertical.

This looks like a very interesting idea from RMC and will be very interested to see one being built. If parks are willing to be imaginative they could do some seriously amazing artwork on the track to tie in with whatever theme they would choose for the ride. Cant wait to hear more!

The park does look like it has loads of potential and could be great if it had a major ride. That "log flume" is weird though, I imagine it gives your backside quite the massage. Great trip report.

I love the simplicity of the dispatch lock off.