Hersheypark (HP) Discussion Thread

[XYZ]

It's an odd way of how they are constructing that lift hill by putting welding (or bolting) the same piece over and over again.

[belo777]

Well, today is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Hershey! No wind, the sun is shining. Should be a very productive day with construction.

[coasterfreak101]

So they took the strongest design for a beam...and stacked three of them on top of each other? I like it.

[DougMJr]

The lift is very interesting. Strange but it's functional and still manages to look pretty good. I think those funky supports give it character.

[jmicha]

^^Not to be picky, but a wide flange beam (more commonly called I Beams) aren't the strongest design for a beam. A circle is and without going into too much detail, the I beam design is a successful way to gain some of the benefits of a circular column/beam/etc. without the higher manufacturing costs.

 

As for the ride, I am excited to see the lift rise. I'm assuming that it will rise quite quickly due to its design, and it will be great to see its impact on the park's skyline in what should be no time.

[coasterfreak101]

Sorry, I'll rephrase. The most efficient type of beam. Circles are expensive. Built-up beams are a lot cheaper and still plenty strong.

[OCJ48]

I'm no engineer, but this whole support structure seems like overkill to me. If they're using double-spine track, why do they need triple reinforced I-Beams? What's different with this as opposed to something like I305? Is it the extra weight from the winged 4-across seating?

[Ccron10]

I'm no engineer, but this whole support structure seems like overkill to me. If they're using double-spine track, why do they need triple reinforced I-Beams? What's different with this as opposed to something like I305? Is it the extra weight from the winged 4-across seating?

The track on the lift hill won't have a double spine like the rest of the ride becuase it will just connect right to the triple I-beams.

 

Speaking of the track's spine, if you look at the turnaround it seems to be only a single spine. That's a complete suprise to me.

[Fooz]

The i305 lift lattice is no smaller than this is, either.

[OCJ48]

Huh, for some reason I always missed the lattice below the track on I305, I always just thought the primary yellow supports connected directly to double-spined track. My bad.

[A.J.]

I like talking about roller coasters more than I like talking about the strength of I-beams.

[ntweisen]

This ride just keeps looking better and better with every piece of steel added.

[A.S.Coasters]

^Yes because that last bolt they put on the ride made it look so much better.

Edited January 8, 2012 by A.S.Coasters

[Legoguy1395]

Wait, Why can Skyrush put its "feet" into the creek, but Great Bear cannot?

 

Sorry if this has already been asked :S

[Synshine]

The best answer simply is that they asked permission this time. It's actually the first coaster to cross Spring Creek that actually has footers in the creek- although just as well given it's layout and placement, it's really the first coaster that needed to do so.

[Thom25]

I believe they asked when GB was under development. I believe this time, they not only asked but paid through the nose for the right to build within the creek. The good news imo is that when the creek is back to normal, Skyrush will be a VERY photographic ride.

[sammmmmy]

Is that yellow support in the 11th picture down temporary?

[A.J.]

It's probably temporary until they get the lift constructed from the base to the first support.

[Thom25]

Yes, it is temporary. The put two yellow lift pieces together today in the creek and spent some time up on top of the first lift support, so we may see the lift reach the first support structure tomorrow.

[Ccron10]

Section number two has gone up on the lift hill. This is a photo heavy Skyrush construction update!

http://keystonethrills.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/hersheypark-skyrush-construction-update-70-1-9-12/

[sammmmmy]

What a great update!

[Skycoastin Steve]

This ride is certainly starting to look good. Hopefully they don't hit any construction snags during the winter.

[DougMJr]

Anybody know where they are now in regards to being ahead of / behind schedule? Aside from the creek flooding there hasn't been many snags so far. And we've had a really tame winter in the North East so far.

[xmichellex]

I love this coaster more and more with every update. I think out of all the new coasters for 2012, I'm most excited to see this one in action. Everything about it just looks awesome... the interaction with it's surroundings, the color, the track, etc. I wasn't expecting Skyrush to look as good as it already does I guess. Can't wait to see the trains!

[CoasterLover]

Seems they've pretty radically changed how they are doing the "minimalist-support" lifts from what they did for I305. I305 more or less just used a bulkier track going up the lift. Skyrush seems to be more of an I-beam latticework. Wonder what the catalyst for the change was (cost, strength, aesthetics, park's preference?). Nonetheless, looks pretty awesomely steep! This ride should easily become the new signature attraction for Hershey! Can't wait!