Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW BGE) Discussion Thread

[Hercules]

I hit up the park for the first time since I was 2 on Saturday. I wasn't sure of my way around the park too well, so I couldn't get too many good views of the area. I did get the good view from rolling out of Loch Ness Monster. For most of the morning they were drilling holes into the ground for footers. And then the rains came...

[cfc]

Here are two not-so-hot pictures I took at Howl-o-Scream last Friday night (Sept. 22).

. . . and pouring a lot of concrete (pic taken from Nessie's exit).

Well, they've definitely been piling up more construction-related stuff . . .

[yankees15]

Vertical construction has started! The pre-lift turnaround is almost complete. http://www.bgescape.com/Gallery/thumbnails.php?album=19

[Guy T. Koepp]

Does anybody know if the track guage is any larger as the trains will be 10 people across?

 

I think the outer ends of the first car are going to have an amazing view.

[imbordisux]

Does anybody know if the track guage is any larger as the trains will be 10 people across?

 

I'm no expert, but in my opinion, it does appear to be wider track.

 

On the flip-side, though, does anybody think that the railing itself actually looks SMALLER than usual? That's kinda freaky.

[TexTitan01]

The railing probably looks smaller because the box is wider. Just one of those optical illusion doo-dads.

 

Anyways, hooray vertical construction!

[ECZenith]

Yay for vertical construction! Thank you for the update.

 

The colors are just so awesome.

[apollo210]

Why did I have to go to Busch Gardens this yearnot next year? Oh well, I might go back in 2008. And Hooray for vertical construction!

[pkdcoaster]

Cool! I am going later this afternoon, I will try and get more pics.

 

JEFF

[Jhcbiinoc]

Those are some good pics; this is coaster for 2007 that I am most excited about. If all goes as planned, I will get to ride it next summer (and possibly the original, Sheikra, as well).

 

So far as I know this is one of only two B&M coasters going in for 2007, and the only one in the US, compared to the 6 they built for 2006. Come to think of it, it seems to be a lighter year than usual for new coasters in general; Griffon, Maverick, Renegade, Mystery Mine and another wooden one I cannot recall the name of at the moment are the only "big" coaster installations I can think of opening in the US this year.

[DarkStitch626]

As of checking thrillnetwork there is now TRACK! vertical the brake run and first turn to the lift are in place.

[cfc]

Exce-l-l-l-ent! I'm planning to head over the BGE tonight with some of the neighbors--will try to get a peek (and pic) of the site,

[Guy T. Koepp]

Does anybody know if the track guage is any larger as the trains will be 10 people across?

 

I'm no expert, but in my opinion, it does appear to be wider track.

 

On the flip-side, though, does anybody think that the railing itself actually looks SMALLER than usual? That's kinda freaky.

 

I think I should have clarified my question. How big is the track in comparison to Shekra? Because the track on Shekra is huge! Is it the same guage or a larger one to accomodate the wider trains?

 

Mabey we need an expert from B&M to answer this.

 

Any experts from B&M here posting?

[ScottBrown]

Does anybody know if the track guage is any larger as the trains will be 10 people across?

 

I'm no expert, but in my opinion, it does appear to be wider track.

 

On the flip-side, though, does anybody think that the railing itself actually looks SMALLER than usual? That's kinda freaky.

 

I think I should have clarified my question. How big is the track in comparison to Shekra? Because the track on Shekra is huge! Is it the same guage or a larger one to accomodate the wider trains?

 

Mabey we need an expert from B&M to answer this.

 

Any experts from B&M here posting?

 

Im not claimimg to be an B&M expert but just from the descriptions above it sounds like the track is probably bigger which is what is making the railing look smaller - just a guess though

[Guy T. Koepp]

Have you seen the track on Shekra? It is immense. It's like 7 feet across. But don't quote me on that.

[stormrider]

I usually figure those things out by "head" as in I'll get a picture, find a person's head, then use that as a reference:

Head of the Sheikra.bmp

Sheikra track is nine heads accross. Picture taken from RCDB.

[DATman]

^Now you just need to find a picture taken from the exact same distance for Griffon...

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Only 7 more months.

[stormrider]

Actually, all that needs to be done is get the average human's head measure, multiply by nine, then that's Sheikra's track width.

 

For Griffon, another reference could be used...

 

Anyways, I don't care, the track should be as wide as it needs to be safe.

[pkdcoaster]

Griffon pics!!!!!!

10-15-06

some of these footers are DEEP!

Still nothing being done on the Rhine river.

 

JEFF

Most trains will be in here except on Saturdays

Transfer table and the train/maint. shed has vertical beams up

Completed run out

Big brakes

This is a footer hole under the 1st Immelman (Yea, its BIG!)

Track piece missing is the transfer table piece

Footer holes for Brake run and 2nd 90* drop

Aerial from LNM

[SLUSHIE]

I don't get Busch Gardens. Why do they build pretty much exactly the same rides at both parks? Notice how much less attention this ride is getting on here because of Sheikra.

 

I think the fact that both drops have an Immelman after them is lame.

 

I do like the light blue color though.

I have a feeling that they were slightly forced into using it.

[goleafsgo]

It looks like the paint on the track is already fading...

 

unless thats the effect they are going for?

[CP_RULES]

It looks like the paint on the track is already fading...

 

unless thats the effect they are going for?

 

I thought the exact same thing.... One of the things I love most about B&Ms (besides their brakes) is the awesome shine they have that makes them so damn sexy.... but this B&M doesnt have that...

 

Thanks for the brake pics though PKD, B&M brakes are my favorite of them all!

[Wes]

I think that's just the primer. From what I remember, most coasters are repainted after they're done with construction.

[pkdcoaster]

I think that's just the primer. From what I remember, most coasters are repainted after they're done with construction.

 

No, its not Primer, My camera and the time of day make the pics look washed out or faded. It does look better in person.

 

I only remember 1 coaster constructed in primer then painted afterwards and that was Chang, every other steel coaster I have seen constructed was pre-painted.

 

JEFF