[The Smiler] Construction Updates and Ride Speculation

[Alastair]

Am I alone in not caring about what that bit of track is, but just wants it fitted to the rest of the ride as soon as possible ?

Yeah, what I want more than anything is for TT or TS or anyone to go and photograph an empty car park. Because that would mean all track would be on site and ready to be/already constructed!

 

[Rollercoasters4Life]

Just an update: The piece of track in question has now been fenced off from the public - make of that, what you will...

Could just be to stop people messing around with the hardware pieces or to stop people getting near.

 

[James]

Most likely to protect it.

They know enthusiasts sit on track and take pictures, and that anyone could go up to it and start touching the hardware. It's not just a standard piece of track and has got stuff attached to it that could be damaged easily by anyone messing about - so it makes sense they've fenced it off.

 

[T]

Can I just say I hate the term "Washing Machine" element? It sounds stupid. I think if Towers were to build anything resembling this, a better name would have been created,that doesn't sound so.... Fake.

Also, without water and suds, it's more like a tumble drier...


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[GaryH]

I can see it now.......SW7 washing machine element - sponsored by Ariel

 

[rightbackgranty]

I think "washing machine element" was first used by the enthusiast community as opposed to anyone within Towers themselves. If it were to happen I'm sure there would be a more technical name given to the press.

Washing Machine Element has always made me think of calgon to be honest!

 

[EuroSatch]

That's because if this element where to exist, it would be ridiculed for resembling a washing machine drum and nothing more. I don't think it deserves a better name

 

[Rob]

Anyway, TowersStreet posted this on Facebook earlier:

The Smiler construction seems to be continuing as planned today, regardless of the snowy weather, with 2 cranes in X-Sector and track moving from the car parks to the site.

Sounds like track is starting to go up again, which is good news. I've said this a few times in the past but hopefully this really is a time now that they can kick on and make real progress.

 

[Rollercoasters4Life]

Wonder which sections of track are being taken to the site. Which footer are actually ready for track at the minute?

 

[Stevie]

I'd speculate anything that's planning to go up top. Seeing as they were pouring the footers up there in the latest TT update.

 

[Wilsy]

Some more detail...

Our roving reporter said that one crane was at the top of the site, and the other crane could have just been putting submission back together.

The trailer was also moving what looked like supports, not track.

 

[Rollercoasters4Life]

I'd speculate anything that's planning to go up top. Seeing as they were pouring the footers up there in the latest TT update.

How long does it take for footers to cure before they can do anything on top of them? Is 5 days enough? Concrete experts arise!

 

[smudge]

I'd speculate anything that's planning to go up top. Seeing as they were pouring the footers up there in the latest TT update.

How long does it take for footers to cure before they can do anything on top of them? Is 5 days enough? Concrete experts arise!

No 'expert' but it will set in two days due to the cold. (normally 1 day)

It wont be cured for at least a week though. They could attach to it in two days but not to put it under much strain until it is cured.

My guess is they will leave it to cure before attaching the supports as I cant imagine them taking any chances.

EDIT; to actually answer your question - 5 days wouldn't be enough to completely cure at these temps, but probably enough to work with.

 

[BigDave]

No sooner as construction started has it's probably stopped again. Seems like the park are sending most workers home after roads are impassable.

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[Benzin]

No sooner as construction started has it's probably stopped again. Seems like the park are sending most workers home after roads are impassable.

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Only option really, the park cannot be liable for stranded workers (although why they don't put them in the hotel since they're that far behind schedule )

 

[Stevie]

I'd speculate anything that's planning to go up top. Seeing as they were pouring the footers up there in the latest TT update.

How long does it take for footers to cure before they can do anything on top of them? Is 5 days enough? Concrete experts arise!

No 'expert' but it will set in two days due to the cold. (normally 1 day)

It wont be cured for at least a week though. They could attach to it in two days but not to put it under much strain until it is cured.

My guess is they will leave it to cure before attaching the supports as I cant imagine them taking any chances.

EDIT; to actually answer your question - 5 days wouldn't be enough to completely cure at these temps, but probably enough to work with.

Apologies, the setting of concrete isn't a thing that I claim to be in my knowledge

Also, it does appear that it'll grind to a halt soon enough, the roads in Alton are treacherous because of the recent snowfall. There's many cars stuck outside my house, failing to get up the hill to the top of the village... Mid - June opening anyone?

 

[Natalie]

With the concrete too it depends if they've used a acceleratoror not, also the forcast is rain tonight so no need to worry guys and then light showers tomorrow with a warm front coming in over the next few days which could see temperatures hit 14 degrees!

 

[Rollercoasters4Life]

With the concrete too it depends if they've used a acceleratoror not, also the forcast is rain tonight so no need to worry guys and then light showers tomorrow with a warm front coming in over the next few days which could see temperatures hit 14 degrees!

Lets all hold out hope that the weather does improve and stay at that.

 

[Dar]

Aren't Gerst supports set into the footers, as opposed to being bolted to them?

 

[smudge]

Aren't Gerst supports set into the footers, as opposed to being bolted to them?

Good point, I think if you look at TT's pics, you can see that the footers are hollow, presumably to be filled in when then set the supports in them.