Nocama wrote:

Is that the piece of track they had problems with?

Yes, they did have problems aligning the two pieces of track in the photo above.

Grinding is taking place on the first inverted drop. That's a bit concerning for smoothness.



Credit To The Alton Towers Guide

There has been a large delivery of these boxes. I'm sure they're used in theatrical performances for something.



Credit to Roodlesnouter

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if there was any clear audio version of this years monorail or skyride soundtrack? I really love listening to the monorail/skyride audio while working or the such.

Many Thanks

This video by Theme Park Worldwide shot today gives the first glimpse of the trains moving on the transfer track. So much anticipation for them to leave for their first public test.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7yYSeVGX5E

^ Excitement!

It's starts now!

^ That's been there for a few weeks sadly.

I'm pretty sure concrete cracking is a normal occurrance when you have a massive free standing swaying structure built into it. Plus, the supports go a good 30-60cm further down into the footer so I doubt the small hairline cracks will affect operation. Alton Towers will definitely keep an eye on it...

The train is on the track. Testing must be imminent. Most likely tonight. Credit: Theme Park Collective Live

Well firstly they need to take down all of the scaffolding on the break run and in the station before they can begin track testing. That shouldn't take long and by the looks of Theme Park Collective's pictures, that process started today.

Actually, I believe they are yellow panels that are being screwed to the floor. If they are panels, I hope they're slip resistant with England and our good ol' weather.

Credit to JoshC from Thorpe Park Mania to the picture and the finding. "It's official, The Smiler is the world's first 14 inversion roller coaster. This image shows promotional material on the back of a Krave cereal box." https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/944487_102011...

Alteration work taking place on the first pre-drop. Looks quite major.



Credit @Boombox2009

^ The little slope and rail on the transfer track and station track is basically there so that the chain catch dog (the piece of metal under the train that latches onto the chain) does not hit the friction wheels straight on that could cause tearing and damage. Instead they just follow the rail up ...

^ The little slope and rail on the transfer track and station track is basically there so that the chain catch dog (the piece of metal under the train that latches onto the chain) does not hit the friction wheels straight on that could cause tearing and damage. Instead they just follow the rail up a...

^
Plus concreting every single support in place with about 3 days for concrete to set. Testing maybe late next week I think.

1 piece left now!



Courtsey of roodlesnouter

If all of the bolts are in place joining the two sections then that is how the spine will have been designed. If you look closely at other track section joints throughout the rides there are various points where the spines do not meet cleanly yet the rails do. If the spine was out then the pieces co...

Oh dear. It looks as though some good ol' winching and pulling will be needed to finish the first drop. Basically, the already constructed section of track above the toilet block doesn't quite match up with the rest of the layout. But, I'm sure AT and Gerstlauer will rectify this quite swiftly. http...

Brilliant to see it finally in.