With summer drawing to a close and the busy Halloween season fast approaching, Secret Weapon 8 is continuing to take shape, with construction progressing at a steady pace. TowersTimes take a look at the latest progress on the Resort’s wooden roller coaster.
Perhaps the most prominent addition to the site in recent days has been the top section to the theming structure. Now standing at almost double the height it did previously, the installation of this latest section of the theming feature stands tall over the lower end of the construction site and is clearly visible from all areas of the ride. Although the structure is being kept under wraps, some details can be seen peeking out of the green tarpaulin covering. Most intriguing of these is what appears to be some form of barrel or wheel which is comprised of a series of slats set around a metal framework on a central axel. There would also appear to be some metal detailing set around the outer circumference of the wheel. Could this indicate that the theming feature may include some moving elements? The small building at the base of the theming feature has also been fully completed having had cladding and roof tiles added. Whilst it is not fully known what the purpose of this building is, its swift construction and close proximity to the theming structure suggest it may possible be used to house the mechanics for some of the feature’s effects.
Over by the ride’s station building, work has commenced on adding some of the theming to the wall which runs underneath the station building and out away from the station towards the Mutiny Bay end of the site. Detailed rockwork is being added along the length of the wall to create a similar look to some of the other older, heritage, stone walls which can be found in the grounds of the Resort.
Across the site, work has been progressing on laying the wooden element of the track as the layers of southern pine are gradually built up in preparation for the addition of the metal rails. In some areas of the track the side barriers are in the process of being added, whilst in other areas, including along the lift hill, metal ducting is being installed to allow for the ride wiring. The station and maintenance building is now fully covered in cladding meaning it is impossible to see what is being installed inside. Further progress has also been made in adding the queueline paths at the lower end of the site with a layer of sand currently covering the brick paving to fill in the gaps between the bricks. Over on the far side, underneath the lift hill, a small concrete staircase has been added which it is thought will eventually form part of the queueline.
What are your thoughts on the latest construction progress? Make sure you join in the discussion over on the Attraction Source Forum, or check out all the developments so far on our dedicated SW8 minisite. As the 2017 season edges ever nearer to its close, TowersTimes will continue to bring you all the latest updates.
